The snag with taking the train on this route is that there is only one service per day in each direction. Other negatives are that journey times of four hours are double that of buses and the service utilises fan-cooled third-class carriages. Bangkok-Pattaya buses are more expensive, but not when compared to similar distances in Western nations.
Buses are also quick and offer comfort-enhancing air-conditioning. They run throughout the day with departure times roughly at 15-minute intervals. The first bus from each of the terminuses departs at 05:00 and the last at around 21:30 and sometimes later on public holidays.
Passengers can choose from two departure bus stations in Bangkok. These are the eastern station, Ekkamai, and the Northern Mo Chit Terminal. With buses running so frequently it is possible to just roll up, buy a ticket and get on the bus. At peak times such as around 08:00 or in the evenings as well as on holidays this scenario is unlikely. To save waiting around for several hours it pays to pre-book.
Bangkok to Pattaya buses
News in Asia
In a country with a limited rail network, buses have filled the gap and there are very few places in Thailand not served by a bus route or shared taxi service. The same is true when travelling between Bangkok and Pattaya. Again, there is a train service linking the Thai capital and the popular seaside resort.