Pattaya's Bus Stations: A Detailed Guide to Travel and Destinations

Pattaya, a vibrant city known for its beaches, nightlife, and attractions, is also a significant hub for transportation in Thailand. With its strategic location, Pattaya offers various bus stations that connect travelers to many destinations both within and beyond the city. This blog will provide an in-depth look at Pattaya’s bus stations, their facilities, routes, and travel possibilities.

1. Pattaya Bus Terminal (North Pattaya Bus Station)

Overview and Location

The Pattaya Bus Terminal, commonly referred to as the North Pattaya Bus Station, is the main bus station serving Pattaya. Located on North Pattaya Road, just off Sukhumvit Road, this station is easily accessible and well-connected to the city center.

Facilities

The North Pattaya Bus Terminal is a well-organized facility equipped with amenities that make traveling convenient and comfortable:

Ticket Counters: Multiple counters offer tickets for various destinations. Tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel.
Waiting Areas: Spacious waiting areas with seating are available, providing comfort for travelers.
Food and Beverages: There are small food stalls, snack shops, and beverage kiosks within the terminal. Some local vendors offer Thai snacks and drinks.
Restrooms: Clean and maintained restroom facilities are available for travelers.
Information Desks: For assistance, information desks are available to help travelers with directions, ticket inquiries, and more.

Destinations and Routes

From the North Pattaya Bus Terminal, travelers can reach numerous destinations:

Bangkok: Regular buses operate between Pattaya and Bangkok, making it a popular route. Buses typically head to Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai), Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), and Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). The trip to Ekkamai or Mo Chit takes around 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
Suvarnabhumi Airport: Direct bus services connect Pattaya with Suvarnabhumi Airport, catering to travelers catching flights or arriving in Thailand. The journey usually takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Rayong and Ban Phe: Travelers heading to Rayong or Ban Phe, the gateway to Koh Samet, can find frequent services from this terminal. The trip to Rayong takes about 1.5 hours, while Ban Phe is approximately 2 hours away.
Other Cities: The terminal also offers services to other cities in eastern Thailand, such as Chanthaburi and Trat, known for their scenic beauty and quieter beaches.

2. Pattaya Bus Station (Thappraya Road Bus Station)

Overview and Location

Another important bus station in Pattaya is located on Thappraya Road, often referred to as the Jomtien Bus Station. This station caters mainly to long-distance and inter-city travelers.

Facilities

The Thappraya Road Bus Station is equipped with essential amenities:

Ticket Counters: Ticket counters at this station cater to both advance and on-the-spot bookings.
Waiting Areas: The station features comfortable waiting areas with seating arrangements.
Food and Drinks: Nearby shops and vendors offer snacks, meals, and beverages for travelers.
Restrooms: Basic restroom facilities are available for passenger use.

Destinations and Routes

The Thappraya Road Bus Station connects Pattaya with several key destinations:

Bangkok: Similar to the North Pattaya Bus Station, this station offers buses to Bangkok, primarily to the Ekkamai Bus Terminal. The travel time is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Suvarnabhumi Airport: Travelers can take direct bus services to Suvarnabhumi Airport, making it a convenient option for those heading to the airport from the southern part of Pattaya or Jomtien area.
Hua Hin: One of the unique routes from Thappraya Road is the direct service to Hua Hin, a popular beach destination on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand. The journey to Hua Hin takes around 4-5 hours.

3. Bali Hai Pier Bus Station

Overview and Location

Located near the famous Bali Hai Pier, this bus station primarily serves tourists traveling to and from Pattaya via the pier. Bali Hai Pier is a major departure point for ferries heading to Koh Larn and other nearby islands.

Facilities

The Bali Hai Pier Bus Station is relatively smaller than the main bus terminals but still provides basic amenities:

Ticket Counters: Ticket counters are available for purchasing bus and ferry tickets.
Waiting Area: There is a small waiting area for passengers.
Food and Beverages: Several food stalls and shops nearby offer snacks and drinks.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available for use.

Destinations and Routes

The Bali Hai Pier Bus Station connects travelers with both local and regional destinations:

Local Bus Services: The station provides local bus services that connect different parts of Pattaya, including Jomtien, Naklua, and Central Pattaya.
Koh Larn: From Bali Hai Pier, ferries to Koh Larn are readily available. The island is a popular day-trip destination known for its beautiful beaches and water activities. The ferry ride takes about 30-45 minutes.
Bangkok and Beyond: While not as common, some long-distance buses and private minivans offer services to Bangkok and other destinations, providing an alternative travel option for those near the pier.

4. Mini Van Services

Overview and Locations

In addition to the main bus stations, Pattaya also has several spots where minivans depart to various destinations. These minivans offer a faster and sometimes more flexible alternative to traditional buses. Common departure points include near the North Pattaya Bus Terminal, Sukhumvit Road, and various locations along Second Road and Beach Road.

Facilities

Minivan services are typically less formal than bus stations, with:

Pickup Points: Minivans often pick up passengers from specific points such as shopping malls, hotels, or designated stops.
Comfort: Minivans are air-conditioned and offer comfortable seating, though they may be more cramped than larger buses.
Rest Stops: Depending on the route, some minivan services may stop for breaks at gas stations or rest areas.

