Most international travelers don’t fly straight into Pattaya—so if you’ve just landed in Bangkok and you’re eyeing the beach (or the nightlife) in Pattaya, you’re in the right place.

The good news: Pattaya is close enough that you can be checked into your hotel in just a couple of hours, even after a long-haul flight. The even better news: you have options—cheap, fast, comfy, and “I don’t want to think anymore, just take me there.”

The quick answer: what’s the best way from Bangkok airport to Pattaya?

• Best value + easiest from Suvarnabhumi (BKK): the direct airport bus (Roong Reuang Coach / “Airport Pattaya Bus”) from Level 1, Gate 8. It runs throughout the day and is very budget-friendly. Airport Pattaya Bus
• Fastest & most convenient: taxi or private transfer (especially if you have luggage, kids, or you’re landing late). Suvarnabhumi Airport
• If you’re already in Bangkok city: bus from Ekkamai Bus Terminal is simple and cheap. Pattaya Bus

Option 1: Direct bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya (best for most travelers)

If you’re landing at Suvarnabhumi (BKK), you do not need to trek into Bangkok first. There’s a direct bus service that’s popular with both tourists and locals.

Where to buy tickets / board:
Go to Level 1 (arrivals/ground transportation), Gate 8—look for the Roong Reuang Coach / Airport Pattaya Bus counter.

Departure times: Typically hourly from 06:00–22:00. Airport Pattaya Bus
Fare: About 143 THB per seat. Airport Pattaya Bus

Important detail (easy to miss): the 22:00 bus goes to North Pattaya (not Jomtien). Airport Pattaya Bus

Why this is great:

• Cheap, air-conditioned, and straightforward
• No negotiation, no surprises
• A nice “decompression zone” after a flight (put on music, stare out the window, recover)

A quick comfort tip: Thai buses often blast the A/C. Toss a light layer in your carry-on.

Option 2: Bus from Bangkok city to Pattaya (Ekkamai Bus Terminal)

If you’re already staying in Bangkok first—or you simply prefer departing from the city—Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal is the classic launch point for Pattaya.

Is Ekkamai still operating? Yes—Ekkamai Bus Terminal continues to run eastern routes and remains in active use.

Typical Pattaya bus fare from Ekkamai: around 131 THB (varies slightly by route/operator). Pattaya Bus

Getting to Ekkamai the easy way

• Take BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai Station (Sukhumvit Line). The terminal is a short walk from the station.

A friendly reality check

This option is cheap, but if you’re arriving at BKK with luggage and jet lag, it’s usually easier to take the direct airport bus (Option 1) or a taxi/private transfer (Options 3–4).

Option 3: Taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya

If you want the “door-to-door, no extra steps” experience, taxis are the move.

Use the official public taxi queue at Suvarnabhumi Airport (Floor 1). The airport notes:

• There’s a 50 THB surcharge for airport taxis
• Toll fees are paid by passengers Suvarnabhumi Airport

What it typically costs

Total cost varies by traffic, route (tolls or not), and whether you negotiate a flat rate vs. meter. As a ballpark, many travelers see totals in the “not crazy” range for a 1.5–2+ hour ride.

Pro tip: If a driver refuses the meter and quotes something wild, smile, thank them, and move on to the next taxi in the official queue.

Option 4: Private transfer (best “no-brain” option)

Private transfers are perfect when you want:

• Guaranteed pickup
• A fixed price
• No bargaining
• Space for bags / a group

Many Pattaya transfer services publish fixed fares (often around 1,200 THB for a car from BKK, sometimes including tolls depending on provider/package). taxiairportpattaya.com

This can be a sweet spot: not much more than a taxi in many cases, with far less hassle.

Option 5: Grab (and Bolt) from Bangkok to Pattaya

Grab is still the big name in Thailand for ride-hailing, and it’s very commonly used. Grab
Bolt is also available in Bangkok. Bolt

What to expect:

• Pricing can be great… until it isn’t (surge pricing happens)
• It’s very convenient if you already live by the app
• For airport pickups, always follow in-app pickup guidance and use official meeting points

When Grab/Bolt is a great idea:
If you’re traveling off-peak and you like knowing your price up front.

When a bus or transfer is better:
Peak hours, heavy rain, or if you just landed and your brain is running on airplane pretzels.

Option 6: Train (for budget travelers or rail fans)

Yes, you can do Bangkok → Pattaya by train, but it’s not the go-to for most visitors because schedules are limited and delays happen.

Some timetables list direct trains with early departures (including a daily service and a weekend service). thailandtrains.com

Best use case: you’re traveling light, you enjoy the experience, and you’re not in a hurry.

Option 7: Flying (usually not worth it)

This is where people accidentally overcomplicate their lives.

Pattaya’s regional airport is U-Tapao (UTP), and flights into UTP exist from various cities. But flights from Bangkok (BKK) to UTP are often not direct (and schedules can change), so it rarely beats a simple drive/bus. Flights.com

If you’re already in another Thai city and heading to Pattaya, flying into UTP can be worth checking. If you’re in Bangkok, it’s typically faster (and way simpler) to go by road.

Getting from the Pattaya bus station to your hotel: songthaews (baht buses)

Once you arrive, you’ll probably need a short hop to your hotel.

Pattaya’s iconic local transport is the songthaew (also called a baht bus). Standard fares on main routes are often around 10 THB (longer or off-route rides can be more).

They’re easy, cheap, and oddly fun—especially once you get the hang of hopping on and off like a local.

FAQs

How do I get from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Pattaya?

Your simplest options are:

• Direct coach/van services (availability can vary by operator and season)
• Or go DMK → a Bangkok terminal → Pattaya

Aggregators and operators show DMK→Pattaya bus options (often around ~3–4 hours depending on traffic). CheckMyBus

How far is Pattaya from Bangkok?

It’s roughly 150 km / 94 miles, and most road trips take about 2 hours in normal traffic (longer during peak periods or bad weather).

My personal “choose your adventure” recommendation

• Landing at BKK and want cheap + easy: take the direct airport bus from Level 1, Gate 8.
• Landing with a ton of luggage / kids / you’re exhausted: book a private transfer. taxiairportpattaya.com
• Already in Bangkok near Sukhumvit: take the Ekkamai bus. Pattaya Bus