How to Get from Phuket to Pattaya: Complete Guide for Independent Travelers

Plane — The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

• 💰 Price: from 1130 baht (33.82 USD) – bus to Suvarnabhumi 130 baht + ticket from 1000 baht; from Don Muang is cheaper, but it takes longer and is harder to get there
• 🕑 Total travel time: from 4 to 7 hours (including travel to the airport, check-in, and 1.5-hour flight)
• 📅 Flight frequency: over 20 daily flights from two Bangkok airports

Flying is the fastest and most comfortable way, and we recommend considering it first. From Phuket, you can fly to any of the three airports serving Pattaya and Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Muang (DMK), or U-Tapao (UTP).

• Departing from Phuket Airport (HKT)

  Phuket Airport is the island's main air gateway. Many flights operate from here to both Bangkok airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Muang (DMK), and there are also direct flights to U-Tapao (UTP). You can get to the airport from any area of the island by taxi, minivan, smart bus, or regular songthaew with a transfer in Phuket Town. The most reliable way is a taxi (from 600 to 900 baht depending on the beach) or the Smart Bus to the airport for 100 baht.

  The most convenient flights are to Suvarnabhumi (BKK), from where it's easy to get to Pattaya by direct bus. Ticket prices start from 1000 baht (29.93 USD) with low-cost carriers when booked early. Flights to Don Muang are often cheaper (from 800 baht), but getting to Pattaya from there takes longer and is more difficult.

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — Optimal for Transfer

  Bangkok's main international airport. Arriving here, you can easily transfer to a direct bus to Pattaya (from 130 baht, 2 hours travel time) or take a taxi (about 1500 baht, 1.5 hours). This is the most balanced option in terms of time and money if you're flying from Phuket.

• Don Muang Airport (DMK) — Cheap, But with a Transfer

  The old airport where low-cost carriers are based. Ticket prices from Phuket are often lower than to Suvarnabhumi — from 800 baht (23.94 USD). However, getting to Pattaya from here is more difficult: there's no direct bus, you'll have to go with a transfer in Bangkok or order a taxi (from 1600 baht). You can also get to Suvarnabhumi on the free shuttle between airports (runs every hour, 100 baht) and from there take a bus to Pattaya. In the end, the savings on the ticket may be eaten up by the transfer and travel time.

• U-Tapao Airport (UTP) — Closest to Pattaya, But Expensive

  Located in Rayong city, 40 km from Pattaya. Direct flights from Phuket are rare (Bangkok Airways, several flights a day). Price — from 2500 baht (74.83 USD) and up. From the airport to Pattaya, it's most convenient to take a taxi or booked transfer (from 750 baht); public transport doesn't run here. This option works if you value time and are willing to pay extra, but in most cases, it loses to the other two.

How to Get from Pattaya Airport (U-Tapao) or Bangkok to Your Hotel in Pattaya

After arrival, you'll need to get to the city or your hotel in Pattaya. Here are the main options:

• Taxi (taxi-meter) – the most convenient. From Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang to Pattaya — about 1500 baht (44.9 USD), from U-Tapao — from 750 baht. Order at the official counter at the airport or via Grab, Maxim, Bolt, InDrive apps (cheaper).
• Direct bus from Suvarnabhumi – the most budget-friendly and convenient option from this airport. Buses depart from the first floor at Exit No. 8 (Gate 8), ticket price — 130 baht (3.89 USD). Take you to Pattaya North Bus Station or Jomtien (depending on the route). Run from 08:00 to 22:00 every hour.
• Minibus – an option from Don Muang or U-Tapao. From Don Muang, you can also first get to Suvarnabhumi Airport on the shuttle (100 baht) or city bus, and then take a bus to Pattaya. From U-Tapao — right at the airport exit, cost 200-300 baht, depart as they fill up.
• Local bus / train – long and with transfers (especially from Don Muang: first to Bangkok, then by bus). Economical, but will take almost half a day. Read more in the guide How to Get to Pattaya by Plane.

Bus — One of the Most Budget-Friendly Options

• 💰 Price: direct – from 1205 baht (36.07 USD); with transfer – from 950 baht (28.43 USD) (bus Phuket–Bangkok from 800 baht + Bangkok–Pattaya from 148 baht)
• 🕑 Travel time: direct – 17 h; with transfer – 16–24 h (including travel time to Bangkok and connection)
• 📅 Frequency: direct – 1 departure per day; with transfer – over 20 departures per day from Bangkok to Pattaya

The bus is the most economical way, chosen by many independent travelers. There are two main options: a direct route and one with a transfer in Bangkok. Both have overnight departures, which allows you to save on one night in a hotel, although sleeping in a bus seat is less comfortable than on a train. Read more about buses: everything you need to know about bus travel in Thailand.

