11/11/2020
Embarking on a journey from the bustling heart of Bangkok, specifically Sukhumvit 71, to the vibrant coastal city of Pattaya is a common endeavour for many travellers and locals alike. Whether you're seeking a swift escape to the beach, a leisurely exploration of Thailand's diverse landscapes, or simply the most economical route, understanding your transport options is key. This guide, tailored for a UK audience, delves into the various ways to traverse this popular route, offering insights into efficiency, cost, and comfort to help you make the best choice for your adventure.
- Understanding the Journey: Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya
- Your Transport Choices: A Comprehensive Guide
- Cost and Time Comparison: Making Your Decision
- Booking Your Journey: Tips and Tricks
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is it safe to travel from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya alone?
- Q: What's the best time of day to travel to avoid traffic?
- Q: Can I take luggage on the bus or train?
- Q: Are there direct services from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya?
- Q: Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?
- Q: What about food and comfort stops during the journey?
Understanding the Journey: Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya
The distance between Sukhumvit 71 (also known as Phra Khanong in Bangkok) and Pattaya is approximately 120-150 kilometres, depending on your exact starting point and destination within Pattaya. This makes it a comfortable distance for a day trip or a straightforward transfer for a longer stay. The route primarily involves travelling south-east from Bangkok, connecting via well-maintained motorways. While the journey isn't particularly long, the choice of transport can significantly impact your travel time, comfort, and, of course, your wallet. Factors like traffic, especially leaving Bangkok, can also play a crucial role in how long your journey takes.
Your Transport Choices: A Comprehensive Guide
When planning your trip from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya, you're presented with a range of transport methods, each offering distinct advantages. From the rapid convenience of a private taxi to the social and economical bus, or the more traditional train, there's an option to suit every preference and budget. We'll explore each in detail, helping you weigh up the pros and cons.
For those prioritising speed, convenience, and directness, taking a taxi from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya is unequivocally the recommended option. A taxi offers a door-to-door service, picking you up directly from your location in Sukhumvit 71 and dropping you off precisely where you need to be in Pattaya. This eliminates the need for navigating public transport hubs, changing services, or lugging heavy luggage around. The journey is typically the quickest, often taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending heavily on traffic conditions, particularly when departing Bangkok. The comfort of a private, air-conditioned vehicle also makes for a far more relaxing journey, allowing you to simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
However, this premium service comes at a premium price. Based on current estimates, a taxi ticket for this route can cost approximately £240. While this is significantly more expensive than other options, it often reflects the personalised service, speed, and comfort provided. For families or small groups, splitting the fare can make this option more palatable, offering a competitive per-person cost when compared to individual tickets on other services, especially when factoring in the time saved and convenience gained. It’s also an excellent choice if you're travelling with a lot of luggage or have specific time constraints.
Bus Travel: The Economical Route
Bus travel stands out as the most budget-friendly option for getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. While the provided information focuses on services from Ekkamai Bus Terminal, which is conveniently located relatively close to Sukhumvit 71, it represents a common and accessible starting point. Tawanok Tour, for example, operates frequent services from Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Bali Hai Pier Bus Station in Pattaya, with buses departing hourly. The journey by bus typically takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes, making it a reasonably efficient option for its cost.
The appeal of the bus lies in its affordability, with tickets costing as low as £4. Even for services like Tawanok Tour, fares are generally in the range of £4-£6. Buses are usually air-conditioned and offer a comfortable ride, although they might make a few stops along the way. While you'll need to make your way to Ekkamai Bus Terminal from Sukhumvit 71 (easily done via the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai Station), the overall cost savings make this an incredibly popular choice for backpackers, budget-conscious travellers, and anyone not in a particular rush. It's a great way to experience local travel and offers a straightforward connection to Pattaya's main areas.
Train Journeys: A Scenic (and Affordable) Alternative
For those who appreciate a more traditional travel experience and aren't bound by strict schedules, the train offers a unique alternative. The State Railway of Thailand operates a daily service from Lat Krabang to Pattaya. Lat Krabang is an area to the east of central Bangkok, accessible from Sukhumvit 71, though it might require a slightly longer initial journey than Ekkamai. The train journey itself is estimated to take around 2 hours and 28 minutes, offering a slightly quicker travel time than the bus from Ekkamai, though this can vary.
Train tickets are incredibly affordable, ranging from as little as £0.80 to £24, depending on the class of travel. While the cheapest tickets offer a very basic experience, they provide an unparalleled insight into local life. The train journey can be a charming way to see the Thai countryside, moving at a more relaxed pace. However, it's important to note that train services are less frequent, typically operating only once daily, which requires careful planning. This option is perfect for adventure seekers, those on a very tight budget, or travellers looking for a more authentic and leisurely pace to their journey, rather than the fastest route.
Other Options: Van and Flight Considerations
Beyond the primary choices, there are a couple of other options, though they come with their own set of considerations for this particular route.
Van Services
Minivans offer a popular middle-ground option, often quicker than a large bus and more affordable than a taxi, especially for solo travellers. These services typically depart from various points in Bangkok, including areas near Sukhumvit, and drop passengers off at central locations in Pattaya. Vans are generally air-conditioned but can be less spacious than buses. While specific details weren't provided, expect travel times similar to a bus (around 2.5-3 hours) and fares somewhere between bus and taxi rates, perhaps in the range of £8-£15. They can be a convenient choice for a slightly faster and more direct experience than a large public bus.
