If you feel like getting away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and want to experience something different, Pattaya is one of the closest places you can go to enjoy the beach. This coastal city has always been very popular with locals and tourists alike for weekend getaways, and like some areas of Bangkok, Pattaya has plenty of bars to liven up the nightlife. If you’ve made up your mind and want to enjoy this part of Thai beach culture, you need to know how to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya. We suggest what are the differences between traveling by taxi and by bus.
From Bangkok to Pattaya by taxi
Taxi in downtown Bangkok © Lewzstock / Shutterstock.com
The taxi has no competition in terms of practicality. It is clear that this is a more expensive option than the others, but if you want to go door-to-door, it may be worth paying more for the trip.
It is approximately 150 kilometers (94 miles) from Bangkok to Pattaya, and travel times vary depending on traffic. It usually takes about 2 hours when there is not much traffic, but it can be longer during peak hours and on Fridays as many people go to Pattaya for the weekend. Part of the charm of Pattaya is the weekend vibe, but it’s a lively city every day, so you don’t have to put up with Friday traffic.
If you are taking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya, you can do so from your city center hotel or from the airport.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya
Suvarnabhumi Airport Taxi Pickup Location © SIHASAKPRACHUM / Shutterstock.com
Suvarnabhumi Airport is in the Bangkok area closest to Pattaya, so it’s a little closer to Pattaya and the journey should be a little faster. This also means that a taxi from the airport should be cheaper, but if you choose the express option, you should be aware that there will be tolls on the highway, which will increase the price by 60 baht. The journey usually takes around 80-90 minutes. Please note that the official price for a metered taxi is 1,050 baht. You can always negotiate a price with the driver before leaving the airport, and you can get a good deal during off-peak hours.
Another trick is to leave the airport in the departure lounge, as usually taxis come to drop off passengers who are about to catch a flight, but there are usually not many people willing to take a taxi in this area. If you catch a taxi here, you’ll save some money as the taxi driver won’t have to pay the 50 baht airport tax.
Whichever taxi you choose to go from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya, make sure it is a licensed taxi. Those operating at the airport must meet certain requirements, such as being under 5 years old, having air conditioning, and being certified as an airport in Thailand.
From downtown Bangkok to Pattaya
Taxi parked in Pattaya © Asia Images / Shutterstock.com
If you are traveling from central Bangkok to Pattaya, you will have more options when it comes to taxi. At your hotel, they may call someone to pick you up at your door, and if you’re staying in a luxury one, you can assume the taxi to pick you up will be reliable and official (as all taxis operating in the city should be). In addition, this way you will avoid negotiating the price with the driver. When booking a taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya through a hotel or travel agency, you will most likely have to pay extra for the service, and the price will be around 1,500 baht.
The official fare from the city is 1500 baht, but you can always negotiate the price. Negotiating will be easier if you choose to take a taxi directly on the street, but you will need to confirm the price you are going to pay before the driver leaves.
From Bangkok to Pattaya by bus
Bus in Bangkok to Pattaya. © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Buses are much cheaper than taxis to get from Bangkok to Pattaya. There are frequent regular services between the two cities, so you should have no problem getting a ticket. Being the cheapest option, the Bangkok to Pattaya bus has some downsides: it doesn’t offer a door-to-door service, so you’ll need to go to the Bangkok Bus Station and drive from the bus station to your hotel when you arrive in Bangkok Pattaya. If you have a lot of luggage, it can be a pain. In addition, you will have to travel with many other passengers, so if you prefer a quiet and private journey, the bus is not the best option for you.
First or second class bus?
Another disadvantage of bus travel is its duration. First class buses do not stop along the way, although they do make several stops in Bangkok and Pattaya to pick up and drop off passengers outside the main stations. Still, the journey should take between 2 and 2.5 hours. Depending on where you start your journey in Bangkok, the ticket will cost between 100 and 120 baht.
Second class buses are not advisable as they are slightly cheaper than first class (around 100 baht), are not air conditioned and have many stops along the way so the journey from Bangkok to Pattaya is a bit longer. . But if you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind traveling without air conditioning, you can opt for this option.
Bus from Bangkok airport to Pattaya
Another option to travel from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya is by public bus. Buses run from Suvarnabhumi Airport about 5 times a day and cost around 100 baht depending on whether you are going to Pattaya or onward to Jomtien.
When considering different travel options from Bangkok to Pattaya, it all comes down to practicality and cost. Buses are very affordable, so they can be the first choice for tourists traveling on a budget. But if you don’t mind spending more, taking a taxi offers a lot of flexibility and more comfort.