The quickest way from BANGKOK to Pattaya – Grab, Train, Mini-Van, or Bus?

Bangkok to Pattaya is a popular route for many and, after living in Thailand for four years, we share the best options we have found.

Bangkok is awesome but many choose to escape down to Pattaya for a different experience in Thailand; whether you are looking for some unique hotels, beach vibes or to explore the many things to do in Pattaya. We share the best and quickest way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya.

There are some beautiful places around Thailand and Southeast Asia to explore, so get researching and exploring!

Heading up North? Read this guide for Bangkok to Chiang Mai to help you plan your trip!

Bangkok to Pattaya – know before you go:

Pattaya is a popular destination for those looking for a relaxing Thailand holiday (or not in some cases); there are many reasons to visit Thailand and these fun, lively beach destinations is one of them.

With many options of transportation from Bangkok to Pattaya, locals visit for a weekend, whilst tourists opt for the beachside city to avoid the crowds of Bangkok or the flight down to the Thai islands.

Bangkok to Pattaya distance: 150 km

Bangkok to Pattaya travel time: Most journeys take around 2 hours; depending on your starting point in the city. We drive from Sukhumvit Road, from the On Nut area, and it takes just under 2 hours if we don’t hit much traffic.

How to get to Pattaya from Bangkok: In this post, we look at the different travel options for how to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya and compare the taxi, Grab, mini-van, or bus from Bangkok to Pattaya.

We include the price, length of time, and how to book this route below.

Day trips to Pattaya are available from Bangkok too, ideal if there is a specific attraction you want to see. You can also rent a car in Bangkok and drive to Pattaya yourself, just make sure to opt for full insurance and bring an International driving license.

How to go to Pattaya from Bangkok by Bus

The cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is by bus. Bus trips take two and a half hours and you can catch a bus from a few different terminals.

Most buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal, with various companies offering the journey. These occur throughout the day, starting around 5.20 am and ending at 11.20 pm. These air-conditioned buses begin at 141 Baht per person.

For a similar price, you can get a bus from the Northern Bus Terminal and Southern Bus Terminal (the easiest option from Khao San Road).

Always opt for air conditioning, most are these days but just double-check!

But to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya the cheapest way or route, the bus is the choice for you.

Tips on how to get from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus: 

• We use 12Go to compare and book transport around Thailand. They show prices for buses, trains and taxis and a reliable company to use. They are also often cheaper than the agencies you find in Khao San Road or even at your hotel.

• There are also buses available between the cities and airports if you are planning to travel directly to or from the airport.

• Klook also offers good transport services as well as tours and experiences.

• Note that overhead space is available for smaller luggage but bigger luggage will often be placed underneath the bus. Keep your valuables in your smaller luggage at all times.

• If you opt for a van instead of a bus, room for bigger luggage can be challenging. Check when booking your ticket, that there is room for luggage – we spent a 3-hour journey to Hua Hin with a suitcase tucked under our legs – not fun!

• Try to travel on weekdays if possible, the route to and from Pattaya can be busier on weekends, meaning tickets are less available and traffic is worse. If you are going for a weekend trip from Bangkok, we recommend getting a bus before 4pm on Friday and heading back before midday on Sunday, to avoid traffic.

• When traveling by bus, bring a cardigan or jacket for the journey. Buses can get cold so be prepared.

How to get to Pattaya from Bangkok by Minivan

A mini-van is an easier option for many, offering door-to-door pick-up and drop-off travel from Bangkok to Pattaya.

This usually costs around 400 Baht and tickets can be purchased from most Thailand tourist booths, your hotel, or vendors on Khao San Road.

You have slightly more room in mini-vans and generally, these tend to go a little faster than the buses.

Note: Make sure you don’t overpay for mini-van seats when getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. Compare prices on 12Go and haggle with agencies in tourist areas.

Victory Monument BTS and Ekkamai are popular areas that mini-vans also depart from, so if you’re staying near a BTS, these may be the best options for you.

