While Pattaya is known for its beaches and resorts, Bangkok is popular for its vibrant city life. Without a doubt, both destinations make an excellent holiday in Thailand. It’s one of the reasons why most visitors to Thailand love to explore both places.
However, Pattaya is one of the best destinations when it comes to getting away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to experience a more peaceful visit. So, if you’re arriving at Bangkok Airport and seeking the best way to travel from Bangkok Airport to a hotel in Pattaya, then you’re in the right place. There are four main transportation options to reach Pattaya from Bangkok – bus, shuttle, taxi, and car service. In this post, we’re going to compare each transportation option based on the following factors:
- Travel Time: How long does it take to reach my final destination?
- Convenience: How convenient is it to travel to my final destination?
- Comfort: How comfortable is the travel?
- Cost: How much will it cost?
Following are the 4 best transportation option for getting from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya hotel.
Option 1: Bangkok to Pattaya by Bus
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours
• Convenience: Low
• Comfort: Low
• Cost: $
Summary & Recommendation:
The bus companies that offer buses from BBK Airport to Pattaya are Airport Pattaya Bus and Bell Travel Service. Airport Pattaya Bus is considered the most preferred option for visitors. If you’re on a tight budget and are not in a hurry, then taking the bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BBK) to reach Pattaya is a great option. Buses depart from Bangkok Airport every hour between 5:30 am and 10:00 PM and the bus journey generally takes from 2 to 2.5 hours.
One thing you need to note is that bus departures are fixed. So, you need to check the bus schedule to plan your journey around their timetable. If you miss the bus, then you have to wait for the next one, still at the airport. Moreover, a bus will stop at various destinations on its route – Central Pattaya, North Pattaya, and South Pattaya. We recommend you ask the bus driver which stop is the closest to your hotel. Also, note that you can carry one standard size baggage along with a check-in suitcase that doesn’t weigh more than 20 kg. You might be charged additional fees if your luggage is overweight or if you are carrying any additional bags. If you’re looking for comfort and convenience during your travel, then the bus transport option is not the best choice. It’s suitable for those seeking a budget-friendly transport option.
Moreover, the bus service is available only for visitors landing in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). If you’re landing in Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport, there will be no bus service available to reach Pattaya from this terminal.
Travel Steps:
Step 1. Go to Level 1 Gate 8 in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) Arrival Hall
Step 2. Look for the Roong Reuang Coach counter
Step 3. Purchase a Ticket
Step 4. Wait for a Bus and Get into the Bus upon Arrival
Step 5. Travel to your station
Step 6. Exit the bus and make your way to your final destination.
Option 2: Bangkok to Pattaya by Car Service
• Travel Time: 1-2 hours
• Convenience: High
• Comfort: High
• Cost: Get a Quote
Summary & Recommendation:
For those looking for a premium transport option that offers a great comfort level, reliability, and convenience upon arrival to Bangkok airport, private car service is the best choice.
A car service offers a single step door-to-door transport service that comes with many benefits.
All planning and booking can be done beforehand in an efficient and quick manner. Unlike bus and shuttle, car service is available 24 hours a day, and the car with a driver will be waiting for you even in the case of a flight delay. Any problems like language barriers and reckless driving are eliminated. When booking your ride you can share all the details and preferences with the 24/7 customer support and even request an English speaking driver.
With a car service, you are guaranteed to have a friendly, experienced and responsible driver who is familiar with the best route to reach your final destination in Pattaya. With a hired private car you hardly need to spend any time at the airport, purchase any tickets, or deal with any unnecessary stops. The driver will know your schedule and thus, reach the airport before your arrival and with a sign with your name on it.
If you want to spend minimum time on pre-planning, waiting for a taxi, the next shuttle or a bus, then a car service is the right choice for you. More importantly, no matter where you land either at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport (DMK), your Bangkok Airport car service to Pattaya will meet you there and take you to your hotel or other desired destinations.
And for those traveling with family, friends, or senior citizens there are available mid sized MPVs and large passenger vans that fit up to 14 passengers and the luggage.
Travel Steps:
Step 1. Exit Bangkok Airport Arrival Hall
Step 2. Meet the driver holding your personalized name-sign
Step 3. Step into your car and Travel to your hotel in Pattaya.
