Bus Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 160–410
3h – 4h
Taxi Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 1,600–11,000
1h 45m – 2h
Van Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 200–410
2h – 3h
Bus Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya
฿ 320
2h
Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya
฿ 1,400–11,000
1h 25m – 2h
Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Pattaya
฿ 1,700–11,000
1h 50m – 2h 30m
From Bustling Bangkok to Beautiful Pattaya: A Traveler’s Guide
Pattaya, situated only 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, is easily accessible by bus, van, or taxi from the capital. Travel time typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route, as some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang, while others offer a direct route. There are large buses available from all three bus terminals in Bangkok, with all arriving at the Pattaya Northern Bus Station, as well as a direct transfer from Suvarnabhumi airport. For more flexibility, consider taking a Bangkok-Pattaya van, which departs from various locations throughout Bangkok and may bring you directly to the center of Pattaya. Tickets for both buses and vans to Pattaya cost between THB120 and THB400. Alternatively, taking a taxi is the fastest and most luxurious option for door-to-door travel, with prices ranging from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers.
Thanks to motorway 7, one of the best motorways in the country, transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus, taxi, or private car is typically smooth and efficient.
back to menu ↑The Best Bus Options for Your Trip from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re looking to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, you’ll have three bus terminals to choose from. Of these, the northern Morchit and eastern Ekkamai terminals are the most popular and offer the best accessibility.
If you’re traveling to the Eastern Seaboard, the Ekkamai bus terminal is the ideal place to start your journey. Located conveniently next to the BTS station of the same name, you can catch a bus from Ekkamai to Pattaya in just two hours. However, it’s more realistic to expect the journey to take around three hours, as the buses often make stops along the way in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang to let passengers off. Pattaya Bus offers three daily departures from Ekkamai: in the morning at 9:30am, in the afternoon at 1:30pm, and in the evening at 5:30pm, all priced at THB127.
If you’re staying in the north of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, Morchit bus terminal is a convenient option for your trip to Pattaya. While there is a BTS station with the same name, you will need to take a bus or taxi for a short ride to the bus terminal. Buses from Morchit to Pattaya take approximately three hours and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company, with three daily departures at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. Upon arrival in Pattaya, buses will drop you off at the Northern bus station, located on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from the Sukhumvit intersection. From there, you can choose between songthaews (THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis to reach the city, but be sure to negotiate the fare beforehand.
back to menu ↑Train Tripping: A Guide to Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok
In technicality, it is feasible to take a train from Bangkok to Pattaya. Train #283 departs at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am. However, this train makes numerous stops along the way, and the journey is not a remarkable experience. Expect to spend about four hours in a third-class carriage with only fan seats, and don’t anticipate any breathtaking scenery. Nevertheless, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for people-watching. Of all the train stations in Pattaya, the most picturesque one is likely Huay Yai. Additionally, tickets are very affordable.
back to menu ↑From Point A to Point B: Taking a Taxi to Pattaya from Bangkok
If you’re traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya might be the best option. We recommend the company Glassflower for their excellent service, clean and comfortable cars, affordable prices, and emphasis on passenger safety.
They even offer minivans that can accommodate up to 12 people. Another great option is PGS, which offers both individual and group transfers. You can choose their Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB2,200, or opt for the roomier Toyota Commuter that can accommodate up to nine passengers at THB2,530. All rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no additional tolls or fees for pickup and drop-off at specific locations. The journey should take no more than three hours, and could be less depending on your starting point in Bangkok.
back to menu ↑Making the Connection: Traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya
If your next destination after arriving at Thailand’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, is Pattaya, you can take advantage of bus and taxi services to travel directly from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya without having to go to Bangkok’s bus terminals. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, departing every two hours from 8am to 6pm. Their VIP24 buses are comfortable and much roomier than economy seats on airlines. The entire journey takes about two hours, with passengers arriving at Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road. While tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be purchased on the spot, it’s a popular route, so it’s advisable to book in advance for THB272. Otherwise, you may have to wait for the next but one departure.
For a more comfortable, door-to-door experience, PGS offers charters from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB1,980 or a Toyota Commuter accommodating up to 9 people for THB2,200, which offers great value for money. The rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no extra tolls, luggage fees, or drop-off charges.
Tip: There’s a cheap Thai-style canteen, Magic Point, right next to gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi where buses to Pattaya depart. You can refill your stomach with mouthwatering Thai favorites, including rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), tom yam, and more at very moderate prices starting from THB40 per dish.
back to menu ↑From Relaxation to Adventure: The Many Faces of Pattaya
Pattaya is often associated with its red light districts, lady bars, and visible presence of ladyboys along Beach Road. The city has been given the nickname “City of Sin” for many years, with some visitors encountering individuals seeking financial gain or hoping to establish relationships with foreigners while supporting their extended families. However, there is much more to Pattaya than these stereotypes and it offers a range of attractions and experiences beyond its reputation.
