Pattaya, mostly because of its proximity to Bangkok and nightlife hobbies, is one of the finest tourist destinations. It’s about 150 km (93 miles) from the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, and it takes only a few hours to reach there.
What are the best ways to get to Pattaya? There are different ways to reach Pattaya, from minivans to buses and rented cars. However, train traveling seems to be a proper choice for being really cheap for lots of foreign visitors. The things that you should keep in mind are the fact that these trains are usually slow and they stop in many small stations. Still, it is a great choice, and it definitely will give you a view of the region that few foreigners have seen.
Train timetables
There are two direct train services from Bangkok to Pattaya, and both of them depart from Bangkok train station (Thai: สถานีรถไฟกรุงเทพ), also known as Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Thai: สถานีหัวลำโพง). These trains arrive at Pattaya Railway Station (Thai: รายชื่อสถานีรถไฟ สายตะวันออก). If you are okay with leaving Bangkok before 7 AM, these trains are a great choice.
Train #283 (ordinary) only runs on weekdays, leaving Bangkok at 6:55 AM. It is expected to arrive in Pattaya at 10:35 AM, in about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The train from Pattaya to Bangkok departs from Pattaya Station at 02:21 PM and ends its journey in Bangkok at 06:25 PM.
Train #997 (rapid) runs on weekends and holidays, leaving Bangkok at 6:45 AM. This air-conditioned train is scheduled to arrive in Pattaya at 9:13, in much less time comparing to train #283. After that, it will go to its final stop, Ban Phlu Ta Luang railway station (Thai: สถานีรถไฟบ้านพลูตาหลวง) in Sattahip (Thai: สัตหีบ) district in Chon Buri (Thai: ชลบุรี). This final stop will be reached at 9.50 am. The train will depart Ban Phlu Ta Luang at 3:50 PM and will reach Pattaya at 4:26 PM. It is expected to arrive in Bangkok at 6:32 PM.
Keep in mind that both trains have at least a 1-hour delay on the route, so you may want to consider it either in your schedules.
| Train | Bangkok | Pattaya | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| 997 | 06:45 | 09:13 | Rapid |
| 283 | 06:55 | 10:34 | Ordinary |
How to buy tickets?
The tickets need to be purchased at the train station on the day of departure. Ticket fares from Bangkok to Pattaya are genuinely excellent value for money. You can anticipate paying 30 THB (about $1.30) for a 3rd class ticket, 70 THB ($2.30) for the 2nd class, and 140 THB ($4.60) for the 1st class. Some say they do not expect too much from the first class, considering that the carriages from train #283 are all fan-cooled with no air conditioner. However, the windows are open during the trip.
Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)
Hua Lamphong is the local name for Bangkok’s Railway Station, which is identified as the main railway station for traveling from Bangkok to the rest of the country. In other words, it gives intercity and international train services in Thailand. All Thailand’s train lines depart from or arrive at Bangkok Railway Station, except for the line to Kanchanaburi. This station is located in the center of the Pathum Wan (Thai: ปทุมวัน) District, close to Chinatown and 350 meters (less than half a mile) from the Chao Phraya, the main river of Bangkok.
The Railway Station map can be noticed at the station’s front if you’re looking for information. On the right side of the station concourse, a Train Information Office is located. You can ask your questions about train travel from Bangkok. Remember that booking information is not possible there. There is a separate ticket office for foreign travelers located at the top left-hand corner of the railway station, giving you the access to buy your suitable ticket with two different kinds of payments, including cash and payment by credit cards.
Hua Lamphong station, Bangkok, Bangkok to Pattaya Train
How to Reach the Bangkok Railway Station?
There are several ways to reach the Bangkok Railway Station. The easiest way to get to Railway Station is taking MRT Metro to Hua Lamphong MRT Station (Thai: สถานีหัวลำโพง), using Exit 4. There are also public buses that can take you to the station. Taxi can be considered as the fastest option, but on top of that, it is the most expensive. Note that always remember to ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter. Overall, it’s not hard to get there.
Facilities at Bangkok station
Bangkok’s Railway Station holds lots of facilities from restaurants to shops, fulfilling any possible need for a foreign traveler. In the middle of the station, there is a big waiting area for passengers. Shops, ticket counters, and restaurants surround this place.
Shops
Small shops and convenience stores sell an appreciable amount of snacks, foods, medicines, magazines, etc. You can always find a place where to buy regular stuff. The only thing you have to do is to look for the signs or ask a random person to find the small shops around.
