Flight Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 2,860–6,260
3h 30m – 6h
Bus Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 164
2h 30m
Taxi Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 1,600–10,450
1h 20m – 3h
Van Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 200–430
2h – 3h 50m
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
Traveling to Pattaya from Bangkok: A Comprehensive Guide
Located just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is conveniently accessible by bus, van, or taxi. The duration of the journey, which typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depends largely on traffic conditions and the route taken. Some buses make stops in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang, while others travel directly to Pattaya. Big buses departing from all three bus terminals in Bangkok arrive at the Pattaya Northern Bus Station, and there’s even a direct transfer from Suvarnabhumi airport. For greater flexibility, consider taking a Bangkok-Pattaya van. These vans depart from various locations throughout Bangkok and some even drop you off in the heart of Pattaya.
Tickets for both buses and vans typically range from THB120 to THB400. Alternatively, taking a taxi is the fastest and most luxurious way to travel door-to-door. Prices vary from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. Motorway 7, one of the best highways in the country, connects Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya, making transportation by bus, taxi, or private car a smooth and comfortable experience.
back to menu ↑From Big Buses to Mini Vans: Choosing the Right Bus for Your Bangkok to Pattaya Trip
Pattaya-bound travelers in Bangkok have two convenient bus terminals to choose from: Morchit in the north and Ekkamai in the east. These two terminals offer frequent departures throughout the day, but seats tend to sell out quickly.
If you’re heading to the Eastern Seaboard, Ekkamai bus terminal is the most convenient starting point. Located right by the BTS station with the same name, it offers easy access to buses that can take you to Pattaya in just two hours. However, it’s more realistic to expect the journey to take around three hours as these buses often make detours to allow passengers to disembark in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang. Pattaya Bus company operates three buses from Ekkamai, departing in the morning (9:30 AM), afternoon (1:30 PM), and evening (5:30 PM), all at a fare of THB127.
If you’re staying in the northern part of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, Morchit bus terminal is a convenient option to reach Pattaya. Although there is a BTS station with the same name, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for a short ride to the bus terminal from BTS Morchit. Buses from Morchit take around three hours to reach Pattaya and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company. The company operates three buses a day at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm.
Upon arrival in Pattaya, the buses stop at the Northern bus station located on North Pattaya Road, just 200m from Sukhumvit intersection. To reach the city, you can choose from songthaews (THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis, but always negotiate the fare in advance.
back to menu ↑From the City to the Beach: Taking the Train from Bangkok to Pattaya
In theory, it is possible to take the train from Bangkok to Pattaya. Train #283 departs Bangkok at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am, making multiple stops along the way. However, the journey is not particularly scenic and the third-class fan seats only carriage can be uncomfortable, so it’s not exactly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Nevertheless, it does offer ample opportunities for interesting people-watching. Of all the train stations in Pattaya, Huay Yai is probably the most picturesque. It’s worth noting that tickets for the train are very inexpensive.
back to menu ↑The Taxi Option: An Easy Way to Travel 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 ↑Onward Bound: How to Get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya
If you’re flying into Thailand’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, and heading straight to Pattaya, there are bus and taxi services available that can take you directly to your destination without having to go through Bangkok’s bus terminals. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8. Buses depart every two hours from 8am to 6pm, and their VIP24s are spacious and comfortable, providing a much roomier option than economy airline seats. The entire trip takes about two hours, and passengers are dropped off at Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.
It’s important to note that the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus route is incredibly popular, so it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance to secure your spot. On-the-spot tickets may not be available for the next bus, so you may have to wait for the next one after that. Advanced tickets cost THB272.
For more comfortable and convenient travel, PGS offers charters that can take you from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya door-to-door. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB1,980 or a Toyota Commuter that can accommodate up to nine people for THB2,200. The latter is a great option in terms of price and quality ratio. All rates are all-inclusive, meaning no extra tolls, luggage, or drop-off charges.
Additionally, for those looking for a bite to eat before heading to Pattaya, Magic Point is a cheap Thai-style canteen located right next to the gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi. They offer mouth-watering Thai favorites such as 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 ↑Why Pattaya Is an Ideal Destination for Solo Travelers
Pattaya is often associated with its red light districts, lady bars, and ladyboys who can be quite aggressive in their pursuit of customers along Beach Road. This reputation has earned Pattaya the nickname “City of Sin,” where impoverished women seek money and sometimes even love from foreign visitors while supporting their extended families. However, Pattaya has much more to offer beyond these stereotypes, and visitors who take the time to explore will discover a rich culture and diverse community.
Pattaya is a well-known tourist destination in Thailand, often referred to as the “city that never sleeps” due to its bustling activity day and night. While the city was once notorious for prostitution and vice, it has undergone a transformation in recent years and now offers a diverse range of attractions, food, and visitors. Known for its independence, Pattaya now attracts a broad range of international tourists, families, and even locals from Bangkok who come to enjoy the city on weekends and during Thai public holidays. With its evolving city image, Pattaya has something for everyone.
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 a popular choice. These shared taxis are affordable, with fares ranging from THB10 to THB40 depending on the distance traveled. Several routes cover the entire city, including a route from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, a route 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 can take you as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, with the fare agreed upon before the ride.
Motorbike taxis are another affordable and ubiquitous option, particularly useful in Pattaya’s worsening traffic.
Renting a car or motorbike is also possible, with rental shops located throughout the city. Scooters cost from THB200 per day (THB2000 per month), while small cars like the Honda City are available for THB1000. While scams where renters are charged for “damage” upon return are uncommon, it’s worth noting that police frequently stop both cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses. Additionally, wearing seat belts and helmets is mandatory.
Although more bicycles are appearing on Pattaya’s roads, the city’s chaotic traffic can make cycling unsafe and unpleasant, with speeding cars, tourist buses, and bikes sharing the roads.
back to menu ↑Pattaya for Families: Family-Friendly Accommodation Options
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Pattaya, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are interested in a vibrant nightlife scene with a slightly seedy undertone, look for centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and the area between Beach Road and Second Road. The North and Nakluea areas feature respectable five-star chain hotels, while Jomtien offers relatively inexpensive guesthouses and mid-range hotels. While Jomtien Beach may not be the most impressive, it is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
For a quieter experience, Pratamnak offers a peaceful and green setting, as well as several beautiful beaches such as Cozy Beach. However, it is important to note that this area is a bit off the public transport routes. The Ambassador City Hotel area is far from the city’s entertainment areas, making it a suitable choice only if a relaxing beach vacation is what you’re after.
Some important bus routes in Bangkok passing through tourist destinations 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 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.
