ThailandQuick overview of the Pattaya → Bangkok route (~150 km)
- Where to buy tickets – at the ticket counters before departure or online on 12go.asia (foreign cards only) or Trip.com (accepts Russian cards, SBP).
- Scheduled bus to central Bangkok – 2–2.5 h, from 148 baht – from Pattaya North Station
- Bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – 2 h, 130 baht – from North Station, 162 baht – from Jomtien
- T-Tour bus to Bangkok bus terminals – from 2 h, from 164 baht – to Mo Chit, Ekkamai, or Khao San
- Minivan – 2.5–3 h, from 350–400 baht – from Pattaya hotels
- Train – 3.5–4 h, 32 baht – regular, 170 baht – tourist train on weekends
- Taxi – 1.5–2 h, from 1,200 baht – meter
- Transfer – 1.5–2 h, from 1,500 baht – book online
- To Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – from 2.5 h, combination bus + taxi or taxi from 1,500 baht
💡 Details, schedules, and nuances of each option – below in the article. All prices are tested from personal experience but may be higher over time.
By Bus and Minivan from Pattaya
The bus is the most in-demand and reliable option. The ride takes about 2–2.5 hours, a ticket costs from 148 baht. The main thing is to choose the right departure station in Pattaya, since different stations lead to different points in Bangkok or the airport. Here are the key stations with prices and destinations:
Scheduled Buses from Pattaya Bus Stations
Official Pattaya – Bangkok buses run from the North Pattaya Bus Station, also known as Roong Reuang Coach Station. The schedule is dense, no need to book in advance – just come, buy a ticket at the counter, and leave on the next departure. If you want to lock in a seat for a specific time, you can buy a ticket online on 12go.asia (payment by foreign card) or on Trip.com (accepts Russian cards and SBP).
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North Pattaya Bus Station (Roong Reuang Coach)
Pattaya's main bus station (north station on the map). Direct buses depart from here to the Eastern Ekkamai Terminal and the Northern Mo Chit Terminal, with metro stations near them to other areas. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours.
Schedule and current prices:
- To Ekkamai: from 05:00 to 23:00 roughly every hour, ticket 148 baht (4.4 USD) + 20 baht for large luggage.
- To Mo Chit: from 05:00 to 18:00 every hour, ticket 158 baht (4.7 USD).
The current schedule and the ability to buy a ticket online are on the carrier's official website rrcticket.com (Roong Reuang Coach company). You can also check departures on pattayabus.com.
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Jomtien Station (Roong Reuang Coach Jomtien, Bus 389 Office)
Located in the Jomtien area (Jomtien station on the map). It's a convenient starting point if you live in Jomtien or Pratamnak, but from here buses only go to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and you can't get directly to central Bangkok. But you can get to the airport and transfer there to the Airport Rail Link – in 20–30 minutes and for 45 baht, reach Phaya Thai station (transfer to BTS) or Makkasan (transfer to MRT). That's practically the city center, the Pratunam area.
Price and schedule: bus No. 389 departs every 30–60 minutes from 06:00 to 20:00, ticket price – 162 baht (4.82 USD).
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T-Tour Bus Station
Located right at the entrance to Walking Street, next to Bali Hai Pier (station on the map). Minibuses go from here to Bangkok via Suvarnabhumi Airport to metro stations and the Sukhumvit, Ekkamai, Mo Chit bus stations. There's no clear schedule – transport departs as it fills up (they tell you at the counter it's every hour), so this option isn't suitable if you need to arrive at a specific time, for example for a flight. The ticket costs from 180 baht (5.35 USD), travel time – from 2 hours. Departures run approximately from 04:30 to 21:00; check the details at the counters by the pier.
How to get to the right station from your area:
- From central Pattaya, Naklua, or Wong Amat – by songthaew (15 baht) to the North Station or T-Tour.
- From Jomtien or Pratamnak – by songthaew (15 baht) to Jomtien Station or to the North Station (with a transfer).
- If you need it fast and hassle-free – call a taxi via Grab or Bolt (city price 80–200 baht).
Where do buses arrive in Bangkok? Check when buying a ticket – different companies drop off at different stations. Main arrival points:
- Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Mo Chit Bus Terminal – if you're coming from the North Station or T-Tour.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – from Jomtien, North Station, or T-Tour.
- Khao San Road – some T-Tour buses drop you right in this tourist area.
