How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya: cheapest and fastest ways

So you've done your Bangkok temples, survived Khao San Road, and now you're ready for some beach time in Pattaya? Smart move. The good news is that getting from Bangkok to Pattaya is super straightforward, and you've got several options depending on your budget and how much you value comfort over saving a few baht.

The distance between Bangkok and Pattaya is roughly 150 kilometers (about 90 miles). Depending on traffic — and trust me, traffic is always a factor in Thailand — the journey takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours. Let me walk you through all the ways to make this trip, from the budget-friendly public bus to the "I just want to get there without thinking" private transfer.

Taking the Bus: The Most Popular Option

This is how most travelers do it, and for good reason. Buses from Bangkok to Pattaya run frequently throughout the day, they're cheap, and honestly pretty comfortable.

Where to catch it: The main departure point is Ekkamai Bus Terminal (also called Eastern Bus Terminal) in Bangkok. You can get there by BTS Skytrain — just hop off at Ekkamai station and walk for about 5 minutes. The terminal is well-organized, and you'll see clear signs for Pattaya buses.

How much: Tickets cost between 120-150 baht (roughly $3.50-$4.50). Yes, that cheap.

How long: The ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in normal traffic conditions. Buses usually have air conditioning — sometimes too much of it, so bring a light jacket.

Departure schedule: Buses leave every 30-40 minutes from early morning (around 5:30 AM) until evening (last one usually around 9 PM). You don't really need to book in advance unless you're traveling during Thai holidays or weekends. Just show up, buy a ticket at the counter, and you're good to go.

Where you'll arrive: Most buses drop you off at the main Pattaya bus station on North Pattaya Road. From there, you can grab a songthaew (those shared pickup trucks) or a motorbike taxi to your hotel.

If you want to book your bus ticket ahead of time or compare schedules, services like 12Go are super handy — they show all available transport options in one place with real prices and customer reviews.

Minivan: Faster but More Cramped

Minivans are another budget option, and they're a bit faster than buses because they make fewer stops.

The catch? You're squeezed into a van with 9-12 other people, and Thai drivers tend to... let's say, drive enthusiastically. If you're prone to motion sickness, maybe skip this one.

Price: Around 150-200 baht per person.

Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours if there's no traffic (which is a big "if").

You'll find minivans leaving from Victory Monument area in Bangkok, but honestly, I'd recommend just sticking with the bus from Ekkamai — it's more comfortable and only slightly slower.

Private Transfer or Taxi: When Comfort Matters

If you're traveling with friends, have a lot of luggage, or just don't feel like navigating public transport, a private transfer makes sense.

Taxi: You can negotiate with a Bangkok taxi driver for around 1,500-2,000 baht for the whole trip. Make sure to agree on the price before you start — meters won't work for this distance. The advantage is door-to-door service and you can leave whenever you want.

Pre-booked transfer: Services like Klook or GetYourGuide offer pre-arranged transfers for about $40-60 depending on vehicle type. You'll get picked up from your hotel, no haggling needed, and the driver will be waiting with a name sign. It's worth it if you're arriving late at night or traveling with family.

Split the cost: If there are 3-4 of you, the per-person price becomes comparable to a minivan, but way more comfortable.

The Train Option (For Adventurous Souls)

Yes, there's technically a train from Bangkok to Pattaya, but here's the thing — it's slow, infrequent, and doesn't actually go to Pattaya city center. The train goes to a station about 10 km outside of town, and then you still need to get transportation.

Honestly? Skip it unless you're a hardcore train enthusiast or doing some kind of slow travel challenge. The bus is cheaper, faster, and more convenient.

Coming from Bangkok Airports? Here's What to Do

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK):

This is the easier airport for Pattaya connections. Head to the ground floor (where arrivals are) and look for the bus counters — you can't miss them. Bell Travel Service and other companies operate direct buses to Pattaya every hour or so.

Price: About 130 baht.

Time: Roughly 2 hours, depending on when you arrive and traffic conditions.

The airport buses drop you off at various points in Pattaya, including many major hotels. Way more convenient than going to Bangkok city first.

From Don Mueang Airport (DMK):

This one's trickier. There's no direct bus to Pattaya. Your best bet is to take a taxi or pre-arranged transfer (around 1,800-2,500 baht), or take public transport to a main bus terminal and then catch a bus to Pattaya from there. If you're landing at Don Mueang and going straight to Pattaya, I'd honestly just book a transfer through Klook or hire a taxi — it saves so much hassle.

Quick Comparison: Which Option Should You Choose?

Tightest budget: Bus from Ekkamai (120 baht, 2-2.5 hours)

Best value overall: Bus from Ekkamai (comfort + price)

Fastest: Private taxi/transfer (1.5 hours if traffic is kind)

Most convenient from airport: Direct bus from Suvarnabhumi

Best for groups: Split a private transfer (1,500-2,000 baht total)

Some Personal Tips

Timing matters: If you can, travel early morning or late evening to avoid the worst of Bangkok's traffic. A 7 AM departure means you'll be at the beach by 9:30. A 2 PM departure? You might be stuck on the highway for 3 hours.

Book accommodation first: Sounds obvious, but know where you're staying before you go. Pattaya is more spread out than you think — there's North Pattaya, Central, Jomtien Beach... and you don't want to end up on the wrong end of town with all your luggage. I always use Booking.com or Agoda to compare options and read recent reviews — they both have great last-minute deals for Pattaya hotels.

Get a local SIM or eSIM: Having mobile data makes everything easier — from calling a taxi to finding your hotel. Yesim has affordable eSIM packages for Thailand that you can activate before you even land. No need to hunt for a SIM card shop when you're tired.

Day trip vs. staying over: If you're short on time, you can technically do Pattaya as a day trip from Bangkok, but honestly, it's not worth the rush. Stay at least one night, enjoy the sunset, have some seafood by the beach, and actually relax.

Getting around Pattaya: Once you're there, download Bolt or Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) for easy rides around town. They're cheaper than taxis and you don't have to negotiate prices.

Bottom Line

Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya is one of the easiest trips you'll make in Thailand. For most travelers, the bus from Ekkamai is unbeatable — cheap, comfortable enough, and runs all day long. If you're coming from the airport or traveling with others, consider a private transfer to save time and energy.

Whatever you choose, you'll be at the beach with a cold Chang beer in hand before you know it. Just remember to bring sunscreen — that tropical sun doesn't mess around.

Safe travels!