How to Get From Bangkok to Pattaya: The Complete 2025 Guide
Bangkok to Pattaya is 150km. Depending on traffic, that’s anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours — and traffic is the defining variable nobody mentions when they quote journey times.
Here’s what you actually need to know: the time you travel matters as much as how you travel. A private taxi at 10am on a Tuesday is a completely different proposition to the same taxi on a Friday afternoon.
This guide covers every realistic option, with honest assessments of each.
At a Glance: Bangkok to Pattaya Options
| Method | Cost | Time | Departs From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioned bus | ฿143/person | 1.5-3 hours | Ekkamai, Suvarnabhumi |
| Minivan | ฿200-250/person | 1.5-2.5 hours | Victory Monument, Mo Chit |
| Metered taxi | ฿1,200-2,000 | 1.5-2.5 hours | Anywhere |
| Private transfer | ฿1,500-4,000 | 1.5-2.5 hours | Anywhere |
| Uber/Grab | ฿900-1,500 | 1.5-2.5 hours | Anywhere |
| Train | ฿31 | 3.5-5 hours | Hua Lamphong / Pattaya |
Option 1: Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) — The Standard Route
The Pattaya bus from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal is the classic Bangkok-to-Pattaya transit for independent travellers who are staying in central Bangkok.
The basics:
- Operator: Bangkok Bus Terminal / various private operators
- Cost: ฿133-250/person depending on class
- Journey time: 1.5-2.5 hours (off-peak), up to 3+ hours in traffic
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes, roughly 5am-9pm
- Getting to Ekkamai: BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station, then cross the bridge to the terminal
The air-conditioned coaches are comfortable enough — reclining seats, sometimes USB charging. The service drops you at Pattaya Bus Terminal on North Pattaya Road, from where songthaews (฿10-20) or taxis (฿100-200) disperse to hotels.
Verdict: Reliable and cheap if you’re based on the eastern side of Bangkok (Sukhumvit area). The BTS access to Ekkamai makes it practical. The main issue is terminal drop-off — you’re in North Pattaya, not at your hotel.
Option 2: Bell Travel Service Airport Bus — If You’re Flying In
Bell Travel Service runs a direct air-conditioned bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to multiple hotels in Pattaya. This is the best option if you’re arriving internationally and heading straight to Pattaya.
The basics:
- Cost: ฿143-300/person depending on service class
- Journey time: 1.5-2.5 hours
- Departs: Level 1 (Arrivals), Gate 8 at Suvarnabhumi — look for the Bell Travel Service desk
- Frequency: Every 60-90 minutes, first departure around 7am, last around 8pm
- Drop-off: Multiple Pattaya hotel stops along the route (call ahead to confirm yours)
Book at the desk in arrivals or online in advance. During high season (December-February, Thai New Year), book the day before — it fills up.
Also available: Bell Travel from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) — less frequent but runs on similar principles.
Verdict: The best-value option for airport arrivals. The hotel drop-offs make it genuinely convenient, and the price for a single traveller is unbeatable. For two or more people, the taxi becomes competitive on a per-head basis.
Option 3: Minivan — Faster but Less Comfortable
Minivans (12-seat Toyota Vans with AC) run from several Bangkok departure points to Pattaya. They’re faster than buses because they use motorways and don’t have official scheduled stops — they go when they’re full.
Main departure points:
- Victory Monument — most convenient for central Bangkok / Pratunam area
- Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) — BTS Mochit, good for northern Bangkok
- On Nut — some services from the eastern Sukhumvit area
The basics:
- Cost: ฿200-250/person
- Journey time: 1.5-2 hours when it’s running, up to 3 hours in traffic
- Hours: Roughly 6am-7pm
- Booking: Just turn up and buy a ticket; departure is when van is full
The honest truth about minivans: Speed is the main advantage. The downside is that they fill up quickly, they can be cramped (especially if you’re tall or have large bags), and the driving can be aggressive. Minivan accidents on the Bangkok-Pattaya route have been documented — it’s a known issue. If you’re going by minivan, go with an operator who has a good reputation.
Verdict: Good for solo travellers who want a fast option from a convenient departure point. Not ideal for families with lots of luggage or those who value comfort.
Option 4: Private Taxi from Bangkok
A private taxi (either a metered Bangkok taxi or a pre-arranged private driver) is the most flexible and comfortable way to go if you have luggage, a group, or an early morning/late night journey.
The basics:
- Cost: ฿1,200-2,000 for a standard taxi (includes expressway tolls, roughly ฿70-100)
- Cost: ฿2,000-4,000 for a private 7-8 seater van (groups or families)
- Journey time: 1.5-2 hours off-peak; 2.5-4 hours peak (Friday afternoon, Thai holidays)
- How to get one: Use an official taxi queue at the airport, call your hotel for a driver, use Grab app
Negotiating: Fixed prices are common for Bangkok-Pattaya. Negotiate before you get in — the driver should agree to a fixed price that covers the expressway tolls. Budget around ฿1,500 for a fair price from central Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Red flags: Touts in airports and bus stations offering “special taxi” prices often charge 2-3x the fair rate. Use official airport taxi queues or Grab.
Verdict: The best option for groups (3-4 people), families with children, those with lots of luggage, and anyone who values door-to-door convenience. Split between 3 people, it’s competitive with the bus.
Option 5: Grab (Ride-Share)
Grab — Southeast Asia’s dominant ride-share app — works well on the Bangkok-Pattaya route, particularly if you’re departing from central Bangkok or the airport.
