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: Travelling from Surat Thani to Pattaya you can choose between a flight + bus/van via Bangkok (fastest), a tourist bus all‑land route (budget), train via Bangkok (slowest), or hiring a private car/taxi (door‑to‑door comfort). Book your tickets early—especially for flights and long‑distance buses—to get the best rates.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~770 km by land / ~670 km via air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + Bus/Van ~7–8 h | Bus (via Bangkok) ~14–17 h | Train (via Bangkok) ~14–18 h.
- 💰 Price range: Flight + Bus/Van ~US$35–85 per person | Bus ~US$23–45 per person | Train ~US$10–60 pp
- ✈️ Flight + Bus/Van: Fastest option: fly Surat Thani → Bangkok (~1h), then bus/van Bangkok → Pattaya.
- 🚍 Bus (via Bangkok): Cheapest land choice, departure from Surat Thani with transfer in Bangkok.
- 🚆 Train (via Bangkok): Slowest route — train Surat Thani → Bangkok, then Bangkok → Pattaya.
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Most comfortable and flexible, good for groups or lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Surat Thani to Pattaya you can travel by plane + train, bus, taxi.
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- The travel distance from Surat Thani to Pattaya is approximately 770 km by land via Bangkok and about 670 km by plane via Bangkok. The most efficient option to reach Pattaya from Surat Thani is to travel by plane + bus/van via Bangkok. This journey typically takes about 7-8 hours, with total costs ranging from $35 to $85 per person. Alternatively, travelers can opt to travel by train via Bangkok. The train journey from Surat Thani to Pattaya takes about 14-18 hours with a stopover in Bangkok, as there are no direct trains. Train tickets from Surat Thani to Pattaya cost approximately $10-60 per person.
- Traveling by tourist bus via Bangkok is also an option, with a journey time of about 14-17 hours and total ticket prices ranging from $23 to $45 per person. For those preferring a private car, online booking options are available, and taxis are also accessible. From Pattaya, travelers can further explore by taking a bus+ferry to Koh Kood or Koh Chang. Easily book bus or train tickets and flights from Surat Thani to Pattaya online.
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- Pattaya is situated 165 kilometers southeast of Bangkok in the province of Chon Buri, on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Initially popular among American soldiers seeking respite during the Vietnam War, Pattaya’s natural beauty and beaches soon captivated a wider audience, leading to its rapid growth as a tourist destination. Pattaya Beach remains a focal point, boasting a vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of accommodations. There are 4 transportation options to reach Pattaya from Surat Thani: flight + bus/train, tourist bus, train, or private car/taxi via Bangkok.
| Transfer modes from Surat Thani to Pattaya: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flight + Bus/Van (via Bangkok) | 7–8 hours | $35–85 per person |
| Train (via Bangkok) | 14–18 hours | $10–60 per person |
| Tourist Bus (via Bangkok) | 14–17 hours | $23–45 per person |
| Private Car (via Bangkok) | 15–17 hours | $300–450 per car |
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.
The fastest and most convenient way to transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya is by air and bus transfer via Bangkok. So this transportation option has 2 steps, first it is a direct flight from Surat Thani to Bangkok and then a bus or minivan trip from Bangkok to Pattaya.
The total time of air and bus transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya via Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, can be between 7-8 hours, but this time can also vary and depends on the connecting connection in Bangkok. The direct flight from Surat Thani to Bangkok takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes and is operated by the airlines Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Thai VietJet and Hanh Air Systems.
An air transfer from Surat Thani to Bangkok costs in the range of $30-80/pp, so it is a relatively cheap option for transportation between these distant cities. In the second step from Bangkok to Pattaya, you can use different buses or smaller minivans, and the journey time is about 2-4 hours.
There is also a train to Pattaya, but it has a very limited timetable, it is better and more convenient to go by bus or minivan. Buses and minivans can depart from various locations in Bangkok and also arrive at various locations in Pattaya.
You will see this information when searching and booking tickets online. Air tickets to Bangkok and bus tickets to Pattaya can be easily searched and purchased online in advance. This transport option is suitable for all travelers who want to save time and want to avoid visiting other places in Thailand.
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.