To take the direct bus from Phuket, you first need to get to the bus station in Phuket Town by taxi or songthaew. This is a mandatory step, as buses depart only from there. Fare from the beaches to the bus station by songthaew is about 30-50 baht, by taxi — from 400 baht.

Direct Bus Phuket – Pattaya

The only direct route is operated by Sawadee Tour. The bus departs from Phuket's new bus terminal (Bus terminal-2) on Thepkrasattri Road (view on map) at 15:00 and arrives in Pattaya the next day around 08:00. Travel time — about 17 hours, ticket price — from 1205 baht (36.07 USD). The bus is overnight, with comfortable reclining seats. It's better to buy tickets in advance on 12Go.asia or at the bus station ticket office; travel agencies usually don't sell them.

In Pattaya, the bus arrives at the North Pattaya Bus Station on Pattaya 3rd Road (view on map). To get to your hotel or beach:

• Taxi or tuk-tuk – up to 200 baht to central areas.
• Songthaew (local pickup with benches) – the most budget-friendly way, price depends on distance, usually 20-40 baht. Travel along main streets.
• Rent a motorbike near the bus station – from 200 baht per day, convenient if you plan to explore the resort.

With a Transfer Through Bangkok

If the direct bus doesn't fit your schedule, you can get to Bangkok and transfer to a bus to Pattaya. The entire route with a transfer can be done in one day without an overnight stay in Bangkok if you calculate the time correctly. It's better to choose overnight departures from Phuket to Bangkok — you can sleep on the road and save on accommodation at the same time. When planning, allow at least 2–3 hours for the connection.

Buses from Phuket to Bangkok depart from the same new terminal (Bus terminal-2). Travel time is 12 to 16 hours, price from 800 baht (23.94 USD) depending on the class. There are many departures — about 40 per day, so you can buy a ticket on the spot, but on holidays and weekends it's better to book online at least a day in advance. In Bangkok, buses arrive at the northern station Mor Chit or the southern Sai Tai Mai.

From Bangkok to Pattaya, buses run frequently from Mor Chit, Ekkamai, and also from Khao San Road. Travel time is about 2 hours, price from 148 baht (4.43 USD). It's better to buy tickets in advance, especially in high season.

You can buy tickets on 12go.asia or through the form below. Russian cards don't work, but you can book and pay with cash at supermarket counters; choose payment at 7-Eleven at the final stage.

Train — For Romance Lovers and Leisurely Travelers

• 💰 Price: bus Phuket–Surat Thani from 300 baht + train from 216 baht (3rd class seats, not recommended) to 1500 baht (1st class sleepers) + bus Bangkok–Pattaya from 148 baht. Total from 664 to 1948 baht.
• 🕑 Travel time: at least 24 hours including all transfers
• 📅 Train frequency: 11 trains daily from Surat Thani to Bangkok (10 of them overnight)

For lovers of long journeys and multiple transfers, there's an option to reach Pattaya with train connections. The route in general looks like this:

From Phuket to Surat Thani railway station (bus) -> by train to Bangkok -> from Bangkok to Pattaya (bus or taxi).

The route is truly "complicated," and not everyone will be up for it. And in terms of price, a sleeper car will be more expensive than a plane. But on the other hand, you can get a good night's sleep on the train. If you decide to go by train, read our guide to trains in Thailand.

Here's how to do the entire route in detail:

• From Phuket to Surat Thani. First, take a songthaew or taxi to Phuket's new bus terminal, then a bus to Surat Thani city. Travel time 3–5 hours, price from 300 baht. Buses depart regularly throughout the day.

• In Surat Thani at the bus station, you'll need to transfer by taxi or local songthaew to Phun Pin Railway Station (located outside the city, about 12 km away). Taxi cost — about 150-200 baht.

• After arriving at the station, board a train to Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat station). From Surat Thani to Bangkok, 11 trains depart daily. Travel time by train is 8 to 12 hours depending on the type of train. Fare from 216 baht for seats (3rd class is highly not recommended) to 1500 for comfortable sleeper berths.

• In Bangkok at Krung Thep Aphiwat station, you need to get to Ekkamai, Mor Chit bus terminal, or Khao San Road to travel to Pattaya. You can do this by taxi (about 200-300 baht) or by metro (to Ekkamai station, then walk to the bus terminal). From Bangkok to Pattaya, buses run every 30-60 minutes, travel time 2 hours, price from 148 baht.

Bus Schedule to Pattaya