Pattaya is a renowned tourist city in Thailand, known as the “city that never sleeps” due to its lively atmosphere both day and night. Although Pattaya was once infamous for prostitution and vice, the city has undergone a transformation and now boasts a diverse range of people, cuisine, and tourist attractions. It is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Pattaya now attracts a significant number of international package tourists, families, and Bangkok residents who often flock to the city on weekends and during Thai public holidays.
While Pattaya may not have any rare or unique attractions, the festive and vibrant atmosphere of the city never fails to capture the hearts of its visitors. The city offers a wide range of restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all around the world, with astonishingly affordable prices, as well as delicious street food options. Visitors can choose between first-class international hotel chains and simple guesthouse rooms, elegant high-rises and traditional shophouses, modern shopping malls, and entertainment centers, and colorful night markets. In addition, there are nearby islands that transport visitors to a perfect island paradise, and a growing number of family-oriented attractions secure Pattaya’s status as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.
When it comes to getting around Pattaya, songthaews are the most popular choice. These shared taxis are affordable, with fares ranging from THB10 to THB40 depending on the distance traveled, and several routes cover the entire city. The blue songthaews operate on routes from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, from Jomtien to the Dolphins roundabout in the north, and a Second Road-North Pattaya-Pattaya Beach Road loop. White songthaews run along Sukhumvit Road and go as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, but the cost of the ride should be agreed upon before departure.
Motorbike taxis are also a common and affordable option, especially with the worsening traffic conditions in the city.
Renting a car or a motorbike is another option, with rental shops located throughout the city. Scooters can be rented for as little as THB200 per day (or THB2000 per month), while small cars like the Honda City start at THB1000. While scams where renters are forced to pay for “damage” upon returning the vehicle are not common, police frequently stop cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses. It’s also important to wear seat belts and helmets.
Although bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya roads, the chaotic traffic makes it neither safe nor enjoyable to pedal between speeding cars, tourist buses, and motorcycles.
back to menu ↑From Luxurious Resorts to Cozy Guesthouses: Where to Stay in Pattaya
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Pattaya, it largely depends on your personal preferences. If you’re seeking a vibrant nightlife with a slightly edgy vibe, look for centrally located hotels and guesthouses in the area around Soi Buakhao and between Beach Road and Second Road. The northern part of Pattaya and Naklua feature upscale, five-star chain hotels, while Jomtien offers a range of relatively affordable guesthouses and mid-range hotels. While Jomtien Beach may not be the best for swimming or sunbathing, it still offers a decent experience.
If you’re after a quieter, more secluded vacation, consider the Pratamnak area, which is very green and peaceful, and features several lovely beaches including Cozy Beach. Keep in mind that Pratamnak is a bit off the public transport routes, so it may not be the most convenient option. Lastly, if you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation and don’t mind being far from the city’s entertainments, the Ambassador City Hotel area could be worth considering.
Some important bus routes in Bangkok that pass through tourist attractions you should know:
Route 02: Samrong – Sukhumvit – Central World – Pratunam – Democracy Monument – Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.
Route 03: Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 15: Charoen Krung – Silom – Siam Square – Democracy Monument – Sanam Luang.
Route 25: Paknam – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Siam Square – Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace.
Route 29: Hualamphong – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 34: Hualamphong – MBK Shopping Center – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 53: Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Sanam Luang – Phra Arthit – Samsen.
Route 59: Sanam Luang – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 79: Southern Bus Terminal – Taling Chan Floating Market – Democracy Monument – Siam Square – Central World – Pratunam – Fortune Town – Ratchada.
Route 503: Sanam Luang – Dusit – Wat Stewamabophit – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 508: Sanam Luang – Grand Palace – Siam Square – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 509: Thonburi – Democracy Monument – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 511: Southern Bus Terminal – Democracy Monument – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 524: Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak.
Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to Pattaya
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How far is Bangkok from Pattaya? Bangkok and Pattaya are approximately 150 kilometers apart. The travel time between the two cities can vary depending on the mode of transportation and the traffic conditions.
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What are the transportation options to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options available to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, including taxis, private cars, buses, and trains. The most popular mode of transportation is by taxi or private car.
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How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by road? The travel time by road from Bangkok to Pattaya can vary from 2 to 3 hours depending on the traffic conditions. However, during peak travel times, such as weekends or holidays, it can take longer.
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What is the best time to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The best time to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is during the dry season, which is from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the roads are less congested.
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What are some popular tourist attractions in Pattaya? Pattaya is famous for its beaches, nightlife, and water sports activities. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Pattaya include Walking Street, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya Floating Market, and Sanctuary of Truth.