Last Updated on July 24, 2024 by Editor G
Most people heading to Pattaya come from Bangkok, straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport, as soon as their international flight lands. I prefer a couple of days in Bangkok to get over jet lag before heading down to Pattaya City to hit some beaches.
Depending on your budget, several transportation options are available to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. You can choose to travel by bus, train, taxi, rental car, or shuttle services.
If you are on a tight budget, I would recommend the bus as it is a decent service. Personally, I just get a private taxi, which can be bought for around 1500 (US$40). After 15 hours of flying, the last thing you want is a slow bus ride. I want to get there as fast as possible, check-in, have a cold beer, and find a nice Thai girl to hang out with.
All these services highlighted below obviously run in the other direction too – Pattaya to Bangkok.
Traveling Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus
Buses run to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Ekkamai and Mochit 2 bus station.
I spent hours trying to work out which bus to take when I did this route. The problem is with all the spammy websites, like Rome2rio, just give you information they have scraped from other places and often completely made up. This is why I created this guide from my own personal experience.
The best sites to use are run by the Thai bus operators; these have all the correct schedules e.g. https://pattayabus.com/
From Suvarnabhumi Airport
If you want to go straight to Pattaya as soon as you land, just head down to level 1, gate 8 and buy your Pattaya bus ticket. Buses depart on the hour from 7am- 9pm.
The airport bus goes to Jomtien bus station, so bare this in mind if you have booked a hotel in Pattaya Central.
Bus operators: Roong Reuang & Bell Travel
Going from Mo Chit or Ekkami
If you are staying in Bangkok a few nights before you hit Pattaya, just head to either Mo Chit or Ekkami bus stations depending where your hotel is.
If you are traveling long haul, it’s pretty tough going to just jump on a 2 hours bus trip. I like to get over my jetlag in Bangkok for a couple of days before heading off. It’s also mentally draining hitting Pattaya with jetlag; I made this mistake earlier in the year.
Copyright: Travelbusy
Ticket Prices: The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours. Tickets usually cost between 120 and 300 THB, depending on the operator and type of service.
Pros: Buses are an affordable and reliable option.
Cons: The journey can be lengthy due to traffic, and the comfort level can vary depending on the bus service.
To pre-book buses try 12 Go Asia
Traveling Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi
Most people heading to Pattaya from Bangkok just take a taxi. You can get one for around 1500THB which is only around $40 and it’s totally hassle free.
You can use one of the Thai tax apps like Grab or Bolt or book a dedicated service. On my last trip I booked Sunny Taxis on Facebook for 1200 THB. You can also book their mercedes which is a really nice ride.
I was recommended to hire a female driver as some taxi drivers can drive live maniacs. This didn’t work, Sunny drove like it was an F1 race and I was terrified, we made it to Pattaya in one piece though.
The travel time is around 1.5 hrs, but it does depend on when you travel and traffic.
Pros: Relatively cheap and get there quickly
Cons: Some drivers are terrible and drive bumper-to-bumper
Bangkok to Pattaya by Limousine (with girls if you desire)
There are numerous limo services if you want to travel in luxury; some VIP services also have freelancers add on options. Imaging traveling down with two escorts and a bottle of champagne.
Traveling Bangkok to Pattaya by Train
You can get a train from Bangkok to Pattaya but it can take 3-4 hrs and are often delayed, the bus is a better option if you want to save money. I’m hoping the start running a fast train like the new one to Hua Hin which is fantastic.
Renting a Car in Bangkok
I previously wanted to rent a car in Hua Hin, but people in the expat Facebook group were saying car hire is too expensive in Thailand. Well, I’ve just done a quick search on Budget and the prices are very reasonable.
Pick up and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and drop off in Pattaya the next day is only THB 954, perfect if you want to stop off at paces along the way.
Comparing the Options
Comparing Travel Options from Bangkok to Pattaya
| Option | Cost | Travel Time | Convenience | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 120-300 THB | 2-3 hours | Moderate | Moderate |
| Train | 30-300 THB | 3-4 hours | Low | Moderate |
| Taxi | 1,200-2,500 THB | 1.5-2 hours | High | High |
| Car Rental | 800-1,500 THB per day + fuel | 1.5-2 hours | High | High |
| Shuttle | 300-600 THB | 2-2.5 hours | High | Moderate |
Traveling by Helicopter from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re looking for a fast, luxurious, and unique way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, consider a helicopter charter. This option provides not only a quick journey but also an exhilarating experience with stunning aerial views of Thailand.
Pattaya helipad at the Royal Cliff Beach Pattaya Hotel
Helicopter Services
Several companies, including Bangkok Video Productions, offer helicopter charters for this route. These services are ideal for those who value time and comfort and are looking for a memorable travel experience.
Travel Time and Cost
The helicopter journey from Bangkok to Pattaya takes approximately 45 minutes, significantly faster than any other mode of transport. Prices for a charter start at around 120,000 THB, varying based on the type of helicopter and specific service requirements.
Convenience and Comfort
Helicopter charters offer a high level of convenience, including private terminals and VIP services, making the travel process seamless and stress-free. Passengers can enjoy unparalleled comfort and breathtaking views during the flight.
Booking and Availability
It is advisable to book your helicopter charter in advance to ensure availability and to discuss specific needs and preferences with the service provider.
For more detailed information and booking options, you can visit Bangkok Video Productions Helicopter Charter.
Traveling to Pattaya by Boat
I’ve been searching for ferries that go to Pattaya from Bangkok but can’t find anything; not entirely sure why not as Bangkok is practically on the coast.
It think its because they only have a commercial port and no ferry terminals. It could be great if you could just get fast boats to Pattaya and Hua Hin.
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.