Overview Compare Bus Minivan Train Taxi To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya
Pattaya is the closest well-known beach destination to Bangkok. The area is popular for its sandy beaches, blue sea, and water activities such as jet-skiing, sailing and parasailing. Pattaya offers a very exciting nightlife with its world-famous Walking Street and abundance of nightclubs.
This beach destination in the North of Thailand also offers a quiet side. In the area, you find numerous temples, cultural sights and tropical gardens. The city truly has something for everyone.
4 ways to get from Bangkok to Pattaya
The distance from Bangkok to Pattaya is 150 km (95 miles). In this post, we compare the four options to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya: by bus (2-2.5 hours), by minivan (2.5 hours), by train (2.5-3.5 hours), or by taxi (2 hours). Ticket prices range from 30 THB ($0.80) to 1,350 THB ($39).
The bus is one of the most popular modes of transport from Bangkok to Pattaya. Buses depart every hour and you can conveniently book your tickets online for about 170 THB ($4.90) or for 120 THB ($3.40) at the bus terminal.
An alternative to the bus is taking a minivan. However, we don’t really see any advantage in taking a minivan over a bus. Vans provide less leg space and also come with luggage restrictions. Tickets cost 215 THB ($6) when you book online.
Taking a train from Bangkok to Pattaya can be the cheapest option, but it’s not an option we recommend. There is only one departing in the early morning. On the weekends you can travel by rapid train (2.5 hours), but during the week you are bound to the ordinary (non-airconditioned) train that takes 3.5 hours. Weektrains cost only 30 THB ($0.80), while the weekend train costs 170 THB ($4.90).
Besides the shared transport above, you can also book a taxi with fares already starting from 1,350 THB ($39). That’s a great price if you consider that you will be picked up at your hotel in Bangkok and go straight to your hotel in Pattaya. No hassle to travel to/from the bus or train station.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Pattaya
Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus
The most practical mode of transport when going from Bangkok to Pattaya is by bus. Buses take between 2-2.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
Departure stations
The main bus terminals for buses heading to Pattaya are:
- Eastern Bus Terminal Ekkamai
- Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak – Mochit (North of Bangkok)
If you will take a taxi from your hotel to the bus terminal, it’s best to depart from Mochit, which is closest to Bangkok centre. The taxi drive to Mochit takes about 20-30 minutes while the drive to the Eastern Bus Terminal will take double the amount of time.
On the other hand, if you want to travel by public transport, go to the Eastern Bus Terminal. Ekkamai is conveniently connected with the Bangkok BTS metro line. Mochit Bus Terminal is only accessible by bus.
Buses from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Apart from these two bus terminals, you can also depart straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. This is a very convenient option as you don’t need to worry about the busy traffic in Bangkok.
The buses are leaving from the first floor at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, Exit door No. 8.
Bus companies operating on the route between Bangkok to Pattaya
Roong Reung Coach is the most popular bus company operating along this route. They have many departures from both the Eastern and Mochit bus terminals in Bangkok.
From the Eastern Bus Terminal, Roong Reung buses depart every hour between 06:00 and 21:00. From Bangkok Bus Terminal, their buses depart every two hours between 09:00 to 16:00.
Booking your ticket online costs about 170 THB ($4.90). An advantage of booking online is that you don’t need to wait in a long queue at the bus terminal. Thereby, you will be assured of a bus ticket at your desired departure time.
Tickets are available on BookAway, which offers competitive rates, an easy booking process, and excellent customer service.
Rong Reuang Coach bus schedule from Bangkok to Pattaya
Arrival station
All buses coming from Eastern Bus Terminal and Bangkok Bus Terminal arrive at the North Pattaya Bus Station.
The bus from the airport bus stops only a few minutes walk from Jomtien beach.
You can take a songthaew or a motorbike taxi from the terminal to your hotel. Taking the songthaew costs around 50 THB ($1.40), while the motorbike taxis charge starts about 10 THB ($0.20) for very short distances.
For longer distances, a rule of thumb is to use a km price of 40 THB ($1.10) for the motorbike taxi’s around Pattaya.
Bangkok to Pattaya by Minivan
Similar to the bus, you can also travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by minivan. Minivans are smaller than buses and also leave many times a day.
However, we don’t see a real advantage in taking the minivan instead of the bus. Vans have less luggage space and also provide less space than a bus.
There are also government-regulated vans that can take you from Bangkok to Pattaya. These vans are also parked in the Eastern Bus Terminal. The fare is 130 THB ($3.70) per person.
.If you want to secure your van ticket earlier, you can also book via BookAway for 215 THB ($6).