Destinations and Routes

Minivans provide direct routes to numerous destinations:

Bangkok: Many minivans travel to different parts of Bangkok, including Mo Chit, Ekkamai, and Victory Monument. The journey takes around 1.5-2 hours.
Suvarnabhumi Airport: Direct minivan services to Suvarnabhumi Airport are available, offering a quick and convenient way to catch flights.
Eastern Seaboard Destinations: Minivans travel to various eastern seaboard destinations, including Rayong, Ban Phe, Chantaburi, and Trat. These routes are popular for those heading to less commercialized beaches and islands.
Border Crossings: Some minivan services offer routes to border towns, such as Aranyaprathet (near the Cambodian border), making it a convenient option for travelers planning to cross into Cambodia.

5. Jomtien Beach Second Road Minivan Stand

Overview and Location

Located along Jomtien Second Road, this minivan stand caters primarily to tourists and residents staying in the Jomtien area. It’s less formal than the main bus terminals but serves as a critical point for minivan services to Bangkok and other destinations.

Facilities

Ticketing: Tickets can be purchased directly from drivers or from nearby travel agencies that coordinate with the minivan services.
Waiting Area: A small area with benches is available, though waiting may often occur by the roadside.
Food and Drinks: There are convenience stores and street food vendors nearby, offering snacks and drinks.
Restrooms: Nearby restaurants and cafes typically allow travelers to use their restrooms.

Destinations and Routes

Bangkok (Victory Monument and Ekkamai): Frequent minivan services run to Bangkok, stopping at popular transit points like Victory Monument and Ekkamai. The journey typically takes 2-2.5 hours.
Suvarnabhumi Airport: Direct minivan services to the airport are available, with the trip taking about 1.5 hours.
Eastern Seaboard: Minivans also serve routes to destinations along the Eastern Seaboard, including places like Laem Chabang and Rayong.

6. Pattaya Tai (South Pattaya) Bus Station

Overview and Location

Pattaya Tai, or South Pattaya, is home to several informal bus and minivan stops. These are not official stations but are well-known local transit points located on Sukhumvit Road, near South Pattaya Road. These stops are popular among local residents and are known for providing reliable transport options to various destinations.

Facilities

Ticketing: Tickets are generally purchased on the bus or from minivan drivers directly.
Waiting Area: These stops usually don’t have designated waiting areas, so passengers wait by the roadside.
Food and Drinks: Street vendors and small shops around these stops provide food and drinks.
Restrooms: Nearby businesses like gas stations and restaurants may provide restroom access.

Destinations and Routes

Bangkok: Minivans and buses frequently depart to different parts of Bangkok, including Mo Chit, Ekkamai, and Victory Monument. The travel time ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
Rayong and Ban Phe: Regular minivan services operate to Rayong and Ban Phe (the gateway to Koh Samet), with travel times of about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Trat: Some minivans also head towards Trat, taking around 4-5 hours, serving those who want to reach Koh Chang and other islands.

7. Pattaya Floating Market Bus Stop

Overview and Location

The Pattaya Floating Market is not only a tourist attraction but also a known pickup point for local and regional minivan services. Located on Sukhumvit Road, south of Pattaya, this stop is convenient for those visiting the market or staying in nearby areas.

Facilities

Ticketing: There is no official ticket counter, so tickets are bought directly from minivan drivers.
Waiting Area: There is no designated waiting area; passengers usually wait near the market entrance or at the roadside.
Food and Drinks: The market offers numerous food stalls and restaurants, providing plenty of options for meals and snacks.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available within the market.

Destinations and Routes

Bangkok: Minivans to Bangkok often pick up passengers here, heading to places like Victory Monument and Ekkamai. The trip usually takes 2-2.5 hours.
Rayong: Minivans heading to Rayong make stops here, offering a convenient travel option for visitors staying in southern Pattaya.
Local Destinations: This stop also serves as a pickup point for routes heading to local destinations like Na Jomtien and Bang Saray, offering more localized transport options.

8. Tesco Lotus North Pattaya Bus Stand

Overview and Location

Located near the Tesco Lotus shopping center on North Pattaya Road, this informal bus stand serves as a popular pickup point for local and regional buses and minivans. It’s strategically located, making it accessible for both locals and tourists in the northern part of the city.

Facilities

Ticketing: Tickets are generally purchased directly from the bus or minivan drivers.
Waiting Area: There is no formal waiting area; passengers often wait near the shopping center’s entrance.
Food and Drinks: Tesco Lotus houses various eateries, a food court, and a supermarket, providing ample food and beverage options.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are available inside the Tesco Lotus shopping center.

Destinations and Routes

Bangkok: Minivans to various parts of Bangkok, including Mo Chit and Ekkamai, frequently stop here. The journey time is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Sri Racha and Laem Chabang: This stand is a common starting point for minivans heading to industrial areas like Sri Racha and Laem Chabang.
Rayong: Services to Rayong are also available from this location, catering to both commuters and tourists.

Traveling Tips and Considerations

Booking Tickets: It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or holidays. Tickets can be purchased online, at the station, or through travel agents.
Travel Times: Traffic conditions can significantly impact travel times, especially when heading to or from Bangkok. Allow extra time for unexpected delays.
Comfort: For longer journeys, choosing buses with more comfortable seating and air conditioning can make a big difference.
Safety: Always keep an eye on personal belongings, as bus stations can be crowded. Using services from official counters and recognized companies is recommended to ensure safety and reliability.

Conclusion

Pattaya’s bus stations serve as vital transportation hubs, connecting the city with various destinations across Thailand. Whether traveling to the bustling streets of Bangkok, the serene beaches of Rayong, or catching a ferry to Koh Larn, Pattaya’s bus network offers convenience, affordability, and accessibility. By understanding the facilities, routes, and services available, travelers can make informed choices and enjoy seamless journeys to and from this vibrant coastal city.