How to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya is one of Thailand’s easiest airport-to-beach hops. Your best pick depends on your budget, arrival time, and whether you want door-to-door convenience or the lowest fare. Below are the quickest, cheapest, and most comfortable ways—plus booking links and step-by-steps.

At A Glance (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚌 Direct Airport Bus (Suvarnabhumi → Pattaya/Jomtien)	~2–2.5h (traffic-dependent)	Most travelers, low cost & simple
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 140–200 one-way » compare buses | official operator
🚖 Private Taxi/Transfer (Door-to-door)	~1.5–2h	Fastest, groups, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 1,300–2,200 per car » fixed-price pickup | alt. providers | more options
🧭 ARL + City Bus (Ekkamai) → Pattaya Coach	~3–4h (includes transfers)	More departure times, late-night backups
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 200–350 total » Ekkamai→Pattaya buses
🚆 Rail Combo (Airport Rail Link + SRT Eastern Line)	~4–5.5h (limited departures)	Scenic, rail fans, light luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 100–250 total » check trains | SRT official

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest door-to-door: Private taxi/transfer (great after a long flight or with kids/boards).
• Best value for most: Direct airport bus from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya or Jomtien.
• Latest departures / more frequencies: ARL + Ekkamai coach works when airport bus times don’t fit.
• Cheapest scenic alternative: Rail combo, but mind the limited timetable and station location in Pattaya.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Reserve peak seats (weekends/holidays): Book buses and transfers on 12Go or Klook; many providers offer mobile tickets.
• Cash & change: Small notes help for on-the-spot bus tickets and tolls. ATMs are on BKK’s landside.
• Data & ride-hailing: Grab and Bolt operate widely; airport Wi-Fi/SIMs are available. For curated pickup, try Welcome Pickups.
• Luggage: If you’re sightseeing in Bangkok first, stash bags via Radical Storage Bangkok; Pattaya options are also on Radical Storage Pattaya.
• Staying in Pattaya: Compare beachside stays on Booking.com (Pattaya). Scooters are popular once there—see Pattaya rentals.

🚌 Option #1 — Direct Airport Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Simple from arrivals Fixed schedule

• Overview: Roong Reuang Coach runs frequent coaches from Suvarnabhumi Level 1 (Gate 8) direct to Pattaya North Bus Terminal and Jomtien. Journey ~2–2.5h, with A/C coaches and underfloor luggage.
• How to book (with price): Pay ~THB 140–200. Buy at the counter at Gate 8 or prebook on 12Go. Official info and timetables: Airport Pattaya Bus. Hotel drop-offs can be arranged on arrival at Pattaya terminal (extra fee) or via GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: Cheapest point-to-point, reliable, luggage included. Cons: Fixed stops; may need a short taxi/songthaew to your hotel.

Step-by-step: Direct Airport Bus

1. After customs at BKK, go down to Level 1 (Public Transport). Find the Pattaya bus counter near Gate 8.
2. Buy/confirm your ticket and seat. If you prebooked, show the e-voucher and ID.
3. Tag large bags and board when your departure is called.
4. Arrive at Pattaya North Bus Terminal or Jomtien. Use a songthaew, Grab/Bolt, or moto-taxi for the last mile.

Getting to the main embarking points (Suvarnabhumi Level 1 Gate 8)

• From Arrivals (Level 2): Take the escalator/elevator down one level to the public transport hall.
• Last-mile in Pattaya: Use Grab/Bolt from the terminal, or prearrange a hotel drop at the counter.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Private Taxi/Transfer (Fastest, Door-to-Door)

Fast 24/7 Higher cost

• Overview: Meet-and-greet at arrivals with a private sedan/van straight to your Pattaya address. Typical ride ~1.5–2h via expressways (tolls included or paid to driver).
• How to book (with price): Expect ~THB 1,300–2,200 per car depending on size/time. Check fixed-price options on Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or compare on Klook. On-demand alternatives: Grab and Bolt at the airport taxi stand.
• Pros: Zero transfers, ideal with kids/boards/late nights. Cons: Costs more than bus; traffic still applies.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Prebook your pickup with flight number and landing time; choose sedan/MPV/van.
2. After customs, meet your driver at the designated meeting point (provider will message exact spot) or proceed to the Public Taxi stand on Level 1.
3. Confirm toll handling and final address; sit back and ride to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Arrivals → Meeting Point / Public Taxi)

