Bangkok to Pattaya Bus – Every Hour From $5

Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus is the cheapest option and only costs $5.

Pattaya is a popular beach resort city in Thailand and is located around 147 km from Bangkok. Long known for it’s beaches like Jomtien Beach and Pattaya Beach, oceanfront resorts, vibrant nightlife and entertainment that seems to never stop, it’s the perfect destination for beach, sun, fun and everything in between.

The Bangkok to Pattaya bus is an affordable way to travel between these cities. Not only is the bus cheap, but the air conditioned buses are also reliable with frequent schedules, have comfortable seats and good leg room making it the best option to travel between Thailand’s main entertainment destinations.

If you know your travel dates and want to start planning your transport from Bangkok to Pattaya, you can book your tickets online through 12-Go-Asia. There’s various options and Bangkok bus to Pattaya fares start from only $5!

RELATED ARTICLE: Bangkok to Pattaya – All Options

How to Get From Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus

Buses traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya depart from various bus terminals in the city. This is convenient because you can choose which station to depart from depending which is closest to you.

The main terminals are Mochit Bus Terminal and Ekkamai Bus Terminal which is more popular among tourists as its easily reached via BTS (skytrain). Should you wish to go directly from Suvarnabhumi airport, there is an hourly bus schedule starting at 7:00 am and the last departure is at 9:00 pm.

Below is further detail about the bus terminals and which you should use depending on your location. But if you’re anywhere near a BTS, then Ekkamai Bus Terminal is the easiest option.

If you need further details for when you arrive in Pattaya or a quick overview of places and areas in Pattaya scroll down, there a few recommendations for things to do places to stay in Pattaya and more general information.

Best Way to Book Bus Tickets From Bangkok to Pattaya

Tickets can be bought directly at the station on your day of travel.

Because there is frequent buses throughout the day, tickets rarely sell out. The only downside of purchasing tickets on the day of travel is that there may be no availability on the next departing buses. In most cases you’ll need to wait for available seats which may be on a bus departing a few hours later.

Tickets can also be bought online in advance. They cost slightly more than in person but at least you can reserve a seat and not waste time waiting at the station. Check dates and reserve seats here.

Pattaya Distance From Bangkok

Pattaya is located along the Gulf Coast of Thailand (East Coast). The distance is approximately 147 kilometers (about 91 miles) from Bangkok. Travel duration from Bangkok to Pattaya is around 90 minutes to 2.5 hours depending traffic conditions.

Bangkok Bus to Pattaya – Schedules & Terminals

Mo-Chit Bus Terminal and Ekkamai Bus Terminal are the main hubs serving buses to Pattaya from Bangkok. The third option is the direct bus from Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

The earliest bus is at 5:00 am from Mo-Chit Bus Terminal in Northern Bangkok. And the latest buses are at 9:00 pm from Ekkamai Bus Terminal and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Buses depart on the hour every hour with some more frequent routes throughout the day depending on demand. This applies for both terminals and Airport.

It’s important to plan ahead and be at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes in advance of the departure time. And if you’re booking a bus ticket from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, allow at least 2 hours between landing and bus departure. This should you enough time to go through baggage claim and immigration.

Keep in mind that Bangkok is a big, chaotic city. So it is best to book an online bus ticket that departs from a Bus Terminal closest to you. I will explain the location of each bus terminal and what are the closest popular areas nearby.

Mo-Chit Bus Terminal

Best for: Chatuchak – Nonthaburi – Pinklao – Khao San – Chinatown

Mo-Chit Bus Terminal (or Northern Bus Terminal) serves as a hub in Northern Bangkok, this includes Chatuchak, Nonthaburi and Pinklao.

If you’re staying in the Banglamphu area (Khao San – Rambuttri) and Chinatown area, you’re sort of in between the Mo-Chit Bus Terminal and Ekkamai Bus Terminal. However, I would suggest using the Mo-Chit bus terminal because getting to Ekkamai you’ll probably find a lot more congested traffic.

Ekkamai Bus Terminal

Best for: Sukhumvit – Siam – Sathorn – Silom – Thonglor – Ari – Ekkamai – Nana – Asoke – On Nut – Thonburu – Pratunam – Lumphini

Ekkamai Bus Terminal serves the Eastern and central parts of Bangkok. This includes some of the most popular parts of Bangkok where all the nice hotels and big shopping malls are located.

In short, if you are staying anywhere in Bangkok that is served by BTS (sky train) then buy your online ticket for a bus departing from Ekkamai bus terminal. You can then use the BTS skytrain to get to Ekkamai and the bus terminal is right outside the BTS exit.

Bus from Suvarnabhumi International Airport

Best for: If you want to go straight to Pattaya after landing

If you arrive in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can book a bus to take you to Pattaya. It’s a convenient and cost effective way of making the journey.