The basics:
- Cost: ฿900-1,500 in a standard GrabCar; more in off-peak or surge pricing
- Journey time: Same as private taxi — depends entirely on traffic
- Availability: Strong in Bangkok; confirm on the app before committing
The advantage over regular taxis is price transparency and driver accountability. You know the fare before you confirm.
GrabCar vs GrabTaxi: GrabCar (private car) is generally cleaner and slightly more reliable for longer trips. Both work for Bangkok-Pattaya.
Verdict: Excellent option for solo or duo travellers who want taxi convenience at a lower price than traditional metered taxis. Download and register the app before arriving in Thailand.
Option 6: Private Transfer — Premium Option
Private transfer services — booked through your hotel or via operators like Hua Hin Transfer or Thailand Private Tour — offer the highest level of comfort and convenience.
The basics:
- Cost: ฿2,000-4,000 for a standard car; ฿4,000-8,000 for premium van
- Journey time: Same traffic variables apply
- What’s included: Meet and greet (sometimes), luggage assistance, door-to-door, often flight monitoring for airport pickups
The difference from a regular taxi: the vehicle is usually newer, the driver speaks basic English, and the experience is managed (no negotiating, no meter anxiety). Good operators will also wait without extra charge if your flight is delayed.
Good for: Honeymoons, families with young children, business travel, those who want the journey to feel part of the holiday rather than an obstacle.
Verdict: The premium is worth it for the right traveller. If you’re staying at Sheraton Pattaya Resort or Anantara Pattaya Resort, your hotel can arrange this.
Option 7: Train — The Romantic (but Slow) Option
A daily train runs from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok to Pattaya. It’s not fast. It’s not efficient. But if you’re a train person, it’s an experience.
The basics:
- Cost: ฿31 (third class), ฿100-300 depending on class
- Journey time: 3.5-5 hours
- Departure: Bangkok Hua Lamphong, one departure daily around 6:55am; arrives Pattaya ~10:30am
- Return: Pattaya to Bangkok, one departure daily around 2:21pm
The train arrives at a station in industrial Pattaya — not the tourist district. You’ll need a taxi or songthaew from the station to your hotel (฿150-250).
Verdict: Only recommended if train travel is part of the experience you want, or if you’re connecting from a longer rail journey through Thailand. Not practical for most visitors.
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang is Bangkok’s domestic and budget international airport (used by AirAsia, Nok Air, Lion Air).
Your best options:
- Bus 389 to Ekkamai Bus Terminal (฿30-40, about 30 minutes), then Pattaya bus from there
- Minivan from outside Arrivals (check with operators at the airport, prices around ฿300-350)
- Taxi/Grab direct — ฿1,500-2,200 to Pattaya, or split this with fellow passengers
- Airport link to Bangkok city then Ekkamai bus — more connections but slower
Direct buses from Don Mueang to Pattaya do exist — check the bus terminal at the airport and ask specifically for Pattaya services. Availability varies.
Getting Back: Pattaya to Bangkok
The same options apply in reverse. A few specific notes:
Pattaya Bus Terminal (North Pattaya Road) runs buses to Ekkamai from around 5am to 9pm. ฿133-250. Taxis to the bus terminal from central Pattaya cost ฿100-200.
Return transfers: If you’re catching an evening flight, allow at minimum 3 hours from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi in rush hour (Friday afternoon particularly). Better to allow 4 hours and have coffee at the airport.
Bell Travel also runs services from Pattaya back to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Check their website or ask your hotel to book.
Traffic: The Variable Nobody Mentions
The difference between a 90-minute and a 4-hour journey on this route is traffic. Specifically:
Avoid if possible:
- Friday afternoon 3pm-8pm — Bangkok emptying for the weekend
- Thai public holidays (Songkran/April, New Year weekend) — the road can take 5+ hours
- Sunday afternoon 3pm-8pm — everyone returning to Bangkok
Best times to travel:
- Any weekday morning before noon — smooth, 90-minute runs are common
- Weekday evenings after 8pm — traffic has usually cleared
- Saturday morning — surprisingly light
If you have flexibility, choosing your departure time saves you hours.
Our Recommendation by Situation
Flying into Suvarnabhumi (BKK)? → Bell Travel bus (฿143) if you’re solo or on a budget. Taxi or Grab if you have a group or heavy luggage.
Staying central Bangkok (Sukhumvit)? → Ekkamai bus or Grab.
Staying near Victory Monument/Pratunam? → Minivan from Victory Monument.
Group of 3-4 people? → Split a taxi (฿400-500/person) — same cost as bus, door-to-door.
Luxury hotel arrival? → Private transfer arranged through your hotel.
Early morning flight departure from Pattaya? → Pre-booked private taxi or Bell Travel to avoid uncertainty.
What to Do When You Arrive
Once in Pattaya, the songthaew (baht bus) network is your primary transport. Blue pickup trucks run set routes for ฿10-20 — hop on, shout your destination, pay when you exit. They run on Pattaya Beach Road, Pattaya 2 Road, and Jomtien Road as the main arteries.
For specific destinations or if you have luggage, Grab works well within Pattaya (฿60-200 for most journeys). Motorbike taxis (recognisable by orange vests) are fast for short hops.
Booking Your Pattaya Stay
Planning the trip but haven’t booked accommodation yet? Our full Pattaya hotel guide covers 200+ properties from budget guesthouses to five-star resorts, organised by area.
For an idea of what to do once you arrive, the Pattaya 3-day itinerary covers the best activities, beaches, restaurants, and day trips in order.