Food
Various food stalls and cafés sell all kinds of takeaway foods and drinks for travelers who want to sit and enjoy a snack or a quick meal while waiting for the train. You literally can’t decide what to eat. Besides food courts that sell various inexpensive Thai Food dishes, there is a KFC branch, a noodle shop, 7-eleven, Mr. Bun, Dunkin Donuts, and Black Canyon Coffee as well. If you have time, there are also local restaurants near the station.
Left Luggage
At the front entrance of Bangkok Railway Station, there is luggage storage. The left luggage office is open daily from 4:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Other facilities:
There are a few ATMs of different banks available for the passengers.
Public toilets are also available for a small charge of 3 THB (10 cents).
Electric Train in Bangkok, Bangkok to Pattaya Train
Thai Railway Museum at Bangkok Train Station
You may not know that there is a museum at Bangkok station. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 18:00 except for public holidays. It’s completely free and doesn’t take that much to visit. Donations are welcomed, though!
Pattaya Railway Station
Pattaya Railway Station (Thai: รายชื่อสถานีรถไฟ สายตะวันออก) is located in Bang Lamung district (Thai: อำเภอบางละมุง) of Chon Buri, about 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away from central Pattaya. It is managed and overseen by the State Railway of Thailand. There is also a phone number, giving you access to confirm arrival and departure times. You make the right decision by writing down the mentioned number below:
038 429 285 (Pattaya Train station)
How to reach Pattaya Railway Station?
Being in the town of Pattaya, travelers can hire a taxi or motorcycle taxi to go to Pattaya Railway Station directly.
How to buy tickets?
Online train ticket booking facility has not been provided by the State Railway of Thailand yet. Therefore, you have to buy them at the mentioned train stations.
Facilities at Pattaya Railway Station
When the train arrives at Pattaya Railway Station, travelers can expect to transfer vehicles such as local minibusses and motorcycle taxi services to take them to their hotel or other destinations. These vehicles, waiting at the station, are ready to take you anywhere you desire in Pattaya city.
Pattaya Railway Station holds a fair number of facilities. Besides sheltered waiting areas and benches, there are, of course, a Ticket counter, small food stalls, parking space, and a toilet.
Interesting places near Pattaya Railway Station
There are many places near Pattaya Railway Station that you can visit during your travel to Pattaya. Some of them are mentioned below:
Sanctuary of truth in Pattaya
The Sanctuary of Truth (Thai: ปราสาทสัจธรรม) is a Hindu-Buddhist temple and museum in Pattaya. It is fair to call it the most iconic structure in Pattaya. The details in all of the carved teak wood in a 105-meter-tall hall are truly magical. These carves reflect the ancient vision of the earth, ancient knowledge, and eastern philosophy. They are also a reflection of nature as the woods are unprotected, and there is a constant need to replace the woods. It was designed by the Thai businessman Lek Viriyaphan in the Ayutthaya style.
Even if you’re not a religious person, this building gives you an incredible feeling of peace and calmness; but if you’re not a fan of calmness, there are elephant and horse rides available outside of the building. You can buy souvenirs from souvenir stalls located there either. Besides, you can enjoy Thai dancing and martial art shows and eat at the restaurant.
The Sanctuary of Truth is located on the coast, and it is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to the north-west of the Pattaya Railway Station. The opening hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You have to buy tickets for entrance. It costs 450 THB (about 15$) for adults and 225 THB (4.6$) for children. You can call +66 (0) 836 7229 for further information.
Teddy Bear Museum in Pattaya:
About 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) away from the Pattaya Railway Station, the Teddy Bear Museum of Pattaya has been designed as a dragon boat as large as 40 meters by Korean designers. Enjoy taking pictures with more than 2000 Teddy Bears in different sizes. Teddy Bear Museum is open from 09:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It costs 500 THB (16.5$) for adults and 300 THB (about 10$) for children. There is also a gift shop available there.
Railway in Thailand, Bangkok to Pattaya Train
Possible problems
- If you are in town, you may have problems getting to stations, so if you have language problems, make sure to check the Thai word and write them down.
- Food courts in Bangkok Railway Station may not serve vegan foods, so as a vegetarian or vegan person, you may want to bring your own food since you have to wait there for a while.
- Trains usually delay a lot, so be careful about getting on the right train.
- Some foreign travelers claimed that they might try to get more money at the luggage storage. Do not give the extra money and ask them for written evidence of the prices.
