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! 🌴🏖️