Bangkok to Pattaya, how does one get there?

[fishindave]

I'm looking at a Thai trip next year and want to taste all of the flavors it has to offer, literally. Flights from the West Coast into Bangkok aren't bad, but flights from the West Coast to Pattaya are expensive.

As I've researched the perks of one city over the other, Pattaya stands out as by far the best for a hookup. Anyone have any experience traveling there? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as well as good places to hit while I'm there.

[Fiji]

I prefer Chang Mai, Pattaya is too aggressive

[fishindave]

I'll take a look, thank you. Where is it in relationship to the other cities?

[unamasa]

You can get a bus either directly fro BKK airport or from the city centre. Many buses departing regularly. Dirt cheap.

[fishindave]

Great, thank you! I'll do some homework and figure out the details.

[riso]

I did the trip recently, booked a taxi online. Cost 1300Baht. The trip should take around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

[fishindave]

How was it, any suggestions? Will be my first time there.

[Eponymous Lee]

The Suvarnabhumi Airport bus to Pattaya is downstairs on level 1 near gate #8 . Better to reserve ahead of time .The cost is about $6.00(US) = (200 Thai Baht) ...... VIP Private busses cost about $13.00 (US) = (450 Thai Baht)
If you want to pay $38.00 (1300 Thai Baht) to ride the same distance in the same traffic using a taxi as @riso suggested, then it's up to you.
Things have changed since covid and some places have moved or closed.
You will need to get from the bus drop -off point to your hotel . There is where you might think about a ride service, a local taxi or the local 10-20 Baht Bus. Things are closer fares are cheaper
The taxi fare from the airport is high because he has to drive all the way back to Bangkok with an empty cab.

[last_stop]

Definitely install the Grab app on your phone and get a cheap local sim card at the airport. Grab is basically Uber in Thailand.
I always spend my first few nights in Bangkok. It's a fun city whether you're hooking up or not.
The airport taxis cost a lot and are metered so it'll cost a bit to get to Pattaya

Taking Grab from Bangkok to Pattaya was very reasonable cost wise. And I think the journey is less than 2 hours by car if I remember correctly

[Nikka]

now I wanna go to thailand!!!