Getting to Pattaya: The Complete Transfer Guide
Pattaya doesn’t have its own airport — the nearest is U-Tapao (Rayong-Pattaya Airport, UTP), about 30km south, with limited domestic service. For most international visitors, you’re arriving via Bangkok’s two airports: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK), 150km away.
Here’s every realistic option, with honest assessments of each.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — Most International Arrivals
Airport Pattaya Bus (Bell Travel)
The most popular option for independent travelers.
Bell Travel Service runs direct air-conditioned bus service from Suvarnabhumi to multiple Pattaya hotels. Departs from the second level, Gate 8, arrivals hall.
- Cost: ฿143/person (2025 prices)
- Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on traffic
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
- Drop-off: Multiple Pattaya hotels along the route
- Book: At the desk in arrivals or book online in advance
This is genuinely excellent value. Book at least a day ahead during peak season. The bus is comfortable, the route direct, and the staff helpful with luggage.
Private Taxi (Metered or Fixed)
- Cost: ฿1,400-2,000 for a taxi (negotiated fixed price, including expressway tolls)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Find: Use the official taxi queue in arrivals, not touts
For two or more people traveling together, the taxi is competitive with the bus price per head and far more convenient. For solo travelers, the bus is much better value.
Grab works at Suvarnabhumi too — prices are transparent and usually slightly lower than the negotiated taxi fare.
Shared Minivan
Several tour operators offer shared minivan service from the airport to Pattaya hotels. Comparable price to the bus but often faster and with door-to-door delivery.
- Cost: ฿250-400/person
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Find: Book online in advance or through your hotel
Rental Car
Thailand drives on the left. If you’re comfortable driving in Asia, renting a car at the airport and driving the 150km to Pattaya on the well-maintained Route 7 expressway is simple and convenient.
- Cost: ฿1,500-3,000/day for a small car
- Duration: About 1.5 hours on expressway, ฿100-150 in tolls
- International Driving Permit: Required
From Don Mueang Airport (DMK) — Budget Airlines
Don Mueang is Bangkok’s budget airline hub — AirAsia, Lion Air, Nok Air, and others operate here.
Getting to Pattaya from Don Mueang is slightly less convenient than from Suvarnabhumi but manageable.
Option 1: Minivan to Victory Monument, then bus to Pattaya
- Take a taxi or minivan from Don Mueang to Victory Monument in Bangkok (฿120-200)
- Then board the Bangkok-Pattaya bus from there
- Total: ฿250-380, approximately 3-3.5 hours total
Option 2: Direct minivan Don Mueang to Pattaya
Some operators run direct connections.
- Cost: ฿400-600/person
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Option 3: Taxi direct
- Cost: ฿2,000-2,500 (negotiate firmly)
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours depending on Bangkok traffic
- Expensive but convenient for groups
From Bangkok City (Not the Airports)
Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), BTS Ekkamai Station
The main Bangkok departure point for regular Pattaya buses.
- Cost: ฿108-120/person (first class)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes from approximately 5am to 9pm
- Find: Siam VIP Bus and Roong Reuang Coach are the main operators
This is the classic route. The terminal is at BTS Ekkamai station, easy to reach from anywhere on the Sukhumvit BTS line.
Victory Monument (Northern Bus Terminal Area)
Various minivan operators to Pattaya depart from Victory Monument.
- Cost: ฿140-180
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours (minivans are faster than buses)
Train from Hua Lamphong
The scenic option for rail enthusiasts.
One train daily (departure approximately 6:55am) runs from Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Pattaya, arriving mid-morning.
- Cost: ฿31 (third class — no, that’s not a typo)
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Note: Limited seating, fills up — book at the station the day before
Pattaya train station is on Sukhumvit Road, about 5km north of the central beach area. Songthaews connect to central Pattaya.
From U-Tapao Airport (UTP)
U-Tapao serves Bangkok Airways domestic flights from Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and a handful of international routes. If you’re flying into U-Tapao:
- The airport is 30km south of Pattaya
- Airport transfer services and taxis available
- Cost: ฿600-1,000 for a taxi to central Pattaya
- Duration: 40-60 minutes
Getting Out of Pattaya
The same routes work in reverse. For airport transfers, book in advance — the Bus terminal in Pattaya (Jomtien area) has services to Suvarnabhumi and Ekkamai. Your hotel can also arrange private transfers.
Which Option Should You Choose?
Arriving solo with a medium budget: Bell Travel bus from Suvarnabhumi (฿143). Hard to beat.
Arriving as a couple/family: Private taxi or Grab from Suvarnabhumi is more convenient and not much more expensive split between two people.
On a backpacker budget: Bus from Ekkamai terminal (฿108). Classic, works fine.
Want maximum convenience: Private transfer booked in advance. Your hotel can usually arrange, or book online for around ฿1,500-2,500 per car.
The train: Do it once for the experience. The ฿31 fare is absurd value. Just know it takes longer than the bus.
Practical Tips
- Pre-book for peak season: Christmas, New Year, and Songkran periods see transfers fill up fast
- Avoid arrival during Bangkok rush hour if possible — traffic on Route 7 can add an hour
- Expressway tolls: Taxis will ask you to pay these (฿75-110 each way) — this is normal and correct
- Airport taxi touts: Use the official queue, not the men who approach you in arrivals
- Know your hotel’s address in Thai script if possible — useful for showing to drivers