You have just landed at Suvarnabhumi, bags in hand, and the beach is calling. The good news is that trading the tarmac for the sand is a breeze, with the coastal city of Pattaya sitting just about two hours away from Bangkok on a decent day.
To make the trip, you have a few sensible options depending on your travel style. The bus remains the most budget-friendly choice, while a taxi offers the easiest, most frictionless ride directly to your door. If you prefer a cheap and highly scenic adventure, the train is a fantastic alternative. Here is how they compare, and which one suits you.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
It depends on your budget, your luggage and your arrival time. Use this table as a starting point, and treat the fares as ranges rather than promises.
| Option | Typical time | Typical fare | Leaves from | Arrives at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 2 to 4 hours | About 110 to 250 baht | Suvarnabhumi, Ekkamai, Mo Chit | North Pattaya Bus Station, or near Jomtien for some airport services |
| Minivan | About 2.5 to 4 hours | About 130 to 170 baht | Ekkamai, Mo Chit | Various offices across Pattaya |
| Train | About 2.5 hours | About 30 baht (ordinary), about 170 baht (weekend express) | Bangkok city stations | Pattaya Railway Station |
| Taxi or private car | 1.5 to 3 hours | About 1,300 to 2,500 baht per car | Door to door | Your hotel |
Times swing with traffic, especially on Friday evenings and at the end of public holidays.
Is the bus the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Yes, for most people. Buses are frequent, air-conditioned and cheap, and a ticket usually costs somewhere between 110 and 250 baht, according to Rome2Rio. They are the sensible choice for solo travellers and anyone travelling light.
Where do the buses leave from, and where do they stop?
The main departure points are the Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal and Mo Chit, plus a direct service from the first floor of Suvarnabhumi. According to GeckoRoutes, buses from Ekkamai run about hourly from early morning to the evening, while Mo Chit has fewer departures.
Some services end at the North Pattaya Bus Station, and airport services may stop nearer Jomtien Beach. It is worth asking which stop you are getting, so you are not surprised by a long songthaew ride afterwards.
Ekkamai is the easiest terminal if you are staying in central Bangkok, because the BTS Skytrain runs right to it. Mo Chit is harder to reach without a bus or taxi.
Is a minivan better than a bus?
Not really. Minivans leave when they fill up and cost about the same, with less luggage space and less legroom. Government-regulated vans from the Eastern Bus Terminal are listed at around 130 baht by 12Go, and they can drop you closer to the beach. They suit travellers who want a quicker departure and have one small bag.
Is a taxi or private car worth it for Bangkok to Pattaya?
Yes, if you are travelling as a group, arriving late or carrying a lot of luggage. A car takes you from the airport or hotel straight to your door, with no bus station transfer at either end. Estimates range from about 1,000 to 2,500 baht for the ride, depending on the car, the time of day and how much haggling happens, so it helps to agree the price before you set off.
Booking ahead avoids the haggling and the chance of a driver refusing a long fare. Tolls and airport surcharges are often added, so ask what the quoted price includes. Split between three or four people, a car can cost little more per head than the bus.
Can you take the train from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Yes, but the choice of trains is small. There are two, both operated by the State Railway of Thailand, and the journey takes about two and a half hours.
- Ordinary train (283): a slow, non-air-conditioned service that costs about 30 baht. Seats are not reserved and tickets cannot be booked online. Sources disagree on whether it runs daily or only on weekdays.
- Weekend express (997): an air-conditioned train on Saturdays and Sundays, reportedly leaving at about 6.45am for about 170 baht. You need to book in advance, and the return train leaves Pattaya in the afternoon.
Pattaya Railway Station is roughly 3 km east of the centre, so plan a songthaew or taxi for the last leg. The train is a fun option if you like a window seat and no rush. It is a poor fit if you land in the afternoon or need a flexible departure.
Because timetables change, check with the State Railway of Thailand (hotline 1690) or at the station before you plan around it.
What is the best option from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports?
For most arrivals, it is the direct airport bus or a pre-booked car. Both skip the trip into central Bangkok.
Can you go straight from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya?
Yes. Suvarnabhumi is on the right side of Bangkok for Pattaya, so there is no need to cross the city. The bus leaves from the airport’s public transport area and takes roughly two hours, while a taxi or pre-booked car costs about 1,500 baht including tolls, according to 12Go’s estimate. Our guide to Suvarnabhumi versus Don Mueang explains which Bangkok airport suits you.
Don Mueang is on the north side, so the road to Pattaya is longer and can be slow at rush hour. A pre-booked car is often the calmer choice there, and fares are likely to be at the higher end of the ranges above.
Should you clear immigration first?
It is worth getting through immigration before you decide on onward transport, because the queue sets your timetable. If you arrive at a busy time, Fast Track Thailand offers a priority immigration lane at Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and Phuket Airport. We do not operate in Pattaya or at U-Tapao Airport. Our fast track versus regular immigration guide covers the difference.
Before you fly, it also helps to have filed the Thailand Digital Arrival Card. Our TDAC guide walks through it.
How do you get around once you reach Pattaya?
The easiest local option is the songthaew, a shared pickup truck that runs set routes. 12Go puts a ride to your hotel at about 50 baht, and motorbike taxis start at around 10 baht for short trips. Agree the fare before you get in, and expect to pay more with luggage.
Which option should you choose?
| If you are… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Travelling alone on a budget | Bus | Cheapest and frequent |
| In a group of three or four | Private car | Door to door, similar cost per person |
| Arriving late at night | Pre-booked car | Buses and trains may have stopped |
| Travelling with a lot of luggage | Private car | No transfers, no lifting |
| In no hurry and like trains | Train | Cheap and relaxed, but limited times |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pattaya’s own airport easier than flying into Bangkok?
Possibly. U-Tapao Airport is much closer to Pattaya than either Bangkok airport, but it has fewer flights and routes. Fast Track Thailand does not operate there, so international travellers usually still arrive in Bangkok.
How early should I leave Pattaya for a flight from Bangkok?
It is safest to leave at least five hours before an international departure. A two-hour drive can stretch well beyond three when traffic is heavy, and you still need time to check in and clear security.
Should I book transport in advance?
For a private car and the weekend train, yes. Buses and minivans are fine to buy on the day, although booking online avoids a queue at the terminal. At weekends and on public holidays, it helps to book earlier.
However you travel, the road from Bangkok is easier when you arrive rested and the airport part goes smoothly.
When you are ready, book Fast Track Thailand for your Bangkok arrival.