Flight + bus/van (via Bangkok)
Best balance of speed, price and simple transfers
Private taxi / car
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and maximum comfort
Train + bus (via Bangkok)
Cheapest option but longer journey with transfers required
Expecting direct connection
No direct route, all options require transfers via Bangkok
Quick answer: You can travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya by flight + bus/van via Bangkok, tourist bus, train via Bangkok, or private car/taxi. Flying is the fastest option, while buses and trains are cheaper and popular with budget travelers. Private transfers offer the highest level of comfort and flexibility.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~770 km by land / ~670 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + Bus/Van 7–8 h | Bus 14–17 h | Train 14–18 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight + Bus/Van $35–85 | Bus $23–45 | Train $10–60
- ✈️ Flight + Bus/Van: Fastest option
- 🚍 Bus: Cheapest land transport
- 🚆 Train: Comfortable but slower
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Most comfortable
Last updated in October 2026
Surat Thani to Pattaya: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Bus/Van via Bangkok | 7–8 h | $35–85/person | ★★★★★ | Saving time |
| Train via Bangkok | 14–18 h | $10–60/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Tourist Bus via Bangkok | 14–17 h | $23–45/person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Car / Taxi via Bangkok | 15–17 h | $300–450/vehicle | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Surat Thani to Pattaya is possible by flight + bus or van via Bangkok, train, tourist bus, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while trains and buses offer cheaper alternatives for travelers with more time.
How do I get from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
1. FLIGHT + BUS / VAN from Surat Thani to Pattaya
👉 Flight + bus via Bangkok is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long land journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–8 hours total (including flight, transfers, and waiting time)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–100 per person (flight + bus, prices vary by season)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + modern buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Bangkok + bus or minivan transfer to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and bus tickets online in advance for better prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check bus departure points in Bangkok carefully.
Flying to Bangkok and continuing by bus or minivan to Pattaya is the fastest way to travel from Surat Thani. Read more about Surat Thani to Bangkok and Bangkok to Pattaya.
The journey takes about 7–8 hours, including a 1-hour flight to Bangkok and a 2–4 hour bus or minivan transfer to Pattaya. Flights are operated by Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile and Thai VietJet.
Flights to Bangkok cost about $30–80 per person, while buses and minivans provide frequent connections to Pattaya. Book both flights and bus tickets online in advance for the best prices.
2. TRAIN from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest land option from Surat Thani to Pattaya, but takes longer time.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer scenic and affordable rail journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–18 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $10–60 per person (seats cheapest, sleepers more comfortable)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers better for long route, seats less comfortable)
- ✅ Best Option: 2nd class sleeper train to Bangkok + train to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book both train tickets online in advance for convenience.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at stations 30–60 minutes before departure time.
Traveling by train via Bangkok is one of the cheapest ways to get from Surat Thani to Pattaya. There is no direct train, so you need to change trains in Bangkok. See the Thailand Railway Map.
The journey takes about 14–18 hours and trains offer both seats and sleeper berths. Seats are the cheapest option, while sleepers provide more comfort on the long journey.
Train tickets cost about $10–60 per person. Book both train tickets online in advance, as you need separate tickets for the Surat Thani–Bangkok and Bangkok–Pattaya routes.
3. BUS from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus via Bangkok is a low-cost way to travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya, but takes a long time.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind longer travel and transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–17 hours (depending on route and connection in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $23–45 per person (total for both bus routes)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern buses, sometimes minivans for second leg)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus to Bangkok + minivan or bus transfer to Pattaya
- 💡 Tip: Book both bus tickets online in advance for smoother transfer.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check departure and arrival points carefully before booking.
Traveling by bus via Bangkok is another affordable way to get from Surat Thani to Pattaya. There is no direct bus, so you need to change buses in Bangkok.
The journey takes about 14–17 hours and costs around $23–45 per person. Buses depart from Surat Thani Bus Terminal and other locations, with many connections available from Bangkok to Pattaya.
You need two separate bus tickets—one from Surat Thani to Bangkok and another from Bangkok to Pattaya. Book both tickets online in advance for the best schedules and prices.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Surat Thani to Pattaya
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want privacy, flexibility, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–15 hours (depending on route and traffic conditions)
- ✔️ Cost: $300–450 per car (price varies by vehicle type and size)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern vehicles, no transfers, flexible stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with driver from companies like Glassflower or Van2Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book private car online in advance and check all conditions.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose minivan for group travel and split total cost.
A private car or taxi with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya. Companies such as Glassflower, Gosafe Transport and Van2Travel operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans.
The journey takes about 12–15 hours and costs around $300–450 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Private transfers offer flexible pickup and drop-off locations, making them ideal for families and groups.
Minivans can accommodate up to 9–10 passengers, allowing you to share the cost. Book your private transfer online in advance and check the luggage policy before traveling.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya
What is the travel time from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
Flight + bus takes 7–8 hours, train 14–18 hours, bus 14–17 hours, and a private taxi about 12–15 hours.
How far is Pattaya from Surat Thani?
The distance is about 770 km by road via Bangkok or about 670 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
Flights + bus cost $35–85, trains $10–60, buses $23–45, and private cars $300–450 per vehicle.
What is the fastest way to get to Pattaya?
The fastest option is a direct flight to Bangkok followed by a bus or minivan to Pattaya.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest options are trains or long-distance buses via Bangkok.
Is there a direct train from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
No. You need to change trains in Bangkok before continuing to Pattaya.
Can you book a private car?
Yes. Private cars and taxis are available online and offer the most comfortable transfer.
Are there direct flights to Pattaya?
No. Travel by flight via Bangkok, as there are no direct flights to Pattaya from Surat Thani.
How to travel from Pattaya to Chanthaburi?
Travel by bus or private car. See How to travel from Pattaya to Chanthaburi?.
Where can you travel from Surat Thani?
Visit Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Krabi or Koh Phi Phi.
How to travel solo in Thailand?
Thailand is ideal for solo travelers. Read Solo Travel in Thailand for useful tips.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Pattaya
Traveling from Surat Thani to Pattaya is possible by flight + bus, train, bus, or private taxi via Bangkok. Flying is the fastest option, while trains and buses are cheaper for budget travelers.
- Fastest Option: Fly to Bangkok, then continue by bus or minivan to Pattaya.
- Train Route: Travel by train via Bangkok. Sleeper berths are recommended for the overnight journey.
- Budget Travel: Long-distance buses via Bangkok are affordable and widely available.
- Private Transfer: A private car offers the most comfort and flexible pickup locations.
- Book Early: Flights, trains and buses can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Bangkok Transfer: Allow extra time when changing between airports, bus terminals or railway stations.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private transfers from Surat Thani to Pattaya can be searched and booked online in advance.
From Surat Thani to Pattaya you can travel by flight, bus, train or taxi.
The distance from Surat Thani to Pattaya is about 770 km by land or 670 km by air via Bangkok. The fastest option is a flight to Bangkok followed by a bus or van to Pattaya, taking about 7–8 hours. You can also travel by bus, train, or private taxi via Bangkok.
Train journeys take about 14–18 hours and cost $10–60 per person, while buses take 14–17 hours and cost $23–45 per person. Private taxis provide the most comfortable transfer. Book tickets and flights online in advance for the best prices.
Pattaya is one of Thailand’s most popular beach destinations on the Gulf of Thailand. From Pattaya you can continue by bus and ferry to Koh Kood or Koh Chang.
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