From Ratchathewi to Pattaya by taxi 2023

Flight Bangkok - Pattaya ฿ 2,860–6,260 3h 30m – 6h
  •   Economy 07:30, 08:10, 09:00, 10:45, 12:35
  •   Business 07:30
Bus Bangkok - Pattaya ฿ 164 2h 30m
  •   Express 05:00, 06:00, 06:30, 08:00, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 16:30, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
Taxi Bangkok - Pattaya ฿ 1,600–10,450 1h 20m – 3h
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   Mercedes E Class
  •   Comfort Plus 3pax
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
  •   Van 9pax
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   Comfort 2pax
  •   Economy
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Premium Alphard
  •   Luxury SUV
  •   Comfort Car
  •   Comfort
  •   Economy 2pax
  •   Mercedes S Class
  •   Toyota Alphard
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   Van 10pax
Van Bangkok - Pattaya ฿ 200–430 2h – 3h 50m
  •   Regional 14pax 05:30, 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:50, 09:15, 09:30, 10:00, 10:40, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 12:15, 13:00, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00, 15:30, 16:00, 17:00, 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:30
Bus Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya ฿ 320 2h
  •   Express 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00
  •   Express 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00
Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya ฿ 1,400–11,000 1h 25m – 2h
  •   Economy
  •   Comfort
  •   Van 9pax
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   Toyota Alphard
  •   Premium
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   Minivan 4pax old
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   Premium Van old
  •   Mercedes E Class
  •   Mercedes S Class
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
  •   Economy
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   Comfort
  •   Van 9pax
  •   Premium
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   Mercedes E Class
  •   Mercedes S Class
  •   Premium old
  •   Comfort Plus 3pax
  •   MPV Comfort 4pax
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Pattaya ฿ 1,700–11,000 1h 50m – 2h 30m
  •   Comfort
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   Premium Van old
  •   Mercedes E Class
  •   Mercedes S Class
  •   Toyota Alphard
  •   Comfort Plus 3pax
  •   MPV Comfort 4pax
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
  •   Minivan 4pax old
  •   Economy
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   Van 9pax
  •   Minivan 4pax old
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   Mercedes E Class
  •   Mercedes S Class
  •   Toyota Alphard
  •   Comfort Plus 3pax
  •   MPV Comfort 4pax
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
  •   Economy
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   Comfort
  •   Van 9pax
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   Premium Van old

From Bangkok to Pattaya: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pattaya, situated just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, can be easily accessed by bus, van, or taxi. The duration of the trip varies between 2 and 3 hours and is dependent on traffic and the chosen route. Some buses stop at Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang, while others go directly to Pattaya. You can take a big bus to Pattaya from any of the three bus terminals in Bangkok, with all buses arriving at Pattaya Northern Bus Station. Alternatively, you can opt for a Bangkok-Pattaya van for greater flexibility. Vans depart from various locations across Bangkok and some will take you directly to the center of Pattaya.

Bus and van tickets to Pattaya range from THB120 to THB400. If you want a quicker and more comfortable travel experience, a taxi is the best option. Prices start from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car and go up to THB4,000 for a private van that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya is typically hassle-free thanks to Motorway 7, one of the best motorways in the country, which links the two cities.

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Bus Travel 101: Tips for Making the Bangkok to Pattaya Journey

To travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus, you’ll have three terminals to choose from: Sai Tai Mai in the south, Morchit in the north, and Ekkamai in the east. However, it’s recommended to use the latter two terminals for their accessibility and convenience.

If you’re planning to travel to the Eastern Seaboard, starting your journey from Ekkamai bus terminal would be the most practical option. The terminal is conveniently located near the BTS station of the same name. While buses departing from Ekkamai can take you to Pattaya in as little as two hours, it’s more realistic to expect a three-hour journey, as they often make stops along the way in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang to drop off passengers. Pattaya Bus offers three daily departures from Ekkamai: one in the morning at 9:30 am, one in the afternoon at 1:30 pm, and one in the evening at 5:30 pm. All tickets are 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 traveling to Pattaya. However, despite the nearby BTS station of 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 approximately three hours to reach Pattaya and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company. The company operates three buses a day, departing at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. Upon arrival in Pattaya, buses stop at the Northern bus station, located on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from the Sukhumvit intersection. To get to the city from there, you can choose between songthaews (THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis. Be sure to negotiate the fare in advance regardless of which option you choose.

