How to Get from Pattaya to Bangkok Airports (Suvarnabhumi & Don Mueang)

Catching a flight from Bangkok after enjoying Pattaya? This comprehensive guide covers all transportation options to both of Bangkok's international airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Choose the method that best fits your schedule, budget, and comfort needs!

Airport Overview

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

• Distance from Pattaya: 120 km
• Journey Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Main International Airport
• Serves: Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, most international carriers

Don Mueang Airport (DMK)

• Distance from Pattaya: 145 km
• Journey Time: 2-3 hours
• Budget Airline Hub
• Serves: AirAsia, NokAir, Lion Air, domestic flights

Transportation Options Overview

To Suvarnabhumi (BKK):

To Don Mueang (DMK):

🚌 Airport Bus (Suvarnabhumi Only) - Most Popular!

Cost: 130-150 THB
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Recommended for BKK!

Bell Travel Service (Main Operator)

Pickup Points in Pattaya:

1. Jomtien: Jomtien Beach Road hotels
2. Central Pattaya: Central Festival, various hotels
3. North Pattaya: Hotels along Beach Road

Schedule:

• Every 1-2 hours from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Most Popular Departures:
  • 5:00 AM (early flights)
  • 7:00 AM
  • 9:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM
  • 1:00 PM
  • 3:00 PM
  • 5:00 PM
  • 7:00 PM

Booking:

• Walk-up: Bus stops at major hotels
• Online: Bell Travel Service website
• Hotel desk: Usually can arrange (+20-30 THB commission)
• Phone booking: +66 89 271 9999

Journey Details:

• Direct to Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Air-conditioned coach
• Comfortable reclining seats
• Rest stop if needed
• Drops at Airport Level 1 (Arrivals - then take escalator up)

What to Know:

• Books up fast during peak season
• Recommend booking 1 day ahead
• Arrives at Level 1 (walk up to Level 4 for departures)
• Reliable and punctual

Timeline Example:

• 5:00 AM: Pickup at your Pattaya hotel
• 7:00-7:30 AM: Arrive Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Perfect for: Flights departing 9:30 AM onwards

Pros:

✅ Cheapest direct option (130-150 THB)
✅ Door-to-door (hotel pickup)
✅ Comfortable coach
✅ Very reliable
✅ No traffic navigation needed
✅ Meet other travelers

Cons:

❌ Fixed schedule (need to plan around it)
❌ Picks up from multiple hotels (adds 20-30 min)
❌ Not available for Don Mueang
❌ Can sell out during holidays

💡 Pro Tip: For flights departing between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM, this is your best bet! Book the day before to guarantee a seat. The 130 THB price is unbeatable for door-to-door service!

🚗 Private Taxi/Car - Most Flexible

To Suvarnabhumi (BKK):

• Cost: 1,200-1,800 THB (entire car)
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours

To Don Mueang (DMK):

• Cost: 1,500-2,200 THB (entire car)
• Duration: 2-3 hours

Booking Options:

1. Hotel Taxi Desk

• Most convenient
• Usually 1,500-1,800 THB to BKK
• 1,800-2,200 THB to DMK
• Can arrange night before
• Driver waits at lobby

2. Smile Taxi Service / Pre-book Online

• Book 24 hours ahead
• English-speaking drivers
• Flight tracking
• Meet and greet
• Fixed price (no surprises)
• 1,300-1,600 THB to BKK
• 1,700-2,000 THB to DMK

3. Street Taxi

• Negotiate price beforehand!
• Typical: 1,200-1,500 THB to BKK
• Get driver's number
• Arrange pickup time
• Less reliable

4. Ride-Hailing Apps (Bolt, Grab)

• To BKK: 900-1,400 THB
• To DMK: 1,200-1,800 THB
• Transparent pricing
• Track your driver
• Cashless payment
• May surge during peak times

What You Get:

• Door-to-door service
• Departure time of your choice
• Private vehicle (no stops)
• Luggage space
• Can accommodate 3-4 passengers
• Faster than bus (no hotel stops)

Recommended Timing:

For Domestic Flights:

• Depart Pattaya 2.5-3 hours before flight

For International Flights:

• Depart Pattaya 3.5-4 hours before flight

For Very Early Flights (before 8 AM):

• Private taxi is the ONLY option (buses don't run early enough)

Pros:

✅ Ultimate flexibility
✅ Your schedule, not bus schedule
✅ Fastest option (no stops)
✅ Essential for early morning flights
✅ Door-to-door
✅ Works for BOTH airports
✅ Cost-effective for 3-4 people (350-600 THB per person)

Cons:

❌ Most expensive for solo travelers
❌ Traffic can delay (mornings can be heavy)
❌ Need to book reliable driver

💡 Pro Tip: For groups of 3-4, private taxi is only 375-500 THB per person to BKK - just 250-350 THB more than the bus but much more convenient! For early flights (before 9 AM departure), this is your ONLY realistic option.

