Bus + shuttle
Best balance of price and time with transfer via Bangkok terminals
Private transfer / taxi
Door-to-door ride taking about 2 hours with no transfers
Public bus
Cheapest option via Mo Chit or Suvarnabhumi with low ticket cost
Train
Indirect route with transfers and limited schedules
Quick answer: You can travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya by bus/minivan, train via Bangkok, or private taxi/car. Buses offer the best value, trains are the cheapest, while private transfers are the fastest and most comfortable. Tickets and transfers can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 160–170 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus 4–5 hrs | Train 5–6 hrs | Private Car 2–3 hrs
- 💰 Price: Bus US$6–13 | Train US$2–8 | Private Car US$45–310 per vehicle
- 🚍 Bus: Shuttle or taxi to Mochit, then bus or minivan to Pattaya.
- 🚆 Train: Travel via Bangkok Railway Station to Pattaya.
- 🚕 Private Car: Direct airport transfer with hotel drop-off.
Last updated: April 2026
How to Get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
Don Mueang Airport is about 170 km from Pattaya. You can travel by bus or minivan via Mochit, train via Bangkok, or private taxi/car. The most popular option is the bus, while a private transfer is the fastest and most comfortable.
Bus and minivan transfers via Mochit take about 4–5 hours and cost around $6–13 per person. Private taxis reach Pattaya in about 2–3 hours, with prices ranging from $45–310 per vehicle. Train travel via Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal takes about 5–6 hours and costs only $2–8 per person.
There are no flights between Don Mueang Airport and Pattaya. If you continue your trip, you can also travel to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Koh Kood, or reach Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
| Transfer Mode – Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van | 4-5 hours | $6-13/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car | 2-3 hours | $45-310 (car) |
| Train | 5-6 hours | $2-8/pp |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Pattaya ➜
How to go from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
1. BUS from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
👉 Bus or minivan is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–3.5 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern air-conditioned buses and vans)
- ✅ Best option: Direct Transport Co bus from Don Mueang Airport
- 💡 Tip: Minivans from Mochit offer frequent departures throughout the day.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online before departure.
A) Direct Bus from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
Transport Co operates direct buses from Don Mueang Bus Terminal at the airport to Pattaya. The journey takes about 3 hours 25 minutes and tickets start at around $5 per person.
B) Minivan from Mochit New Van Terminal to Pattaya
You can also travel from Mochit New Van Terminal by minivan or bus. The journey takes about 2–3 hours and tickets cost around $5–12 per person.
Private companies operate frequent departures throughout the day. For schedules and operators, see Bangkok to Pattaya – Bus Schedule.
2. TAXI / CAR from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
👉 Private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Duration: ~2–3 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (door-to-door transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with driver
- 💡 Tip: A private minivan is ideal for groups sharing the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Your driver can take you directly to your hotel or Bali Hai Pier.
A private taxi or car is the fastest way to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya. The journey takes about 2–3 hours with convenient door-to-door service and flexible departure times.
You can choose from standard cars, SUVs, electric vehicles, premium sedans or spacious minivans. Learn more about private transport in Thailand and available transfer options.
Private transfers cost about $45–310 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type. Services are available to hotels throughout Pattaya, Bali Hai Pier and other nearby destinations, and can be booked online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Torch Taxi | 02:10 | From $45.00 |
| MCC Van | 03:00 | From $65.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 02:20 | From $60.00 |
| Smile on Transport | 02:20 | From $45.00 |
| Glassflower | 03:00 | From $60.00 |
| Kingdom Venture | 02:00 | From $50.00 |
| Five Star Taxi | 02:30 | From $65.00 |
| Kim Transfers | 02:30 | From $60.00 |
| GB Limousine | 03:00 | From $80.00 |
| Than Car Service | 02:15 | From $60.00 |
| Khamkhun Tour | 03:00 | From $50.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 02:20 | From $65.00 |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 03:00 | From $60.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 01:35 | From $55.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 01:35 | From $155.00 |
| Okasto Transfer | 02:30 | From $50.00 |
3. TRAIN from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest way to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and train enthusiasts
- ✔️ Duration: ~5–6 hours
- ✔️ Comfort: good (Thai Railways trains)
- ✅ Best option: Train via Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
- 💡 Tip: Buy both train tickets before departure for a smoother trip.
- 🌏 Extra tip: This option is slower but offers the lowest fares.
A) Train to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Travel from Don Mueang Airport to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal by Thai Railways train. The journey takes about 1 hour and tickets cost around $1–2 per person.
B) Train from Bangkok to Pattaya
Continue by Thai Railways train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Pattaya. The trip takes about 2.5–4 hours and tickets cost around $1–6 per person.
For more details, read How to Go from Bangkok to Pattaya or check the Thailand Railway Map and Thailand Train Timetable.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
How to book tickets or a taxi from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
Book buses, trains and private transfers on 12go.asia.
What is the travel time from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
Private cars take 2–3 hours, buses about 3–5 hours, and trains via Bangkok around 5–6 hours.
What is the distance from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
The distance is about 170 km by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
Bus tickets cost $5–13, trains $2–8, and private cars about $45–310 per vehicle.
What is the best way to get from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable option with direct hotel transfer.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
The train via Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is usually the cheapest option.
Is there a direct flight from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya?
No. You can travel only by bus, train or private taxi.
What can you visit before arriving in Pattaya?
Stop in Chonburi, located about 30 km north of Pattaya.
Where can you travel from Pattaya?
Popular trips include Koh Larn and Koh Phi Phi.
How do you travel from Pattaya back to Bangkok?
Travel by bus, train or private taxi.
Where to stay in Pattaya?
Pattaya offers budget hostels, hotels, luxury resorts and private apartments.
Is Thailand suitable for solo travelers?
Yes. Thailand is one of Asia’s most popular destinations for solo travel. Read Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya
Traveling from Don Mueang Airport to Pattaya is easy by direct bus, train via Bangkok or private taxi. The best option depends on your budget, schedule and comfort preferences.
- Best Option: A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Pattaya.
- Budget Option: Direct buses offer the best value and operate every day.
- Train Travel: Travel via Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal if you prefer rail transport.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Heavy traffic around Bangkok can increase travel time.
- Book Early: Reserve buses and private transfers in advance during weekends and holidays.
- Arrival Point: Private taxis can take you directly to your hotel or Bali Hai Pier.
Tip: Bus, train and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.