Minivan Schedule from Bangkok to Pattaya
Arrival stations in Pattaya
The minivans of Pannipa Pattaya Tour arrive at the Pannipa office, about 2 kms from Pattaya beach.
T Tour minivans arrive at the Pattaya T tour Station, which is closer to Pattaya Beach.
Bangkok to Pattaya by Train
Although the bus is a more popular option to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, you can also reach this beach destination by train.
The downside of the train is that the schedules are very limited.
The ordinary train (weekdays)
The only train that operates during the week, is the ordinary non-airconditioned train (3rd class), which is ventilated by fans.
Tickets are super cheap, though. You can buy the tickets for the #283 train at the railway station for as low as 30 THB ($0.80). Tickets cannot be bought online.
It’s a cheap way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, but it will also take the longest time. With about 26 stops, it will take around 3.5 hours before you reach Pattaya.
The rapid train (weekends)
During weekends, the ordinary train for this route doesn’t operate. But there is good news.
Instead of the slow #283 train, there is the #997 rapid train which has air conditioning and only takes about 2.5 hours from Bangkok to Pattaya.
You can book train tickets for the rapid train on State Railway of Thailand website, but we recommend booking on Baolau. Baolau’s website is easier to navigate through and also accepts international credit cards. Train tickets are priced 170 THB ($4.90) on both websites.
Train Schedule from Bangkok to Pattaya
Departure and arrival stations
Both trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station, about 5 kms from the Bangkok city centre.
You will get off at Pattaya Railway Station. This station is located 3 kms east of Central Pattaya.
Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi
Taking a taxi is by far the most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. As the taxi brings you door to door, you don’t need to worry about getting to/from the bus terminals or railway stations.
Hiring a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya normally costs around 1,350 THB ($39) – 2,500 THB ($72). You can ask your hotel if they offer a taxi service for this route, they should be able to book this in advance for you.
You can try your luck at hailing a taxi along the streets of Bangkok although most drivers will either decline or want to charge an extremely high rate, be prepared to negotiate.
Therefore we recommend booking your taxi online in advance. This way you can book with a trustworthy taxi company that can bring you safely and cheaply to Pattaya.
You can book a private car with a driver from Bangkok city centre to Pattaya already for 1,450 THB ($41.50). Use the button below to see which type of taxi you prefer.
Check Private Transfers on 12GoAsia
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya by Taxi
Want to travel straight from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya? hat’s even easier as you won’t need to travel through Bangkok’s busy city centre.
Taxis hired from the airport charge an average rate of 1,500 THB ($43). This price includes an airport surcharge of 50 THB ($1.40) and highway toll fees.
In other words, it’s an all-in fare which brings you straight from the airport for approximately 1,500 THB ($43) straight to Pattaya. Make sure to verify this with the driver to avoid surprises afterwards.
Even better, book your taxi in advance for an extra low rate, starting from 1,350 THB ($39) on BookAway.
Once your flight has landed and you picked up your baggage, the driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it.
Our favourite places to stay in Pattaya
Breeze Hostel
Breeze Hostel is located just 700m from Jomtien Beach and is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and all amenities yet far enough away that you will get a good sleep at night. The hostel offers a shared lounge and garden area for the guest’s enjoyment. The beds are extremely comfortable and the hostel is well known for comfort, safety, and friendly staff.
- Excellent location
- Garden and lounge area
- Very comfortable beds
- Beach nearby
Single bunk starts at $10 per night
Asleep by Lantana
Located in Pattaya North with the beaches on one side and shopping on the other, it’s an ideal location for all types of travelers. A clean, modern hostel with a shared lounge offering a pool table, ping pong table, and dartboard for guests to enjoy. There is a 7 Eleven, ATM’s, swimming pool and cafe on-site for all your needs.
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant onsite
- Good location
- Activities lounge for socializing
Single bunk starts at $15 per night
Beachwalk Jomtien
Just 300 meters from Jomtien Beach, this hotel is set in a perfect quiet location. The area is full of restaurants, bars, shopping, amenities, and white-sand beaches. The rooms are spacious, clean, and have very comfortable beds. All rooms offer a small seating area most have a private balcony attached to the room.
- Great location
- Clean and comfortable
- Private balcony
- Shared kitchen area
Private room starts at $30 per night
JN9 POSHTEL
Just a 1-minute walk from Jomtien Beach, this hotel is located in an ideal location. The onsite restaurant is extremely popular and the bar and garden areas are great places for the guests to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Well known for the extremely comfortable beds and cleanliness, this hotel is a great pick for any traveler.
- Excellent location
- Beach nearby
- Extremely comfortable beds
- Onsite restaurant and bar
Private room starts at $46 per night
Pattaya Travel Guides
The Ultimate Pattaya Travel Guide
Routes from Pattaya
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