• Meet & Greet: Look for your name sign in the arrivals hall or at a provider kiosk.
• Public Taxi Stand: Level 1—queue at the machine for a bay number; fares are metered plus airport surcharge and tolls.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧭 Option #3 — ARL + City Bus (Ekkamai) → Pattaya Coach

More frequencies Backup plan More changes

• Overview: Ride the Airport Rail Link (ARL) into the city and connect to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) for frequent Pattaya coaches. Total ~3–4h including transfers.
• How to book (with price): ARL tickets ~THB 35–45. Ekkamai→Pattaya buses ~THB 130–180. Check times and book coach seats on 12Go. City taxi/Grab between interchanges adds a little.
• Pros: Many departures all day; useful if airport bus is sold out. Cons: Stairs/transfers with luggage; Bangkok traffic to Ekkamai.

Step-by-step: City Bus Combo

1. From BKK basement, take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai or Makkasan.
2. Continue by BTS/MRT or taxi to Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai).
3. Buy or redeem your Ekkamai→Pattaya ticket. Coaches run to Pattaya North Bus Terminal/Jomtien.
4. On arrival, use a songthaew/Grab for the final hop to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (ARL Station & Ekkamai)

• BKK ARL Station: Follow signs down to the Airport Rail Link concourse; buy tokens at the machine.
• Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai): Next to BTS Ekkamai—allow buffer for city traffic.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #4 — Rail Combo (ARL + SRT Eastern Line)

Budget Scenic Limited timetable

• Overview: Take ARL into Bangkok and connect to the State Railway of Thailand’s Eastern Line to Pattaya Railway Station. Trains are limited per day and slower than buses but inexpensive.
• How to book (with price): Expect ~THB 100–250 total. Check current timetables via 12Go (Bangkok→Pattaya) or SRT official. Buy tickets at the station on the day.
• Pros: Cheap, roomy seating, a look at rural Chonburi. Cons: Fewer departures; Pattaya Station is inland (short taxi to beach).

Step-by-step: Rail Combo

1. From BKK, ride the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai or Makkasan.
2. Transfer to the SRT Eastern Line departure station (check whether trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat or Hua Lamphong on your date).
3. Take the train to Pattaya Railway Station. Snacks and restrooms onboard vary by service.
4. Use Grab/Bolt/songthaew to reach your hotel or the beach.

Getting to the main embarking points (ARL → SRT Station)

• In Bangkok: Use BTS/MRT or a taxi between ARL and your SRT station; allow transfer time.
• In Pattaya: Pattaya Railway Station is near Sukhumvit Rd; local rides are easy.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya)

How long does it take from BKK to Pattaya?
Typical times are ~1.5–2h by taxi, ~2–2.5h by direct airport bus, and ~3–4h with city connections depending on traffic.

What’s the cheapest way?
The direct airport bus usually wins on price and simplicity. The rail combo can be even cheaper but is slower and less frequent.

Is Grab or Bolt available at BKK?
Yes—both operate, but airport rules may require pickup at the public taxi area. For a guaranteed meet-and-greet, prebook Welcome Pickups or similar.

Where do buses drop me in Pattaya?
Most services arrive at Pattaya North Bus Terminal or Jomtien. Use a songthaew or short Grab to your hotel.

Can I rent a car and drive myself?
Yes—highways are straightforward. Compare rates on Booking.com Car Rental (Thailand). Check tolls and ensure an IDP if required.

Any late-night options?
Private transfers run 24/7. City coaches from Ekkamai also have late services; check current schedules.

Where should I stay in Pattaya?
For beach access and nightlife, look around Central/North Pattaya; for quieter stays, Jomtien/Pratumnak. Browse Pattaya hotels.