🚐 Shared Minivan

Cost: 200-300 THB per person
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Mainly to Suvarnabhumi

How It Works:

• Travel agencies arrange shared vans
• Picks up from multiple hotels
• 8-12 passengers
• Less frequent than buses
• Usually need to book day before

Booking:

• Pattaya travel agencies (Beach Road, Jomtien)
• Some hotels can arrange
• Usually need minimum 4-6 passengers

Pros:

✅ Cheaper than private taxi
✅ More frequent than you might find
✅ Door-to-door pickup

Cons:

❌ Multiple stops (can add 30-45 min)
❌ Depends on other passengers
❌ Less comfortable than bus
❌ Less reliable scheduling

💡 Pro Tip: Honestly, the Bell bus for 130 THB is better than shared minivan for 250-300 THB. Only consider minivan if bus times don't work for you.

🚌 Public Bus to Bangkok + Airport Transfer (Don Mueang)

Total Cost: 200-350 THB
Total Duration: 3.5-4.5 hours
For: Extreme budget travelers to DMK

Step 1: Pattaya to Bangkok Bus

Cost: 100-130 THB
Duration: 2 hours
Departure: Pattaya Bus Terminal (North Pattaya Road)

Schedule: Every 30-40 minutes, 4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Arrives: Ekkamai (East) or Mo Chit (North) Bus Terminal

Step 2: Bus Terminal to Don Mueang Airport

From Ekkamai:

• BTS to Mo Chit → A1 Bus to DMK (total 1.5 hours, 100 THB)

From Mo Chit:

• A1 Airport Bus or taxi (30 min, 30-150 THB)

Pros:

✅ Cheapest option to Don Mueang
✅ Frequent buses

Cons:

❌ Multiple transfers
❌ Very time-consuming
❌ Risk of missing flight
❌ Luggage hassle on public transport
❌ Not worth the hassle!

💡 Pro Tip: This option saves 1,200-1,500 THB but takes 2+ hours longer and involves multiple transfers with luggage. Unless you're on an extremely tight budget, skip this and take a direct option!

🗺️ Route & Traffic Considerations

Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi (BKK):

Route: Highway 7 (Motorway)
Distance: 120 km
Normal Duration: 1.5 hours

Traffic Zones:

• 6:00-9:00 AM: Heavy outbound from Bangkok (your direction is fine)
• 4:00-7:00 PM: Heavy inbound to Bangkok (affects your route)
• Worst Traffic: Friday evenings, Sunday evenings
• Best Times: Early morning (before 6 AM), mid-morning (9-11 AM), early afternoon (1-3 PM)

Pattaya to Don Mueang (DMK):

Route: Highway 7 → Outer Ring Road → Don Mueang
Distance: 145 km
Normal Duration: 2 hours

Traffic Zones:

• Crosses more of Bangkok
• More prone to delays
• Add extra 30 minutes buffer

Motorway Tolls:

• Highway 7: 65-105 THB (usually included in taxi fare)
• Make sure driver knows tolls are included (if pre-negotiated price)

⏰ Timing Recommendations

Domestic Flights:

Arrive at Airport: 1.5 hours before departure
Depart Pattaya:

• To BKK: 3 hours before flight (includes buffer)
• To DMK: 3.5 hours before flight

International Flights:

Arrive at Airport: 2.5-3 hours before departure
Depart Pattaya:

• To BKK: 4-4.5 hours before flight
  To DMK: 5 hours before flight (it's farther!)

Early Morning Flights (Depart before 9 AM):

• Private taxi is ESSENTIAL
• Bell bus doesn't run early enough
• Book taxi night before
• Confirm pickup time twice
• Give driver flight number

Example Schedules:

Flight at 10:00 AM (Domestic, BKK):

• 7:00 AM: Depart Pattaya (taxi or bus)
• 9:00 AM: Arrive BKK
• 10:00 AM: Flight departs
• ✅ Perfect timing

Flight at 11:00 AM (International, BKK):

• 7:00 AM: Depart Pattaya (taxi or 7 AM bus)
• 9:00 AM: Arrive BKK
• 11:00 AM: Flight departs
• ✅ Good timing (2 hours at airport)

Flight at 7:00 AM (Any):

• 4:00 AM: Depart Pattaya (MUST be private taxi!)
• 6:00 AM: Arrive BKK
• 7:00 AM: Flight departs
• ⚠️ Cutting it close, but doable

🎯 Recommended Options by Scenario

Solo Budget Traveler (Flight 9 AM-8 PM from BKK)

Bell Bus (130-150 THB)
Unbeatable value, reliable, comfortable.

