Going to Pattaya from Bangkok? You probably wouldn’t know where to start with all the available transport options. But don’t worry!
From the most budget-friendly option to the most comfortable way to travel, this guide will be your best friend in getting to Pattaya from Bangkok.
Traveling by Bus 🚌
Tourists usually travel via bus to Pattaya because of its practicality.
Taking a bus from BKK to Pattaya is one of the most practical ways to make the trip, and the fare is even less than AUD $8! The buses depart every hour from 6:00AM to 9:00PM, so you don’t have to worry about missing them. You can even choose your seats when you book through this city transfer bus!
There are three starting points to get to Pattaya from Bangkok via bus:
1. From Ekkamai Bus Terminal to North Pattaya Bus Terminal
Take the BTS going to Ekkamai Station. Walk for just one minute, then you’ll reach the bus terminal.
Buses from this terminal will get you to Pattaya in around two hours.
2. From Mo Chit Bus Terminal to North Pattaya Bus Terminal
Take the BTS going to Mo Chit Station. You can choose to walk to the Chatuchak Coach Station in Mo Chit 2 (heads up, it might be a long walk), or you can take a taxi instead.
Buses from this terminal will get you to Pattaya in around three hours.
3. From Suvarnabhumi Airport to North Pattaya Bus Terminal/Pattaya Jomtien Bus Terminal/Hotel in Pattaya
Take the BTS going to Phaya Thai Station. From there, transfer to the Airport Rail Link and alight at the Suvarnabhumi Airport. But if you just arrived at Thailand through the said airport, then no need for additional travels! Head over to Gate 8 on the first floor, and look for the Pattaya-Hua Hin booth.
Buses from this terminal will get you to Pattaya in around two to three hours, depending on where you’re alighting.
If you’re unsure where to get off, then just remember that the North Pattaya Bus Terminal is near Terminal 21, while the Pattaya Jomtien Bus Terminal is near Dongtan Beach. You can also choose to alight at your hotel in Pattaya, but you’ll have to transfer to a mini bus for that.
Klook Tip: You’re only allowed one luggage and one carry-on for the bus. If you’re bringing more, there’s an extra charge of ฿20 (roughly AUD $1) for each additional luggage.
Traveling by Mini Van 🚐
Going for a comfortable budget-friendly option? Take a mini van!
If you want something more comfortable than a bus, you may opt for traveling via a shared mini van. Mini vans usually have a quicker travel time than buses, and you also have the luxury of asking for bathroom breaks when necessary.
You can find mini vans inside bus terminals, like Ekkamai Bus Terminal. But you can also request for hotel pick-ups, like in this shared city transfer. If you do, you’ll also be dropped off at your hotel in Pattaya. When you think about it, it’s almost like a private transfer. 😉
Traveling by Taxi 🚕
Flag down a taxi anywhere in Bangkok! | Photo from S5A-0043 on Wikimedia
Riding a Bangkok taxi to Pattaya isn’t uncommon. If you’re traveling with two or three other people, you can definitely book a taxi going to Pattaya. It’s a more private and comfortable trip compared to riding in a mini van. Just a heads up - rates might get expensive. 😬
You can easily hail a taxi anywhere, but you can also ask your hotel concierge to book one for you!
Traveling by Private Transfer 🚗
Go for comfort when you travel via private transfer.
If you’re traveling with a big group or with lots of luggage, we highly recommend booking a private city transfer. A private transfer guarantees a totally flexible trip going to Pattaya from Bangkok!
Want to depart in the middle of the afternoon? Want to stop by a few tourist spots before your hotel in Pattaya? This door-to-door service can certainly do that for you! You can choose from taking a premium sedan, a standard MPV, or a standard van to make your ride more comfortable.
Not only do you travel in comfort, but you also get to travel in the way you want and need. ❤️
Traveling by Train 🚃
Get an authentic Thai experience when you go to Pattaya via train. | Photo from Trairong Meemai on Wikimedia
Traveling by train to Pattaya from Bangkok is the least used option because it also takes the longest. But it’s possible, and is the cheapest, too!
There is only one train that goes to Pattaya every weekday, and it leaves at 6:55AM. You’ll have to take the MRT and alight at Hua Lamphong Sam Yan Station. From there, go to the old Hua Lamphong Station, and purchase tickets for Train 283 going to Pattaya. You’ll then reach Pattaya at around 10:30AM.
If you’re going on a weekend, you’ll have to take Train 997, which departs at 6:45AM. It reaches Pattaya at around 9:10AM, which is earlier than the weekday train. It’s highly recommended to book your train tickets in advance if you’re going on a weekend.
As we said, this is the cheapest option with the weekday trains costing AUD $1.50, and weekend trains costing AUD $8.10. But not a lot of tourists choose it because of the trains themselves. Train 283 offers only 3rd class seats, and has no air conditioning. Train 997, on the other hand, is much better as it offers 2nd class seats with air conditioning.
But if you’re after that authentic Thailand experience, and if time and comfort isn’t really an issue for you, then we suggest taking the train going to Pattaya! It’ll definitely be a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about how to get to Pattaya from Bangkok 💬
What are the transport options from Bangkok to Pattaya?
There are five ways to get to Pattaya from Bangkok: via bus, train, mini van, taxi, and private transfer.
If you have no worries about commuting, go by bus, mini van, or train. But if you value comfort above all else, we recommend taking a taxi or a private transfer for a more private trip.
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
It typically takes around two to three hours to reach Pattaya from Bangkok. Still, it depends on where and when you’re departing.
What’s the best time to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya to avoid traffic and delays?
It’s definitely better to travel during the weekdays than the weekends! It’s also much better to travel around dawn, late night, or late afternoon. Traffic isn’t so bad during those times.
Is it better to base yourself in Bangkok and do a day-trip to Pattaya, or stay overnight?
Pattaya is a large city - it’s certainly much better to stay overnight! Tourists tend to visit Pattaya for its coastal area, but there’s a lot more to see in that place!
If you’re traveling with kids, Pattaya has water parks and theme parks. If you’re traveling with friends, go and stay the night to experience the coastal nightlife. And if you’re traveling with family, visit the city’s numerous temples and gardens to learn more about their culture.
Here’s to a hassle-free journey to Pattaya ☀️
Arrive in Pattaya feeling refreshed and energized.
Now that you know all the ways to go to Pattaya from Bangkok, all that’s left to choose is the ride that fits your preferences.
Choose wisely, so you can enjoy the journey and have an amazing time in Pattaya!
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