Bus From Airport To Pattaya

[PigDogg]

I'm planning to take the last Bell Bus to Pattaya at 18:00. If my flight is delayed is there a bus other than Bell?

If so, anyone know the hours and location at the airport?

[Onebadindan]

The Transport Ltd. Only 106 baht!. They have buses going at 6.30 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Same window for a different company called Pattaya Bus. These had buses at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

[PigDogg]

Thanks Ronnie, Where are these windows? In the main terminal or somewhere else?

I'm not in tourist mode anymore so have more time  

but less money.    

1000 baht for a cab when busses are available just doesn't work for me anymore. Actually, even when I had money, I'd take a bus if available.

[Onebadindan]

Firstly, check on what time your flight arrives and make sure you alow 20 minutes to get from the main airport to the bas station by shuttle express bus (free).

Getting to the shuffle bus area can be a bit daunting though so, when you come out through customs, turn left and look for the elevator on your right. Take elevator to lowest floor. Whenyou get out walk left for about 25 yards and you will see a sign for express bus. If you have a heavy case, you will need to lift it onto the bas for this short distance. Journey is about 5 minutes and takes you to the main bus terminal.

At bus terminal look for the orange booth which sells tickets for the bus. They are sold as you come and allocated from the front to the back (so if you are first you get seat No 1 etc.)
The bus stop is almost opposite of the ticket office and again is a distinctive orange colour marked 'Pattaya" - you cant miss it and right opposite (about 5 metres away) is an enormous 7-11 for all those snacks whilst you wait for the bus. You can also pay at the kiosk provided 106 BHT and you will see clearly, marked with white lines which bay the Pattaya bus arives at. On arrival they will load all luggage into the side trunk and leave within 10 minutes, The driver and his companion will take your prepaid ticket. The bus has aircon and usually not even half full so you can stretch out on a double seat.

The journey is reasonably smooth and depending on traffic and time of day takes around 90 minutes. You arrive at pattaya sukamvhit road near central Rd. There are usually about 3 or 4 songthews waiting and they load to the maximum, a bit cramped. You tell them your destinatination and they will deliver everyone in sequence to the door of their hotel, appartment or wherever you wish in Pattaya. For longer journeys such as Jontien, there is probably an additional charge.

All in all, if you dont mind about 30/40 minutes geting to bus station and waiting for bus etc, its not much differnt from a taxi. So for 106 bht you are in town in 2 hrs.

At the moment, not too many people know about the service and newbies, prefer to get ripped off by taxi touts just to get to their destination. But for those who now Thailand and have been to Pattaya before its a breeze.

Have not done the return journey, much cheaper by taxi to the airport than from it about 1000 baht inc toll and tip etc.

[PigDogg]

Thanks for all the details!  

If my flight is not delayed I can take the 150 baht Bell Bus at 6 PM which includes a drop off at my hotel but good to know that I have 7PM and 8:30 PM options.

[jman]

When I arrived last Nov...i did all the steps as described in Onebadindan post above...i took the shuttle to the Trans center...bought my ticket..waited...then the bus departed and drove to the main terminal!!! And about 15 people got on...apparently you can just buy tickets there? On the lowest level...

[Malakor]

Good info! I get back from Laos on Wednesday but looks like I'll miss the 18:00 Bell bus as well. I did the B106 orange bus before last year, but they pulled into the station on Pattaya Nua that time. Sure beats the taxi though - I find it a more relaxing experience waiting outside in the sunshine after being cooped up for hours on end.