The cheapest and most popular land transfer option from Surat Thani to Pattaya can be a train transfer, in case you would only use the seats on this route. Trains from Surat Thani to Bangkok will also offer sleepers, but these are always a more expensive option than seats, but on this longer route it is a more comfortable option.
The train transfer has 2 steps, first it is a journey from Surat Thani to Bangkok and then from Bangkok to Pattaya by another train. A train transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya via Bangkok can take a total of approx. 14-18 hours (9-12 hours to Bangkok), each train connection has a different travel time.
Trains depart from Surat Thani Railway Station and arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, then proceed from Hua Lamphong Train Station to Pattaya Railway Staiton, see Thailand Railway Map. Trains to Bangkok are 1st to 3rd class and offer seats and sleepers, 1st class is always the most expensive option.
A train transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya via Bangkok costs between $10-60/pp, depending on which option and train class you choose. Train tickets for this transport option must be searched for and reserved separately for each route, so you will have 2 separate tickets.
Train tickets from Surat Thani to Pattaya via Bangkok can be searched and booked online in advance. Arrive at the train station in Surat Thani and then in Bangkok at least 30-60 minutes before the train departs. The train transfer is an ideal transport option mainly for low-cost travelers who have more time and want to see Thailand from a different perspective.
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.
Another option for a ground transfer from Bangkok to Pattaya in Thailand is a bus transfer via Bangkok. This transport option also has 2 steps and includes a transfer in Bangkok. The total time of a bus transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya with a transfer in Bangkok can be approximately 14-17 hours, but this time can also vary, depending on the company and the route operated.
Buses leave in Surat Thani from various places, for example from Surat Thani Bus Terminal and then arrive in Bangkok also at various places on the way to Pattaya, the same applies. You can see all the information about the departure points in Surat Thani and Bangkok and the arrival points in Bangkok and Pattaya when searching for tickets online.
To travel by bus to Bangkok, you can choose a bus from Montanatip, Krung Siam Tour, ChokeAnan Tour, Transport Co, Bangkok Busline and from Bangkok to Pattaya then from Tawankok Tour, Wong Sai Thong Tour, Mama Travel and Tour, Panipa Pattaya Tour, T- Tour, 12GO Transport, Roong Reuang Coach, GO Family, Bell Travel and more.
There are relatively many companies and they mainly offer larger, modern buses to Bangkok, and to Pattaya it is better to take a smaller and faster minivan. A bus transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya costs a total of $23-45/pp, prices vary depending on the company and type of bus you choose.
Bus tickets from Surat Thani to Pattaya in Thailand have to be searched for and purchased separately for each route. So you will have 2 bus tickets in total, one for bus travel to Bangkok and one for bus travel to Pattaya.
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.
The most expensive transfer option to Pattaya from Surat Thani is private car/taxi with driver. You can use private companies such as Glassflower, Gosafe Transport or Van2Travel for this transfer option. These companies will offer you classic smaller cars and even larger SUVs or minivans for more people on this route.
The advantage of a private transfer is the ability to choose your departure point in Surat Thani and arrival point in Pattaya, as well as the fact that you can go without additional stops. The disadvantage is the higher price for this transport option, but you can calculate the fare per individual passenger in the vehicle.
Transfer by modern car/taxi from Surat Thani to Pattaya takes about 12-15 hours, but this time may vary and depends on your travel route. A private car transfer with a driver from Surat Thani to Pattaya costs between $300-450/car, these prices vary by car type. For the most part, smaller cars are a cheaper option than larger multi-passenger minivans.
Minivans can carry mostly 9-10 passengers, which is a suitable option for group travel. You can easily search and book your private car with driver from Surat Thani to Pattaya online in advance. When booking a car, always read all the information and follow the conditions given by the companies.
You can also take your larger backpacks in the car, but sometimes there may be a limit on the weight of the transported luggage, you will see this information when booking the car online.
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Surat Thani to Pattaya:
1. How to book and buy tickets / flights from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Book tickets or flights from Surat Thani to Pattaya online on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- You can also search another routes, e.g. Surat Thani > Hua Hin, Hua Hin > Pattaya…
2. What is the travel time from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Flight + bus/train from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) takes about 7-8 hours.
