Bangkok to Pattaya — Ekkamai Buses, Minivans, the Train, and Going Straight from the Airport
Pattaya is about 150 km from Bangkok, around two hours on the motorway. The difficulty is not how to go but where to leave from, because buses to Pattaya…
Pattaya is about 150 km from Bangkok, around two hours on the motorway. The difficulty is not how to go but where to leave from, because buses to Pattaya depart from Ekkamai, Mo Chit, Sai Tai Mai and directly from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Where to leave from
| Departure point | Vehicle | Suits travelers staying near |
|---|---|---|
| Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal) | Buses, most frequent | Sukhumvit, Thonglor — the terminal is next to BTS Ekkamai |
| Mo Chit 2 | Buses and minivans | Chatuchak, Lat Phrao, the north of the city |
| Sai Tai Mai | Buses | Thonburi side |
| Suvarnabhumi Airport | Airport–Pattaya bus | Anyone arriving by air who wants to skip Bangkok |
| Krung Thep Aphiwat / Hua Lamphong | Train (few departures) | Rail fans with time |
- Check bus and minivan times Bangkok–Pattaya: open 12Go
Buses from Ekkamai: the standard choice
Departures every 30–60 minutes from morning to evening. They terminate at Pattaya's North Bus Terminal, 2–3 km from the beach, where shared trucks and ride-hailing cars wait. If you are staying in Jomtien, allow another 20–30 minutes.
From Suvarnabhumi: skip Bangkok entirely
The airport–Pattaya bus leaves from the arrivals level and runs along the motorway directly to Pattaya in about two hours, with several drop-off points in town so you can get off near your hotel. For one or two people it is far cheaper than a taxi. For three or four people with luggage, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer delivering to the hotel door may be worth the difference.
Minivans and taxis
- Minivans are about as fast as the bus but have little luggage space and leave when full.
- Taxi or ride-hailing from Bangkok costs several times the bus fare but takes you to the hotel door — sensible for families with children.
The train: for people in no hurry
A few trains a day serve Pattaya. They take longer than the bus but are cheap and immune to traffic. Pattaya station is some distance from the beach, so add a short onward ride.
Going back on a Sunday
The inbound motorway is heavily congested on Sunday evenings and at the end of long weekends. If you take a bus, leave before 3 p.m. or after 8 p.m., and book a seat in advance because evening departures fill quickly.