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Leaving the neon energy of Pattaya for the jungle-clad peaks of Koh Chang feels like moving between two different Thailands. Pattaya has its skyline and nightlife, while Koh Chang, the Elephant Island, offers a slower pace where the mountains drop straight into the sea. The journey runs southeast along the coast to Trat Province and finishes with a boat crossing.
Pattaya to Koh Chang by Van
Shared vans are the usual choice for solo travelers and couples. On booking platforms, a van seat costs about $19 (October 2026), and the trip takes about 6 hours including the ferry crossing. Some operators sell a plain van seat, others a van plus ferry combo that takes care of the boat ticket for you.[1]
Pattaya to Koh Chang by Ferry Combo
No boat leaves Pattaya directly for Koh Chang. The express ferry tickets on booking platforms combine the road leg to the Trat coast with the boat crossing. They cost about $19 to $22 (October 2026) and take 6 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 45 minutes.[1] The breeze on the deck is a welcome change after the drive, and the island rises ahead of you.
Pattaya to Koh Chang by Private Transfer
A private vehicle collects you at your Pattaya accommodation. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $108 (October 2026), and the trip takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. Options include Comfort cars, SUVs for 4 passengers, 9-passenger vans, and Luxury SUVs and VIP vans.[1] A private van is the most economical choice per person for a group.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Price from (USD) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Van or van + ferry | About $19[1] | About 6h |
| Express ferry combo | About $19[1] | 6h 15min-6h 45min |
| Private transfer | About $108[1] | 3h 30min-5h |
Tips for Traveling from Pattaya to Koh Chang
- Book ahead in high season: From November to March, vans and private drivers fill up early.
- Ask which pier your ticket uses: If your resort is already booked, choose the crossing that lands closest to it.
- Mind your luggage: Large items such as surfboards can cost an extra seat in a shared van.
- Bring water and snacks: Vans stop at gas stations, but the day is long.
- Have baht ready on the island: You will need cash for local transport to the beaches.
Timetable
| Taxi Pattaya - Koh Chang $ 107.47โ170.24 3h 30m โ 5h | |
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| Ferry Pattaya - Koh Chang $ 19.24โ22.21 6h 15m โ 6h 45m | |
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| Van Pattaya - Koh Chang $ 19.24 6h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Pattaya to Koh Chang, including current prices and schedules.
A shared van or van plus ferry combo, from about $19 on booking platforms (October 2026).
A private transfer, which takes 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours.
Private transfers take 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours. Shared vans and express ferry combos take about 6 to 6 hours 45 minutes.
Van plus ferry and express ferry combo tickets include the boat crossing. A plain van seat may not, so check the details of your booking.
Yes. Private 9-passenger vans and VIP vans are available, and private transfers start at about $108 on booking platforms (October 2026).
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Pattaya to Koh Chang. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.