What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
4 ways to get from Pattaya to Bangkok
There are four ways to travel the distance of 150 km (93 miles) from Pattaya to Bangkok: by bus (2-2.5 hours), minivan (2.5 hours), taxi (2 hours) and train (2.5 to 3.5 hours). The journey takes between 2h - 3h30m and the quickest way is by bus. The lowest priced tickets start from 30 THB ($0.80) for the train.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Pattaya to Bangkok by Train
Travelling from Pattaya to Bangkok can be done by train. Rates are much cheaper but the schedules are very limited. For that reason, we wouldn’t recommend this option.
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 #284 train at the railway station for as low as 30 THB ($0.80). Tickets for this ordinary train cannot be bought online.
It’s a cheap way to travel from Pattaya to Bangkok, 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 #284 train, there is the #998 rapid train which has air conditioning and only takes about 2.5 hours from Pattaya to Bangkok.
Train you can buy your tickets on the 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 ($4.70) on both websites.
Train Schedules from Pattaya to Bangkok
Tickets for the ordinary train for this route are not sold in advance. You can only buy them at the station on the day of departure.
Trains depart from Pattaya Railway Station and arrive at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, which is 5 km away from Bangkok centre. From there, you will need to catch a transfer to your hotel or your next destination.
Pattaya to Bangkok by Bus
The bus is the most practical mode of transport when going from Bangkok to Pattaya. Buses take around 2.5 hours, depending on the traffic.
Departure stations
The main bus terminals for buses heading to Bangkok are:
- North Pattaya Bus Terminal
- Jomtien Bus Stop
Most buses depart from the North Pattaya Bus Terminal. This bus terminal is located along North Pattaya Road.
To reach the terminal, you can take a songthaew for 50 THB ($1.40) or take motorbike taxis that charge about 10 THB ($0.20) for short distances. A rule of thumb for longer distances is that 40 THB ($1.10) will be charged per kilometre.
Expect the journey to the bus terminal to take about 10 minutes from most hotels in Pattaya.
If you are coming from the Jomtien bus stop, you can travel directly to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Rong Reuang Coach Bus
Roong Reung Coach is a well-known bus company that operates along this route. They have several departures from both the North Pattaya Bus Terminal and Jomtien Bus Stop.
Buses depart every hour from 05:00 to 20:00 for the buses coming from North Pattaya Bus Terminal. If you are coming from the Jomtien bus stop going to Suvarnabhumi Airport, buses depart every 90 minutes from 7:30 to 16:00.
You can conveniently book online tickets on BookAway for competitive rates, an easy booking process, and excellent customer service.
See here the bus schedules from Pattaya to Bangkok:
Rong Reuang Coach Bus schedules from Pattaya to Bangkok
Arrival stations
Most of the buses coming from North Pattaya Bus Terminal are parked at the Eastern Bus Terminal in Ekkamai and a few continue on to Mochit Bus Terminal.
Besides these two bus terminals, you can also arrive straight from the Jomtien bus stop to Suvarnabhumi Airport. This is a very convenient option as you don’t need to worry about the busy traffic in Bangkok city centre.
Roong Reuang Coach operates trips from Pattaya to Bangkok on a daily basis.
Pattaya to Bangkok by Minivan
You can also travel from Pattaya to Bangkok by minivan. Minivans are smaller than buses and also leave many times a day.
Apart from the two minivan companies on the Pattaya to Bangkok route, there are also government-regulated vans that can take you from Pattaya to Bangkok. These vans are also parked in the Eastern Bus Terminal. The fare is 130 THB ($3.60) per person.
If you want to secure your minivan ticket earlier, you can also book via BookAway for 215 THB ($6.00).
Minivan schedules from Pattaya to Bangkok
Depending on the route the van takes, they may drop you off closer to your hotel than the bus. Simply ask your driver to stop if you are near your destination.
Pattaya to Bangkok by Taxi
Taking a taxi is quite convenient and comfortable as it brings you door to door.
Hiring a taxi from Pattaya to Bangkok starts with the price of 1,350 THB ($38.00). 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. Expect to pay a bit more, though, than when booking online.
You can also try your luck at hailing a taxi along the streets of Pattaya although most drivers will either decline or want to charge an extremely high rate, be prepared to negotiate.
Better yet, book online in advance to secure a flat rate. You can get a private car from Pattaya centre to Bangkok city for 1,350 THB ($38.00).
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pattaya to Bangkok
What is the distance from Pattaya to Bangkok?
The distance from Pattaya to Bangkok is 150 km (93 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Pattaya to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Pattaya to Bangkok is by bus and takes 2-2.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Pattaya to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Pattaya to Bangkok is by train with ticket costs starting from 30 THB ($0.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Pattaya to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
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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.
Very helpful content. Going to BKK and Pattaya this February! Big help! Thanks much!
Hi R! Thank you so much for the kind words! Hope you enjoy Thailand!