Government-regulated buses are also available from the Eastern Bus Terminal and cost 130 baht. Often, the driver is happy to drop you nearer to your hotel but there is less room for the journey and very little room for luggage.

How to go from Bangkok to Pattaya Taxi

A taxi is a good option for those wanting a comfortable journey but expect to pay quite a bit more.

The journey can take under 2 hours in good traffic and again, this is a door-to-door option. The general price is 2000 baht plus expressway fees.

You can ask your hotel or hostel to book a taxi in advance or contact the driving companies mentioned below.

For us, this is the easiest and best way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya because it is hassle-free.

Another option is to contact taxis in advance to pick you up and take you to your destination.

Good taxi companies are:

• Nam’s Taxi Service 
• Mr T.  (Tel: 0812587716 (0813513612) Email: mr_ttaxi@hotmail.com)
• Pattaya Central
• Tan Taxi Pattaya 

Catching a Grab from Bangkok to Pattaya?

A friend living in Bangkok advised us to order a Grab to Pattaya. So we did!

This is the route we recommend when people ask how to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya; especially if you’re short on time or have lots of luggage.

The Grab cost us 1,625 Baht and took 1 hour and 40 minutes. The car was comfortable and spacious with a very good air conditioning system.

We personally much preferred this option because it was just an extra bit of comfort and it didn’t cost much more than a taxi.

We caught a taxi on the way back and would have preferred Grab.

On our first trip to Bangkok a few years ago, we took a mini-van which was great for us in our early 20s on a very tight budget.

But, after living in Bangkok for the past few years, we prefer paying a bit more for the Grab option.

We think a Grab Car is the quickest, most convenient, and most comfortable choice to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya.

TIP: If you are unsure of how to order a Grab, you can ask your hotel in advance to help. You can also speak with your Bangkok or Pattaya hotel about any transfers they offer; many hotels will provide a service where they can move you between the cities for a competitive rate.

Renting a car in Thailand

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is relatively easy to drive from the airport to Pattaya, avoiding the Bangkok traffic.

You can rent from major companies such as National, Avis, Hertz, and Budget, which all have offices at the airport.

We recommend booking your rental car via the Internet, to get the best price and then your car is ready for you on arrival at the airport. 

Tips for renting a car in Thailand:

• You will need an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Thailand. 

• You will also need a credit card to cover the deposit fee when renting a car; most car rental companies won’t rent cars without a credit card. 

• Rental companies have different age restrictions for the minimum age of the driver. Avis and SIXT currently only accept drivers over 23 years old whilst Budget, Europcar and National accept those aged 21 and over. 

• Get fully insured: It is worth paying the extra to be fully insured with no excess charges. The cities in Thailand are busy and hectic to drive, with the odd knock being fairly common (especially with speeding scooters and bikes). 

• Book in advance: When planning your road trip, book your car hire as far in advance as you can. This means the price will be considerably cheaper. Plus, when arriving at the airport, you can have a smooth experience picking up your vehicle. 

• What company to go with? There are plenty of different rental companies in Thailand, but we recommend sticking to internationally reliable options like Avis, Europcar, SIXT, and National. 

• If you can, rent an economy car. If there are only 1 or 2 of you traveling, then getting the smaller car will work out in your favor. Driving through tight, narrow sois can be daunting as it is, but trying to do so in a 4×4 is impossible! 

• You don’t fill your own fuel in Thailand. When getting to a petrol or gas station, the attendant will ask how much fuel you want and take payment in cash after they have filled your tank for you. Some stations will even have someone watching your windshield for free as you wait for the fuel.

• Hazards: There are a few more hazards to look out for when traveling in Thailand that you may not be used to in your home country. There are plenty of bikes on the road that swerve between the traffic and pedestrians can cross the roads at any point (not just at the traffic lights). Whilst we have lived in Thailand, we have learned to cross the road and dodge bikes and cars but as a dive, you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in the cities. 

Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Pattaya

When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you have a few options. There are plenty of Getting to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport

It is possible to get to Pattaya directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, a route many enjoy.

