Quick Overview of the Pattaya → Bangkok Route (~150 km)
- Regular bus to central Bangkok — 2–2.5 h, from 148 ฿ (4.53 USD) — Pattaya North Station
- Bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) — 2 h, 130 ฿ (3.98 USD) — from North Station, 162 ฿ (4.96 USD) — from Jomtien
- Bus from T-Tour to Bangkok bus terminals — from 2 h, from 164 ฿ (5.02 USD) — to Mo Chit, Ekkamai, or Khao San
- Minivan — 2.5–3 h, from 350–400 ฿ (10.72–12.25 USD) — from Pattaya hotels
- Train — 3.5–4 h, 32 ฿ (0.98 USD) — regular, 170 ฿ (5.21 USD) — tourist (weekends)
- Taxi — 1.5–2 h, from 1200 ฿ (36.76 USD) — meter
- Transfer — 1.5–2 h, from 1500 ฿ (45.95 USD) — book online
- To Don Mueang Airport (DMK) — from 2.5 h, combination of bus+taxi or taxi from 1500 baht (45.95 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 from Pattaya
The bus is the most popular and reliable option. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours, ticket costs from 148 baht. The main thing is to choose the right departure station in Pattaya, as different stations go to different points in Bangkok or the airport. Here are the key stations with prices and destinations:
Regular Buses from Pattaya Bus Terminals
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 show up, buy a ticket at the counter, and catch the next bus. If you want to secure a seat for a specific time, you can buy a ticket online at 12go.asia (cash payment in Thai supermarkets).
There are also buses to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and, via transfer, to Don Mueang. Note: From Jomtien, buses go only to Suvarnabhumi Airport, not into Bangkok itself.
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Pattaya North Bus Station (North Pattaya Bus Station, Roong Reuang Coach)
Pattaya's main bus terminal (North Station on the map). Direct buses depart from here to the Eastern Terminal Ekkamai and the Northern Terminal Mo Chit. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours.
Schedule and current prices:
- To Ekkamai: from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM roughly every hour, ticket 148 baht (4.53 USD) + 20 baht for large luggage.
- To Mo Chit: from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM every hour, ticket 158 baht (4.84 USD).
Current schedule and online ticket purchase available on the official carrier's website rrcticket.com (Roong Reuang Coach). You can also check routes at pattayabus.com.
How to get to Don Mueang Airport (DMK)? There's no direct bus, but there's a convenient combination: take a bus to Mo Chit, then take a taxi from there (about 500 baht) or the free shuttle bus if you have a departure ticket from Don Mueang (1 hour).
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Jomtien Station (Roong Reuang Coach Jomtien, Bus 389 Office)
Located in the Jomtien area (Jomtien Station on the map). This is a convenient starting point if you're staying in Jomtien or Pratamnak, but buses from here only go to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), not directly to central Bangkok. However, you can get to the airport and then transfer to the Airport Rail Link — in 20–30 minutes and 45 baht you can get to Phaya Thai station (transfer to BTS) or Makkasan station (transfer to MRT). That's practically the city center, the Pratunam area.
Price and schedule: Bus #389 departs every 30–60 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM, ticket price — 162 baht (4.96 USD).
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T-Tour Bus Station
Located right at the entrance to Walking Street, near Bali Hai Pier (station on the map). From here, minivans go to Bangkok via Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ekkamai station. There's no fixed schedule — transport departs as it fills up, so this option isn't suitable if you need to arrive exactly at a certain time, like for a flight. The ticket costs from 200 baht (6.13 USD), travel time from 2 hours. Services run approximately from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM; check details at the ticket counters near 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 transfer).
- If you need to get there quickly and hassle-free — call a taxi via Grab or Bolt (city ride 150–200 baht).
Where do buses arrive in Bangkok? Check when buying your ticket — different companies drop you 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 take you directly to this tourist area.
Minivans from Pattaya Hotels
If you're staying at a hotel in central Pattaya (e.g., on Second Road, near Walking Street, or Pratamnak), you can take a minivan to Bangkok. Tickets are sold at street travel agencies, costing from 350 baht (10.72 USD). Usually, minivans take you to Khao San Road, Mo Chit, or even directly to your hotel door in Bangkok (for an extra fee).
Our experience: it's a lottery — you might get a comfortable minivan, or you might end up in an overcrowded van with the A/C blasting. Minivan drivers can easily deviate from the route, making numerous stops to pick up passengers, receive and deliver packages along the way, which can increase travel time to 3–4 hours. If you have large luggage or value your time, it's better to choose a regular bus — minivans often have problems with luggage space and predictability.
By Train from Pattaya
The cheapest and most leisurely way, allowing you to soak up the local vibe. The #284 commuter train runs from Pattaya to Bangkok, and on weekends, the tourist express #998 is added. Tickets cost symbolic money, but you need to be prepared for the heat (fans instead of A/C) and possible delays — schedules in Thailand are relative.
Weekdays (32 baht):
- Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) — Pattaya, train #283: departure 6:55 AM, arrival 10:34 AM
- Pattaya — Bangkok (Hua Lamphong), train #284: departure 2:21 PM, arrival 6:15 PM
Fast tourist train only 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
Important note: Train #283/284 runs only on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and does not operate on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday, it is replaced by express #997/998.
Where the Train Departs from in Pattaya
Departure from Pattaya Train Station (Pattaya railway station on the map) — the main station within the city. The train also makes a short stop at Pattaya Tai Train Station (Pattaya Tai station on the map) — located south, convenient for those staying in Jomtien.
Where the Train Arrives in Bangkok
The train arrives at the old Hua Lamphong station in the Chinatown area (Hua Lamphong station on the map). On approach to the city, it makes intermediate stops (Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Asok) — you can get off there 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 at railway.co.th. Bring water and a snack — the regular train has no A/C, but it has 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 have kids, or you just don't want to mess with public transport, order a taxi. From Pattaya to central Bangkok, the metered price is from 1200 baht (36.76 USD) plus possible toll fees (50–100 baht). Private drivers on the street may ask from 1500 baht — haggle. Travel time is 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic entering Bangkok.
The most reliable way to order a taxi is through the apps Grab, Bolt, or InDriver — the price is fixed, you see the route and cost before the trip. Pattaya also has many "green" taxis, but insist on turning on the meter or negotiate in advance.
Transfer from Pattaya to Bangkok and Airports
Transfer costs more than a taxi (from 1500 baht), but it's suitable if you need maximum reliability, especially when you need to be met at the airport or are traveling with a large group. You pay for the car online in advance, and the driver will meet you with a sign. Check prices and book at:
One-Day Tours from Pattaya to Bangkok
If you're vacationing in Pattaya but want to see the capital's main attractions — royal palaces, temples, floating markets, or shopping malls — the easiest way is to buy a one-day tour. The tour includes transfer from your hotel, a Russian-speaking guide, and a ready-made itinerary.
Prices and where to buy: The cost of the tour depends on the program and included entrance tickets and usually starts from 2000 baht (61.27 USD). Check all details and exact prices when booking. You can buy it in the following ways:
- Online (recommended): below is a list of partner services where you can read reviews, detailed descriptions, and compare prices. The sites accept Russian cards.
- At street travel agencies in Pattaya or at your hotel reception — this is convenient as you can pay in cash, but be sure to check the program and terms.
- Through your 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, vetted guides
- Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
- GetYourGuide – international platform with many reviews (doesn't accept Russian cards)
The most popular tours: "Evening Bangkok with Dinner on a Barge", "Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Grand Palace", "Damnoen Saduak Floating Market + Maeklong Railway Market". Prices — from 1800 baht per person (including lunch and transfer).