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ThailandQuick Overview of the Bangkok → Pattaya Route (~150 km)
- Regular Bus — 2–2.5 h, from 148 ฿ (4.54 USD) — Ekkamai, Mo Chit
- Minivan — 2.5–3 h, from 350–400 ฿ (10.73–12.27 USD) — Khao San, Mo Chit
- Train — 3.5–6 h, 32 ฿ (0.98 USD) — Hua Lamphong
- Taxi — 1.5–2 h, from 1200 ฿ (36.8 USD) — meter
- Transfer — 1.5–2 h, from 1500 ฿ (46 USD) — book online
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport — ~2 h, bus from 130 ฿ (3.99 USD), taxi from 1000 ฿ (30.67 USD)
- From Don Mueang Airport — ~2–2.5 h, taxi/transfer from 1500 ฿ (46 USD)
💡 Details, schedules, and nuances of each method are below in the article. All prices are verified through personal experience but may increase over time.
By Bus and Minivan
The bus is the most popular and balanced option. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours, ticket costs from 148 baht. The main thing is to choose the right departure station so you don't have to drag your suitcases across the whole city. Bangkok has several bus terminals, and almost all have direct routes to Pattaya. We've gathered all the key points with verified prices and maps.
Regular Buses from Bus Terminals
Official Bangkok — Pattaya buses run from two main terminals: the Eastern Terminal (Ekkamai) and the Northern Terminal (Mo Chit). No advance booking is needed — just show up, buy a ticket at the counter, and catch the next available bus. But if you really want to be safe and get on a specific bus, you can buy a ticket online at 12go.asia. The site doesn't accept Russian cards, but you can book a ticket and pay for it in cash at any nearby supermarket counter.
Both stations are described in detail in our guide to Bangkok's bus and train stations, but here's what specifically pertains to the route to Pattaya:
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Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal
The most convenient option if you're staying in the Sukhumvit, Pratunam, or central areas. The terminal is adjacent to the BTS Ekkamai Skytrain station (Ekkamai station on the map).
Buses to Pattaya start every hour from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The ticket costs 148 baht (4.54 USD) per person plus 20 baht for large luggage. Ticket counters are inside the waiting hall, the staff speaks some English, but it's easy to figure out. We usually use Ekkamai when staying in lower Sukhumvit — it's very fast and traffic-free.
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Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal
The capital's main bus terminal serves both northern and some southern destinations. It's located near the BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park stations (Mo Chit station on the map). From the metro, you can walk for about 15 minutes, or take a mototaxi for 30 baht.
Buses to Pattaya depart every hour, but only from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Ticket price — 158 baht (4.85 USD).
In addition, right across the road via a pedestrian bridge is the Mo Chit Minivan Station (minivan station on the map). From here, minivans to Pattaya leave as they fill up, costing about 350–400 baht. Convenient if your hotel is closer to northern Bangkok or you've arrived at Don Mueang Airport (buses and trains run from there to Mo Chit).
If your hotel is in central Bangkok, it's easier to get to the desired terminal by public transport — the BTS Skytrain goes directly to Ekkamai station, and you can get to Mo Chit by BTS (Skytrain) or MRT (subway). For details on how to use Bangkok's transport, read our guide: Bangkok Public Transport.
Where do buses arrive in Pattaya? When buying your ticket, be sure to check the final stop — different companies may drop you off at different stations. Most often, buses from Bangkok end up at:
- North Pattaya Station (also known as Roong Reaung Coach Station) (North Station on the map). The main hub for intercity buses. Get off here if your hotel is in Central Pattaya, Naklua, or Wong Amat.
- South Jomtien Station (Roong Reuang Coach Jomtien, also known as Bus 389 Office) (Jomtien Station on the map). Ideal for those staying in Jomtien or Pratamnak. Some buses going to Jomtien pass through the North Station — you can ask the driver to drop you off there if needed.
