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
The Ultimate Guide to Traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya
Located just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is easily accessible from the capital city via bus, van, or taxi. The travel time usually ranges between 2 to 3 hours, but may vary depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang along the way, while others offer direct routes to Pattaya. There are big buses departing from all three bus terminals in Bangkok, arriving at the Pattaya Northern Bus Station. Additionally, there is a direct transfer available from Suvarnabhumi airport. For a more flexible option, travelers can choose to take a Bangkok-Pattaya van. Vans depart from various locations throughout Bangkok, with some even dropping off passengers in the center of Pattaya.
Prices for bus and van tickets to Pattaya range from THB120 to THB400. Alternatively, taxis offer the fastest and most luxurious door-to-door travel, with prices ranging from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers. Traveling by bus, taxi, or private car from Bangkok to Pattaya is usually smooth and effortless, thanks to the country’s excellent motorway 7 linking Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya.
back to menu ↑How to Easily Travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus
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 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, 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.
back to menu ↑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.
back to menu ↑From Point A to Point B: Taking a Taxi to Pattaya from Bangkok
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or a large group, taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya is a great option for a door-to-door experience. Glassflower is a highly recommended company, providing excellent service with clean, comfortable cars and the best prices.
They prioritize passenger safety, making them a reliable choice. Glassflower also offers minivans that can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Another great option is PGS, which offers smart solutions for both individual and group transfers. Their Toyota Camry is priced at THB2,200 for three passengers, while their roomier Toyota Commuter accommodates up to 9 passengers and costs THB2,530. The rates are all-inclusive, with no additional tolls or fees for pickup and drop-off in specific locations. The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya usually takes no more than three hours, and can be even shorter depending on your starting point in Bangkok.
back to menu ↑Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya: A Convenient and Quick Journey
If Pattaya is your next destination after arriving at Thailand’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, you can easily reach Pattaya directly without having to go through Bangkok’s bus terminals by using bus and taxi services.
Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, departing every two hours from 8am until 6pm. Their VIP24 buses offer comfortable seats that are much roomier than economy class seats on airplanes. The journey takes around two hours, and passengers are dropped off at Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road. Please note that tickets for the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus can be purchased on the spot, but due to the popularity of the route, it’s highly recommended to book in advance. The cost of tickets is THB272 if purchased in advance. For those seeking even more comfort and convenience, PGS offers private charters from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya, with door-to-door service.
You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers (THB1,980) or a Toyota Commuter for up to nine people (THB2,200), which offers a great price-quality ratio. Rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no additional tolls, luggage, or drop-off charges. A tip for hungry travelers: Right next to the gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi, where buses to Pattaya depart, there’s a cheap Thai-style canteen called Magic Point. You can fill up on mouthwatering Thai favorites like khao man gai, khao kha moo, and tom yam at very reasonable prices (starting from THB40 per dish).
back to menu ↑Why Pattaya Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
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 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 an affordable and convenient option. With fares ranging from THB10 to THB40, depending on the distance, and several routes covering the entire city, they are an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Blue songthaews run from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, from Jomtien to the Dolphins roundabout in the north, and along a Second Road-North Pattaya-Pattaya Beach Road loop. White songthaews operate along Sukhumvit Road, extending as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, with the fare to be agreed upon before the ride.
Motorbike taxis are also widely available and affordable, providing a convenient solution to the city’s worsening traffic.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, car and motorbike rentals are available throughout the city. Scooters typically cost THB200 per day or THB2000 per month, while small cars like the Honda City can be rented for THB1000 per day. While scams related to “vehicle damage” are not common, drivers should be aware that police often stop both cars and motorbikes to check licenses, and wearing seat belts and helmets is mandatory.
While bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya’s roads, the chaotic traffic makes it neither safe nor pleasant to navigate between speeding cars, tourist buses, and bikes.
back to menu ↑Top Hotels in Pattaya for Every Budget
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 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.
Pattaya’s Culture and Customs: Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the distance between Bangkok and Pattaya, and how long does it take to travel between the two cities? The distance between Bangkok and Pattaya is approximately 147 kilometers (91 miles). The travel time depends on the mode of transportation chosen. By car, it takes around two hours to reach Pattaya from Bangkok, while a bus or minivan can take between two and three hours depending on traffic.
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What are the transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya? There are several transportation options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya, including car, bus, minivan, and taxi. The most popular modes of transportation are buses and minivans, as they are relatively cheap and frequent.
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What is the cost of transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya? The cost of transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya depends on the mode of transportation chosen. A one-way bus ticket can cost between 100 and 150 THB (3 to 5 USD), while a one-way taxi ride can cost upwards of 1500 THB (50 USD).
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What are some popular attractions in Pattaya that can be visited during a day trip from Bangkok? Pattaya is a popular seaside resort town in Thailand and offers a range of attractions for visitors. Some popular attractions include the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, and the Pattaya Floating Market. The town is also known for its nightlife and beaches.
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Is it necessary to book transportation in advance from Bangkok to Pattaya? While it is not necessary to book transportation in advance, it is recommended to do so during peak travel times or holidays. Buses and minivans can fill up quickly, so booking in advance can ensure a seat and save time waiting for the next available ride. Additionally, booking in advance can sometimes offer better prices.