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How to Go

How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya

Overview

Pattaya is located approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The journey typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your mode of transportation and traffic conditions.

Transportation Options

1. Private Taxi / Car Service ⭐ Most Comfortable

Pros:

  • Door-to-door service from your hotel/airport
  • Most comfortable and convenient option
  • Flexible departure time
  • Air-conditioned and private
  • Direct route without stops
  • Perfect for families or groups

Cons:

  • Most expensive option
  • Price varies by vehicle type

Cost:

  • Sedan: 1,800-2,500 THB
  • SUV: 2,200-3,000 THB
  • Van: 2,800-3,500 THB

Duration: 1.5-2 hours (depending on traffic)

Booking: Book in advance through hotel, online platforms, or local taxi services like Smile Taxi Service for reliable and professional drivers.

2. Public Bus 🚌 Most Economical

Option A: Bell Travel Service Bus

Route: Bangkok (Ekkamai Bus Terminal) → Pattaya (North Pattaya / Central Pattaya / Jomtien)

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Frequent departures (every 30-40 minutes)
  • Air-conditioned coaches
  • Direct service

Cons:

  • Need to get to Ekkamai Bus Terminal first
  • Fixed schedule
  • Stops at multiple points in Pattaya
  • Less comfortable than private options

Cost: 108-130 THB per person

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

Departure Points:

  • Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal) - Main departure point
  • First bus: 5:00 AM
  • Last bus: 11:00 PM

How to Get to Ekkamai:

  • BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai Station
  • Taxi from your hotel

Option B: Government Bus

Route: Bangkok (Mochit Bus Terminal / Sai Tai Mai) → Pattaya

Cost: 117-148 THB

Duration: 2.5-3 hours

Note: Less frequent than Bell Travel Service

3. Minivan Service 🚐 Good Balance

Pros:

  • Cheaper than private taxi
  • Faster than public bus
  • Door-to-door pickup available (some services)
  • Regular departures

Cons:

  • Shared with other passengers (can be cramped)
  • Multiple pickups/drop-offs can extend journey time
  • Limited luggage space

Cost: 250-400 THB per person

Duration: 2-2.5 hours

Popular Operators:

  • Roong Reuang Coach
  • Pattaya United
  • Bell Travel Service (minivan option)

Pickup/Drop-off Points:

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport
  • Don Mueang Airport
  • Victory Monument
  • Khao San Road
  • Major hotels

4. Train 🚂 Scenic Route

Route: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong Station) → Pattaya Station

Pros:

  • Very cheap
  • Unique experience
  • Scenic coastal views
  • No traffic worries

Cons:

  • Only one train per day on weekends/holidays
  • Very slow
  • Inconvenient schedule
  • Pattaya station is far from city center (need taxi from station)
  • Limited service frequency

Cost: 31 THB (3rd class)

Schedule:

  • Departure from Bangkok: 6:55 AM (Monday-Friday), 6:40 AM (Weekends/Holidays)
  • Arrival in Pattaya: ~11:00 AM

Duration: ~4 hours

Note: This option is mainly for budget travelers or those seeking a unique experience. Not practical for most tourists.

5. Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Bolt) 📱

Pros:

  • Easy booking through app
  • Transparent pricing
  • Real-time tracking
  • Cashless payment

Cons:

  • Not all drivers accept long-distance trips
  • Surge pricing during peak hours
  • May be difficult to find drivers willing to go to Pattaya
  • No guarantee of availability

Cost: 1,500-2,500 THB (varies greatly)

Duration: 1.5-2 hours

Tip: Book well in advance and confirm with driver that they accept the long-distance trip.

6. Airport Transfer from Suvarnabhumi/Don Mueang ✈️

If arriving at Bangkok airports and heading straight to Pattaya:

From Suvarnabhumi Airport:

  • Bell Travel Service Bus: 130 THB, every 30-60 minutes (6:00 AM - 10:00 PM)
  • Private Taxi: 1,800-2,500 THB
  • Airport Limousine Service: 2,000-3,000 THB

From Don Mueang Airport:

  • Minivan Service: 300-400 THB
  • Private Taxi: 2,000-2,800 THB

Recommended Routes by Travel Style

For Comfort Seekers & Families:

✅ Private Taxi/Car Service - Most convenient, especially with luggage

For Budget Travelers:

✅ Public Bus from Ekkamai - Best value for money

For Groups (4+ people):

✅ Private Van - Split the cost, still comfortable

For Airport Arrivals:

✅ Airport Bus Service or Pre-booked Private Transfer

For Solo Backpackers:

✅ Shared Minivan or Public Bus

Important Travel Tips

Traffic Considerations:

  • Peak Hours: Avoid traveling Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons/evenings when Bangkok traffic is heaviest
  • Best Times: Early morning (before 7 AM) or late morning (after 10 AM) on weekdays
  • Weekends: Generally better traffic than weekdays

What to Bring:

  • Cash for tolls and tips (if using private taxi)
  • Water and snacks
  • Motion sickness medication (if prone)
  • Light jacket (buses can be cold)

Booking Tips:

  • Private Taxis: Book 24-48 hours in advance, especially during high season
  • Buses: Can usually buy tickets same-day, but advance booking recommended for weekends
  • Minivans: Book at least a day ahead for better pickup times

Communication:

  • Have your destination address in Thai script
  • Save your driver/company contact number
  • Download offline maps (Google Maps works well in Thailand)

Popular Drop-off Areas in Pattaya

When booking transportation, specify your destination:

  1. North Pattaya - Quieter area, Terminal 21 mall
  2. Central Pattaya - Main tourist area, Beach Road, Walking Street nearby
  3. South Pattaya - Walking Street entertainment area
  4. Jomtien Beach - Family-friendly beach area, south of main Pattaya
  5. Naklua - Northern area, more local, seafood restaurants

Return Journey: Pattaya to Bangkok

All the above options work in reverse:

  • Public Bus: From North Pattaya Bus Terminal or Central Pattaya (opposite Tuk Com)
  • Private Taxi: Book through hotel or local taxi service
  • Minivan: Various pickup points throughout Pattaya

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Option: Private taxi service through a reputable company like Smile Taxi Service

  • Stress-free, comfortable, and reliable
  • Worth the extra cost for the convenience
  • Professional English-speaking drivers
  • No hassle with luggage
  • Flexible timing

Best Budget Option: Bell Travel Service Bus from Ekkamai

  • Reliable and frequent
  • Very affordable
  • Comfortable enough for the short journey

Best for Airport Arrivals: Pre-booked private transfer

  • Skip the hassle after a long flight
  • Direct to your Pattaya hotel
  • Peace of mind with fixed pricing

Contact & Booking

For reliable private taxi service from Bangkok to Pattaya:

  • Smile Taxi Service offers professional drivers, comfortable vehicles, and competitive rates
  • Available 24/7 for airport pickups and city transfers
  • Book in advance for best availability

Safe travels! Enjoy your trip to Pattaya! 🌴🏖️