Exploring Bangkok: Getting To Pattaya From The Airport

how to pattaya from bangkok airport

Pattaya, a city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, is a popular tourist destination. Located about 100 kilometres southeast of Bangkok, it is easily accessible from the capital's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). There are several ways to travel between the two destinations, including by car, motorbike, bus, train, and taxi. The fastest route is to drive, which takes approximately 1 hour and 17 minutes, while the cheapest option is to take a bus, with tickets costing as little as 106 baht.

Characteristics Values
Distance 75-79 miles
Travel time by car 1 hour 17 minutes - 2 hours
Cheapest travel option $3-$6
Quickest travel option 1 hour 15 minutes
Bus companies 12 Go, Bell Travel, Roong Reuang Coach, T.H.E. Transport Co. Ltd.
Bus fare 106-200 baht
Bus schedule 5:30, 6:30, 7:00 - 22:00, every 1 hour, 18 buses per day
Taxi fare 1,400 baht

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Travel by bus

You can take a bus directly from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya. The bus ride takes approximately 2 hours, depending on the traffic. The distance from the airport to Pattaya is about 77 miles, and the bus ride can be a safe, comfortable, and inexpensive option for this route.

There are several bus companies that operate this route, including Roong Reuang Coach, Pattaya Bus, and Bell Travel. Buses depart from the airport to Pattaya about every hour, and tickets can be purchased at a counter on the airport terminal for around $6 per person. You can also book tickets online in advance through websites like 12Go and CheckMyBus, which offer easy reservations and up-to-date schedules.

It is recommended to reserve your ticket a few days ahead of your travel date, especially if you are travelling on a weekend or a holiday, as these are busier times with more travellers. While booking ahead of time is not necessary, it can save you from having to wait for the next available bus if your preferred departure time is full.

The bus from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport will take you to the Jomtien Bus Station in Pattaya. From there, you can continue your journey to your desired destination within the city.

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Travel by train

There are no direct trains from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya. However, you can take a 10-minute taxi ride or the Airport Link train to Lat Krabang Station, from where you can take a train to Pattaya. This option is only recommended for train enthusiasts who arrive at the airport early in the morning.

Trains to Pattaya depart from Bangkok's former main train station, Hua Lamphong Station, and arrive at Pattaya Railway Station, located 6.2 km from Walking Street in Pattaya. The train ride takes around 3 hours and 28 minutes and costs $1–$40. The train departs on weekdays at 06:55 and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34. Tickets cost 31 THB and can be purchased at the station.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a taxi to Hua Lamphong Station for around 400-1500 THB. Alternatively, you can take the Airport Link train to Phaya Thai Station and then transfer to the MRT subway to Hua Lamphong Station. This option will cost around 40-50 THB, but it may be crowded and uncomfortable with luggage.

Once you arrive at Pattaya Railway Station, you can take a cab or songteo into the city centre for 30-50 THB.

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Travel by taxi

If you're looking for a quick trip from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya, it's recommended that you travel by taxi. The journey takes between 1 hour 17 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic and your car type.

The public taxi counter at Bangkok airport is located on Level 2 (the same level as arrivals). The counter is a small desk set up on the kerbside outside the terminal building. Join the queue and, when it's your turn, tell the person at the counter where you want to go. They will then write out a ticket, hand it to you, and allocate your taxi. The ticket will have the price of your fare written down, as it is a set fare to Pattaya and is not charged by the meter. A one-way taxi ticket can cost between $39.43 and $821.40, making it the most expensive travel option.

If you are travelling in a larger group, you can also book a taxi in advance.

If you are staying in a hotel in Pattaya, it's worth noting that not all taxis will drop you directly at your hotel. You may have to get another taxi to your hotel from the taxi drop-off point.

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Travel by car

The distance from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya is approximately 120 kilometres, and the journey by car takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and the type of car.

There are two popular routes to take when driving from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya:

Route 1: Via National Road

This is the most popular route and saves travelling time.

Route 2: Via National Road 34 & 7

This route takes longer but is sometimes chosen because there are many car transfers available on National Road 7. However, this route can also result in getting stuck in traffic jams.

There are several options for travelling by car, including taxis, private transfers, and rental cars. Taxis are readily available outside the Arrivals Hall of Bangkok Airport, and the journey will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The cost of a taxi can vary, with some sources citing prices of USD 39.43, while others state prices as high as USD 821.40 for a one-way trip.

If you prefer a more luxurious option, you can pre-book a private transfer from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya. Companies like Welcome Pickups offer this service, with prices starting at €49 for a sedan. The benefit of a private transfer is that you get a direct and efficient ride without having to queue for a taxi.

Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself to Pattaya. This option provides flexibility and the ability to make detours along the way. However, it is important to follow a GPS navigator like Google Maps to ensure you are taking the most efficient route.

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Travel by motorbike

If you're up for an adventure, you can opt to travel by motorbike from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya. The distance is approximately 77-79 miles (120-150 km), and the journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your motorbike's speed.

There are two popular routes you can take:

Route 1: Via National Road

This is the most popular route as it saves travelling time. The distance is approximately 100 km, and the journey will take around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Route 2: Via National Road 34 & 7

This route might take longer due to potential traffic jams, but it's sometimes preferred because there are many transport options available on National Road 7.

Keep in mind that riding a motorbike in Thailand may be quite different from what you're used to, especially if you're coming from a country with different road rules and driving cultures. Always wear a helmet, obey traffic rules, and be cautious of other drivers.

If you don't have your own motorbike, you can rent one from various outlets in Bangkok. Make sure you have the necessary documentation, including a valid driver's license and insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Pattaya is approximately 75-79 miles or 120-150km from Bangkok Airport.

Driving is the fastest way to get to Pattaya from Bangkok Airport, taking 1 hour 17 minutes.

The cheapest way to get to Pattaya from Bangkok Airport is by bus, with tickets costing as little as $3.

The bus from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya operates 7 days a week, with buses leaving hourly from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. To get to the bus, go to Level 1 and look for Gate 7 or 8 near the Magic Food Point food hall.

The bus from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 39 minutes, depending on traffic.

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