Getting to Pattaya in Pattaya
Part of the Pattaya travel guide — see every topic in All Pattaya Guides.
Pattaya is about 150 km south-east of Bangkok, on the Gulf of Thailand. The trip by road takes about two hours, depending on traffic. You can take a bus, a taxi or a train, or fly to U-Tapao airport south of the city. This guide explains each option and how to move around once you arrive.
By bus from Bangkok
Buses are the cheapest and easiest way to reach Pattaya from Bangkok. The main buses leave from the Eastern Bus Terminal at Ekkamai, next to the BTS Skytrain station. They run about every hour from early morning until late evening. The trip takes a little over two hours. Buses also leave from the Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit. Buses arrive at the bus station in North Pattaya. From there, songthaew pickups and taxis go to all parts of the city.
From Suvarnabhumi airport
If you land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport, you do not need to go into Bangkok. Direct buses run from the airport to Pattaya a few times a day. Buy your ticket at the airport bus counter and check the times when you arrive. A taxi or private transfer from the airport is faster and very convenient, especially with luggage or children. It takes about one and a half to two hours. Agree the price before you leave, or book a transfer online. From Don Mueang airport, the trip is longer because you must cross Bangkok.
By train
A train runs from Bangkok to Pattaya, but there are only a few trains and they are slow. On weekends there is usually a faster train with reserved seats, which you can book online. The train station is on the east side of the city, away from the beach, so you need a songthaew or taxi to reach your hotel. Trains to Pattaya leave from Bangkok's main rail stations, so check which one before you go. The train is a good choice if you enjoy rail travel. For most visitors, the bus is faster and more frequent.
U-Tapao airport
U-Tapao airport is about 50 km south of central Pattaya, near Sattahip. It is a small, quiet airport. In 2026 it has only a few domestic routes, mostly run by Bangkok Airways and Thai Lion Air, such as flights to Koh Samui and Phuket. This makes it useful if you want to combine Pattaya with a Thai island. From the airport, taxis and shuttle buses go to Pattaya in about 45 minutes to an hour. A new terminal is being built, so more routes may come later.
Getting around Pattaya
The cheapest way to get around is by songthaew, a blue pickup truck with two benches in the back. Many run on fixed routes along Beach Road and Second Road, and to Jomtien and Naklua. Wave to stop one, and press the bell to get off. Pay the driver after you get out. Fares on fixed routes are low, but if you ask the driver to go somewhere off the route, agree the price first. Ride apps such as Grab and Bolt work well in Pattaya and show the price before you book.
Getting to Pattaya at a glance
| Getting there | About 150 km from Bangkok; bus from Ekkamai about 2 hours; direct buses from Suvarnabhumi |
|---|---|
| Airport | U-Tapao, about 50 km south; a few domestic flights |
| Cost | Bus is cheapest; taxi or private transfer costs much more |
| Best time | About November to February; avoid Friday evening traffic from Bangkok |
| Getting around | Blue songthaew pickups, Grab and Bolt |