Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi is the best option when you need to get there fast. You can opt for cheaper options like bus or train but these options will add many hours, as much as half a day before you arrive in Pattaya.
If you are willing to spend the extra ฿800 Bhat and have half a day then it is highly recommended to get a taxi. Comfortable seat and air conditioning all the way.
How Much Should it Cost:
How much “should” you pay? Around ฿1000 Bhat is probably a fair and just price. This is all inclusive, includes ALL toll fees etc. Of course there will be many taxi drivers jumping on you and quoting much higher prices.
After all anything above the real price is just pure profit for them and they will try and say whatever they can to get a higher price.
How Long will it take?
This journey should take approximately 2 hours.
1 h 54 min (149.5 km) It will be more during peak hour. Also it will take longer on weekends, especially on a Friday night many people will be heading there for the weekend.
Distance from Bangkok to Pattaya:
It is approximately 150 km / 93 mi
From Suvarnabhumi Airport:
Metered taxis operate 24/7. The public metered taxi area is located on level one.
You can also try and catch a taxi from the departure level as the driver has just dropped the passenger off. At this point the driver has not paid the airport fee. Although a 150 km 2 hour drive may not be desirable for the taxi.
Hotel Transfers:
Many hotels in Pattaya offer hotel transfers for around ฿1500 Bhat. When you walk out of the arrival gates there will be someone with you name on a piece of paper.
They will take you to a private car and drive you to a hotel. The advantage of using this method is the taxi knows exactly where the hotel is. Many hotels in Pattaya are pretty hard to find.
On one trip to Pattaya we had to drive around for an extra 45 minutes. Finally found the hotel, there was no outside sign, only small writing on the front door.
From Central Bangkok:
Many hotel have their own private car/taxi services available. Usually expect a ฿500 Bhat markup.
Private Car 1500 Bhat Example April 2017 Example
Found a travel agency on the corner of Soi 22 Sukhumvit Road and was quoted ฿1500 Bhat. Looking longer and more carefully a ฿1000 Bhat ride could have been found.
Additional tips:
Have the address and phone number of the hotel readily available. Preferably have the hotel’s address printed out in Thai. Many taxi drivers and not read English
The phone number is essential, the taxi drive is then able to call the hotel and ask for additional direction with the hotel in their native language.
Safety:
Others have said not to leave your belongings unattended with the taxi driver. For example going for a toilet break while stopping for petrol. Insist the drive also gets out of the car.
This feels a bit extreme and rude. A better idea may be to go to the bathroom at the airport or hotel before you get into the taxi. Also take you back with you into the back seat. If the driver asks you to put the bag in the trunk, politely tell him/her you something in the bag you will need for the journey.
Every legitimate taxi will have an ID number on the inside of the back doors. Take a photo, you never know if you will need to reference it later. If a hotel uses its own private car, they will not have this ID.
Never pay for the taxi upfront
Other Options:
- Bus
Cheaper but more time consuming
- Minivan
Available from the Victory Monument area. More central than the bus terminals.
Update: Minivans no longer operate out of Victory Monument.
- Train
- Hire car
Looking for a place to stay in Pattaya? Take a look at some of the hotels we have stayed in pictures and videos included. Click the image below
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