Key hubs
Pattaya airport and railway station
- Airport
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) near Bangkok, about 120 km and 1.5 hours by road; U-Tapao (UTP) is about 45–50 km south but has few flights, none verified from India
- Railway station
- Pattaya station has a slow State Railway of Thailand service from Bangkok, but buses and cars are far more practical; check current train days with SRT
- Getting around
- Songthaew (baht bus) on main roads at a few tens of baht at most, app taxis and motorbike taxis; hire a car with driver for Nong Nooch and the south
How to reach Pattaya by air
Most visitors fly to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) near Bangkok, about 120 km and roughly 1.5 hours by road from Pattaya. Don Mueang (DMK) is also used by some airlines. U-Tapao International (UTP) is about 45–50 km south of Pattaya but has limited services; do not assume direct flights from India, and check airlines for your city.
How to reach Pattaya by train
Pattaya station is on the State Railway of Thailand's eastern line, with a slow, basic service from Bangkok that does not run every day in a useful pattern. Most Indian visitors will find cars, vans and buses much more convenient; check SRT for current days and times.
How to reach Pattaya by road
Pattaya is about 150 km south-east of Bangkok, reached by Motorway 7 and Sukhumvit Road in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, traffic dependent. Buses and private transfers run from Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and central Bangkok.
Getting around Pattaya
Songthaews (baht buses) cover the main roads for a few tens of baht, motorbike taxis and app taxis fill the gaps, and a car with driver is easiest for Nong Nooch, Khao Chi Chan and Wat Yansangwararam. Ferries to Koh Larn leave from Bali Hai pier.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Pattaya
- Use a Grab-style app or a metered taxi for late returns, and avoid the Walking Street area at night unless you know what you are in for.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.