Flight + Transfer
Fastest and most convenient way via U-Tapao or Bangkok
Train + Bus
Scenic rail journey with transfer in Bangkok
Bus + Bus
Lowest cost but longest journey via Bangkok
Direct Transport
No direct train or bus services available
Quick answer: You can travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya by direct flight with a transfer, train via Bangkok, bus via Bangkok, or private car. Flying is by far the fastest option, while trains and buses are cheaper but require much more travel time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 820 km by road or 710 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight 3–5 h total | Train 15–21 h | Bus 13–17 h | Private Car 11–13 h.
- 💰 Price: Flight $50–100 | Train $10–60 | Bus $25–45 | Car $240–730.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct flights to U-Tapao or Bangkok, then continue to Pattaya by taxi or bus.
- 🚆 Train: Overnight train to Bangkok, followed by a train, bus, or taxi to Pattaya.
- 🚍 Bus: Bus to Bangkok with a convenient connection to Pattaya.
- 🚕 Private Car: Direct door-to-door transfer, ideal for families or small groups.
Last updated in April 2026
Travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya by Flight, Train, Bus or Private Car
The distance from Chiang Mai to Pattaya is about 820 km by road or 710 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight to U-Tapao Airport, located about 40 km from Pattaya. Flights take around 1.5 hours and usually cost $50-100 per person.
You can also travel by train or bus via Bangkok. Train journeys take about 15-21 hours, while buses need around 13-17 hours. A private car is the most flexible option, taking about 11-13 hours, but it is also the most expensive.
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations, offering resorts, nightlife, islands, and family attractions. From Pattaya you can also travel to Bangkok or continue from Suvarnabhumi Airport to other parts of Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Chiang Mai to Pattaya: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 1.5 hours | $50-100/pp |
| Train (via Bangkok) | 15-21 hours | $10-60/pp |
| Bus / Van (via Bangkok) | 13-17 hours | $25-45/pp |
| Private Car/Taxi (via Bangkok) | 8-16 hours | $240-730/car |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
1. FLIGHT from Chiang Mai to Pattaya
👉 Flight + transfer via U-Tapao Airport is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time on long-distance travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–7 hours total (flight + transfer to Pattaya)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–100 per person (flight) + ~$10 transfer
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + minivan or taxi)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to U-Tapao + minivan or taxi to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and transfers online in advance for best prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check flight availability as schedules may be limited.
The fastest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya is a direct flight to U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport, located about 40 km south of Pattaya. From the airport, you can continue by minivan, bus, or private taxi to the city.
Direct flights take about 1.5 hours and are usually operated by Thai AirAsia or Thai Lion Air. If no direct flight is available, you can also fly to Bangkok and continue to Pattaya by bus, minivan, or taxi.
BOOK FLIGHT to U-Tapao Airport ➜
The total journey usually takes about 3-5 hours and costs around $50-100 per person, plus about $10 for a shared transfer from U-Tapao Airport to Pattaya.
2. TRAIN from Chiang Mai to Pattaya (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest land option to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer rail transport
- ✔️ Travel time: ~15–21 hours (train + transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $10–60 per person (depending on class and seat/berth)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleeper train + basic seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Bangkok + seat train to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book train tickets online in advance for better availability.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Use sleeper berth for long journey to Bangkok.
Traveling by train via Bangkok is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pattaya. The journey requires one transfer in Bangkok and takes about 15-21 hours, depending on the train connection.
For the overnight trip from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, a sleeper berth is the most comfortable choice. Trains arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, and you then continue by train from Hua Lamphong Station to Pattaya. You can also view the Thailand Railway Map.
Train tickets for both routes cost about $10-60 per person. You need to book two separate tickets: one from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and another from Bangkok to Pattaya. If the second train is unavailable online, tickets can usually be purchased at Hua Lamphong Station.
