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
The Easiest and Fastest Ways to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya
Pattaya, situated just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, is easily accessible by bus, van or taxi. The travel time ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha or Laem Chabang, while others go directly to Pattaya. Big buses to Pattaya depart from all three bus terminals in Bangkok, arriving at Pattaya Northern Bus Station.
Direct transfers from Suvarnabhumi airport are also available. For greater flexibility, travelers can opt for the Bangkok-Pattaya van, which departs from various locations in Bangkok and drops passengers off in the center of Pattaya. The cost of bus and van tickets ranges from THB120 to THB400. For a fast and luxurious door-to-door option, a taxi is available at varying prices, ranging from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers. Motorway 7, one of the best motorways in the country, links Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya, making travel by bus, taxi, or private car a smooth and easy journey.
back to menu ↑Exploring Pattaya by Bus: Routes, Tickets, and Travel Tips
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 is a convenient option for traveling to Pattaya. Despite having a BTS station of the same name, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for a short ride from BTS Morchit to the bus terminal. Buses from Morchit to Pattaya take around three hours and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company, which offers three daily departures at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm.
Upon arriving in Pattaya, buses stop at the Northern bus station, located on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from the Sukhumvit intersection. To reach the city center from there, you can choose from songthaews (THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis – just make sure to negotiate the cost of your ride in advance.
back to menu ↑All Aboard for Pattaya: Train Travel 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 ↑On the Road: A Guide to Taking a Taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re traveling with a large group, family, or a lot of luggage, a taxi may be the best option for getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. One recommended company is Glassflower, which offers excellent service, comfortable and clean cars, and competitive prices.
Glassflower also has minivans available that can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Another option is PGS, which offers smart solutions for both individual and group transfers. Their Toyota Camry can seat up to 3 passengers for THB2,200, while their Toyota Commuter can accommodate up to 9 passengers for THB2,530. Both options are all-inclusive, with no extra tolls or additional fees for pickup and drop-off at specific locations. The trip should take no more than three hours, depending on your starting point in Bangkok.
back to menu ↑Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya: The Easy Airport Transfer
If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport and heading directly to Pattaya, you can skip the Bangkok bus terminals and take advantage of bus and taxi services that operate directly from the airport. 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 roomier than economy seats on airlines, and the entire journey takes approximately two hours. In Pattaya, passengers are dropped off at the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.
It’s important to note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be purchased on the spot, but the route is extremely popular, so you may not be able to get tickets for the next bus and may need to wait for the following departure. Advance ticket bookings are available for THB272.
For even more comfort and convenience, consider using the charter services of PGS, which offer door-to-door transfers from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers (THB1,980) or a Toyota Commuter that accommodates up to 9 passengers (THB2,200). The latter option provides excellent value for money. All rates are all-inclusive, with no additional tolls, luggage, or drop-off charges.
back to menu ↑From Relaxation to Adventure: The Many Faces of Pattaya
Pattaya has a reputation for its red light districts, lady bars, and ladyboys who can be persistent in their search for companionship. Beach Road is a popular spot for these activities, with stately coconut trees serving as a backdrop. Unfortunately, this has led to Pattaya being labeled as the “City of Sin,” with some individuals taking advantage of others in search of love or companionship. However, it is important to recognize that Pattaya is a diverse city with many attractions and experiences beyond these stereotypes.
Pattaya is a well-known tourist city in Thailand, earning the nickname “the city that never sleeps” due to its bustling activities both day and night. While Pattaya has had a notorious reputation for prostitution and vice in the past, the city has since undergone changes to its image, offering a diverse range of experiences from food to tourist attractions. Pattaya is now known as a truly independent city that attracts a fair share of international package tourists, families, and visitors from Bangkok who flood the city on weekends and Thai public holidays.
While Pattaya may not offer rare or unique attractions, the city’s festive and lively atmosphere never fails to win over the hearts of its visitors. The city boasts a wide range of restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over the world at astonishingly affordable prices, as well as street food vendors offering cheap eats. Accommodation options range from first-class international hotel chains to simple guesthouse rooms, and from elegant high-rises to traditional shophouses. Modern shopping malls and entertainment centers coexist with colorful night markets. Visitors can also choose from nearby islands that transport them to the perfect island paradise, and a growing number of family-oriented attractions add to 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 cheap, with fares ranging from THB10 to THB40 depending on the distance traveled, and several routes cover the entire city. Blue songthaews are particularly useful, running 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 private taxis, with the fare to be agreed upon beforehand.
Motorbike taxis are another popular and affordable option, particularly with the increasing traffic in the city. Renting a car or a motorbike is also an option, with rental shops located throughout the city. Scooters typically cost THB200 per day (THB2000 per month), while small cars like the Honda City cost around THB1000. While scams related to vehicle damage are uncommon, it’s worth noting that the police often stop cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses, and seat belts and helmets are a must.
Although bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya roads, the chaotic traffic makes cycling between speeding cars, tourist buses, and bikes neither safe nor enjoyable.
back to menu ↑Pattaya’s All-Inclusive Resorts: A Hassle-Free Vacation Experience
When it comes to finding the right accommodation in Pattaya, it largely depends on personal preference. If you’re seeking a lively nightlife with a slightly seedy atmosphere, centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and between Beach Road and Second Road are the way to go. For a more upscale experience, the North and Nakluea areas offer respectable five-star chain hotels. Jomtien, on the other hand, is a haven for relatively cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels. While the Jomtien beach is not the best for swimming and sunbathing, it’s still decent enough.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful retreat, consider Pratamnak, which is a bit off the public transport routes but boasts greenery and tranquility, as well as several beautiful beaches, such as Cozy Beach. However, if a lazy beach vacation is your primary goal, the Ambassador City Hotel area might be ideal for you, as it’s far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Some important bus routes in Bangkok pass through tourist spots 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.
Pattaya’s Culture and Customs: Frequently Asked Questions
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How far is Pattaya from Bangkok? Pattaya is approximately 147 kilometers (91 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
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What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is by private car or taxi. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a minivan from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) or Mo Chit Bus Terminal.
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How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Pattaya? Travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. A private car or taxi can take around 2 hours, while a bus or minivan can take between 2.5 to 3 hours.
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What is the cost of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya? Again, the cost depends on the mode of transportation. A private car or taxi can cost around 1,500-2,500 baht ($50-$85 USD), while a bus or minivan can cost between 100-300 baht ($3-$10 USD).
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What are some popular things to do in Pattaya? Pattaya is known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. Some popular attractions include Walking Street, Jomtien Beach, Pattaya Floating Market, and Sanctuary of Truth.