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Rayong province lies east of Pattaya on the Gulf coast. It is the mainland base for Ko Samet, which belongs to Khao Laem Ya-Muko Samet National Park, about 20 km from Rayong town (Ban Phe).[1] The distance from Pattaya is modest, and booking platforms list private transfers and a minivan.[2]
Pattaya to Rayong by Private Transfer
A private transfer is the door-to-door option and saves you the trip to a bus station in Pattaya. 12Go lists prices of ฿890 to ฿3,000 (about $27 to $89) with a journey time of 40 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the vehicle.[2] The classes are Economy and Comfort cars, an SUV for 4 and a Luxury SUV, and vans for 9 including a VIP Van and a Luxury VIP Van.
Pattaya to Rayong by Van
The minivan is the cheapest way listed. 12Go lists a 9-seat van at ฿350 to ฿450 (about $10 to $13) with a journey time of 2 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours and a departure at 08:00 (October 2026).[2] Luggage space in a minivan is limited, so ask about it before you book if you carry large suitcases.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | ฿890 to ฿3,000 (about $27 to $89)[2] | 40min to 2h |
| Van | ฿350 to ฿450 (about $10 to $13)[2] | 2h 25min to 4h |
Tips for Traveling from Pattaya to Rayong
- Book in Advance: Vans and private transfers can fill up at weekends, when many people leave Bangkok and Pattaya for the Rayong beaches.
- Check Your Destination: Rayong is a large province. Make sure your driver knows whether you are going to Rayong city, the industrial zones of Map Ta Phut or Ban Phe for Ko Samet.
- Ko Samet Park Fee: Foreign adults pay a 200 baht admission fee for the national park on Ko Samet, and foreign children pay 100 baht.[1]
- Luggage Considerations: If you carry surfboards or diving gear, a private SUV or van is the better choice, because a standard minivan has little room for oversized items.
- Traffic Awareness: Sukhumvit Road can be congested at rush hour, so allow extra time if you leave then.
Timetable
| Bus Pattaya - Rayong $ 55.46 1h 35m | |
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| Taxi Pattaya - Rayong $ 26.39–88.97 40m – 2h | |
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| Van Pattaya - Rayong $ 10.38–13.34 2h 25m – 4h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Pattaya to Rayong, including current prices and schedules.
The minivan is the cheapest option listed, at ฿350 to ฿450 (about $10 to $13) in October 2026.
A private transfer is the quickest, with journeys from about 40 minutes, and it goes straight to your destination.
Private transfers take 40 minutes to 2 hours, and the minivan takes 2 hours 25 minutes to 4 hours.
Yes. Booking platforms list a Luxury SUV, a VIP Van and a Luxury VIP Van for private transfers.
Yes. When you book a private transfer, name Ban Phe as your drop-off point. This is simpler than taking a van to the city center and then finding a local taxi.
Minivans are a standard way to travel in Thailand. Book a registered service and use the seat belt, and choose a private car if you want more space.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Khao Laem Ya-Muko Samet National Park. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Pattaya to Rayong. Retrieved October 15, 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.