3. BUS from Chiang Mai to Pattaya (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus/minivan via Bangkok is a cheap and widely available way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who are fine with long travel times
- ✔️ Travel time: ~13–17 hours (bus + transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $25–45 per person (combined tickets)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern air-conditioned buses)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight bus to Bangkok + connecting bus/minivan to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets online in advance for smoother transfer.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive early at stations to avoid missing connections.
Traveling by bus via Bangkok is another affordable way to get from Chiang Mai to Pattaya. The journey requires one transfer in Bangkok and takes about 13-17 hours in total.
Modern air-conditioned buses operate on both routes. From Chiang Mai to Bangkok you can travel with companies such as Sritawong Tour, Transport Co, Sombat Tour, or Bangkok Busline. From Bangkok to Pattaya, operators include Roong Reuang Coach, Bell Travel, GO Family, and Thai Sriram.
The total ticket price is about $25-45 per person. You need to purchase two separate tickets, one for each route, and it is recommended to arrive at the departure station at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
4. TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Pattaya
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want maximum comfort, privacy, and flexible schedule
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–16 hours (direct private transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $240–730 per car (depending on vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern private car, SUV, or minivan)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with door-to-door service from Chiang Mai to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book your car online in advance to secure best vehicle options.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups to split costs and travel comfortably.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya. The journey takes about 8-16 hours, depending on the route, and offers a flexible door-to-door transfer.
You can choose from standard cars, SUVs, or spacious minivans for groups. Services are provided by companies such as Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand, Bangkok Taxi24, Freedom Tour Taxi Service, Than Car Service, and several other operators.
Prices range from about $240-730 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. Private transfers can be arranged from your hotel, Chiang Mai Airport, or the railway station and are ideal for families or small groups.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Andaman Shuttle | 11:20 | From $250.00 |
| Glassflower | 11:20 | From $280.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 11:20 | From $245.00 |
| Than Car Service | 11:00 | From $240.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 11:20 | From $450.00 |
| Freedom Tour Taxi Service | 10:00 | From $290.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:20 | From $240.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 12:00 | From $270.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 16:00 | From $250.00 |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 08:00 | From $340.00 |
❓ FAQ — Travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya
How to book tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
You can book flights, train, bus tickets, and private transfers via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
Flights take about 1.5 hours, buses 13-17 hours, trains 15-21 hours, and private cars around 8-16 hours.
What is the distance from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
The distance is about 820 km by road via Bangkok or around 710 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
Flights cost about $50-100, trains $10-60, buses $25-45, and private cars $240-730.
Is there a direct train from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
No. Train travel requires a transfer in Bangkok before continuing to Pattaya.
What is the cheapest way to get from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
The cheapest options are the train or bus via Bangkok.
What is the best way to travel from Chiang Mai to Pattaya?
A direct flight to U-Tapao Airport, followed by a short transfer to Pattaya, is the fastest option.
Where can you travel from Pattaya?
Popular destinations include Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Koh Larn, and Koh Phi Phi.
Where to stay in Pattaya?
Pattaya offers budget hotels, luxury resorts, apartments, and guesthouses. You can book your hotel in Pattaya online.
What are the transport options in Thailand?
You can travel by train, bus, minivan, plane, private car, ferry, or boat. Read Transportation in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Pattaya
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Pattaya is possible by direct flight, train via Bangkok, bus, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while trains and buses are cheaper but require a much longer journey.
- Best Option: Take a direct flight to U-Tapao Airport, then continue by taxi or minivan.
- Budget Choice: Trains and buses via Bangkok offer the lowest travel costs.
- Book Early: Direct flights can sell out quickly, especially during holidays.
- Airport Transfer: U-Tapao Airport is about 40 km from Pattaya city center.
- Overnight Travel: Sleeper trains are a good option for saving a hotel night.
- Private Transfer: Ideal for families or groups wanting a direct door-to-door journey.
Tip: Flights, trains, buses, and private transfers can be searched and booked online before your trip.