The quickest door-to-door way from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Pattaya is a private transfer or taxi — roughly 90 minutes to two hours for about 1,300–2,000 THB. On a budget, scheduled airport coaches run straight from the terminal to Pattaya for a fraction of that, and shared minivans sit in between. There is no direct train from the airport.
Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya at a glance
| Option | Cost (THB) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport coach (Bell Travel / Airport Pattaya Bus) | ~130–300 | 2–2.5 hr | Budget travellers, solo or pairs |
| Private transfer | Fixed quote (~1,300–2,000) | 1.5–2 hr | Door-to-door with luggage or a group |
| Metered taxi | ~1,500–2,000 | 1.5–2 hr | Leaving right away, no waiting for a coach |
| Shared minivan | ~200–400 | 2–2.5 hr | A cheaper door-ish option than a taxi |
By airport coach — the budget option
Two established operators run scheduled coaches from Suvarnabhumi directly to Pattaya. Bell Travel Service has a counter at the airport and drops passengers at its Pattaya office, with onward hotel shuttles on some services; Airport Pattaya Bus runs a low-cost coach to central Pattaya. Both leave from the bus counters in the arrivals area and the Public Transportation Centre — follow the signs, or ask staff at the coach and taxi desks on the arrivals level.
Fares are roughly 130–300 THB depending on the operator, and the ride takes about two to two and a half hours. Departures are spread through the day rather than running every hour, so check the next departure at the counter when you land. It is the cheapest way to Pattaya, but you may wait a while for the next coach.
By private transfer or taxi
For the fastest, simplest door-to-door trip, a private transfer meets you in arrivals and takes you straight to your Pattaya hotel — the easiest choice with luggage, a family or a late-night arrival. You agree the fare in advance, so there is no meter anxiety on the long motorway run; expect roughly 1,300–2,000 THB. A metered public taxi from the Level 1 rank will also make the trip, charging the meter plus the 50 THB airport surcharge and motorway tolls, usually landing in a similar 1,500–2,000 THB range.
By shared minivan
Shared minivans (rot tu) are a Thai staple and a cheaper door-ish option than a private car. From the airport itself the scheduled coaches are the more reliable direct choice, but minivans to Pattaya also run from city terminals such as Ekkamai (the Eastern Bus Terminal), which you can reach from the airport on the Airport Rail Link and the BTS if you are watching every baht.
How long does the journey take?
Pattaya is about 120 km southeast of Suvarnabhumi, and the airport sits on the right side of Bangkok for the trip — you join Motorway 7 (the Bang Na–Chon Buri route) without crossing the city. In light traffic the drive is around 90 minutes; allow two hours or more on a Friday evening or a public holiday, when much of Bangkok is heading to the coast at once.
Tips for the journey
Carry some cash in Thai baht for the coach fare and the tolls, and pick up a local SIM card in the arrivals hall if you want to track a ride or message your hotel on the way. If you are connecting from a late flight, a pre-booked transfer is the least stressful option, because coach departures thin out at night. Whichever way you choose, reconfirm the current fare and the next departure with the operator — prices and timetables change with the season.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya?
Yes. Bell Travel Service and Airport Pattaya Bus both run scheduled coaches straight from the airport to Pattaya for roughly 130–300 THB, taking about two to two and a half hours. They leave from the bus counters in the arrivals area.
How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya?
A metered taxi or a private transfer is usually around 1,500–2,000 THB door-to-door, including the 50 THB airport surcharge and motorway tolls. A private transfer fixes the price in advance; a metered taxi runs on the meter plus tolls.
How long is the drive from the airport to Pattaya?
About 90 minutes to two hours for the roughly 120 km via Motorway 7, and longer on Friday evenings, weekends and public holidays, when traffic to the coast is heavy.
Is there a train from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya?
Not directly from the airport. The Airport Rail Link serves only Bangkok, and the slow State Railway train to Pattaya runs from the city, so for most travellers a coach, minivan or private transfer is the practical choice.