Solo Traveler with Early Flight (Before 9 AM from BKK)

Pre-booked Private Taxi (1,300-1,600 THB)
Only realistic option. Worth the cost.

Couple

Private Taxi (650-900 THB per person)
Split cost makes it reasonable. More convenient than bus.

Group of 3-4

Private Taxi (375-500 THB per person to BKK)
No-brainer. Just slightly more than bus but direct and faster.

Flying from Don Mueang (Any scenario)

Private Taxi (1,500-2,000 THB)
No good bus option. Taxi is necessary.

Flexible Schedule, Daytime Flight from BKK

Bell Bus (130-150 THB)
Save money, reliable, comfortable.

Business Traveler, Important Flight

Pre-booked Private Car Service
Peace of mind, flight tracking, professional drivers.

💡 Essential Tips

Booking Bell Bus:

• Book 1-2 days ahead during high season
• Book 3-5 days ahead for holidays (NYE, Chinese NY, Songkran)
• Get confirmation number
• Confirm pickup time and location with hotel
• Driver usually calls 10-15 min before pickup

Booking Private Taxi:

• Get driver's name and phone number
• Confirm price includes tolls and airport drop-off
• Share flight details
• Confirm pickup time twice (day before + morning of)
• Get receipt if your company reimburses

What to Bring:

• ✅ Printed or mobile boarding pass
• ✅ Passport (for international flights)
• ✅ Flight confirmation
• ✅ Cash for taxi (if not using ride-hailing app)
• ✅ Phone charger
• ✅ Snacks and water

Traffic Apps:

• Google Maps: Check traffic before departure
• Grab/Bolt: Real-time pricing and booking
• Waze: Alternative routes if traffic bad

If You Miss Your Ride:

• Bell Bus: Call immediately (+66 89 271 9999), might catch you
• Private Taxi: Should wait 15 min, call driver
• Backup: Grab/Bolt app (but might be expensive/surge pricing)

🏨 Pickup Locations (Bell Bus)

Jomtien Area:

• Major hotels along Jomtien Beach Road
• Confirm exact pickup point when booking

Central Pattaya:

• Central Festival Pattaya
• Hotels on Beach Road
• Hotels on 2nd Road

North Pattaya:

• Hotels along Beach Road
• Dolphin Roundabout area

Note: If your hotel isn't on the route, they'll give you nearest pickup point (usually 5-10 min walk or quick taxi).

⚠️ Important Warnings

Traffic Risks:

• Friday PM: Worst traffic from Pattaya to Bangkok
• Sunday PM: Heavy Bangkok-bound traffic
• Holidays: Can add 1-2 hours to journey
• Always add buffer time!

Early Flight Reality Check:

• Flight departs 7:00 AM = Leave Pattaya 4:00 AM
• Flight departs 8:00 AM = Leave Pattaya 5:00 AM
• Bell bus won't work - MUST book private taxi

Don Mueang Reality:

• It's 25 km further than Suvarnabhumi
• No direct bus service
• Budget airlines may save 500-1,000 THB on flight but cost 500+ THB more in transport
• Factor this into your flight choice!

Luggage:

• Bell Bus: No official limit but be reasonable
• Private Taxi: Sedan fits 2-3 large bags + carry-ons
• Minivan: Better for groups with lots of luggage

🎁 Final Recommendations

Best Overall for Suvarnabhumi:

Bell Travel Bus (130-150 THB)

Why: ✅ Unbeatable price
✅ Direct service
✅ Hotel pickup
✅ Reliable and comfortable
✅ Frequent departures

Perfect for: Flights departing 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Best for Early Flights (Before 9 AM):

Pre-booked Private Taxi (1,300-1,600 THB)

Why: ✅ Only option that works
✅ Depart any time you need
✅ Direct and fast
✅ Worth the peace of mind

Book: Night before, confirm twice!

Best for Don Mueang:

Private Taxi (1,500-2,000 THB)

Why: ✅ No good bus alternative
✅ Direct service
✅ Saves hours vs. public transport

Best for Groups (3-4 people):

Private Taxi to Either Airport

Why: ✅ Split 4 ways = 375-500 THB per person
✅ Just slightly more than bus
✅ Much more convenient
✅ Your schedule, faster

The journey from Pattaya to Bangkok airports is straightforward and well-serviced. The Bell bus to Suvarnabhumi is one of the best airport connection services in Thailand - reliable, affordable, and convenient. For Don Mueang or early flights, budget for a private taxi as it's the most practical option.

Pro tip: Always give yourself extra time! Better to have 3 hours at the airport with a coffee and free WiFi than to miss your flight by 10 minutes. Bangkok-Pattaya traffic can be unpredictable, especially on weekends and holidays!

Questions about timings, bookings, or which airport to choose? Happy to help!