Bangkok to Pattaya: bus, taxi or train, the complete guide

Bangkok to Pattaya: all options compared

Four ways to go, from most practical to most niche.

On this route the bus is hard to beat: cheap, frequent and comfortable enough for a trip of two hours or so. A taxi becomes good value as soon as you are three or four, and it drops you at your hotel door.

The bus from Ekkamai, Mo Chit or the Southern terminal

The classic, cheapest option from the city.

Ekkamai (the Eastern bus terminal, next to BTS Ekkamai) has the most departures to Pattaya, run by Roong Reuang Coach and other companies from early morning to late evening. Buses also leave from Mo Chit (Northern terminal) and Sai Tai Mai (Southern terminal), which can be handier depending on where you stay. Tickets are sold at the counters, usually for cash, and online through booking sites for a small fee.

• Ekkamai is the easiest terminal to reach: take the BTS Sukhumvit line to Ekkamai station.
• Buses usually stop in North Pattaya; some continue to Jomtien, so check your ticket.
• Outside public holidays you can normally buy a ticket on the day.

Direct from Suvarnabhumi airport

No need to go into Bangkok after a long-haul flight.

Coaches to Pattaya leave from level 1 of Suvarnabhumi, near gate 8. Bell Travel Service is the best-known operator, with departures spread through the day, and some Roong Reuang services also run from the airport. The trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hours depending on traffic. Bell can also drop you close to your hotel in Pattaya for a small supplement.

Taxi, Grab or private transfer

The most comfortable option for groups.

A metered taxi or a Grab from Bangkok to Pattaya takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Most drivers ask for a fixed price rather than the meter, plus motorway tolls. Agree on the total before you set off. Private transfers booked online cost a little more but include tolls and a fixed pick-up time.

• Split between three or four people, a taxi often costs little more per person than the airport coach.
• Ask for a large car if you have several suitcases.
• Grab shows the price upfront, which avoids any haggling.

The local train

Cheap and slow, only for rail lovers.

The State Railway of Thailand runs a basic third-class train from Bangkok to Pattaya on the eastern line, with a very limited timetable. It takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, costs very little and has no air conditioning. It is a charming ride, but the bus is faster and far more flexible. Check the current timetable on the SRT website before planning around it.

Arriving in Pattaya

Bus terminals are north of the centre.

From the North Pattaya terminals, allow 10 to 20 minutes to Central Pattaya and 20 to 30 minutes to Jomtien, more at rush hour. To choose your area, see where to stay in Pattaya.

Continue from Pattaya

A good springboard for the eastern coast.

• Koh Larn: ferries and speedboats from Bali Hai pier, about 15 to 45 minutes.
• Koh Samet: about 1.5 to 2 hours by road to Ban Phe pier, then a short boat ride.
• Koh Chang: about 4 to 5 hours by road and ferry via Trat.
• Back to Bangkok or the airport: the same buses run in the other direction all day.

When to go to Pattaya

Pattaya is a year-round destination, but the dry season is more pleasant. See the Pattaya weather month by month.

Mistakes to avoid

What I see most often on this route.

• Leaving Bangkok on Friday evening or a long-weekend eve without expecting traffic.
• Getting into a taxi without agreeing on the price and tolls.
• Assuming every bus goes to Jomtien: many stop in North Pattaya.
• Missing the last airport coach after a delayed flight.