Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, is just a short trip from Pattaya, one of the country’s most popular beach destinations. Located 150 km (93 miles) northwest of Pattaya, Bangkok is easily accessible by bus, train, minivan, taxi, or private car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Pattaya to Bangkok:
- By Bus: The most budget-friendly and popular choice.
- By Train: A scenic but slower alternative.
- By Minivan: A faster and more flexible public transport option.
- By Private Car or Taxi: The most convenient way.
- By Flight: Not a practical option.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Pattaya to Bangkok.
Timetable
| Bus Pattaya - Bangkok ฿ 164–610 2h 30m – 3h | |
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| Taxi Pattaya - Bangkok ฿ 1,650–10,450 2h – 3h | |
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| Van Pattaya - Bangkok ฿ 200–210 2h – 3h | |
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| Bus Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport ฿ 198–460 2h | |
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| Taxi Pattaya - Suvarnabhumi Airport ฿ 1,400–10,450 1h 30m – 3h | |
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| Taxi Pattaya - Don Mueang Airport ฿ 1,900–10,450 2h 15m – 3h | |
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By Bus: The Most Budget-Friendly and Popular Choice
Taking a bus from Pattaya to Bangkok is the cheapest and most convenient option, with frequent departures throughout the day.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Pattaya Bus Terminal (North Pattaya Road) – Most popular choice.
- Jomtien Bus Station – Alternative for those staying in Jomtien.
- Arrival Points:
- Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bangkok) – Closest to Sukhumvit area.
- Mochit Bus Terminal (Northern Bangkok) – Best for connecting to the MRT/BTS.
- Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal (Southern Bangkok) – Less commonly used.
- Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price: 120–200 THB (~$3.50–$6 USD).
- Bus Operators:
- Roong Reuang Coach (most reliable).
- Bell Travel Service (includes hotel pickup).
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Pros:
- Cheapest option.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned buses.
- Frequent departures throughout the day.
Cons:
- Traffic can delay arrival times.
- Some bus terminals in Bangkok require extra transfers.
Booking Tip:
For the best experience, book a bus arriving at Ekkamai Terminal if staying in central Bangkok. Use our online search form to check schedules and book your ticket.
By Train: A Scenic but Slower Alternative
For travelers looking for a cheap and scenic journey, taking the train from Pattaya to Bangkok is an option. However, it is slow and infrequent.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: Pattaya Railway Station.
- Arrival Station: Hua Lamphong Station (Bangkok’s main train station).
- Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours.
- Price: 30–300 THB (~$1–$9 USD), depending on class.
- Train Options:
- Ordinary Train (#284) – Cheapest, slowest.
- Express Train (#998) – Slightly faster, more comfortable.
- Frequency: Limited departures (1–2 trains per day).
Pros:
- Scenic countryside views.
- Extremely cheap option (as low as 30 THB).
Cons:
- Slowest transport option (4+ hours).
- Infrequent departures (morning only).
Booking Tip:
Trains are not recommended unless you want a unique, slow travel experience. Use our online search form to check train schedules.
By Minivan: A Faster and More Flexible Public Transport Option
Minivans offer a faster alternative to buses and are ideal for travelers looking for more departure options.
Key Details:
- Departure Points:
- Pattaya Van Terminal (Central Festival Mall area).
- Various travel agencies in Pattaya.
- Arrival Points:
- Victory Monument (Bangkok) – Central and well-connected to public transport.
- Mochit Van Terminal.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price: 150–250 THB (~$5–$8 USD).
- Operators:
- Bell Travel Service.
- Various private van companies.
- Frequency: Departures every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Pros:
- Faster than buses.
- More departure options.
- Some vans provide hotel pick-up services.
Cons:
- Less luggage space than buses.
- Not as comfortable for long journeys.
Booking Tip:
Minivans fill up quickly, so book at least a few hours in advance using our online search form.
By Private Car or Taxi: The Most Convenient Way
For travelers who prefer door-to-door service, hiring a private car or taxi is the fastest and most hassle-free option.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Pickup from your hotel in Pattaya.
- Arrival Point: Drop-off at your hotel or destination in Bangkok.
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
- Price: 1,000–2,500 THB (~$30–$75 USD), depending on car type.
- Operators:
- Grab (ride-hailing app, slightly cheaper than taxis).
- Private taxi services from Pattaya.
Pros:
- Fastest land option (1.5–2 hours).
- Direct hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Comfortable for families or groups.
Cons:
- More expensive than buses and vans.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
Booking Tip:
For lower fares, book your taxi or private car in advance using our online search form.
By Flight: Not a Practical Option
Although flights exist between U-Tapao Airport (Pattaya) and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, they are not a practical option due to the short distance and high costs.
Key Details:
- Duration: 45 minutes (flight) + 2-hour airport transfers.
- Price: 2,000+ THB (~$60+ USD).
Pros:
- Only useful for travelers connecting to an international flight.
Cons:
- Takes longer than buses or taxis when factoring in airport transfers.
- Expensive for such a short distance.
Final Tips for Traveling from Pattaya to Bangkok
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus (120+ THB, 2–2.5 hours).
- Best Option for Speed: Taxi or private car (1.5–2 hours, 1,000+ THB).
- Best Option for Flexibility: Minivan (150+ THB, 1.5–2 hours).
- Book Early for Holidays: Buses and taxis sell out quickly on weekends and Thai holidays.
- Avoid Peak Traffic: Travel before 8:00 AM or after 8:00 PM for the fastest journey.