Minivans from Pattaya Hotels
If you're staying at a hotel in central Pattaya (for example, on Second Road, near Walking Street, or on Pratamnak), you can leave for Bangkok by minivan. Tickets are sold at street travel agencies, cost from 350 baht (10.41 USD). Usually minivans take you to Khao San Road, Mo Chit, or even right to your hotel door in Bangkok (for an extra fee).
Our experience: it's a lottery – you might get a comfortable minibus, or a packed songthaew with the air conditioning blasting. Minivan drivers can easily deviate from the route, make numerous stops to pick up passengers and deliver packages along the way, which can stretch the travel time to 5–6 hours instead of the promised 3. If you have large luggage or value your time, it's better to choose a scheduled bus – minivans often have problems with luggage space and predictability.
By Train from Pattaya
The cheapest and most leisurely option, which lets you soak up the local flavor. Commuter train No. 284 runs from Pattaya to Bangkok, and on weekends a tourist express No. 998 is added. Tickets cost symbolic money, but you have to be ready for the heat (fans instead of air conditioning) and possible delays – schedules in Thailand are a relative thing.
On weekdays (32 baht):
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) – Pattaya, train No. 283: departure 06:55, arrival 10:34
- Pattaya – Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), train No. 284: departure 14:21, arrival 18:15
On weekends only the fast tourist train (170 baht):
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) – Pattaya, train No. 997: departure 06:45, arrival 09:13
- Pattaya – Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), train No. 998: departure 16:26, arrival 18:55
Important note: Train No. 283/284 runs only on weekdays (Monday–Friday) and doesn't run on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday it's replaced by express No. 997/998.
Where the Train Departs in Pattaya
Departure is from Pattaya Train Station (Pattaya railway station on the map) – this is the main station within the city. The train also makes a short stop at Pattaya Tai Train Station (Pattaya Tai station on the map) – it's located further south, which is convenient for those staying in Jomtien.
Where the Train Arrives in Bangkok
The train arrives at the old Hua Lamphong station – that's in the Chinatown area (Hua Lamphong station on the map). On the approach to the city, it makes intermediate stops (Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Asok) – you can get off there too if it's closer to your hotel in Bangkok. You can check all stops on the website ttsview.railway.co.th (select train number 284 or 998).
Tickets are sold right before departure at the station ticket office or from the conductor if you board at a station without a ticket office (e.g., Pattaya Tai). It's best to double-check the schedule on railway.co.th. Stock up on water and a snack – the regular train has no air conditioning, but it does have open windows and a breeze.
Taxi and Transfer from Pattaya
Taxi Cost and How to Order
If there are two or three of you, you're with children, or you just don't want to deal with public transport, order a taxi. From Pattaya to central Bangkok, the meter price is from 1,200 baht (35.68 USD) plus a possible toll fee (50–100 baht). Private drivers on the street may ask from 1,500 baht – haggle. Travel time is 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic jams on the way into Bangkok.
The most reliable way is to order a taxi through the Grab, Bolt, or InDriver apps – the price is fixed, and you see the route and cost before the trip. Pattaya also has many "green" taxis, but demand the meter be turned on or agree on the price in advance.
Transfer from Pattaya to Bangkok and Airports
A transfer costs more than a taxi (from 1,500 baht), but it's suitable if you need maximum reliability, especially when it's important to be met at the airport or to travel with a large group. You pay for the car online in advance, and the driver meets you with a sign. You can check prices and book on:
Day Tours from Pattaya to Bangkok
If you're vacationing in Pattaya but want to see the main attractions of the capital – royal palaces, temples, floating markets, or shopping malls – the easiest way is to buy a day tour. The tour includes a transfer from your hotel, a Russian-speaking guide, and a ready-made route.
Prices and where to buy: The cost of the tour depends on the program and included entrance tickets and usually starts from 2,000 baht (59.46 USD). Check all the details and the exact price when booking. You can buy it in the following ways:
- Online (recommended): below is a list of partner services where you can study reviews, detailed descriptions, and compare prices. The sites accept Russian cards.
- At street travel agencies in Pattaya or at the hotel reception – this is convenient since you can pay in cash, but it's important to check the program and terms.
- From the hotel guide – usually the most expensive option.
Here are trusted services where you can choose a tour to Bangkok from Pattaya:
- Trip.com – the largest tour database and low prices
- Sputnik8 – tours in Russian, trusted guides
- Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
- GetYourGuide – international platform, lots of reviews (doesn't accept Russian cards)
The most popular tours: "Evening Bangkok with dinner on a barge," "Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace," "Damnoen Saduak Floating Market + Maeklong Railway Market." Prices – from 1,800 baht per person (including lunch and transfer).