Flight Considerations
While the prompt mentions a flight ticket as a "slower, more affordable travel option" under certain circumstances, it's crucial to contextualise this for the Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya route. For such a relatively short distance (120-150 km), flying is almost universally impractical. There are no direct commercial flights from Bangkok to Pattaya. The nearest major airport to Pattaya is U-Tapao (UTP), which is still a significant distance from Pattaya city centre, requiring further ground transport. Flying would involve: getting to a Bangkok airport (Suvarnabhumi BKK or Don Mueang DMK) from Sukhumvit 71, checking in, flying a very short hop (if such a route existed, which is rare for domestic travel of this length), and then travelling from U-Tapao to Pattaya. This entire process would invariably be much slower and significantly more expensive than any ground transport option, negating the "quick trip" or "affordable" aspects. While theoretically possible if an exceptionally cheap, well-timed flight were found, the logistical overhead makes it an unfeasible and highly inefficient choice for this specific journey for the vast majority of travellers.
Cost and Time Comparison: Making Your Decision
To help you visualise the differences, here’s a comparative table summarising the key aspects of each transport option from Sukhumvit 71 (or nearby hubs) to Pattaya:
| Transport Option | Approx. Cost (GBP) | Approx. Travel Time | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | £240 | 1.5 - 2 hours | Fast, direct, comfortable, door-to-door | Most expensive |
| Bus (from Ekkamai) | £4 - £6 | 2 hours 48 minutes | Most affordable, frequent departures | Slower, need to get to bus terminal |
| Train (from Lat Krabang) | £0.80 - £24 | 2 hours 28 minutes | Very affordable, scenic, authentic experience | Infrequent (once daily), need to get to train station |
| Van (Estimated) | £8 - £15 | 2.5 - 3 hours | Faster than bus, more affordable than taxi | Less spacious, potentially less comfortable |
| Flight | Highly variable & impractical | Much longer overall due to transfers | Virtually none for this route | Expensive, time-consuming, logistical nightmare |
As the table clearly illustrates, your choice will largely depend on your priorities. If budget is paramount, the bus or train are your best bets. If time and convenience are your main concerns, especially for a group, a taxi offers an unparalleled service. The flexibility of choosing what suits your travel style is a significant advantage on this popular route.
Booking Your Journey: Tips and Tricks
Once you've decided on your preferred mode of transport, a few tips can ensure a smooth booking process:
- Taxis: For taxis, you can hail one directly, use ride-hailing apps like Grab (Thailand's equivalent of Uber), or arrange a private transfer through your hotel. Always confirm the fare beforehand, especially if not using a metered taxi or an app.
- Buses: Tickets can be purchased directly at Ekkamai Bus Terminal, or often online through various booking platforms. It's advisable to book in advance during peak seasons or public holidays to guarantee a seat.
- Trains: Train tickets can be bought at the station on the day of travel, but for specific classes or during busy periods, booking a few days ahead at a major station is recommended.
- Vans: Van services can often be booked through guesthouses, travel agents, or directly at mini-van stations in Bangkok.
- Currency: Always have some Thai Baht (THB) on hand for smaller purchases or if digital payment isn't an option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is it safe to travel from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya alone?
A: Yes, generally it is very safe. Thailand is a popular tourist destination, and millions of people travel this route annually. Public transport options like buses and trains are reliable. If taking a taxi, ensure it's a reputable service or use a well-known app like Grab for added security.
Q: What's the best time of day to travel to avoid traffic?
A: To minimise travel time, it's best to depart Bangkok early in the morning (before 7 AM) or later in the evening (after 7 PM) to avoid the city's notorious rush hour traffic. Weekends can also see heavier traffic on the motorways.
Q: Can I take luggage on the bus or train?
A: Yes, both buses and trains accommodate luggage. Buses usually have a dedicated storage compartment under the vehicle, while trains have overhead racks or space at the end of carriages. For very large or excessive luggage, a taxi might be more convenient.
Q: Are there direct services from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya?
A: A taxi offers a direct, door-to-door service from Sukhumvit 71. For public transport, you would typically need to make your way to a major hub like Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Lat Krabang train station, which are both relatively accessible from Sukhumvit 71 via Bangkok's efficient public transport network (BTS Skytrain, taxis).
Q: Is it necessary to book tickets in advance?
A: For taxis, booking via an app or arranging through your hotel is recommended for convenience. For buses and trains, it's highly advisable to book in advance during peak travel seasons, public holidays, or if you have a specific departure time in mind, particularly for the less frequent train service. Otherwise, you can often purchase tickets on the day of travel.
Q: What about food and comfort stops during the journey?
A: Taxi journeys are direct, so stops are at your discretion. Bus services on longer routes often include a comfort stop at a service station, where you can find toilets and grab a snack. Train journeys allow for more flexibility to move around, and vendors often pass through carriages selling food and drinks.
Choosing how to travel from Sukhumvit 71 to Pattaya is a personal decision, balancing cost, time, and comfort. By understanding the various options available, you can confidently select the mode of transport that best fits your travel style and ensures a pleasant start to your Pattaya adventure.
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