Getting Around: Transport in Pattaya - First Time in Pattaya

From Bangkok airport to Pattaya, and around the city once you're there — here's your complete guide to transportation.

Bangkok to Pattaya

The journey from Bangkok to Pattaya is about 150 km (92 miles) and takes 1.5-3 hours depending on traffic and transport choice.

Transport	Price	Time	Best For
Airport bus	130-150 THB	2-2.5 hrs	Budget travelers
Public bus (Ekkamai)	120-150 THB	2-2.5 hrs	Budget, from Bangkok city
Minivan	200-350 THB	1.5-2 hrs	Speed on budget
Grab/Bolt	1,400-1,600 THB	1.5-2 hrs	Convenience, small groups
Private taxi	1,200-1,500 THB	1.5-2 hrs	Door-to-door, 24/7
Private transfer	2,000-2,500 THB	1.5-2 hrs	Luxury, meet & greet

Quick pick

Most first-timers use the airport bus (cheap) or Grab/Bolt (easy with luggage).

Airport Bus (Budget Choice)

Direct buses run from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya.

Details

Cost: ~150 THB per person
Frequency: Every hour, 8 AM - 10 PM
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
Where: Level 1, Gate 8 (follow signs for "Public Transport")
Arrives at: North Pattaya Bus Terminal or Jomtien

Pros: Cheapest option, comfortable, AC, reliable

Cons: Fixed schedule, drops at terminal (need onward transport)

Operators: Bell Travel Service, Roong Reuang Coach

Public Bus from Bangkok City

If you're staying in Bangkok first, buses depart from two main terminals.

Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai)

Cost: 120-150 THB
Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes, 5 AM - 11 PM
Duration: 2-2.5 hours
How to get there: BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station (exit 2)

Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit)

Cost: 120-150 THB
Frequency: Hourly, 5 AM - 9 PM
Duration: 2.5-3 hours (farther from Pattaya)
How to get there: BTS to Mo Chit, then taxi to terminal

Tip

Buy tickets at the terminal or pre-book through 12go.asia.

Minivan

From Airport

Available at airport taxi counters
~300-400 THB per person
Shared with other passengers

From Bangkok

Depart from Victory Monument area
~200-350 THB per person
Leave when full (no fixed schedule)

Pros: Faster, more frequent

Cons: Can be cramped, drivers sometimes rush

Grab or Bolt (Recommended)

Ride-hailing apps offer the best balance of price, comfort, and convenience.

How it works

Download Grab or Bolt app
Enter your pickup (airport or Bangkok address)
Enter your Pattaya hotel
See fixed price before booking
Pay by cash or card

Typical prices

Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya: 1,400-1,600 THB
Don Mueang to Pattaya: 1,600-1,800 THB
Bangkok city to Pattaya: 1,200-1,500 THB

Pros: Fixed price, door-to-door, GPS tracked, no negotiating

Cons: More expensive than bus/van

Private Taxi Services

Reputable companies

Pattaya Transfer: From 1,199 THB
Pattaya Express: From 1,200 THB
BKK Pattaya Taxi: From 1,300 THB

What's included

Fixed price, no surprises
Door-to-door service
Available 24/7
English-speaking drivers (usually)
Meet & greet at airport (some companies)

How to book: Through websites, WhatsApp, or hotel concierge

Traffic Tips

Best times to travel

Before 9 AM
After 7 PM
Avoid Friday afternoons (brutal traffic)
Avoid holiday weekends (Songkran, New Year)

Worst times

Friday 3-8 PM
Sunday 4-9 PM (return traffic)
Rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM)

Getting Around Pattaya

Once in Pattaya, you have several options for getting around.

Songthaew / Baht Bus (Most Common)

The iconic blue pickup trucks with benches are Pattaya's main public transport.

How it works

Wait by the road and flag one down
Hop in the back
Press the buzzer when you want to stop
Pay the driver as you exit

Route	Price
Central Pattaya (Beach Road to 2nd Road loop)	10 THB
Pattaya to Jomtien	20 THB
Naklua route	10-20 THB
Sukhumvit Road (white songthaews)	20 THB

Tips

Have small bills ready (10 and 20 THB notes)
Don't be surprised if driver tries to charge more — 10 THB is the fixed route fare
Late at night, drivers may quote higher prices
For destinations off the main route, drivers will quote a charter price (100-200 THB)

Motorbike Taxi

Riders wearing orange or colored vests wait at designated stands throughout Pattaya.

