How to get to Pattaya by train from Bangkok: schedule, prices, first-hand experience

Bangkok — Pattaya train: is it worth taking?

We think the train from Bangkok to Pattaya is an option for true budget travelers or those looking for a bit of an adventure. Yes, it's 4-5 times cheaper than the bus (32 baht vs 148-158), but you'll also spend 2-3 times longer on the road. For just 110 kilometers, you'll be rattling along for 4 to 6 hours, while the bus gets there in 1.5–2 hours.

Train pros:
- Price — 32 baht (0.96 USD)
- You can get off in central Bangkok (Asok, Phaya Thai, Makkasan stations) — handy if you're staying in Sukhumvit or Pratunam.
- Stops right at two stations in Pattaya (Pattaya and Pattaya Tai).
- Relatively clean, has fans, seats.

Train cons:
- Very slow. In reality, it takes 5-6 hours instead of the stated 4.
- Inconvenient schedule: there in the morning, back in the afternoon. You can't stay overnight — the return train leaves at 14:20 or 16:26.
- The stations are far from the beach and Walking Street. You'll need a taxi or songthaew to get there.

If you just want to save money and aren't in a hurry — get a train ticket. If comfort and time are a priority — choose a bus or taxi. Below is the honest schedule.

Bangkok — Pattaya train schedule

Trains run daily, but different carriages run on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays — a slow "commuter train" that stops at almost every platform. On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), a fast tourist train is added.

• Slow train #283/284 (weekdays): Actual travel time can reach 6 hours due to long stops. Makes stops in central Bangkok (Asok, Phaya Thai, Makkasan). Tickets are only sold at station ticket offices or from the conductor — you can't buy them online, and you won't find this train on aggregators.
• Fast tourist train #997/998 (weekends): Only runs on Saturdays and Sundays. Travel time is about 2.5 hours, it runs with almost no delays. The price is higher, but still cheap. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office or online (on the official website railway.co.th).

Where are the train stations in Bangkok and Pattaya?

In Bangkok, trains depart from the old Hua Lamphong station (station on the map). It's located in Chinatown, easy to reach by subway (MRT Hua Lamphong). But the most convenient thing about this train is that it also makes stops in the city center: you can board at Asok (near BTS Asok and MRT Sukhumvit), Phaya Thai (transfer to the Airport Rail Link), or Makkasan. You buy your ticket directly on the train from the conductor or at the station itself.

In Pattaya, the train stops twice:

• Pattaya Railway Station — view on the map. Located in the north of the city, not far from Sukhumvit Road.
• Pattaya Tai Train Station (south) — view on the map. Closer to Jomtien and the southern part of Pattaya.

Both stations look very modest: just a platform with a roof and a ticket office (at the southern one, there's no ticket office at all). Don't expect a station with cafes and waiting rooms. But it is atmospheric — like a 90s Thai movie.

Train ticket price and where to buy it

The fare on the slow train #283/284 is 32 baht (0.96 USD). On the fast weekend train — 170 baht (5.1 USD). There are no child or discount tickets, everyone pays the same.

You can't buy a ticket in advance (and you don't need to) — only on the day of travel. At Hua Lamphong station, ticket offices open 30–40 minutes before departure. At intermediate stops (Asok, Phaya Thai), tickets are sold by conductors on the train. Just board and pay the conductor when they come by. Cash only, no cards.

How to get from Pattaya station to your hotel

Both the northern and southern stations are far from the main beaches and tourist streets. From Pattaya station to the nearest beach (Pattaya Beach) is about 3 km, from Pattaya Tai to Jomtien is about 4 km. Here's the best way to get there:

• Songthaew (pickup truck taxi, "baht bus"): right after the train arrives, there are usually several waiting. Cost is 15–20 baht per person, but they don't take you directly to the hotel — just along the main streets. Tell the driver "Jomtien" or "Pattaya Beach". The cheapest option.
• Motorbike taxi: from 50 baht for a short trip. Fast, but a bit sketchy with luggage.
• Taxi via Grab or Bolt: from 100 to 150 baht to the center. The most comfortable way, especially if you have heavy bags.
• Walk: if your hotel is nearby (for example, in the Pratumnak area), you can walk for 20–30 minutes, but in the heat, it's a challenge.

One time we took a songthaew from the southern station to Jomtien — we spent 20 baht and about 30 minutes because the songthaew was waiting for other passengers. Another time we took a Grab for 120 baht — and were at our hotel in 10 minutes. Your call.

Alternatives to the train: bus and taxi

If you're not sure whether to bother with the train, here are two other ways to get from Bangkok to Pattaya:

• Bus: departs from the Eastern Terminal Ekkamai (every hour from 05:00 to 23:00) or from the Northern Terminal Mo Chit. Travel time — 1.5–2 hours, price — from 148 baht (4.44 USD). This is the best option in terms of price/speed ratio.
• Taxi or transfer: from 1200 baht (36 USD) per car. You'll get there in 1.5 hours, door to door. You can book via Kiwitaxi or right at the airport counter.

Find a detailed comparison of all the ways in our big guide: How to get to Pattaya — bus, taxi, plane, ferry (it covers the train too, but we've broken it all down here).

Handy tips before you travel

• Bring water and a snack — there's no buffet on the train, and vendors come by rarely.
• Charge your phone and download some movies — 6 hours on the road without air conditioning can feel like an eternity. No outlets in the carriage.
• Sit on the left side in the direction of travel — closer to the window opening, and the view of the rice fields is better.
• Don't plan any important meetings on the day you arrive — the train is guaranteed to be late.
• If you're traveling with a big suitcase, keep in mind that the racks above the seats are narrow, and there's no luggage compartment. Better to travel light.

Bus and train schedules to Pattaya