- Travel by train from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) takes about 14-18 hours.
- Travel by tourist bus/van from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) takes about 14-17 hours.
- Travel by private taxi/car with a driver from Surat Thani to Pattaya takes about 12-15 hours.
3. What is the travel distance from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Travel distance from Surat Thani to Pattaya by bus, train via Bangkok is about 770 km and about 670 km by plane+bus.
4. How much does it cost to get from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Flight + bus/train from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) costs about $35-85/pp.
- Travel by train from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) costs about $10-60/pp.
- Travel by tourist bus/van from Surat Thani to Pattaya (via Bangkok) costs $23-45/pp.
- Travel by private taxi/car with a driver from Surat Thani to Pattaya costs $300-450/car.
5. What is the best and fast way of transfer from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- The fastest and probably best option of transport to Pattaya from Surat Thani is to take a flight + bus/train connection via Bangkok. There are direct flights from Surat Thani to Bangkok (about 1-1.5 hour) and tourist buses / minivans or trains from Bangkok to Pattaya.
6. What is the cheapest way of travel from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- The cheapest way of transport from Surat Thani to Pattaya is to travel by train of Thai Railway or tourist bus via Bangkok. The most cheapest option is to book ticket for seat in the train.
7. Is there a direct train from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- No, there is no direct train to Pattaya from Surat Thani. There are various trains to Bangkok from Surat Thani and from Bangkok to Pattaya Station. You have to take 2 trains.
8. Is it possible to book private car/taxi from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Yes, you can search and book your private car from Surat Thani to Pattaya. There are some private taxi companies and they offer private transports via Bangkok. This option is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive way of transfer to Pattaya town.
9. Is there a direct flight from Surat Thani to Pattaya?
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- Pattaya has also an U-Tapao Airport, about 40 km south of Pattaya town, but there are no direct flights between Surat Thani and Pattaya – U-Tapao Airport. There are also some flights via Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.
10. How to travel to Chanthaburi from Pattaya?
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- Chanthaburi is about 170 km by land from Pattaya. There is no railway and no flight between Pattaya and Chanthaburi, so you have to travel by tourist bus or private car. Travel time by bus or car is about 3.5 hours.
- Read this article. How to travel from Pattaya to Chanthaburi?
11. Where you can also go from Surat Thani, what to visit?
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- If you are already in Surat Thani town, you can also travel by ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or you can visit Krabi and nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi and other sites.
12. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Pattaya
These practical travel tips are based on real travel experience and regional knowledge for the journey from Surat Thani, a key transport hub in southern Thailand, to the bustling coastal city of Pattaya — a long-distance trip that often involves combining different transport modes.
1. Flights Are the Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Flying from Surat Thani Airport to Bangkok followed by a bus, minivan, or taxi transfer to Pattaya is the quickest way to travel. Booking flights early secures better prices and preferred schedules, especially during peak seasons.
2. Overland Travel Involves Multiple Transfers
For budget travelers, taking a bus or train from Surat Thani to Bangkok, then transferring to Pattaya by bus or taxi is possible but lengthy. Overnight journeys with stops help break up the trip and reduce fatigue.
3. Plan Transfers Carefully in Bangkok
Transfers between airports, bus terminals, and train stations in Bangkok can be time-consuming due to traffic. Allocating buffer time and considering private transfers or shuttle services can reduce stress.
4. Pack for Changing Climates and Transport Conditions
Surat Thani’s tropical climate contrasts with Pattaya’s urban environment. Transport is often heavily air-conditioned, so bringing light layers or a jacket improves comfort during travel.
5. Book Tickets Online in Advance
Booking flights, buses, or trains online before departure helps secure preferred travel times, seating options, and avoids last-minute price increases — especially during holidays and busy travel periods.
6. Consider Local Transport Options Upon Arrival in Pattaya
Songthaews, motorbike taxis, private taxis, and ride-hailing apps offer flexible ways to get around Pattaya. Planning your local transport in advance helps you move efficiently after a long journey.
Tip: Flights, buses, and train tickets from Surat Thani to Pattaya can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you find the best routes, prices, and comfort during busy travel seasons.