Getting to Pattaya from Bangkok is easy as the cities are well connected via Highway 7 (Motorway) and Highway 3 (Bangna-Chonburi route).
Several long-distance buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) every 30 minutes. Should you wish to arrive in style, you can even fly from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to U-Tapao Airport in Sattahip, south of Pattaya, though that's not an especially efficient approach.
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Bus or mini van
- Budget
Bangkok residents often get to Pattaya by bus. Some of the most frequent departures are from the Eastern Bus Terminal, adjacent to the Ekkamai BTS Station on Sukhumvit Road at Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai).
Air-conditioned buses leave approximately every 30 minutes between 5 am and 11.30 pm each day. Buses also leave the Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit) between 5.30 am and 8 pm. If you are near the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), buses leave at 5.30 am, 8.30 am, 10 am, noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6.30 pm. This terminal is the easiest to access from Khao San Road – take the 511 bus on Rachdamnoen Road and get off at the end of the line.
Trips to Pattaya usually take about 2 hours, though times vary considerably depending on traffic. Travel agencies and hotels around Bangkok, particularly in Khao San Road, offer minivan services. Another 'door-to-door' option is taking a taxi, but the price is significantly higher.
Mapphoto by Ilya Plekhanov (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified
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Rented car
Renting a car is a great way of getting to Pattaya from Bangkok. Those arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport can find booths of major car rental companies like Budget, Hertz and Avis. The airport is around 120 km northwest of Pattaya, and you don't need to drive through Bangkok to reach the seaside resort.
It's a good idea to arrange your rental through your chosen company's official website. Your car will be ready when you arrive at the airport.
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Getting to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport
When you exit the arrivals hall at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you'll be approached by numerous touts offering to transport you anywhere in Thailand, usually in a minivan or a limousine. Touted limos and minivans are rather pricey, even when factoring in the fact they might hold more people. You can opt for an airport limousine service for privacy. Book one in advance or upon arrival at the service counter on the 2nd floor of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
A more affordable option is by taking a bus at the airport's Transport Centre. Buses leave every 2 hours and take about 1.5 hours to reach Pattaya. These air-conditioned vehicles stop at the North Pattaya Road Bus Station, where you will need additional transport to get to your hotel.
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Where to stay in Pattaya (and vicinity)
Dusit Thani Pattaya
Mercure Pattaya Ocean Resort
Holiday Inn Pattaya, an IHG Hotel
Hilton Pattaya
Sabai Sabana
Grande Centre Point Pattaya
Grande Centre Point Space Pattaya
Somerset Pattaya
InterContinental Pattaya Resort, an IHG Hotel
