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From Ratchathewi to Pattaya by bus 2023

Kim Ngân

Tháng Ba 29, 2023

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Smooth Transfers: Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya

Located just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is easily accessible by bus, van, or taxi. The duration of travel typically ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang, while others offer a direct route to Pattaya. Travelers can choose from big buses departing from any of the three bus terminals in Bangkok, with all arriving at Pattaya Northern Bus Station. Alternatively, there is a direct transfer from Suvarnabhumi airport, or for added flexibility, a Bangkok-Pattaya van is also available. These vans leave from various locations throughout Bangkok, with some providing drop-off directly in the heart of Pattaya.

Prices for bus and van tickets to Pattaya range from THB 120 to THB 400. For a faster and more luxurious travel experience, taxis are available for door-to-door service, with prices ranging from THB 1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB 4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers. Thanks to Motorway 7, one of the best highways in the country, traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus, taxi, or private car is typically a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Navigating the Bangkok to Pattaya Bus Route: What You Need to Know

Travelers looking to make the journey from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus have three options: Sai Tai Mai in the south, Morchit in the north, and Ekkamai in the east. To avoid any transportation issues, it’s recommended to use the latter two terminals.

If you’re heading to the Eastern Seaboard, the Ekkamai bus terminal is the most convenient starting point. It’s situated right next to the BTS station with the same name. Buses departing from Ekkamai can reach Pattaya in as little as two hours, although it’s more realistic to expect a travel time of around three hours, as they often make stops in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang to drop off passengers. Pattaya Bus has three daily departures from Ekkamai: one in the morning at 9:30 am, another in the afternoon at 1:30 pm, and the last one in the evening at 5:30 pm, all priced at THB127.

If you’re staying in the north of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, the Morchit bus terminal is a convenient choice. However, it’s important to note that despite the BTS station of the same name, you will need to take a short bus or taxi ride to reach the actual bus terminal. Buses from Morchit take around three hours to reach Pattaya and are priced at THB127 with the Pattaya Bus company. There are three departures a day at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. In Pattaya, buses arrive at the Northern bus station on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from Sukhumvit intersection. From there, you can choose to take a songthaew (THB40 per person), a motorbike taxi, or a regular taxi to reach the city, but always negotiate the fare in advance.

The Scenic Route: Train Travel from Bangkok to Pattaya

In technical terms, 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. However, the train makes several stops along the way, so don’t expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The third-class fan seats only carriage is not luxurious, and you won’t see breathtaking views, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities for people-watching. Of all the train stations in Pattaya, the most picturesque is probably Huay Yai. It’s worth noting that tickets are incredibly cheap.

Smooth Sailing: Tips for Taking a Taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya

If you’re traveling with a large family or group of friends, or simply have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya can be a convenient option. Glassflower is a recommended taxi company due to their excellent service, comfortable and clean cars, competitive prices, and focus on passenger safety. They also have minivans available that can accommodate groups of up to 12 people.

Another good option is PGS, which offers smart solutions for both individual and group transfers. Their Toyota Camry is priced at THB2,200 for up to three passengers, while the roomier Toyota Commuter can accommodate up to nine passengers and costs THB2,530. All rates are all-inclusive with no extra tolls or fees for specific pickup and drop-off locations. The trip should take no more than three hours, and could be shorter depending on your starting point in Bangkok.

Start Your Vacation Right: How to Get to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport

If you’re arriving in Thailand through Suvarnabhumi, the main airport, and your next destination is Pattaya, you can use bus and taxi services to get there directly without having to go through 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 spacious, offering a more comfortable ride than economy class on any airlines. The whole trip takes about two hours, and passengers are dropped off at the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.

Note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be bought on the spot, but the route is very popular, so it’s likely that you won’t be able to get tickets for the next bus and will have to wait until the next but one departure. If you book in advance, tickets cost THB272.

For more comfort, PGS offers charter services that take you from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya directly. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers (THB1,980) or a Toyota Commuter that accommodates up to nine people (THB2,200). The latter is a great option in terms of price and quality. Rates are all-inclusive, with no extra tolls, luggage fees, or drop-off charges.

Tip: If you’re waiting for the bus at gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi, check out the nearby Magic Point canteen for cheap and tasty Thai favorites like rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), and tom yam soup, all starting at just THB40 per dish.

Experience the Magic of Pattaya: A Must-Visit Destination

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 that has earned the nickname “the city that never sleeps” because there is always something to do, day or night. While the city was once notorious for prostitution and other vices, it has undergone a transformation in recent years, with a diverse mix of people, food, and tourist attractions that cater to a wide range of visitors. Pattaya is now known for its independent spirit, and it attracts a growing number of international package tourists, families, and weekend visitors from Bangkok, especially during Thai public holidays.

While Pattaya may not have any rare or unique sights, the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city never fails to charm its visitors. The city offers a range of authentic cuisine from all over the world at surprisingly affordable prices, as well as cheap street food options. Visitors can choose from first-class international hotel chains or simple guesthouse rooms, elegant high-rises, and traditional shophouses, modern shopping malls, and entertainment centers, and colorful night markets. Additionally, there are nearby islands that provide visitors with a glimpse of paradise, and a growing number of family-oriented attractions solidify Pattaya’s status as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.

Getting around Pattaya is easy with songthaews being the prime choice. These shared taxis are cheap, with fares ranging from THB10 to THB40 depending on the distance you travel, and several routes cover the entire city. Blue songthaews are the most useful, with 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 also work as hired taxis, and you must agree on the cost of the ride before you go.

Motorbike taxis are another affordable and ubiquitous option, especially with city traffic getting worse. Renting a car or motorbike is also possible, with rental shops located throughout the city. Scooters cost from THB200 per day (from THB2000 per month), while small cars like the Honda City go for around THB1000. Although scams where renters are forced to pay for “damage” after returning the vehicle are uncommon, police often stop both cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses, and seat belts and helmets are mandatory.

While more bicycles are seen on Pattaya roads these days, the chaotic traffic makes it neither safe nor pleasant to pedal between speeding cars, tourist buses, and other bikes.

Pattaya’s Best Kept Secrets: Hidden Gems for Accommodation

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 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 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

1. How far is Pattaya from Bangkok? Pattaya is located about 147 kilometers (91 miles) southeast of Bangkok.

2. What are the transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya, including private taxi, public bus, shared minivan, and private car.

3. How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The travel time depends on the mode of transportation you choose. A private taxi or car can take around 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Pattaya, while a public bus or shared minivan can take around 2.5 to 3 hours.

4. How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The cost of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya depends on the mode of transportation you choose. A private taxi or car can cost between 1,500 to 2,500 baht, while a public bus or shared minivan can cost between 100 to 300 baht.

5. Is it safe to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? Yes, it is generally safe to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. However, as with any travel, it is important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions, such as keeping your valuables close and avoiding traveling alone at night.