Quick Overview of the Pattaya → Bangkok Route (~150 km)
- Regular 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
- Bus from T-Tour 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 on weekends
- Taxi – 1.5–2 h, from 1200 baht – metered
- Transfer – 1.5–2 h, from 1500 baht – online booking
- To Don Muang Airport (DMK) – from 2.5 h, bus+taxi combo or taxi from 1500 baht
💡 Details, schedules, and nuances of each option – below in the article. All prices have been verified through personal experience but may increase over time.
By Bus and Minivan from Pattaya
The bus is the most popular and reliable option. It takes about 2–2.5 hours, and the 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 Stations
Official Pattaya – Bangkok buses run from the North Pattaya Bus Station, also known as Roong Reuang Coach Station. The schedule is frequent; booking in advance isn't necessary – just show up, buy a ticket at the counter, and leave on the next departure. If you want to secure a seat for a specific time, you can buy a ticket online at 12go.asia (cash payment at Thai supermarkets).
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North Pattaya 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, near which there are metro stations to other areas. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours.
Schedule and current prices:
- To Ekkamai: from 05:00 to 23:00 approximately every hour, ticket 148 baht (4.45 USD) + 20 baht for large luggage.
- To Mo Chit: from 05:00 to 18:00 every hour, ticket 158 baht (4.75 USD).
Current schedule and online ticket purchase – on the carrier's official website rrcticket.com (Roong Reuang Coach). 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). This is a convenient starting point if you're staying in Jomtien or Pratumnak, but from here buses 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 metro – in 20–30 minutes and 45 baht get to Phaya Thai station (transfer to BTS) or Makkasan (transfer to MRT). This is practically the city center, Pratunam area.
Price and schedule: bus No. 389 departs every 30–60 minutes from 06:00 to 20:00, ticket price – 162 baht (4.88 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). Minivans to Bangkok depart from here via Suvarnabhumi Airport to metro stations and bus terminals Sukhumvit, Ekkamai, Mo Chit. There's no fixed schedule – transport leaves as they fill up (the counter says every hour), so this option isn't suitable if you need to arrive exactly at a specific time, such as for a flight. The ticket costs from 180 baht (5.42 USD), travel time from 2 hours. Departures roughly from 04:30 to 21:00; check details at the counters near the pier.
How to get to the right station from your area:
- From central Pattaya, Naklua, or Wong Amat – take a songthaew (15 baht) to the North Station or T-Tour.
- From Jomtien or Pratumnak – take a songthaew (15 baht) to Jomtien Station or to the North Station (with a transfer).
- If you need to get there quickly and without hassle – call a taxi via Grab or Bolt (city fare 80–200 baht).
Where do buses arrive in Bangkok? Check when buying your ticket – different companies drop off at different stations. Main arrival points:
- Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Mo Chit Bus Terminal – if 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 (for example, on Second Road, near Walking Street, or in Pratumnak), you can get to Bangkok by minivan. Tickets are sold at street travel agencies, costing from 350 baht (10.53 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 minibus, or you might end up in an overcrowded van with the AC blasting at full power. Minivan drivers can easily deviate from the route, make numerous stops to pick up passengers, receive and deliver packages along the way, due to which travel time can stretch 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 space for suitcases and predictability.
By Train from Pattaya
The cheapest and most leisurely way, giving you a chance to soak up the local flavor. Commuter train No. 284 runs from Pattaya to Bangkok, and on weekends the tourist express No. 998 is added. Tickets cost symbolic money, but you need to be prepared for the heat (fans instead of air conditioning) and possible delays – schedules in Thailand are relative.
Weekdays only (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
Weekends only express 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 only runs on weekdays (Monday-Friday) and does not operate on weekends. On Saturday and Sunday, it's replaced by express No. 997/998.
Where Does the Train Depart From in Pattaya
Departure 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, convenient for those staying in Jomtien.
Where Does the Train Arrive in Bangkok
The train arrives at the old Hua Lamphong station – located 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 if it's closer to your hotel in Bangkok. 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 counter or from the conductor if you board at a station without a counter (for example, Pattaya Tai). It's better to double-check the schedule on railway.co.th. Bring water and snacks – the regular train has no air conditioning, but 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're with kids, or you just don't want to deal with public transport, order a taxi. From Pattaya to central Bangkok, the metered price is from 1200 baht (36.11 USD) plus possible toll fees (50–100 baht). Private drivers on the street may ask from 1500 baht – negotiate. Travel time is 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic on the approach to Bangkok.
The most reliable way is to order a taxi via the Grab, Bolt, or InDriver apps – the price is fixed, you see the route and cost before the trip. There are also many "green" taxis in Pattaya, but insist 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 in cases where it's important to be met at the airport or travel with a large group. You pay for the car online in advance, the driver will meet you with a name sign. Check prices and book on:
One-Day Excursions 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 excursion. The excursion includes transfer from your hotel, a Russian-speaking guide, and a ready-made itinerary.
Prices and where to buy: The cost of the excursion depends on the program and included entrance tickets and usually starts from 2000 baht (60.19 USD). Check all details and exact prices when booking. You can buy in the following ways:
- Online (recommended): below is a list of partner services where you can read reviews, detailed descriptions, and compare prices. Sites accept Russian cards.
- At street travel agencies in Pattaya or at the hotel reception – convenient because 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 verified services where you can choose an excursion to Bangkok from Pattaya:
- Trip.com – the largest database of excursions and low prices
- Sputnik8 – excursions in Russian, verified guides
- Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
- GetYourGuide – international platform, many reviews (does not accept Russian cards)
The most popular excursions: "Evening Bangkok with dinner on a barge," "Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace," "Damnoen Saduak Floating Market + Mae Klong Railway Market." Prices – from 1800 baht per person (including lunch and transfer).