As you exit the arrivals hall, you will see plenty of touts offering various transportation options, usually a minivan or taxi. There are even limos available for the journey.

We recommend you look at the airport town car service for privacy or compare the prices of the mini bus options.

There are plenty of companies available and you will see prices listed; these are the companies to go for. Some companies won’t list the price and just give you a higher price; you are aiming to haggle for around 2000 – 2500 Baht, which is why we recommend just going with those companies that list the price. 

There are also buses from the Transporation Center at the airport, which can be a more affordable option. These are air-conditioned and stop at North Pattaya Road Bus Station. 

Where to stay in Pattaya

When visiting Pattaya during your Thailand Itinerary, there are a few options for those looking for the perfect accommodation. Walking Street is the main hub of Pattaya and the ideal location for those wanting to stay near the nightlife.

Along Walking Street, we loved the M Casa Hotel Pattaya but you can save money by staying at Galaxy Suites, Keys Hotel or Sindy’s Hostel.

The Bayview Hotel is a great option for families and the Royal Beach View Hotel and the Avani Pattaya Resort are fantastic luxurious hotels. 

You could also choose to stay on Pattaya Beach for a more relaxing experience. Ibis Pattaya is a great budget option on Pattaya beach and we loved the Lantana Pattaya Hotel & Resort.

There is also a beautiful Hilton Pattaya located here as well as the popular Wave Hotel. 

Bangkok to Pattaya FAQ

How do I get from Bangkok to Pattaya?

The most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is via car, you can book a Grab driver directly or book a taxi driver on www.12go.Asia.

However, the cheapest and most popular route is the Bangkok to Pattaya bus. Buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes and cost 117 baht. 

How much is a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya?

If you book a taxi via your hotel or use an official meter taxi, you can expect to pay around 1500 baht. However, you can negotiate prices with drivers. Grab is also an option but expect to pay 2000 baht.

How much is the train from Bangkok to Pattaya?

Tickets for first-class train tickets cost 140 baht whilst the second class costs 72 baht and the third class costs 31 baht. 

How much is a bus from Bangkok to Pattaya?

The one-way bus from Bangkok to Pattaya is 119 baht. Numerous buses are leaving approximately every 20 – 30 minutes. 

Is Pattaya safe?

Pattaya is safe for tourists but uses your common sense, keeps valuables locked in the safe of your hotel, and doesn’t flaunt expensive technology.

Also, avoid riding motorbikes without a helmet. 

Is there a train from Pattaya to Bangkok?

There are 2 direct train services a day from Pattaya to Bangkok, the fastest train service is train #990 at 16.26, which takes around 2.5 hours. 

How far is Pattaya from Bangkok by car?

The distance from Bangkok to Pattaya is 147 kilometers or 91 miles. The trip takes around 2 hours depending on traffic. 

Is it safe to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya at night?

Yes, it is safe to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya at night. The roads are empty so the journey is quicker. 

Does Grab work in Pattaya?

Grab is available in Pattaya and is one of the easiest ways to get around. You will find that a lot of taxis in Pattaya will refuse to use the meter, so using Grab is an easier way to travel around. 

How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya?

A metered taxi from the airport to Pattaya will cost 1050 baht plus 60 baht for expressway charges. You can also use the minivan services if there is a group of you traveling.

You can travel from other cities in Thailand to Bangkok or Pattaya Airport, with companies like AirAsia helping you save money on domestic flights.

How do you travel from Bangkok to other places in Thailand?

Travel around Thailand can vary depending on location, but generally, when visiting the islands, catching a domestic flight with budget airlines like AirAsia is the quickest and sometimes cheapest option.

There are plenty of ways to travel from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and bus and once in Chiang Mai, you can catch a tour bus or drive across to Chiang Rai.

We hope you have a safe route from BKK to Pattaya – we have a load of Bangkok and Thailand posts over on ThatBangkokLife.com.

Things to know before you go to Bangkok