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From Sai Mai to Pattaya, Thailand by bus 2023

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Tháng Ba 22, 2023

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The Easiest and Fastest Ways to Get 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.

Frequent and Affordable: The Bangkok to Pattaya Bus Service

If you’re planning a bus trip from Bangkok to Pattaya, you’ll have three terminals to choose from: Sai Tai Mai, Morchit, and Ekkamai. However, the northern and eastern terminals are the most popular and easily accessible.

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 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.

Experience Thailand by Train: Bangkok to Pattaya

In theory, it is feasible to travel by train from Bangkok to Pattaya. There is a morning train, #283, that departs Bangkok at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am. However, this train makes numerous stops along the way, and the third-class carriage only offers fan seats, so don’t expect a luxurious or scenic experience. People-watching, however, can be quite entertaining. The Huay Yai train station is likely the most charming of all Pattaya’s train stations. Furthermore, train tickets are remarkably inexpensive.

Easy Travel: How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi

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 arrive at Suvarnabhumi airport and need to get to Pattaya, you can take advantage of the convenient bus and taxi services available. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, with departures every two hours between 8am and 6pm. Their VIP24 buses are comfortable and roomier than economy seats on airlines. The journey takes about two hours and drops passengers off at the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.

Please note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be purchased on the spot, but this route is extremely popular, so you may not be able to get tickets for the next bus and have to wait for the next one after that. If you book in advance, tickets cost THB272.

For even more comfort and convenience, PGS offers charter services that take you from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya directly and without hassle. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB1,980 or a Toyota Commuter that accommodates up to 9 people for THB2,200. The latter is a great option in terms of price and quality. Rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no additional tolls, luggage fees, or drop-off charges.

Tip: Next to the gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi where buses to Pattaya depart, there is a cheap Thai-style canteen called Magic Point where you can enjoy mouthwatering Thai dishes like rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), tom yam, and more at very reasonable prices (starting from THB40 per dish).

Why Pattaya Continues to be a Popular Tourist Hotspot

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 well-known tourist destination in Thailand, often referred to as the city that never sleeps due to its abundance of activities available both day and night. While Pattaya was once infamous for prostitution and other vices, the city has undergone changes in recent years and now boasts a diverse array of people, cuisine, and tourist attractions. It is now considered a truly independent city and has become a popular destination for international package tourists, families, and even Bangkok residents who flock to the city on weekends and during Thai public holidays.

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 a popular choice among tourists. These shared taxis are affordable, with prices ranging from THB10 to THB40 per trip depending on the distance. Several routes cover the entire city, with the most useful routes being 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. It’s also possible to hire a songthaew as a private taxi, but you’ll need to negotiate the cost of the ride beforehand.

Motorbike taxis are another ubiquitous and affordable option. With traffic in the city becoming increasingly congested, motorbike taxis provide a convenient solution.

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car and motorbike rentals are available throughout the city. Scooters can be rented for as little as THB200 per day (or THB2,000 per month), while small cars like the Honda City can be rented for around THB1,000 per day. While scams are not common, it’s worth noting that police often stop both cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses, and it’s mandatory to wear a seatbelt or helmet.

While bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya’s roads, the chaotic traffic can make cycling unsafe and unpleasant, with speeding cars, tourist buses, and motorbikes all vying for space.

Unforgettable Stays: Unique Accommodation Options in Pattaya

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 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.

Navigating Pattaya: Your Essential Guide to Frequently Asked Questions

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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).

5. 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.