Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya – X3 Ways to Get There

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If you’re flying into Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport there are various ways to get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya. The distance to Pattaya from Bangkok Airport is around 120 km and all transport options (buses and taxis) will take between 2 hours and 2.5 hours to complete the journey.

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 ฿1400 ($39). Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya by bus is an equally convenient option with multiple buses throughout the day and bus fares ฿220 ($6).

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This detailed Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya transport guide covers everything you need to know about how to get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya.

RELATED ARTICLE: Bangkok to Pattaya – All Options

How to Get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya

You may not have the time to read this entire article. But if you’re ready to book your transport from Bangkok 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. Another option is the Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya bus. Buses are comfortable and equally convenient as there’s almost 20 buses a day with an hourly schedule between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm.

“If you land in Suvarnabhumi airport after 9:00 pm the only options are a transfer or taxi or car rental as buses won’t be operating”

If you have the time to keep reading you will find all the details you need about how to get from Suvarnabhumi 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.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya – X3 Options

Currently there’s 3 reliable ways to get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya. Private transfers and taxis. Also the bus is an inexpensive option if you’re on a budget. There is also the option to go by train. However, train travel isn’t practical as there’s only 1 train a day and that departs at 6:55 am from Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok.

#1 Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Transfer

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

You can book your private transfer online. Follow the steps and enter your name, airline, flight number and arrival time. For pick-up point just enter Suvarnabhumi arrivals and the name of your Pattaya Hotel in the drop-off point section. It’s simple, fast and convenient. And all additional fees such as airport surcharge and toll fees are included.

#2 Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Taxi

If you haven’t booked a private transfer, the second best convenient option to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya is taking a taxi. When you exit the arrivals, take the lift or escalator down to level 1 (Ground Level). Taxi stands are located in front of gates 3, 4, 7 and 8. You need to get a ticket from the taxi ticketing machine and wait your turn. During busy hours there is often a line but it does tend to move fast.

While taxis are supposed to use a meter, it doesn’t exactly work this way when going from Bangkok 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 ฿1400 ($39) and ฿2000 ($56).

฿1400 ($39) is a fair price because it’s the same as a private transfer. If it’s any higher you should try negotiating. There are also additional charges. There’s a ฿50 ($1.40) airport surcharge fee and 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 in the price. So you should always ask the driver.

#3 Car Rental

If you’re landing in Bangkok airport you may want to consider renting a car. Car rentals are a popular option especially with families or when groups are splitting the cost. The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya is a straightforward journey along highway 3 or highway 7 which don’t generally have much traffic.

Around the Jomtien area in Pattaya isn’t half as chaotic as around the walking street area in Pattaya. This makes car rental an easy and convenient option.

Or you may want to →rent a car once you arrive in Pattaya?

#4 Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya Bus

The most affordable way to get from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya is by bus. Although the bus is an inexpensive way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya it is still equally comfortable and convenient. Buses have comfortable seats, air condition, good leg room and big luggage is stored in the bus storage compartment.

If you’re taking the bus, I would suggest having something warm to put on. For some reason the A/C on buses is always on full blast and its often freezing. Also make sure to have all your personal belongings in your carry on and not stored in the bus storage compartment.

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

There’s over 20 buses daily which operate between 7:00 am and 9:00 pm on an hourly schedule and have more frequent departures during busy hours. The bus takes between 2 hours and 2.5 hours depending on traffic conditions. All buses terminate the journey at Jomtien Bus Station. Or you can choose a Pattaya transfer bus which will stop you close or in front of your hotel.

Bus Fare

The Bus fare is ฿220 ($6) and you can book a bus ticket online. Allow at least 2 hours between your ETA and bus departure. This will give you enough time to go through baggage claim, get visa and clear immigration and custom.

Buses to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport are located on level 1 (ground floor) in front of gate 8. You will need to have your online ticket printed and show it to the person at the Pattaya – Huahin Counter located near the gate.

Below are further details about Pattaya like how to get from the bus station 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 Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya by Bus, then the journey ends at Jomtien Bus Station. Jomtien is a popular tourist area in Pattaya as it’s close to beautiful beach and offers some luxurious accommodation option. Also this part of Pattaya is about 5 km from the adult entertainment bars and walking which makes it an attractive area for most tourists.

Getting to Your Hotel From Jomtien Bus Station

In most cases you will need transport to get from the Jomtien 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 or resorts in Pattaya offer free shuttle service. 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 Jomtien 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 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 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 driver tuk-tuk will probably start off by asking for ฿200 or more for the same ride. Just try reaching 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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