Welcome, intrepid traveler! So, you’ve had your fill of Bangkok’s bustling street markets, shimmering golden temples, and possibly put on a couple of pounds thanks to that irresistible street food (we don’t blame you).
Now, you’re ready to swap the city’s skyscrapers for Pattaya’s sandy beaches, eh?
Excellent choice! But, you might be wondering – how does one navigate Thailand’s non-stop city chaos to its serene seaside counterpart?
Well, buckle up because we’re about to embark on a virtual adventure filled with tips and tricks on making that journey as smooth as Thai silk.
How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya quickly?
Several transportation options are available to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, a famous beach resort city on the eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand.
The distance between Bangkok and Pattaya is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).
Here are the most common ways to make the journey:
Bus:
Many buses operate between Bangkok and Pattaya.
You can catch a bus from Bangkok from Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal).
Buses are usually air-conditioned and come in various classes, including standard and VIP.
The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus you choose.
Taxi:
Taxis are available for hire from Bangkok to Pattaya.
You can negotiate the fare with the taxi driver, but settling on a price before starting the journey is advisable.
The trip by taxi can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Shared Minivan:
Shared minivans or “songthaews” (shared pick-up trucks with seating) are a popular and economical option.
These minivans typically depart from various points in Bangkok and take you directly to Pattaya.
They are faster than buses and may take 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Train:
Direct train service from Bangkok to Pattaya from Phaya Thai takes 3 hours and 26 minutes in the morning (7:08-10:34).
There is also no direct train with a stopover at Lat Krabang for 5 minutes only which takes overall almost 3 hours.
Rental Car:
If you’re comfortable driving in Thailand, rent a car from Bangkok to Pattaya.
The journey can take around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Make sure you have an international driving permit if required.
This is my least favorite choice because in Thailand, they drive on the left side, and the traffic is so chaotic.
Whichever mode of transport you choose, it’s best to book your tickets in advance and check the latest updates about the routes and times before you leave.
Uber or Grab:
Uber and Grab’s services are available in Thailand.
You may be able to use these services for part of your journey, but they might not cover the entire distance to Pattaya.
It’s important to consider traffic conditions, travel time, and personal preferences when choosing your mode of transportation.
Book a day tour from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you don’t want to worry about logistics and want to taste a bit of the city and return to Bangkok on the same day, booking a day tour from Bangkok to Pattaya is an excellent option.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Bangkok and taken directly to some of the most popular attractions in Pattaya (such as the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Garden, or Coral Island).
How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Taxi fares from Bangkok to Pattaya can vary based on the type of taxi, negotiation skills, time of day, and traffic conditions:
Metered Taxi:
If you can find a taxi in Bangkok that agrees to use the meter for the entire journey to Pattaya (which might be rare), the fare could be around 1,000 to 1,500 Thai Baht, depending on traffic.
Negotiated Fare:
You’ll likely need to negotiate a fixed fare with the taxi driver. Depending on your negotiation skills and the taxi driver’s initial offer, you can secure a fare of around 1,500 to 2,500 Thai Baht.
Please note that these estimates are subject to change, and actual prices can vary.
Negotiating the fare before starting your journey is always a good idea, ensuring you and the driver know the agreed-upon amount.
Additionally, consider using reputable taxi services to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on taxi fares from Bangkok to Pattaya, I recommend checking with local sources, travel agencies, or online platforms closer to your travel date.
What is the best way to get to Pattaya?
The “best” way to get to Pattaya depends on your preferences, budget, time constraints, and convenience.
Here are some popular options to consider, along with their advantages and disadvantages:
Bus:
Advantages: Buses are affordable and provide a relatively comfortable journey. There are different classes of buses available, including standard and VIP.
Disadvantages: The journey time can vary depending on traffic conditions, and the Pattaya bus station might not be the most convenient location for your destination.
Shared Minivan or Songthaew:
Advantages: Minivans are often faster than buses and can be more convenient. They are a popular choice among locals and travelers.
Disadvantages: Minivans might have limited space, and you may need to wait until the vehicle fills up before it departs.
Taxi:
Advantages: Taxis offer a private and comfortable ride. You can leave whenever you’re ready and can negotiate the fare.
Disadvantages: Taxis can be more expensive, especially if you’re not skilled at negotiating. Traffic congestion can also impact the travel time.
Train:
Advantages: A direct train service is available from Bangkok to Pattaya, departing from Phaya Thai station. This option provides a unique travel experience by train, and it can be convenient if the schedule aligns with your plans.
Disadvantages: The train schedule may have limited availability, and you’ll need to plan your trip around the train departure times. Additionally, you’ll need to arrange for a taxi or local transportation from the Pattaya train station to your final destination within Pattaya.
Rental Car:
Advantages: Renting a car allows you to explore at your own pace. You can also use the car for local transportation in Pattaya.
Disadvantages: Driving in a foreign country might be challenging for some—traffic conditions and driving on the left side of the road.
Uber or Grab (if available):
Advantages: These services offer a convenient and potentially more reliable option for private transportation.
Disadvantages: The availability of Uber or Grab services could be limited, and they might not cover the entire distance.
Ultimately, the “best” way depends on your priorities.
A taxi or rental car might be preferable if you value comfort and privacy.
Buses or shared minivans could be a better choice if you’re budget-conscious.
Research your options, consider your preferences, and choose the option that aligns with your needs for your trip to Pattaya.
Booking a day tour from Bangkok to Pattaya:
Advantages: Booking a day tour is an excellent choice if you don’t want to worry about logistics and visit some of Pattaya’s famous attractions.
Disadvantages: Day tours can be expensive, and the activity options available might not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, you’ll likely need to stay with the tour group and be unable to explore independently.
| Transportation Option | Advantages | Disadvantages | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | – Air-conditioned\n- Various classes\n- 2-3 hours journey | – Traffic-dependent\n- Longer travel time | It takes around 2 to 3 hours |
| Taxi | – Private and comfortable\n- Negotiable fare | – Traffic-dependent\n- Possible fare negotiation | It takes around 2 to 3 hours |
| Shared Minivan | – Economical\n- Faster than buses | – Shared space\n- Potential wait time for filling | Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Train | – Unique experience\n- Direct option available | – Limited schedule\n- Need for a taxi from the station | It takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes |
| (Phaya Thai)\n- Possible stopover | (7:08-10:34) | ||
| (Lat Krabang)\n- Overall, almost 3 hours | |||
| Rental Car | – Freedom and flexibility\n- Personalized journey | – Challenging driving\n- Chaotic traffic | It takes around 2 to 3 hours |
| Uber/Grab | – Convenient\n- Potentially reliable | – Availability varies\n- May not cover the entire distance | Depending on service coverage |
| Day Tour | – Hassle-free experience\n- Expert guidance | – Fixed itinerary\n- Less flexibility | Full day with a return to Bangkok |
In conclusion
Choosing suitable transportation to get from Bangkok to Pattaya can be a daunting task.
The options are plentiful, from buses and shared minivans to rental cars, taxis, Uber or Grab (if available), and day tours.
Do your research, consider the pros and cons of each option based on your preferences and needs, and choose the best mode of transportation for your trip.
Finally, always check with local sources or travel agencies to ensure you have the most up-to-date information and prices before starting your journey!
Bon voyage!
