The main train station in Pattaya (see photo below) is located in East Pattaya (aka the darkside), the area on the east side of the Sukhumvit highway, about 3 kilometers from central Pattaya. At just 31 baht, it’s by far the cheapest way of getting from Pattaya to Bangkok, but don’t expect any frills, and don’t expect to get there in a hurry.
You can check what times trains arrive and depart from Pattaya train station on the official State Railway of Thailand website: https://www.railway.co.th/Home/index.
Unless you prefer the sedate speed and scenic route that the train from Pattaya to Bangkok offers, you will find bus stations in Pattaya are easier to reach and buses leave frequently, and by bus is still a very cheap way to travel between Pattaya and Bangkok.
The train leaves Bangkok and arrives in Pattaya en route to to its final destination of Chuk Samet in Sattahip, and likewise stops at Pattaya on its return journey to Bangkok.
Booking Thailand Train Tickets Online
You can now buy train tickets on the State Railway of Thailand website, or if you prefer to use a tried and trusted booking website, you can buy Thailand train tickets online on 12Go.asia
PLEASE NOTE: 12go.asia is not limited to train/rail ticket booking. It’s actually a great resource for getting around Thailand. You can also buy tickets to travel around Thailand by bus, minivan, taxi, ferry, or plane and buy combination/joint tickets.
Take an Amazing Train Journey
The overnight sleeper train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is a truly authentic Thai experience. It’s cheaper than flying, much more comfortable than a bus, and easier than driving. As the train heads through the mountains approaching Chiang Mai in the early hours of the morning, you are treated to some of the most beautiful unspoiled views of Thailand. For me, the experience was worth the ticket price, and I considered it the first day proper of my holiday in Chiang Mai.
Getting to Pattaya Train Station
The train station is not on any regular public transport routes; you will need to use one of the regular modes of getting around Pattaya, such as hiring a baht bus, taking a motorcycle taxi, or using a taxi booking app.
Train Station in Thai Language: You may have problems getting there if your driver does not speak good English. In such a case simply tell him you want to go to the “sa thaa nee rot fai” = train station. Still struggling? show him the Thai text สถานีรถไฟ = train station.
Where is the train station in Pattaya?
You can easily locate it, and get directions using this Google map of Pattaya Train Station
Pattaya to Bangkok Air Conditioned Weekend Train Service
A new Bangkok to Pattaya Weekend Train started on 17th March 2018.
The new air-conditioned train service departs Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station at 06:45 and arrives in Pattaya at approximately 09:15. The train will make several stops en route to Pattaya, and after departing from Pattaya, it will stop at Pattaya Floating Market, Yanasangwararam, and Nong Nooch before reaching its final destination at Ban Plu Ta Luang in Sattahip.
The return journey departs Ban Plu Ta Luang at 15:50, arrives in Pattaya at 16:25, then onward to Si Racha, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao Junction, Hua Takhe, Lat Krabang, Huamark, Klongton, and Makkasan before arriving at Bangkok Hua Lamphong train station at 18:55
Along with the new train service, there may also be a variety of package “sightseeing tours” made available, inclusive of the train ticket, entry tickets to a number of tourist attractions, and even inclusive of accommodation.