While taking a flight to Pattaya would be more convenient, there are no flights from Suvarnabhumi airport. All domestic flights depart from Don Mueang Airport.

So taking a bus from Bangkok to Pattaya or a more convenient private transfer are the only sensible options to make this journey.

Make sure to book a bus that departs at least 2 hours after you land. This should give you enough time to go through baggage claim and immigration.

You will need to have a printed copy of your online bus reservation. From the arrival terminal, go down to level 1 gate 8. Present your printed ticket at the ‘Hua-Hin/Pattaya’ counter. You will get a seat number and the bus will be outside.

Key Points

The bus: Buses from Bangkok to Pattaya are comfortable, have good leg room and all have A/C. Make sure to have something warm to put on cause the air condition is often very cold.

Time: You should be at the terminal at least 30 minutes in advance. Keep your online booking confirmation ready and present it at the counter to get your ticket and baggage tags.

Baggage: Each passenger is allowed (1) 20 kg luggage which will be stored in the bus storage compartment and 1 carry on bag. Always keep any valuables, passport, money, jewelry, bank card etc in your carry on. Any extra baggage will be subject to a fee between ฿20 and ฿300 depending on weight and volume.

Alternative Option

While the bus seems to be the cheapest option, there are the extra expenses of getting from your hotel to the bus terminal and then again from the bus terminal in Pattaya to your hotel.

If you’re traveling alone or you’re a group of 2, then the bus to Pattaya from Bangkok is the cheapest option.

However, if you’re a group of 3 or more, then in most cases, sharing the cost of a private transfer may only cost slightly more than the bus. And for groups of 5 or more, a private shared minivan is definitely cheaper. Private transfers start from around $50 for a 3 person car up to around $80 for a 9 person minivan.

All you need to do to book a private transfer is select an option, and in the next steps you’ll fill in the details for your pick-up in Bangkok and drop-off in Pattaya.

Arriving in Pattaya Bus Terminal

Depending on which Bangkok to Pattaya bus you chose to travel with, the journey will end in one of the 2 bus stations in Pattaya. These bus terminals are Pattaya North Bus Station or Jomtien Bus Station.

Buses departing from Mochit Terminal and Ekkamai Terminal terminate their trip at Pattaya North Bus Station.

If you traveled via the direct Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Bus, then journey ends at Jomtien Bus Station. This terminal is more convenient is it’s close to all the action and the beach is 500 meters down the road.

Getting to Your Hotel From Pattaya Bus Stations

Regardless of which bus station in Pattaya you arrive in you will (in most cases) need transport to reach your hotel.

The first thing to do is to verify if your accommodation offers any kind of shuttle service as certain upscale hotels or resorts in Pattaya offer free shuttle service.

Taxi

Taxi’s are easily the most convenient way to reach your hotel from any Pattaya bus terminal. As any other transport hub, you’ll have various taxi options to choose from. Pattaya isn’t such a large City like Bangkok and regardless of where you’re staying in Pattaya or which bus station you arrive in, a taxi ride shouldn’t cost any more than ฿100-฿300 ($3-$8). Just make sure you ask the driver to use the meter as it will always be cheaper than a fixed price.

Note: the taxi prices reflect the average cost for a ride to the most popular areas in Pattaya. Use them to have a general idea. Taxis cost around ฿70 ($2) for an 8km ride in normal traffic conditions.

Songtaews

Songtaews or Bhat buses are a local form of public transport in Thailand. The colorful open air pick-up vans are converted with fitted benches in the back and a roof. Traveling with a songtaew is the most authentic way to reach your hotel. Songtaews operate the same as buses and have fixed routes. So first you need to know where your hotel is located and ask which van you should get.

While the route of the songtaew may not pass directly in front of your hotel, a ride typically only cost around ฿10 ($0.30) to ฿50 ($1.50).

Tuk-Tuks

Well, there always the tuk-tuks as on option too. You find tuk-tuks hanging around the bus station in Pattaya. Unlike taxis, tuk-tuks don’t have any meter or fixed prices. If you decide to take a tuk-tuk its up to you to negotiate a favorable price with the driver. Keep in mind that the initial price the driver gives is always too high.

Just to give you an idea, a 5 km taxi ride would cost around ฿60. A driver tuk-tuk will probably start off by asking for ฿200 or more for the same ride. Just try reaching a reasonable price.

Resources and Information

If you have time to read any further, below you’ll find a list of useful information related to Pattaya such as accommodation, weather, things to do, and details about how to get back to Bangkok.

Pattaya Hotels & VRBOs Booking Map

Use the map to get a visualization of the prices for available properties in Pattaya. You can choose any listing and book directly.