Option 3: Bangkok to Pattaya by Shuttle
• Travel Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Convenience: Low
• Comfort: Low
• Cost: $$
Summary & Recommendation:
Another way to get from Bangkok International Airport to Pattaya city is by taking a shuttle. This transport option offers a quite low level of comfort and convenience as compared to the bus. It tends to get stressful as you’ll need to cover a part of this journey on foot. Thus, this transport solution isn’t recommended for families visiting Thailand with small children and large amounts of luggage. So, if you’re arriving at Bangkok alone and with a small amount of luggage, then you can consider shuttle to get to Pattaya.
The Bangkok shuttle service to Pattaya cost will be divided into two tickets. You will be required to first purchase a ticket from Suvarnabhumi to the city and then to the hotel. But, if you’re not in a hurry to reach your final destination and want to explore Bangkok, taking the shuttle is a good option when reaching your final destination.
Travel Steps:
Step 1. Exit Bangkok Airport and get to the City by CityLine by following the signs
Step 2. Walk for 5 minutes to reach Victory Monument metro station (includes changes)
Step 3. Look for shuttle stop and purchase a ticket for Pattaya
Step 4. Wait for the next shuttle to arrive
Step 5. Get into the shuttle
Step 6. Travel to your station
Step 7. Exit the shuttle and make your way to reach your final destination.
Option 4: Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi
• Travel Time: 1-2 Hours
• Convenience: Moderate
• Comfort: Moderate
• Cost: $$$
Summary & Recommendation:
Taxi is a much better option compared to Bus and Shuttle in terms of comfort and convenience. More importantly, not only taking Bangkok Airport taxi to Pattaya hotel is more comfortable, but it’s also a relatively quick transfer option that comes at a higher cost. It should take approximately 1 hour to reach the Pattaya city center. Taxis at BBK Airport use a taxi meter to determine the price of the ride to Pattaya. So, the cost of travel will depend on the traffic levels and your hotel location. However, it is a common practice for some drivers to refuse turning on the taximeters and offer you a fixed price instead. Beware that the offered fixed price will probably be much higher than if the taxi meter was on. In this case, you can continue to look for another taxi driver who will turn on the taximeters and charge you the appropriate amount.
There is no doubt that arriving at Bangkok Airport and looking for the best transportation option can be quite nerve-racking. Walking around looking for the best transportation service in humid and hot weather is no fun. If you are set on using a taxi service upon your arrival we recommend you make your way straight to the taxi stand and secure your spot in the waiting line.
Even though taxi is faster than the bus and shuttle, you could face a language barrier problem as some taxi drivers in Bangkok don’t speak English. Moreover, some drivers are careful while driving, while others prefer reckless driving in order to arrive at the destination as fast as possible.
Travel Steps:
Step 1. Reach Level 1 on Bangkok Airport
Step 2. Exit from Gate no. 8
Step 3. Turn Right and Look for the Automated taxi slip counter
Step 4. Stand in Line
Step 5. Order a Taxi and take a slip
Step 6. Look around for your taxi
Step 7. Get into the taxi once it ready and Travel to your final destination.
Final Thoughts
When determining which transport solution is best suited for you, the choice comes down to level of comfort, convenience and how much time you wish to spend when traveling from Bangkok airport to Pattaya. If you have done a fair amount of the pre-planning, are familiar with the route and want a budget-friendly trip, then opting for a bus or shuttle is a good option.
For those seeking a fast, reliable, comfortable and stress-free transfer from Bangkok airport to their hotel or resort in Pattaya – a car service is by far the winning choice. With a car service waiting for you on arrival you can enjoy a smooth, air-conditioned door-to-door transfer with no unnecessary stops, no language barriers, and plenty of space for you and your luggage.
Asia Car Service provides private limousine transfers. If you are interested in private car service for your Bangkok Airport to Pattaya journey, please don’t hesitate to contact us: bookings@asiacarservice.com.
We’re also excited to offer you a $10 discount on your first service with our company, redeemable with this promo code 10CARBLOG. Just click the image below and get your discounted quote!
