Planning a trip to Pattaya? You’re in for a treat. Whether you’re chasing beach vibes, exploring the famous Walking Street, or just looking for a quick escape from the city, Pattaya is one of the easiest day trips — or weekend getaways — from Bangkok you can make. The two cities are only about 150 km apart, and there are actually quite a few ways to make the journey. Here’s a breakdown of every option so you can pick the one that fits your travel style best.
How Far Is Bangkok from Pattaya?
The distance between Bangkok and Pattaya is roughly 150 km by road, and travel time generally falls between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on your mode of transport and, of course, traffic. If you’re heading out on a Friday evening or a Thai public holiday, expect delays — the highway gets busy fast.
Ways to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya
1. By Bus — The Budget-Friendly Classic
The bus is hands-down the most popular way to get from Bangkok to Pattaya, and for good reason — it’s cheap, reliable, and runs throughout the day.
The main departure point is Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal), located on Sukhumvit Road right next to Ekkamai BTS Station, which makes it super easy to reach from most parts of Bangkok. Buses to Pattaya depart roughly every 30 minutes, with services starting at around 05:00 and the last bus leaving at around 23:00. The journey takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, fares typically start at around 119–131 THB one way.
The main operator on this route is Roong Reuang Coach, which runs air-conditioned coaches directly to Pattaya’s North Pattaya Bus Station. You can also catch buses from Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal) and directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport if you’re heading to Pattaya straight after landing.
Once you arrive at North Pattaya Bus Station, you can easily grab a songthaew (baht bus) or short taxi ride to your hotel.
Quick summary:
- Fare: ~119–192 THB
- Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours
- Departure: Ekkamai, Mo Chit, or Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Frequency: Every 30–60 minutes (roughly 06:00–22:00 from Ekkamai)
2. By Minivan — A Bit Faster, A Bit Pricier
If you prefer something quicker and don’t mind paying a little more, minivans (shared vans) are a solid option. They depart from multiple locations across Bangkok, including some hotels and guesthouses, which is convenient if you’re staying somewhere central. Fares generally range from 200 to 300 THB per person, and they tend to drop you off closer to central Pattaya compared to the big buses.
Travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours depending on pick-up stops along the way.
3. By Train — Slow, Scenic, and Surprisingly Fun
Taking the train from Bangkok to Pattaya isn’t the most practical option, but it’s a pretty enjoyable experience — especially if you’re not in a rush.
Trains depart from Hua Lamphong Station (Bangkok’s original station, still in use for the Pattaya line). There are two services to know about:
- Train 283 — A daily local train, 3rd class only, no reservation needed. Just show up, buy a ticket, and hop on. The fare is around 31 THB, making it one of the cheapest rides in the country.
- Trains SP997/SP998 — A special express air-conditioned railcar that runs on weekends only. 2nd class reserved seats, fare around 170 THB. Much more comfortable and worth booking ahead if you’re traveling on a weekend.
Journey time is approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The Pattaya train station is located about 3 km east of central Pattaya, so you’ll need a short taxi or songthaew ride to get into town.
Quick summary:
- Fare: 31 THB (3rd class daily) / 170 THB (2nd class AC, weekends)
- Travel time: ~2.5–3.5 hours
- Departure: Hua Lamphong Station
4. By Private Car — The Most Comfortable Option
If you’re traveling with family, have a lot of luggage, or simply want the most comfortable and door-to-door experience, a private car with a professional driver is the way to go.
Hiring a private car means you leave on your schedule, stop wherever you like along the way, and arrive directly at your hotel — no terminals, no transfers, no waiting. The drive along Motorway 7 (the main expressway linking Bangkok and Pattaya) typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours in good traffic.
For reliable private car options with professional drivers and transparent pricing, TST Travelling offers a range of vehicles for this route — from sedans to VIP vans — with pricing that’s clearly laid out upfront. More on this below.
Getting from Pattaya Back to Bangkok
The return trip is just as straightforward. From North Pattaya Bus Station, Roong Reuang buses head back to Ekkamai roughly every hour from 04:30 to 21:00. There are also buses heading directly to Mo Chit (Northern Terminal) at set times throughout the day. If you’re heading straight to the airport, buses to Suvarnabhumi Airport are also available from the same station.
Quick Comparison: Bangkok to Pattaya Transport Options
| Option | Fare | Travel Time | Best For |
| Bus | ~119–192 THB | 2–2.5 hrs | Budget travelers |
| Minivan | ~200–300 THB | 2–3 hrs | Flexibility & speed |
| Train | 31–170 THB | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Experience & scenery |
| Private Car | From 1,800 THB | 1.5–2 hrs | Comfort & groups |
Plan Your Bangkok–Pattaya Trip with TST Travelling
If you’re leaning toward the private car option, TST Travel & Transport Service is a trusted choice for travelers heading between Bangkok and Pattaya — and beyond. They offer private car rentals with professional drivers across Thailand, with a fleet that covers all group sizes:
- All New Sedan — ideal for 1–2 passengers, starting from 1,800 THB
- All New SUV — up to 4 passengers, starting from 2,300 THB
- VIP Van V.8 — up to 8 passengers, starting from 2,700 THB
- All New Commuter V.8 — up to 8 passengers, starting from 3,500 THB
No hidden fees, experienced drivers, and pickups from wherever you are — hotel, airport, or anywhere in Bangkok. Plenty of travelers from around the world have trusted TST Travelling for exactly this kind of journey.
If you’re also planning to explore other parts of Thailand during your trip, check out their guide on where to rent a car in Thailand with a private driver for more helpful tips on getting around the country comfortably.
👉 View vehicles & book your Bangkok–Pattaya transfer here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to book bus tickets in advance?
A: Not usually — buses run frequently and walk-up tickets are available at Ekkamai Terminal. During public holidays or peak season (November–March), booking ahead online is recommended.
Q: Can I go directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya without going into Bangkok first?
A: Yes! Roong Reuang Coach operates a direct bus from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya. Private car transfers from the airport are also available if you’re traveling with luggage or a group.
Q: Is a private car worth it for a large group?
A: Absolutely. A private VIP Van for up to 8 passengers starts from 2,700 THB total with TST Travelling — that’s around 337 THB per person for a group of 8, which is great value compared to individual bus tickets.
อ้างอิง:
- The Man in Seat 61 — Train travel in Thailand (ข้อมูลรถไฟ Bangkok–Pattaya จาก State Railway of Thailand)
- Thaiest.com — Ekkamai Bus Station Guide (ตารางเวลาและข้อมูลสถานีขนส่งเอกมัย)