Things to do in Pattaya

Beside the beaches, nightlife, resorts and loads of entertainment, there’s quite a few things to do in and around Pattaya.

Here are a few ideas for things to do in Pattaya. You can do these by yourself or book a tour. Either-way, it will be an amazing experience.

Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary interactive experience.

Visit Koh Pai, Koh Rin, and Koh Ped islands by Catamaran

Visit the Sanctuary of Truth

Go to a Cabaret show

Where to Stay in Pattaya

Pattaya is a beautiful coastal city. Lined with gorgeous beaches, amazing views, loads of oceanfront dining option and an entertainment scene that never sleeps. However all this is often overshadowed by Pattaya’s red light district and most tourist just generalize that’s all Pattaya is.

However Pattaya is so much more and to really enjoy this City by the beach it’s important to book your accommodation in an area that suits your travel style.

Below is a quick overview for areas to stay in Pattaya. This should give you an idea of what to expect.

“Just a heads up. Most of the Go-Go bars and adult entertainment bars are located around walking street in central Pattaya. Don’t stay there if you’re not into that kind of stuff”

North Pattaya – Best for Families and Relaxation

North Pattaya is a quieter area compared to the bustling central parts. It’s suitable for families and those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. The Wong Amat Beach is a highlight, offering a serene environment away from the busy city life.

Below are 3 accommodation suggestions for every budget

Central Pattaya – Best for Nightlife and Entertainment

Central Pattaya is the heart of the city’s nightlife and entertainment. Here, you’ll find a plethora of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. The area around Walking Street is famous for its vibrant nightlife and adult entertainment.

Below are 3 accommodation suggestions for every budget.

Jomtien Beach – Best for a Relaxing Seaside Retreat

Jomtien Beach is a more laid-back option compared to Central Pattaya. It’s known for its long, sandy beach and water activities. This area is suitable for those who want a mix of beachside relaxation and some nightlife.

How to Get From Pattaya to Bangkok

Want to know how to get to Bangkok from Pattaya? If you’ve read this entire article then planning your trip from the coastal city of Pattaya to the chaotic streets of Bangkok is a breeze. Basically it’s the same thing but in reverse.

There’s buses – minivans – transfers and trains every day going back and forth between these 2 cities. The total distance is around 145 km which should take around 2 hours travel time. Depending on traffic conditions.

Here are a few suggestions for getting from Pattaya to Bangkok depending on your budget, travel style and what time of day you to travel, one of these options will definitely be a good fit.

Pattaya to Bangkok by Bus

An easy, affordable and convenient option is to take the bus from Pattaya to Bangkok. Between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm there’s a bus doing this journey about every hour. The easiest way to reserve a seat on a bus is to book tickets on 12 Go Asia. This will guarantee you find a seat on the day of your travels.

On 12 Go Asia you’ll also get all the information for buses like schedules, travel time and departure stations in Pattaya and the arrival bus station in Bangkok. If you know your travel dates and know what you will be traveling from Pattaya, you can book your tickets here. A 1 way tickets costs around $5 to $6.

There’s also direct buses from Pattaya to Suvarnabhumi airport.

Pattaya to Bangkok by Train

Another option is to take the train from Pattaya to Bangkok. While it’s a cheap way to travel, the train isn’t really that convenient since only 1 train a day operates and departs Pattaya Tai Station at around 2 pm. This isn’t a popular transport option so you don’t need to order tickets in advance. Just show up at the station* get on the train and pay the dispatcher on the train.

*Here you won’t find an actual train station but just a platform. No booth or anything, Tickets are paid on the train. 3rd class seats only – fan and open window – authentic style.

Pattaya to Bangkok Transfer

The safest, fastest and most convenient option to travel between Pattaya and Bangkok is by transfer. A transfer is like a taxi and will include pick-up at your Pattaya Hotel and drop-off at your desired location in Bangkok.

Another option is to take a metered taxi. On paper, taking a meter taxi will cost less since the meter is only going to record the distance in one direction. However, you’ll have a hard time finding a taxi driver that will accept to do the ride without any further compensation. The taxi driver will offer a fixed price which is usually more expensive to booking an online transfer.

Pattaya to Bangkok by Air

Flying from Pattaya to Bangkok is the least convenient option. And probably the most time consuming. You’ll need to be at the airport 2 hours in advance which is about enough time to travel by land. Then from the airport you still have the journey from Don Mueang Airport into the city.

The only reason that air travel sort of makes sense is if you have a flight from Don Mueang airport shortly after you land. But in most cases, don’t consider flying, it’s expensive and inconvenient.

Conclusion

That’s it from. I hope this article helps you plan your journey from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus or any other transport option covered in this guide. Also, if you have any questions just drop a message below. Comments are answered within a few hours due to timezone differences.

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