Having written previously about how to get from Bangkok airport to Pattaya, here are a few pointers for the return journey from Pattaya back to Bangkok airport. With a good run, the trip can be done in under 1.5 hours, but allow for at least 2 hours to be on the safe side.
Private taxi
Wherever you are staying in Pattaya you will probably notice the numerous booths around town advertising taxi services to Bangkok airport. Typical prices range from 800-1200 Baht depending on the quality of the car (and driver) and may or may not include expressway tolls. In the past I’ve used Diamond Transport who have an office on Third Road (near the golf driving range) and they currently charge 1,300 Baht which includes all tolls. It’s more expensive than many other providers, but their service has always been excellent whenever I’ve used them.
Shared taxis
Many taxi companies provide the option of a shared mini-bus taxi which will typically carry 8 people. As an example, Diamond Transport charges 400 Baht per person which includes pick-up from your hotel or guest-house. This is obviously a cheaper option for the solo traveller, but is slower than a private cab because you have to pick up passengers from their accommodation and then there is also usually a 10-15 minute refreshment stop on the way to the airport. However, if you are not pushed for time and the departure schedule fits in with your flight, it’s a good option to consider for the solo traveller. Diamond Transport’s departure times from Pattaya to Bangkok airport are:
06.00
09.00
12.00
16.00
19.00
Other taxi companies may have different timings which better fit your schedule so it’s worth asking a few different operators.
Bus
From the bus terminal on Pattaya Nua (North Pattaya) there are regular buses direct to the airport which will set you down outside Level 4, the departure level at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport. The service is run by Bell Transport (in conjunction with Roong Reuang Coach Co. Ltd.). I used them myself on my last journey back from Pattaya and it was a decent service which was definitely good value for money. The buses are comfortable and air-conditioned with a charge of 150 Baht 200 Baht per person (price checked September 2011). This includes pick-up from your hotel (depending on location) if required, but you need to book your ticket in advance for that. The current departure times from Pattaya to Bangkok airport are:
06.00
09.00
11.00
13.00
15.00
17.00
19.00
