Just landed at Suvarnabhumi and going straight to the coast. Good call. Pattaya sits about two hours from the airport by road, so the jump is easy if you pick the right option for your arrival time and bags. The fastest and most comfortable route is a private transfer.
If you want a direct car with meet and greet, check Bangkok airport to Pattaya options and lock the ride before you fly.
This is the most straightforward choice. A driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with luggage, and takes the motorway to your hotel. No cash hunt, no taxi queue. If you travel with kids, surfboards, golf bags, or you arrive late at night, a pre-booked car saves time and energy.
The airport bus runs from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya through the day. It is simple, cheap, and fine with cabin bags or small suitcases. You buy tickets at the airport counter on Level 1 near Gate 8. Buses go to Jomtien or North Pattaya terminals depending on the time of day.
Walk to the public taxi stand on Level 1 and take a metered cab. It is convenient if you land in the day, expect a queue at busy hours. Ask the driver to take Motorway 7, and be ready to pay highway tolls in cash. Keep small bills for this step.
Budget travellers sometimes mix the Airport Rail Link into Bangkok with the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai, then take a city bus to Pattaya.
Getting from Bangkok to Pattaya
At a glance
- Distance: roughly 120 km by road.
- Typical time: about 1.5 to 2.5 hours, traffic can add more during peak hours.
- Best for families or late arrivals: private transfer or metered taxi.
- Best for tight budgets: direct airport bus to Pattaya.
Option 1. Pre-booked private transfer
This is the most straightforward choice. A driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with luggage, and takes the motorway to your hotel. No cash hunt, no taxi queue. If you travel with kids, surfboards, golf bags, or you arrive late at night, a pre-booked car saves time and energy.
- Door to door: straight to your hotel in Pattaya or Jomtien.
- Clear pricing: fixed price shown at booking, tolls are handled by the provider.
- Comfort: choose sedan, minivan, or minibus for groups.
Option 2. Direct airport bus
The airport bus runs from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya through the day. It is simple, cheap, and fine with cabin bags or small suitcases. You buy tickets at the airport counter on Level 1 near Gate 8. Buses go to Jomtien or North Pattaya terminals depending on the time of day.
- Travel time: around two hours, plus local travel from the bus station.
- Luggage: keep big cases below, carry valuables with you.
- Onward ride: use a songthaew or taxi from the terminal to your hotel.
Option 3. Metered taxi from the rank
Walk to the public taxi stand on Level 1 and take a metered cab. It is convenient if you land in the day, expect a queue at busy hours. Ask the driver to take Motorway 7, and be ready to pay highway tolls in cash. Keep small bills for this step.
Option 4. DIY by train and city bus
Budget travellers sometimes mix the Airport Rail Link into Bangkok with the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai, then take a city bus to Pattaya.
This cuts the initial fare but adds transfers and stairs with luggage. It works if you travel very light and want a city stop on the way.
The motorway ride is smooth, with two toll booths and service stops. Drivers usually take Motorway 7. You pass flat farmland and low hills, then the coast.
How to choose your best route
- Arrival time: for late flights choose a private transfer or taxi. Night buses are limited.
- Group size: couples do well in a sedan, families fit a minivan better.
- Luggage: boards and bulky gear ride best in a van. The bus has limited space.
- Hotel location: Jomtien is south, Naklua is north. Factor in transfer time from the bus station.
- Budget: bus costs the least, taxis and transfers cost more but save time.
Arrival tips that save minutes
- SIM and cash: buy a Thai SIM at arrivals and withdraw a small amount for tolls and snacks.
- Meeting point: if you book a transfer, read the pick up sign details in your voucher.
- Child seats: request them at booking. Tell the age and weight of each child.
- Peak hours: leave extra time if you land between 16:00 and 20:00 on weekdays.
- Hotel pin: show the driver a map pin, not only the hotel name. Pattaya has similar street names.
What to expect on the road
The motorway ride is smooth, with two toll booths and service stops. Drivers usually take Motorway 7. You pass flat farmland and low hills, then the coast.
Most rides are calm, some days the last stretch in town is slow.
The bus is the cheapest door to terminal choice. A metered taxi is direct but the final price depends on traffic and tolls. A pre-booked transfer shows the full cost in advance and that is the reason many travellers pick it. Simple.
If you want zero guesswork, book a private car in advance and walk out. If you want to save the most, take the airport bus and a short local taxi at the end. Either way, the route is easy and well marked.
Costs and timing, in plain words
The bus is the cheapest door to terminal choice. A metered taxi is direct but the final price depends on traffic and tolls. A pre-booked transfer shows the full cost in advance and that is the reason many travellers pick it. Simple.
Bottom line
If you want zero guesswork, book a private car in advance and walk out. If you want to save the most, take the airport bus and a short local taxi at the end. Either way, the route is easy and well marked.
