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
How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya
Pattaya, situated just 150 km south of Bangkok on the Eastern Seaboard, can be conveniently accessed from the capital via bus, van or taxi, with a travel time of approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on traffic and the route taken. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha or Laem Chabang en route, while others go directly to Pattaya. Bangkok has three bus terminals, all of which offer big buses to Pattaya that arrive at Pattaya Northern Bus Station.
Alternatively, a direct transfer from Suvarnabhumi airport is available. For more flexibility, opt for a Bangkok-Pattaya van, which departs from various locations in Bangkok and some even take you directly to the centre of Pattaya. Bus and van tickets to Pattaya are priced between THB120 and THB400. If you prefer a faster and more comfortable ride, a taxi is the way to go, with 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, ensuring a smooth journey by bus, taxi or private car.
back to menu ↑Traveling on a Budget: Saving Money with Bangkok to Pattaya Bus Transportation
Bangkok has three bus terminals for travelers to choose from: Sai Tai Mai in the south, Morchit in the north, and Ekkamai in the east. For those headed to Pattaya, the latter two are the best options due to their location and popularity.
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 ↑Train Tripping: A Guide to Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok
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.
back to menu ↑Pattaya Bound: Traveling by Taxi from Bangkok
If you’re traveling with a large group or have a lot of luggage, taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya might be the best option. We recommend the company Glassflower for their excellent service, clean and comfortable cars, affordable prices, and emphasis on passenger safety.
They even offer minivans that can accommodate up to 12 people. Another great option is PGS, which offers both individual and group transfers. You can choose their Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB2,200, or opt for the roomier Toyota Commuter that can accommodate up to nine passengers at THB2,530. All rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no additional tolls or fees for pickup and drop-off at specific locations. The journey should take no more than three hours, and could be less depending on your starting point in Bangkok.
back to menu ↑Easy Breezy: Traveling to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport
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).
back to menu ↑Discovering the Charms of Pattaya: Why You Should Visit
Pattaya has gained notoriety for its red light districts, lady bars, and the presence of aggressive ladyboys who seek out unsuspecting tourists under the coconut trees along Beach Road. For years, the city has been referred to as the “City of Sin,” with stories of financially struggling individuals seeking money from foreigners or searching for love while supporting their extended families.
Pattaya is a renowned tourist city in Thailand, known as the “city that never sleeps” due to its lively atmosphere both day and night. Although Pattaya was once infamous for prostitution and vice, the city has undergone a transformation and now boasts a diverse range of people, cuisine, and tourist attractions. It is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Pattaya now attracts a significant number of international package tourists, families, and Bangkok residents who often flock to the city on weekends and during Thai public holidays.
While Pattaya may not offer rare or unique sights, the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the city never fails to captivate visitors. The city offers an array of authentic cuisine from all over the world at surprisingly affordable prices, as well as a variety of street food options. Accommodations range from first-class international hotel chains to simple guesthouse rooms, and from elegant high-rises to traditional shophouses. Visitors can indulge in modern shopping malls and entertainment centers or explore colorful night markets. The city also boasts nearby islands that transport visitors to the 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 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.
back to menu ↑From Luxurious Resorts to Cozy Guesthouses: Where to Stay in Pattaya
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 that pass through tourist attractions 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 located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok.
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What are the transportation options from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, including by bus, taxi, private car, or train. The most popular option is by bus, which can be easily booked online or in person at one of Bangkok’s bus terminals.
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How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The travel time from Bangkok to Pattaya depends on the mode of transportation chosen. By bus or private car, it usually takes around 2-3 hours to reach Pattaya. By train, it takes around 3-4 hours, and by taxi, it may take slightly less or more depending on traffic.
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How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya? The cost of travel from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By bus, the fare can range from 100-300 THB ($3-10 USD), while by taxi or private car, the cost may be higher. Train fares start from around 30 THB ($1 USD) for third-class seats and go up to 400 THB ($13 USD) for first-class seats.
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What are some popular tourist attractions in Pattaya? Pattaya is known for its beaches, nightlife, and water sports activities such as parasailing and jet skiing. Some popular tourist attractions in Pattaya include the Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, and the Cartoon Network Amazone water park.