Rayong may not be as well known among Thailand’s urban tourist attractions, but don’t be fooled! Just a short drive from Bangkok, Rayong is a favorite among locals and expats alike who are looking to escape the city without the hustle and bustle of nearby major tourist resorts such as Pattaya. Rayong remains more authentic, but still boasts amazing beaches and is famous for its seafood, served in the numerous restaurants and cafes along the coast. It provides a more authentic insight into Thai life and is also a great base for visiting the nearby island of Koh Samet. If you are in Bangkok and looking for an attractive place for a few days away from the big city, a trip from Bangkok to Rayong is the perfect solution.
Travel options from Bangkok to Rayong
Only 177 kilometers separate Bangkok from Rayong, making the city a popular weekend getaway and short break destination for locals and expats alike. The best option is to travel by car, because with light traffic the route can be completed in about 2.5 hours. Thanks to the large number of buses and minibuses, it is also a very inexpensive trip. Private taxis are also a good option. Although flying is one way to travel from Bangkok to Rayong, it is impractical for several reasons: the distance between Bangkok and Rayong does not justify the flight; There are no direct flights, which would mean flying through Koh Samui, which is illogical for time reasons; and finally, flying is the most expensive option to travel from Bangkok to Rayong, so we do not recommend it as a viable alternative.
Bus from Bangkok to Rayong
Traveling from Bangkok to Rayong is very popular, so you will always find buses or minibuses available, and the best thing is that it is a very economical way to travel. Dozens of buses leave for Rayong every day from early morning to late at night. This means you don’t need to book bus tickets in advance as with buses leaving so frequently you should be able to find a seat unless you are traveling at busy times.
There are buses and minibuses, but there is not much difference between them as most “buses” are actually minibuses and not full-size ones, while minibuses are usually smaller 12 or 14-seater vehicles.
Selection of bus departure points from Bangkok to Rayong
If you prefer to travel by conventional bus, you can opt for the services of Transport Co Ltd. This company, run by the Thai state, is known by various names such as 999 Bus and Government Bus, and offers routes throughout the country, including buses from Bangkok to Rayong. These buses depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport or one of the bus terminals in Bangkok. There are several departures from Suvarnabhumi to Rayong at 05:40, 08:40, 09:10, 10:40, 13:40, 16:00 and 18:40 and the estimated travel time is 5 hours, which is not particularly fast. The transport company also offers a service at 07:30 from Mo Chit Bus Terminal and another at 07:45 from Ekkamai Bus Station.
From Bangkok to Rayong by minibus
The variety of options increases when you consider traveling by minibus from Bangkok to Rayong, with multiple operators serving this route daily and offering dozens of different departure times. Although there is generally no problem finding a minibus at the desired time, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance if you already have specific plans, especially during peak seasons and holidays when passenger traffic increases significantly.
From Bangkok to Rayong with Rayong Tour
Rayong Tour operates 14-seat minibuses, offering slightly more space than standard minibuses without being as large as a regular bus.
Rayong Tour serves 3 different bus terminals in Bangkok
Rayong Tour offers several departures daily, starting at 6:00 a.m. and leaving approximately every half hour until the last one at 8:30 p.m. They also have several departure points so you can choose the Bangkok terminal that suits you best: Mo Chit Bus Station, Ekkamai Bus Station or South Terminal. Mo Chit is the terminal with the most daily departures, followed by Ekkamai and then South Terminal.
Rayong Tour arrives at Rayong Bus Terminal 2, Rayong Tour Office and 3 others
There are several options to reach Rayong. Check arrival points at 12 Go to determine which one is most convenient for your destination. Once you click on a specific route, another page will open with a link to your arrival (and departure) point in Google Maps, which is a very handy feature.
The duration of minibus journeys varies, mainly due to different departure and arrival points. The journey may take up to 2 hours and 15 minutes or extend up to 4 hours.
Taxi from Bangkok to Rayong
You can also book private taxis from Bangkok to Rayong 12 go. Taking a taxi is the fastest way to travel between these two cities, although it is also the most expensive if you are traveling alone. The advantage of a taxi is that you can share it with other people and split the cost between everyone, thus lowering the price per person. Although this option is more expensive, buses are still the most economical way to travel from Bangkok to Rayong. However, when it comes to convenience, private taxis are second to none.
You can book a wide range of taxis through 12Go. First, browse through the different departure and arrival options to find the one that best suits your needs. You can choose hotel pickup in Bangkok, airport pickup (Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi) or transfer from Bangkok and the arrival points are U-Tapao Airport, Phe ban (to the pier and ferries to Koh Samet), Ban Chang and hotels in Rayong, so basically they can drop you off at any of the main places in Rayong.
The choice between the most comfortable and the most economical car
Now you need to decide what type of vehicle you prefer, which will likely depend on the number of people you are traveling with. Economy cars are usually the cheapest taxi option, suitable for 2 or 3 passengers. There is also the Comfort option: a little more space and comfort translates into a slightly higher price. Not all companies offer the same type of taxi from Bangkok to Rayong, but you can find options such as a 4-seater SUV or a 9-seater minibus, with the latter often representing the best value for money when the total cost (which does not vary depending on the number of passengers) is shared among everyone.
With the availability of private buses, minibuses and taxis, you should easily find a mode of transport that suits your schedule and budget.
Bus price from Bangkok to Rayong?
Ticket prices from Bangkok start at around €7 and can be booked online.
How much does a taxi cost from Bangkok to Rayong?
Taxis from Bangkok to Rayong start at around €50 and can be booked online.
How far is it from Bangkok to Rayong by car?
Just 177 kilometers separate Bangkok from Rayong, making Mueang Rayong a popular choice among tourists for weekend getaways and short stays.