Listed below, are the main bus terminals, and bus route operators in Pattaya. I’ve added links to the operator’s website where applicable, a few pictures to help you get familiar, and at the bottom of the page is a link to a handy map with place-marks of all the major bus depots in Pattaya.
For reference, and means of getting to and from bus terminals in Pattaya, use this handy getting around Pattaya guide.
Buy Tickets To & From Pattaya
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You can buy bus, minivan, plane, ferry tickets from Pattaya to many destinations in Thailand and neighboring countries in advance, online through 12Go.asia.
North Pattaya Bus Station
From the North Pattaya Bus Station there is a regular service which arrives at 3 destinations in Bangkok, there is also a service (the yellow bus) which goes to Rayong, Samui and the north-east, and Bell Travel which goes to Bangkok City and Suvarnabhumi airport. All of these services, the blue and white bus to Bangkok, and the yellow bus and Bell Travel are operated by Roong Reuang Coach Company.
Bus from North Pattaya Bus Station to Bangkok.
The blue and white bus departs from Pattaya to 3 bus stations in Bangkok, Ekamai (eastern Bus Terminal), Morchit 2 (Northern Bus Terminal) and Sai Tai (Southern Bus Terminal). Buses leave Pattaya on a regular basis between 0430 and 2300, tickets cost between 120 – 150 baht. For more information use the Roong Reuang Blue and White Bus website, Thai and English language.
The Yellow Bus from North Pattaya Bus Station.
The Yellow Bus is also operated from North Pattaya Bus Station by Roong Reuang Coach Company. Destinations of the Yellow Bus include Rayong, Koh Samui, and various destinations in North East Thailand (Issan), they also offer a parcel delivery service. For more information on schedules, destination and booking tickets, see the Yellow Bus website, in English and Thai Language, Please note the Yellow Bus website is quite offline or not operating.
Pattana 407, Bangchak Petrolem Gas Station Pattaya Klang.
Situated on the far left corner of the forecourt at the Bangchak Petrolem petrol station, Just north of the Central Road junction, and opposite Soi Nernplubwan (soi 53) on Sukhumvit Highway. Regular trips to Nongkhai, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen every day. A VIP sit alone ticket to Nongkai costs 620 Baht. Tel: 038 249162 (038 733167)
Nakonchai Air Coach Company (Sukhumvit Pattaya Klang)
The depot is on the Sukhumvit Highway just south of the Central Pattaya junction, on the east (south-bound) side of the highway between sois 57 and 59, it’s just a few meters north of the King Power duty free center on the north-bound side.
They operate routes to Northern and North Eastern Thailand and south to Rayong. For more information on schedules visit the Nakhon Chai website, in English and Thai language. Please note, to view the schedule for Pattaya you need to select routes to and from Rayong. Tel: 038 424871 (038 427841).
Chan Tour: Sukhumvit Pattaya Klang.
Sorry, can’t find much information about Chan Tour, except they run between Pattaya and Khon Kaen. The terminal is located on the slip road which enters Sukhumvit Highway from Pattaya Klang Road (Pattaya Central Road), you can call them on 038-719-090.
Phet Prasert Bus Terminal
The Phet Prasert terminal is located on the southbound side of Sukhumvit highway, opposite Boonthavorn, approximately 900 meters north of the Pattaya (central) Klang junction.
The bus stops at Pattaya on routes to and from Trat and Rayong. The website is only in Thai language but you can use google translate. To check the schedule for Pattaya look for all routes to and from Trat and Rayong. Website: http://www.phetprasert.com/index.php
Nakhonchai Khonsong
Although similarly named, this company is not associated with Nakhon Chai Air. The terminal is on the north-bound side of Sukhumvit highway, exactly opposite the Nakhon Chai Air terminal. The service goes to Loei via Nakhon Ratchasima and Dankhuntod. You can contact them on 038-415-887.
Long Distance Bus Journeys in Thailand
Traveling long distances by bus in Thailand is relatively cheap, but I can tell you personally it can also literally be a pain in the ass. I recommend whenever possible pay the extra for a comfy seat, or even consider taking a daytime express train for about the same price.
Getting a comfy seat on the bus in Thailand: Just because a bus is so-called VIP does not mean the seats are comfy. Sure, they recline, and they are more comfortable than seats on a standard bus, but they are still restrictive and have little legroom. Most double deck VIP buses in Thailand have larger seats with more legroom on the bottom deck.
As a general rule, the fewer seats on the bus the better. So look for VIP 20 – VIP 24 with only 3 seats across instead of 4. Check the seating plans and photos whenever possible. If you book with 12Go.asia you sometimes have the option of choosing your seat, but you must book well in advance.
Getting to a Bus Station in Pattaya
By Baht Bus: The main baht bus route is a loop of Second Road and Beach Road, from South Pattaya to Dolphin roundabout on North Pattaya Road. If taking the baht bus to any of the bus stations on Sukhumvit at Pattaya Klang (Central), unless the baht bus turns right (east) towards Sukhumvit highway, simply get off and wait for one heading east and get off just before the highway. The bus stations are easy walking distance from here.
If going to North Pattaya Bus Station and the baht bus heads straight on or turns left back to Pattaya Beach Road from Dolphin roundabout, get off and wait on North Pattaya Road for a baht bus heading east, in the opposite direction of Pattaya Beach. Expect to pay between 10 and 20 baht per person, per ride.
By Motorcycle Taxi: The most convenient way, especially if you are downtown Pattaya. The problem most people have with motorcycle taxi riders is simply making them understand where they want to go. Some speak quite good English, some don’t. Make sure you agree on a price before you jump on the back, from downtown Pattaya it should not cost much more than 40 – 60 baht.
Grabtaxi App: A great way to book a taxi for short local taxi runs, and be sure you are paying an honest price.
Bus Station in Thai Language
When you hail a motorcycle taxi, most will ask where you are going, quite often in Thai, which sounds like “bpai nai”. If they do not understand English, you can tell them in Thai you are going to the “sa thaa nee rot may” (bus station). Of course, that could be any bus station, so let’s say you are going to North Pattaya bus station, you can try “sa thaa nee rot may Pattaya Nua”. You can also try this with the name of the bus company. Or even the destination of your bus, example, sa thaa nee rot may, rot by Bangkok, rot by Buriram, and so on.
Still struggling ?, show the driver “bus station” in Thai text สถานีรถเมล์ = bus station.
Use the Google map of bus and coach stations in Pattaya to get location and directions
Recommended: Tips for first time visitors to Pattaya