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Discover the Beauty of Thailand: Taking the Train from Bangkok to Pattaya

In technical terms, traveling by train from Bangkok to Pattaya is possible. There’s a morning train, #283, that departs Bangkok at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am. However, this train makes several stops along the way, and the journey itself is not particularly noteworthy. Expect to spend around four hours in a third-class carriage with only fan seats, and don’t anticipate any breathtaking views. However, you will have ample opportunities for interesting people-watching. Among all of Pattaya’s train stations, Huay Yai is probably the most picturesque. It’s worth noting that train tickets are quite affordable.

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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.

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Making the Connection: Traveling from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya

If you arrive in Thailand through Suvarnabhumi, the country’s main airport, and your next destination is Pattaya, there are convenient bus and taxi services available to take you directly to Pattaya without the need to go to Bangkok’s bus terminals. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, with departures every two hours from 8am to 6pm. The VIP24 buses are spacious and comfortable, offering more legroom than economy seats on most airlines. The trip takes approximately two hours, with passengers dropped off at the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.

Note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be purchased on the spot, but the route is extremely popular, so it’s likely that you won’t be able to get tickets for the next bus and will have to wait for the next one after that. Booking in advance is recommended and can be done for THB272.

If you prefer a more comfortable and convenient option, PGS charters can bring you to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi directly. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers (THB1,980) or a Toyota Commuter that accommodates up to nine passengers (THB2,200), which offers a great price-quality ratio. Rates are all-inclusive, including tolls, luggage, and drop-off charges.

Additionally, next to the gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi where the buses to Pattaya depart, there is a cheap Thai-style canteen called Magic Point, offering delicious Thai favorites such as rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), and tom yam at very moderate prices (starting from THB40 per dish).

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Beyond the Beaches: Uncovering the Hidden Gems of Pattaya

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 sights, the festive atmosphere of the city never fails to capture the hearts of its visitors. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants serving authentic cuisine from all over the world at surprisingly affordable prices, as well as delicious street food options. Visitors can choose from luxurious international hotel chains or simpler guesthouse rooms, elegant high-rises or traditional shophouses, and modern shopping malls or 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 that 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 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.

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Where to stay

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Pattaya, personal preferences play a big role. If you’re looking for a lively nightlife with a bit of a seedy edge, centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and between Beach Road and Second Road may suit your needs. The North and Nakluea areas are home to respectable five-star chain hotels, while Jomtien offers relatively cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels, with an average beach suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Pratamnak is a bit off the public transport routes but boasts a tranquil and green area, as well as several lovely beaches, including Cozy Beach. However, if you’re seeking a lazy beach vacation, the Ambassador City Hotel area is far from the city’s entertainment hotspots and could be an option for you.

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.

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Planning Your Pattaya Trip: Commonly Asked Questions

  1. How do I get from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya, including buses, taxis, and private cars. Buses are the most popular and economical way to travel, with frequent departures from several bus terminals in Bangkok. Taxis and private cars can be more expensive but offer greater convenience and flexibility.

  2. How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The travel time between Bangkok and Pattaya depends on the mode of transportation you choose. Buses take about 2-3 hours to reach Pattaya, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis and private cars can take about 1.5-2 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken.

  3. How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The cost of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Buses are the most economical option, with fares ranging from 100 to 250 baht (about $3 to $8 USD). Taxis and private cars are more expensive, with fares ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 baht (about $30 to $100 USD).

  4. What are some popular things to do in Pattaya? Pattaya is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, nightlife, and shopping. Some popular attractions include the Pattaya Beach, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Sanctuary of Truth, Walking Street, and the Pattaya Floating Market.

  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 destination, it is important to exercise caution and take necessary safety measures, such as avoiding crowded areas at night and securing valuables. It is also recommended to use reputable transportation providers and to be aware of common scams targeting tourists.

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