Some buses arrive at T-Tour Station (T-Tour Station on the map) near the pier and Walking Street — convenient if your hotel is in the southern part of the center. Smaller carriers may have their own drop-off points, so always check the specific address when buying your ticket. From any station, you can easily get to your hotel by songthaew (15 baht) or taxi (from 100 baht). To understand the routes and avoid overpaying, read our overview: Pattaya transport and how to use it.
Minivans from Tourist Areas
If you don't want to go to a bus terminal, you can buy a seat on a tourist minivan right near popular tourist streets. The main hub is the Khao San Road area. At local agencies, a ticket to Pattaya costs from 400 baht (12.27 USD), which is more expensive than a regular bus, but the minivan often picks you up from your hotel or has a meeting point within walking distance, and drops you off right at your hotel door in Pattaya.
In our experience, minivans from Khao San are a lottery. You might ride in a half-empty, comfortable minivan, or you might be crammed in with a bunch of backpacks in tight quarters. Travel time is about 2.5–3 hours, but sometimes drivers are disastrously slow. If your hotel is in central Bangkok, it might be easier to get to Ekkamai or Mo Chit by metro or bus and transfer to a regular bus — it'll be cheaper and often faster.
By Train
This is the cheapest and most meditative way to get to Pattaya. The #283 commuter train (weekdays) takes almost 4 hours according to the schedule, but in reality, it can crawl for all 6 — we once spent over five hours on it, staring at rice fields. The ticket costs from 32 baht (0.98 USD). Another train, #997, is more comfortable and expensive, costing from 170 baht (5.21 USD), but it only runs on weekends.
Weekdays only (32 baht):
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong)-Pattaya, train #283: departure 6:55 AM, arrival 10:34 AM
- Pattaya-Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), train #284: departure 2:20 PM, arrival 6:15 PM
Additional fast tourist train on weekends (170 baht):
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong)-Pattaya, train #997: departure 6:45 AM, arrival 9:13 AM
- Pattaya-Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), train #998: departure 4:26 PM, arrival 6:55 PM
Where it departs from in Bangkok
The train departs from the old Hua Lamphong station in the Chinatown area (Hua Lamphong station on the map). Conveniently, it makes stops along the way, so you can board in central Bangkok — in the Sukhumvit or Pratunam areas at Makkasan, Phaya Thai, and other stations beyond. You can see all the stations on the official website https://ttsview.railway.co.th/v3/: select Train No / Timetable / train number from the list.
Where it arrives in Pattaya
In Pattaya, the train arrives at two stops: Pattaya Train Station (train station on the map) and Pattaya Tai Train Station (Pattaya Tai station on the map). If your hotel is in central or northern Pattaya (Naklua, Wong Amat), it's better to get off at the first station. If you're staying in Jomtien or Pratamnak, Pattaya Tai is more convenient.
From the stations to the hotel, you can take a taxi or local public transport (Baht Bus), which wait for passengers at the stations — fare from 30 baht. For more details on getting around the resort, read the article about Pattaya transport.
The train schedule can change, so check it before your trip on the website railway.co.th. Tickets are sold right before departure; no need to book in advance. Bring water and a snack — the carriages have no A/C but have windows that open.
Taxi and Transfer
If you're traveling with a group, with kids, or just tired of public transport, a taxi is your option. From central Bangkok to Pattaya by metered taxi will cost from 1200 baht (36.8 USD) per car. Private drivers often ask for more — 1500 baht, but you can haggle. Don't forget about the toll road sections: the driver may ask for an extra 50–100 baht. Travel time is 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic.
The most reliable way is to order a car through the apps Grab, Bolt, or InDriver. You see the price upfront — no surprises. You can also hail a taxi on the street, but then be sure to demand they turn on the meter or negotiate the final fixed price before the trip starts. At street travel agencies, especially on Khao San Road, you can also buy a ride in a private car, but that's essentially closer to a tourist transfer — the price may be higher, but the car will be delivered right to your hotel.
Tourist transfer — another option for those who value predictability. You pay for the car online in advance, and the driver picks you up from your hotel door in Bangkok and takes you directly to your hotel in Pattaya. More expensive than a metered taxi, but you can choose a minivan for a larger group. Check prices and book a transfer on the sites: