Bangkok airport to Pattaya: every way to get there

Pattaya is about 120 km from Bangkok's main airport, Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Here are your options, from cheapest to most comfortable. Prices are typical for late 2026 and can change, so check at the counter.

At a glance

Bus 389: the best value

Bus 389 is the easiest cheap option. Go down to level 1, follow signs to exit 8, and buy a ticket at the counter. Buses leave roughly every hour from morning until evening.

The bus stops in North Pattaya first, then continues along Sukhumvit Road, stopping at the South Pattaya Road junction before Jomtien. Choose the Jomtien service and get off at South Pattaya Road for South Pattaya hotels. From there, a short Bolt or Grab ride takes you to the door.

Bus 999

The government Transport Co. runs a few direct buses a day from the airport bus terminal (a free shuttle runs there from the airport). It is cheap but less frequent, so check departure times before relying on it.

Shared minivan

A minivan company runs shared vans to Pattaya from a counter near exit 8, with an optional hotel drop-off for an extra fee. It is convenient but can take longer while the van drops other passengers.

Taxi from the official queue

Follow signs to the public taxi rank on level 1. Ask for the meter, and expect to pay the meter fare plus a small airport surcharge and the motorway tolls (two tolls of around 30 to 50 baht each). For Pattaya most drivers will quote a fixed fare; agree it before you set off.

Grab and Bolt

Ride-hail apps give a fixed price before you book, usually 1,100 to 1,400 baht. Pick-up is on level 1. You need mobile data, so set up an eSIM or buy a SIM in arrivals first.

Private transfer

The most relaxed option, especially for families, groups or late arrivals. A driver meets you in arrivals with a sign. Prices start from around 1,500 baht for a small car; vans for groups cost more.

From Don Mueang (DMK)

Don Mueang, the low-cost airline airport, is in north Bangkok, so the drive is a little longer. Taxi, Grab, Bolt and private transfers are the easiest options. Budget a bit more than from Suvarnabhumi.

From U-Tapao (UTP)

U-Tapao airport is about 50 km south of Walking Street, around 45 minutes to an hour by road. Taxis and pre-booked transfers wait at arrivals.

Tips

• Late arrivals: buses stop in the evening, so plan on a taxi or transfer.
• Luggage: buses and minivans have limited space for large suitcases.
• Tolls: tolls are paid in cash by the passenger in metered taxis, so keep some small notes.
• Traffic: Friday evenings and public holidays add time.