Ekkamai to Pattaya Bus: Tips from Our Experience
If you want to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus? This blog provides an Ekkamai to Pattaya bus guide to give you more information and help you plan your journey. If you are staying in Bangkok near Sukhumvit Road, Asok, or Thonglor, then Ekkamai Bus Station, this article is right for you. We will guide you through everything you need to know. Let’s dive in!
Where can I locate Ekkamai bus terminal?
The Ekkamai bus terminal is situated on the Sukhumvit Road and at the same time as the Ekkamai BTS Skytrain station; therefore, it is also the most conveniently located of all bus terminals in central Bangkok. To get to Ekkamai bus terminal, just take the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station, exit, and walk across the road into the terminal. The whole process takes only a matter of minutes.
This station mainly serves buses going to eastern Thailand, which includes Pattaya, Chonburi, Rayong, and Trat. So if your destination is Pattaya, Ekkamai is your bus station.
Ekkamai Bus Station location: Map
Is There a Direct Bus from Ekkamai to Pattaya?
Yes, absolutely. There is a direct bus from Ekkamai to Pattaya running every day. The main bus company operating this route is Roong Reuang Coach Co., Ltd. This is the most budget-friendly bus for the Bangkok to Pattaya.
The bus is air-conditioned with 38 seats, and it goes directly to North Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Road.
Ekkamai to Pattaya Bus Ticket Price
How much is the bus from Ekkamai to Pattaya?
The ticket price is 148 THB per person (one way).
For the price, this is honestly one of the best value ways to travel between Bangkok and Pattaya. The bus is air-conditioned and comfortable for the journey.
Also you can book online at www.rrcticket.com if you want to reserve your seat in advance.
Ekkamai to Pattaya Bus Schedule
What time does the bus from Ekkamai to Pattaya run?
Ekkamai to Pattaya : Departures every hour from 06:00 to 22:00
06:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00
Pattaya to Ekkamai (return): Departures every hour from 04:30 to 22:00
04:30 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00
Journey time is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Tip from our experience: Try to avoid the bus on Friday evenings and on long weekends. The traffic from Bangkok toward Pattaya can be very heavy at these times, and the journey can take longer than usual.
What About Minivans at Ekkamai?
At Ekkamai Bus Station, you will also see so many minivans going to Pattaya. These vans run more frequently, almost every 15 to 30 minutes, and they drop passengers at more convenient locations like Bali Hai Pier or Jomtien Beach, which saves you a connection after arriving.
However, from our personal experience, we prefer not to travel by van.
The minivans are smaller inside, and you will feel it especially if you have luggage. The drivers tend to drive faster than the big bus, and they also stop along the way to pick up or drop off passengers, sometimes many times, this is not always comfortable.
The big Roong Reuang bus is more relaxed, more spacious, and you know exactly what to expect.
Of course, the van can be a better option if you are traveling to Jomtien area and want a direct drop near the beach. But for comfort and peace of mind, we recommend the big bus.
What is on the Bus?
From our experience with Roong Reuang Coach, the bus is good maintained and comfortable for a 2 to 3 hour journey. Here is what you can see on board:
- Air conditioning (bring a light jacket, Thai buses can be cold)
- Reclining seats, 2+2 arrangement
- Luggage storage underneath (up to 20kg checked bag + 15kg hand luggage free)
- On-board toilet, but the journey is short enough
How to Get to Ekkamai Bus Station
Getting to Ekkamai Bus Station is very easy if you are staying anywhere near the Sukhumvit area.
By BTS Skytrain: Take the BTS to Ekkamai Station (On Nut direction). When you exit the station, follow the signs or simply walk across the road to the bus terminal.
By Grab or Bolt: Just type “Ekkamai Bus Station” or “Eastern Bus Terminal Bangkok” into the app. Easy to find.
How to Buy Your Ticket at Ekkamai Bus Station
When you arrive at the terminal, you may see many van company counters calling out and offering tickets to Pattaya. If you want to travel by bus, walk directly to the Roong Reuang Coach counter. Otherwise, you might end up traveling by van instead.
Once inside the station, look for the Roong Reuang Coach ticket windows. When you are facing the bus station, go to the first window on the right that is the Roong Reuang counter for Pattaya.
Tell the staff “Pattaya,” and they will give you the next available bus time. Pay cash (148 THB) and keep your ticket. Then walk to the back of the building where the buses are parked. The Pattaya bus is usually the first one on the right.
Important: Bring small bills if possible. It helps the process go faster.
Cash only at the counter. If you want to pay by card or book in advance online, use www.rrcticket.com
Ekkamai to Pattaya Bus Summary
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Bus Company | Roong Reuang Coach Co., Ltd. |
| Price | 148 THB (one way) |
| Ekkamai to Pattaya | 06:00 – 22:00 |
| Pattaya to Ekkamai | Every hour, 04:30 – 22:00 |
| Journey Time | ~2h 30min (can vary with traffic) |
| Bus Type | Air-conditioned, 38 seats |
| Arrives at | North Pattaya Bus Station |
| Book online | www.rrcticket.com |
Once you arrive in Pattaya and want to check out the beach, Dongtan Beach in Jomtien is an interesting place to visit. Here, you can watch a video from our experience.
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