How it works

Find a stand (usually at soi entrances, malls, markets)
Tell driver your destination
Negotiate price BEFORE getting on
Hold on tight!

Trip	Approximate Price
Short ride (under 2 km)	30-50 THB
Medium ride (2-4 km)	50-80 THB
Longer ride (5+ km)	80-150 THB

Pros: Fast, beats traffic, available everywhere

Cons: Not safe for everyone, no helmets sometimes provided, need to negotiate

Safety: Always wear a helmet (required by law). If driver doesn't have one, find another driver.

Grab / Bolt

Ride-hailing works within Pattaya too.

Options

GrabCar: Regular car, AC, metered
GrabBike: Motorcycle taxi through the app
Bolt: Often slightly cheaper than Grab

Typical prices

Beach Road to Jomtien: 80-150 THB
Pattaya to Terminal 21: 50-100 THB
Central Pattaya to North Pattaya: 60-100 THB

Pros: Fixed price upfront, no negotiating, GPS tracked, receipt

Cons: Surge pricing at busy times, may wait 5-10 minutes for pickup

Tip: Check both Grab and Bolt — prices vary. Use Grab for reliability, Bolt often cheaper.

Regular Taxi

Unlike Bangkok, metered taxis are rare in Pattaya.

Some taxis at bus stations, malls, hotels
Most don't use meters
Need to negotiate fare before getting in

Better alternatives: Use Grab/Bolt for fixed prices, or songthaew for short trips.

Motorbike Rental

Popular but risky option for experienced riders.

Bike Type	Daily Rate
Automatic scooter (110-125cc)	200-300 THB
Semi-automatic	250-350 THB
Manual motorbike	300-500 THB
Big bike (400cc+)	800-1,500 THB

Requirements

Passport (leave copy, not original — see our Safety guide)
Valid motorcycle license (International Driving Permit covers most)
Cash deposit (2,000-5,000 THB) or credit card

Safety essentials

Always wear a helmet
Drive on the LEFT side
Don't drink and drive (police checkpoints are common)
Inspect bike and document any damage before taking
Understand you're liable for damages

Where to rent: Beach Road, 2nd Road, Jomtien — shops everywhere

Car Rental

For exploring beyond Pattaya or traveling with family.

Vehicle	Daily Rate
Economy car	800-1,200 THB
SUV	1,500-2,500 THB
Van (7-seat)	2,000-3,500 THB

Requirements

International Driving Permit or Thai license
Passport
Credit card for deposit
Minimum age usually 21-25

Tips

Get full insurance coverage
Check car thoroughly before taking
Driving in Bangkok is challenging — consider Pattaya only
Parking is generally easy and cheap in Pattaya

Where to rent: Budget, Avis, Hertz at airport; local shops in Pattaya (Thai Rent A Car, Chic Car Rent)

Day Trips from Pattaya

To Koh Larn (Coral Island)

From Bali Hai Pier:
Public ferry: 30 THB each way (30-45 min)
Speedboat: 150-300 THB each way (15 min)
Ferries run 7 AM - 6:30 PM

To Bangkok

Just reverse the "Bangkok to Pattaya" options above:

Bus from North Pattaya terminal: ~150 THB
Grab/Bolt: 1,400-1,600 THB

To Suvarnabhumi Airport

Bell Travel Service bus: ~250 THB
Grab/Bolt: 1,400-1,600 THB
Private transfer: 1,200-1,500 THB

Transport Apps to Download

App	Use
Grab	Taxis, food delivery, essential for Thailand
Bolt	Alternative to Grab, often cheaper
Google Maps	Navigation, transit directions
12go.asia	Book buses, trains, ferries

FAQs

What's the cheapest way to get around Pattaya?

Songthaew (baht bus) at 10-20 THB per ride. Can't beat it for budget travel.

Is Grab available in Pattaya?

Yes, Grab works well in Pattaya for both cars and motorbikes.

Do I need a motorbike to get around?

No. Songthaews, Grab, and walking cover most tourist areas easily.

How do I get to Walking Street?

Take any songthaew on Beach Road heading south. Get off at the south end of Beach Road, and Walking Street entrance is right there.

Can I take songthaew to Jomtien from Beach Road?

Yes, but make sure it's going to Jomtien (ask driver). Fare is 20 THB.

What about the train to Pattaya?

There's a train from Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) but it's slow (4+ hours), infrequent, and not practical for most tourists. Bus or taxi is much easier.