Which option fits
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Landing at BKK in the day, light luggage, on a budget | The direct bus to Pattaya or Jomtien |
| Landing at BKK and want to be dropped at your hotel | The operator’s shared hotel transfer (fixed departures) |
| Landing late at night, in a group, or with lots of luggage | A pre-booked private transfer |
| Landing at DMK | Check Transport Co.’s timetable first; otherwise a private transfer |
From Suvarnabhumi (BKK): the direct bus
Roong Reuang Coach runs direct buses from Suvarnabhumi’s main terminal.
To Pattaya bus station on North Pattaya Road, near Sukhumvit Road: ฿135 per seat. Departures from the airport are at 07:30, 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30 and 18:30.
To Jomtien bus station on Jomtien Second Road: ฿158 per seat. Buses run every hour from 06:00 to 22:00 (the 22:00 bus ends at Pattaya bus station, not Jomtien). The Jomtien bus also stops on the way, at Sukhumvit Road between North and Central Pattaya, and opposite Big C South Pattaya, which is handy for central and south Pattaya hotels.
Step by step:
- Book online before you fly. Choose the route and departure for your arrival, and keep the booking confirmation on your phone.
- Land, clear immigration and collect your bags. Allow about an hour for immigration and baggage, on top of the check-in time below, and a little extra in case your flight is late or the queues are long.
- Go to the counter at Level 1, Gate 8 of the passenger terminal.
- Check in at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Ride for about 2 hours, depending on traffic. By road, Pattaya is about 120 km from Suvarnabhumi.
- Get off at your stop: Pattaya bus station, a stop on the way, or Jomtien.
- Finish with a baht bus or a ride-hailing car to your hotel (below).
Luggage: included is one small personal bag plus one bag or suitcase up to 20 kg. Heavier or extra items pay a fee.
Missed your bus because of a flight delay? Staff at the counter can move you to the next bus with seats, for a change fee.
Do I need a printed bus ticket?
Show your booking confirmation on your phone; a printed copy is not required. Save the confirmation offline before flying and keep your phone charged. Check the route and departure shown on it before joining the counter queue.
Shared hotel transfer
The same operator runs shared transfers that drop you at your hotel. From Suvarnabhumi they leave at 08:30, 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30 and 18:00, from the Level 1 Gate 8 counter. Prices are shown in its booking system.
Private transfer or taxi
A private car picks you up whenever you land and drops you at the door. It’s the sensible choice for late arrivals, groups and heavy luggage. Book with a known transfer company, or agree the full price, including tolls, before you set off.
From Don Mueang (DMK)
The airport lists the Transport Co. express bus from Don Mueang to Pattaya at ฿155, running 06:30 to 17:30; confirm on the booking site, as times change. The counters are at Terminal 1 (international), Floor 1, Gate 1 and Terminal 2 (domestic), Floor 1, Gate 11.
Departures are few, so check the current timetable on Transport Co.’s booking site before you fly. If the times don’t fit your flight, a private transfer is the fallback.
Landing late
Check the last departures in the timetables above before you book a late flight. On the Jomtien route, the final bus of the night ends at Pattaya bus station, not Jomtien. After the last bus, plan on a private transfer.
When you pick a bus, count from the time you’ll realistically be at the counter, not from your scheduled landing: immigration, bags and the walk to Gate 8 all come first.
Going back to the airport
Buses to Suvarnabhumi leave Pattaya bus station, on North Pattaya Road, at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 21:00, for the same ฿135 per seat. Book ahead, and pick a bus that leaves you plenty of time for check-in at the airport.
The full guide to getting back: Jomtien buses, hotel pick-ups and early flights →
Before you land
- Install Grab and Bolt and set up payment at home. They’re the easiest last leg to your hotel, especially late.
- Get some baht. Carry cash for baht buses and small purchases.
- Save your hotel’s name and address in Thai. Many drivers read Thai more easily; the street and area pages have driver cards you can show full screen.
- Screenshot your booking in case your phone has no data when you land.
From the bus station to your hotel
Pattaya bus station is on North Pattaya Road, close to Sukhumvit Road. From there, take a baht bus or a ride-hailing car to your hotel. Getting around Pattaya explains both.
Download Thai driver cards and transport essentials before flying