Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Pattaya – X4 Ways to Get There

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If you’re flying Air Asia, Nok Air, Lion-Air or any other Asian low-cost airline, chances are you will touch down in Don Mueang airport. There are various ways to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya. The distance to Pattaya from Don Muang is around 160 km and the journey can take between 2.5 hours and 4+ hours depending on which option you choose.

The fastest, easiest and most hassle free option is a private transfer. Transfers are a favorite transport option among tourists as it’s convenient with door to door service and rather affordable costing around ฿1800 ($50). Getting from Don Muang Airport to Pattaya by bus is also another option for anyone on a budget. However, this option requires a little more planning as there are no direct buses from Don Mueang to Pattaya.

– Landing in Suvarnabhumi Airport? ↳Read This Instead

This detailed Don Muang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya transport guide covers everything you need to know about how to get from Don Mueang to Pattaya.

RELATED ARTICLE: Bangkok to Pattaya – All Options

How to Get from Don Mueang to Pattaya – Best Ways

You may not have the time to read this entire article. So if you’re ready to book your transport from Don Muang Airport to Pattaya the best option is to pre-book a private transfer. The moment you clear luggage claim and customs your driver will be waiting for you and you’ll be on your way to your hotel in Pattaya avoiding the often long taxi queue at the Airport.

Another popular option especially with families and groups is to rent a car. When you rent a car it will be delivered to you at the airport. Driving down to Pattaya is straightforward journey via highway 3 or 7. You’ll then have the luxury of moving around Pattaya independently without constantly relying on expensive taxis. → check the best car rental deals here

If you have the time to keep reading you will find all the details you need about all the options to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya. This information will help you plan with ease and choose the right transport option for you. And at the end of this article there’s a few useful sections about Pattaya weather, the best areas to stay, and a few activity recommendations.

Don Mueang (DMK) Airport to Pattaya – X4 Options

Currently there’s 4 reliable ways to get from Don Muang Airport to Pattaya. Private transfers and taxis, car rentals and the bus via Mochit Bus Terminal. A less convenient option which will take a lot longer but affordable and still comfortable.

#1 Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya Transfer

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The safest, fastest and most hassle free way to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya is via Private transfer. Because who wants to wait in a long taxi line after a flight and going through baggage claim and customs! Transfers are convenient because you won’t need to worry about anything. A driver will be waiting for you the minute you walk out of the arrivals. You’ll avoid having to wait your turn in the taxi line and immediately be on your way in the comfort of an air conditioned car.

You can book your private transfer online. To book online, follow the steps and enter your name, airline, flight number and arrival time. For pick-up point just enter Don ‘Mueang Airport Arrivals’ and the name of your Pattaya Hotel in the drop-off point section. This will help your driver know exactly what time to come for you and inform them of any delays. It’s simple, fast and convenient. And all additional fees such as airport surcharge and toll fees are included.

#2 Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya Taxi

If you haven’t booked a private transfer, the second best convenient option to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya is a taxi. Once you’ve gone through baggage claim and cleared customs and immigrations, follow the signs that say ‘taxi’. You will need to get a ticket from the machine and wait for your number. There can be a long queue however it does usually move quickly.

While taxis are supposed to use a meter, it doesn’t exactly work this way when going from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya. The driver will most often give you a fixed price. That’s because when using the meter they will only get paid for the ride in one direction so the fixed price compensates for the ride back. The price will often be between ฿1800 ($50) and ฿2400 ($67).

฿1800 ($50) is a fair price since it’s the same you would pay for a private transfer. If the price offered is any higher you should try negotiating a better price. There are also additional charges. There’s a ฿50 ($1.40) airport surcharge fee and fees between ฿20 ($0.60) and ฿50 ($1.40) when using the express toll roads. If you get a fixed price these fees may or may not be included. So you should always ask the driver in advance.

#3 Car Rental

Should you want more convenience then car rentals are a great option. Rental cars are popular especially with families or groups that don’t want to rely on taxis or public transport. You can rent a car and have it delivered to you at Don Mueang Airport and then take advantage of moving around Pattaya independently without relying on taxis which are often expensive due to not using meters.

#4 Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya Bus

The most affordable way to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya is by bus. Unlike Suvarnabhumi Airport which has direct bus service to Pattaya, there are no direct buses from Don Mueang to Pattaya.

Getting to Pattaya from DMK airport to Pattaya by bus can be done via Mochit Bus terminal. The bus schedule Mochit to Pattaya is approximately every 90 minutes with the first bus departing at 5:00am and the last bus at 6:00pm. Tickets cost ฿170 ($4.50).

Mochit Bus Terminal is a 20 minute – 15 km ride from Don Mueang Airport. And the best way to get there is by taxi which will cost between ฿150 ($4.20) and ฿200 ($5.60) including the airport surcharge fee.

Just let your driver know you’re going to Mochit Bus Terminal (⬅️ location) to get the bus to Pattaya. They will know exactly where to go. And don’t forget to ask the driver to turn on the meter before getting in.

“Note: there are also minivans going from Mochit to Pattaya. I suggest not using minivans because they’re not comfortable as passengers and all the luggage are crammed into the van”

Bus Fare

The Bus fare from Mochit to Pattaya is ฿170 ($4). You can book a bus ticket online. Allow at least 3 hours between your ETA and bus departure. This will give you enough time to go through baggage claim, get visa (if any) and clear immigration and custom and get the taxi from Don Mueang to Mochit Bus Terminal.

When you arrive at Mochit bus terminal, go to counters 9 or 10 and show your online ticket/s. You will get a seat number and indications to the bus. There is a baggage allowance of 20kg for check in bags and free carry-on bag. Make sure to keep all personal belongings with you in your carry on.

Also, have something warm in your carry on. Buses in Thailand for some reason have the A/C on freeze mode. Really, the air condition in buses is always really cold, so have something warm with you just in case.

Additional information

Below is further details about Pattaya like how to get from the bus station in Pattaya to your hotel, best areas to stay, Pattaya weather and a few activity suggestions. I have also included details about how to go back to Bangkok from Pattaya.

Arriving in Pattaya Bus Terminal

If you traveled from Mochit Bus Terminal to Pattaya by Bus, the journey will end in Pattaya North Bus Station close to the centre of Pattaya. Central Pattaya is a popular area because it’s in the middle of everything. Beaches are close by, the lively area around walking street isn’t too far away, and quieter Northern parts are also within reasonable distance.

Getting to Your Hotel from Pattaya North Bus Station

In most cases you will need transport to get from Pattaya North Bus Station to your hotel.

The first thing to do is to verify if your accommodation offers any kind of shuttle service as certain upscale hotels and resorts in Pattaya offer this service for free. Other options are taxis or the public transport vans known as Baht buses or Songtaews.

Taxi

Taxis are easily the most convenient way to reach your hotel from Pattaya North Bus Station. 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, 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 with fixed routes. But you can also rent the entire van similar to a taxi. Unless you’re renting the entire van to take you to your hotel, you need will 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’s always the iconic 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 tuk-tuk driver will probably start off by asking for ฿200 or more for the same ride. Just try negotiating a reasonable price.

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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