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Pattaya is a beach city on the Gulf coast, east of Bangkok. It's known for its loud nightlife, but Jomtien Beach and the Sanctuary of Truth show a quieter side. The train is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya at $5.40 (177 THB). It takes 2h 30m. The bus and the minivan sit in between on price, and a taxi costs a lot more. By road it's usually 1.5-2 hours via Motorway 7, up to 3 when Bangkok traffic is heavy.
Distance from Bangkok to Pattaya
Bangkok and Pattaya are about 98 km (61 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 144 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 30m and 4h.
4 ways to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya
There are four ways to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. You can choose between the bus, minivan, train, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 30m–2h 30m and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $4.90 (161 THB).
BusDuration2hPricefrom$5161 THB
Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus
The most practical mode of transport when going from Bangkok to Pattaya is by bus. Buses take about 2-4h, 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 $4.90 (161 THB). 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.
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 $1.50 (50 THB), while the motorbike taxis charge starts about $0.30 (10 THB) for very short distances.
For longer distances, a rule of thumb is to use a km price of $1.20 (40 THB) for the motorbike taxi’s around Pattaya.
MinivanDuration2h 25mPricefrom$5161 THB
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 $4 (130 THB) per person.
If you want to secure your van ticket earlier, you can also book via BookAway for $4.90 (161 THB).
Minivan schedule from Bangkok to Pattaya
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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.
TrainDuration2h 30mPricefrom$5177 THB
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 $5.40 (177 THB). 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 2h 30m 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 $5.20 (170 THB) 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.
TaxiDuration1h 30mPricefrom$461,500 THB
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.
The cost of hiring a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya normally starts at $41 – $76 (1,360 – 2,500 THB). 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 $52 (1,700 THB).
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya by Taxi
Want to travel straight from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya? That’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 $46 (1,500 THB). This price includes an airport surcharge of $1.50 (50 THB) and highway toll fees.
In other words, it’s an all-in fare which brings you straight from the airport to Pattaya for approximately $46 (1,500 THB). 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 $46 (1,500 THB) 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.
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Our favourite places to stay in Pattaya
There are over a thousand accommodations to choose from in Pattaya. That's a lot! What there isn't a lot of is budget options. Many of the hotels tend to start at around $50 (1,640 THB) per night, soaring way into hundreds of dollars. If you have the cash to splash, Pattaya has some incredible luxurious and unique accommodations. On a bit more of a budget?
We've got accommodation recommendations for all budgets:
BudgetButterfly Garden Boutique Residence
Finding budget-friendly accommodation in Pattaya isn't the easiest task, but Butterfly Garden Boutique Residence is a great find. The apartments are huge, coming with a kitchen, spa bath and a private balcony. It feels like a home from home.
The location is great, not too far from the Night Market and a 10-minute walk from the beach. There's also a swimming pool if you need to cool down from Thailand's scorching weather.
- Swimming pool
- Ideal location
- Huge apartments
- Great value for money
Apartments start from $29 (950 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeCitismart Luxury Apartments
Staying at Citismart Luxury Apartments you don't just get a standard room, you get a kitchen, a lot more space than most hotel rooms and a private balcony. The rooms vary in luxuriousness depending on the price, but even the cheapest one is comfortable and spacious.
You also get to use the apartment's amenities which include a swimming pool and sundeck. Staying here puts you in a great location, 250m from the beach and a short drive to Central Pattaya.
- Swimming pool
- Large apartment
- Great location
- Sun deck
Apartments start from $54 (1,780 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfAmethyst Hotel Pattaya
Situated 700m from Pattaya Beach, you can almost see it from Amethyst Hotel's rooftop pool and terrace. Spectacular city views from an infinity pool, can life get much better? Maybe in their hot tub, it could.
The rest of the hotel is just as impressive with luxurious and spacious rooms you won't want to leave. The onsite restaurant is delicious and there's a gym to burn off all the food you're eating.
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Spectacular views
- Luxurious rooms
- Onsite gym and restaurant
Private rooms start from $78 (2,550 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfGrande Centre Point Space
This place really does feel like you've boarded a space ship and your next stop is space! Everything about Grande Centre Point Space feels modern and futuristic. We guarantee it will be like nowhere you've stayed before.
There are too many swimming pools to count — one with waterslides, a lazy river and even a rooftop pool. You'll also find a gym, delicious restaurant, kids club, sauna and steam room. Plus the rooms are as incredible as the rest of the hotel.
- Unique design
- Lots of swimming pools
- Rooftop terrace
- Delicious free breakfast
Private rooms start from $165 (5,400 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Pattaya?
Pattaya is the closest well-known beach destination to Bangkok. Far from your traditional Thai city, this one is tailored for tourists — not exactly a backpacker's choice, but a favoured spot by families travelling with kids.
Every other travel guide to Pattaya will tell you there's so much you can do in this vibrant city. They're not exaggerating. White sand beaches, waterparks, watersports, botanical gardens, a floating market, live shows, and a vibrant nightlife — Pattaya has it all.
Rounding it up
The train from Bangkok to Pattaya is a scenic budget ride, but with few departures it suits early risers best. Most travellers take the bus from Ekkamai or a minivan, and a taxi or private car service makes sense for groups and late arrivals.
Once you're in Pattaya, the ferry to Koh Larn (Coral Island) leaves from Bali Hai Pier and makes an easy beach day away from the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bangkok to Pattaya?
The distance from Bangkok to Pattaya is 98 kilometres (61 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Journey times from Bangkok to Pattaya overlap: bus 2-4h, minivan 2h 25m - 4h, train 2h 30m, taxi 1h 30m - 3h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya is by bus with ticket costs starting from 161 THB.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
For most travellers it's the bus from Ekkamai: about 2 hours and around 160 THB, with departures all day. A taxi is faster door to door, and the train is the cheapest if the timetable suits you.
How much does a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya cost?
From around 1,500 THB for the roughly two-hour drive, depending on traffic and where you start in Bangkok. Agree the fare or book a private car service in advance to skip the haggling.
How long is the drive from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Usually 1.5-2 hours via Motorway 7. Leave outside rush hour, because getting out of Bangkok can add another hour.
Can you fly from Bangkok to Pattaya?
No, there are no scheduled flights. Pattaya's airport, U-Tapao, mainly serves other Thai cities and a few international routes. By road it's under 2 hours anyway.
Can you do a day trip from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Yes. It's about 2 hours each way, so an early bus or minivan from Ekkamai gives you a full day at the beach before the evening ride back.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Travel Writer
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.
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