Transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya
It is convenient and offers several options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re traveling from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) or Downtown Bangkok, here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya
Suvarnabhumi Airport is the closest international airport to Pattaya, located about 120 kilometers away (approximately 1.5 – 2 hours by road).
a. Private Taxi or Grab (Ride-Hailing App)
Cost: ~1,500 – 2,000 THB (one way).
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
How to Book: Taxis are available at the airport’s taxi stands. Alternatively, use the Grab app (similar to Uber) for a fixed fare.
Pros: Door-to-door service, is comfortable, and convenient for families or groups.
b. Airport Bus (Bell Travel Service)
Cost: ~300 – 400 THB (one way).
Duration: 2 hours.
How to Book: Book online or at the Bell Travel Service counter at the airport.
Details: The bus departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport and drops you off at your hotel in Pattaya.
Pros: Affordable, comfortable, and hassle-free.
c. Public Bus (Roong Reuang Coach)
Cost: ~130 THB (one way).
Duration: 2 hours.
How to Book: Buy tickets at the bus terminal on the airport’s 1st floor.
Details: Buses depart hourly from 07:00 to 22:00 and arrive at Pattaya Bus Station. From there, take a taxi or baht bus to your hotel.
Pros: Budget-friendly and reliable.
d. Minivan
Cost: ~200 – 300 THB (one way).
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
How to Book: Available at the airport’s ground transportation area.
Details: Minivans are faster but can be cramped. They drop passengers at Pattaya Bus Station.
Pros: Faster and affordable.
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya
Don Mueang Airport is located about 150 kilometers from Pattaya (approximately 2–2.5 hours by road).
a. Private Taxi or Grab
Cost: ~1,800 – 2,500 THB (one way).
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours.
How to Book: Taxis are available at the airport’s taxi stands or via the Grab app.
Pros: Convenient and comfortable.
b. Airport Bus (Bell Travel Service)
Cost: ~400 – 500 THB (one way).
Duration: 2.5 hours.
How to Book: Book online or at the Bell Travel Service counter at the airport.
Details: The bus departs from Don Mueang Airport and drops you off at your hotel in Pattaya.
Pros: Comfortable and hassle-free.
c. Public Bus + Taxi
Cost: ~150 – 200 THB (one way).
Duration: 3 hours.
How to Book: Take a public bus from Don Mueang to Ekkamai Bus Terminal in Bangkok (1 hour), then transfer to a bus to Pattaya (2 hours).
Pros: Budget-friendly but time-consuming.
From Downtown Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re starting your journey from central Bangkok, here are the best options:
a. Public Bus (From Ekkamai or Morchit Bus Terminal)
Cost: ~120 – 150 THB (one way).
Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours.
How to Book: Buy tickets at Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal) or Morchit Bus Terminal.
Details: Buses depart frequently from 05:00 to 23:00. Arrive at Pattaya Bus Station, then take a taxi or baht bus to your hotel.
Pros: Affordable and reliable.
b. Private Taxi or Grab
Cost: ~1,500 – 2,000 THB (one way).
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
How to Book: Use the Grab app or hire a taxi from your hotel.
Pros: Convenient and comfortable.
c. Minivan
Cost: ~200 – 300 THB (one way).
Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours.
How to Book: Available at Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Victory Monument.
Details: Minivans are faster but can be cramped. They drop passengers at Pattaya Bus Station.
Pros: Faster and affordable.
d. Train (From Hua Lamphong Station)
Cost: ~30 – 300 THB (depending on class).
Duration: ~ 4 hours.
How to Book: Buy tickets at Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Details: Trains depart daily but are slower and less frequent. Arrive at Pattaya Railway Station, then take a taxi to your hotel.
Pros: Scenic and budget-friendly, but not the most efficient option.
Traffic Tips
Best Option for Convenience: Private taxi or Grab.
Best Budget Option: Public bus or minivan.
Best for Families/Groups: Bell Travel Service or private taxi.
Avoid Rush Hour: Traffic between Bangkok and Pattaya can be heavy during peak hours (07:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 19:00).
How to Take the Baht Bus
Baht Buses are easily recognizable by their open-air design and bright colors (usually red or blue). They have a sign on the front indicating their route or destination.
Flagging Down a Baht Bus: Stand on the side of the road and wave your hand to signal the driver. The bus will stop, and you can hop on the back.
Paying the Fare: The standard fare is 10 THB per person for short trips within the city. For longer trips (e.g., to Jomtien or Naklua), the fare may increase to 20–30 THB. Pay the driver in cash when you get off. Simply hand the money to the driver as you exit.
Getting Off: To stop the bus, press the buzzer (usually located on the ceiling) or call out to the driver. The bus will pull over, and you can hop off.
Baht Buses operate on several key routes in Pattaya. Here are the most common ones:
Beach Road Route (North-South)
Route: Runs along Beach Road, from North Pattaya (Naklua) to South Pattaya (Walking Street).
Key Stops: Naklua, Central Pattaya, Walking Street.
Fare: 10 THB
Second Road Route (South-North)
Route: Runs parallel to Beach Road along Second Road, from South Pattaya to North Pattaya.
Key Stops: Big C Shopping Center, Royal Garden Plaza, Central Festival Pattaya.
Fare: 10 THB
Pattaya to Jomtien Beach Route
Route: Runs from South Pattaya (Walking Street) to Jomtien Beach.
Key Stops: Walking Street, Jomtien Beach, Dongtan Beach.
Fare: 20–30 THB
Pattaya to Naklua Route
Route: Runs from Central Pattaya to Naklua, a quieter area north of Pattaya.
Key Stops: Dolphin Roundabout, Naklua Market, Sanctuary of Truth.
Fare: 10–20 THB
Circular Route (Beach Road ↔ Second Road)
Route: Baht Buses often loop between Beach Road and Second Road via South Pattaya Road or Central Pattaya Road.
Fare: 10 THB
Tips for taking the Baht Buses
Carry Small Change: Drivers may not have change for large bills, so carry 10–20 THB coins.
Know Your Route: While Baht Buses follow fixed routes, it’s helpful to know the general direction of your destination.
Avoid Private Hire: If you want to use a Baht Bus as a private taxi, negotiate the fare in advance. Otherwise, stick to the shared route system.
Night Service: Baht Buses operate until late at night (around 10:00 – 00:00 +1), but availability may decrease after midnight.
The Baht Bus is an iconic part of Pattaya’s transportation system and a great way to explore the city like a local. Its low cost and frequent service make it the perfect option for travelers!
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