BANGKOK - PATTAYA: Which BUS is BEST? Tested 2024

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Getting a bus from Bangkok to Pattaya is cheap and convenient. But when you turn up to Ekkamai Bus station you'll find 4 or 5 people hanging out of kiosk windows encouraging you to travel with them!
But how do you know what the difference between the services is? They arepriced differently, wih different destinations, but the biggest difference is only one is a big bus/coach service.
The rest of them are minivans. Which service offers the best for speed and comfort? Are there any other differences. This video tries to give you the answers based on real trips.

Опубликовано:

3 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 87

@jimmyboysmovies1972 3 месяца назад

I prefer the big bus ,you have more space around you . The mini vans I worry about how fast they drive . Done it a few times and it can be abit hair raising when they look at their phones on the motorway. Great vlog comparing both BC . Enjoy your weekend 🍻

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks, Jimmy. I agree with you; most of the minivan feel very cramped by comparison. This guy was a pretty good driver, but I've seen ones texting messages while driving which is scary to say the least! Big bus is my usual choice! Have a good one, mate!

@bijanbayne3259 3 месяца назад

Plus the minivan luggage is crowded. Only advantage of Ekkimai is they leave far more often. Suvurnabhumi is the move. Especially if you've just landed. Disadvantage of the airport is there are no late night buses. But the airport bus makes more stops in Pattaya/Jomtien, instead of only North Pattaya Station. Baht buses from there won't go many places

@PREPFORIT 3 месяца назад

I think I would take The Big Bus. Good review.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks, PFI. Big bus is my go-to choice!

@phil7794 3 месяца назад

The problem with both the coach and mini-van services is the time it takes to get out of Bangkok. I have found that by far the best way to get to Pattaya (where I have a house) is to get the Skytrain to the main airport, Suvarnabhumi, and then get the coach from there which also departs every hour thus avoiding Bangkok traffic jams. Journey time from the airport is around 1hr 40 mins. However although the coach will stop at a few points in Pattaya, the terminal is on Paternak Hill, on the border between Pattaya and Jomtien. There are plenty of Baht buses to take you onward from there.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks for your input, Phil. I did do a review including the possibility of using the Airport Link train coupled with the big bus to Pattaya. You can see that video by clicking the link below: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mllRzQ0swoE.htmlsi=FnC_IZtvoX_JZhWN

@WanderlustReports 3 месяца назад

I've used the big bus a few times, it's quite convenient. Long line in Pattaya to purchase a ticket, but that moves very fast. The time you spend on the bus depends on the traffic on Sukhumvit road when you arrive in Bangkok. Once it took me more than 3 hours, between a gas stop for 20 minutes in the middle of the journey and hectic traffic in Bangkok. You just have to be patient.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks, Alain. The only tip I've got about Sukhumvit Road is getting off at Udom Suk BTS station when going TO Bangkok and then completing the journey by BTS Skytrain. Can be much quicker. I've also got on the big bus at the Bang Na station before when going to Pattaya as that can save time too. Minivan drive me crazy when they keep stopping!

@WanderlustReports 3 месяца назад

@@balloonchaser Yes, the Udom Suck stop is definitely a better choice timewise, but then the BTS ticket will be a little more expensive if you're tight on budget.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

@@WanderlustReports That's true, especially for those staying near Ekkamai. But for those travelling onward to places like Siam, Silom or Nana, the marginal cost isn't much getting on at Udom Suk. That traffic along Sukhumvit road is jammed most of the day!

@Roof_Pizza 3 месяца назад

Given the choice ALWAYS take the big bus.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Depending on your start and finish points, that's got to be decent advice! Thanks 👍

@ViewTalay 3 месяца назад

I have used both and prefer the big bus. I have also splashed out on SUV taxi from Nana and chilled out in a Toyota Fortuner

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks for your input. Seems most people prefer the big bus. It's certainly more comfortable, and on the days when I travelled, much the same journey time as the van!

@markdumbrell2618 3 месяца назад

Minivan drivers are insane, only get it as a last resort. I used the bus to and from Pattaya on recent trip and both trips were very smooth and on time. Bus every time for me 😀😀

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Don't hold back, Mark! Tell it how it is! 😃 Actually, I used to take the little orange buses around Bangkok years ago, and compared to some of those, the minivan guys are model drivers! 😨

@vgshwk 3 месяца назад

I recently took the bus and a normal 2 hour ride was 2 hours and 50 minutes because like you said it stopped at bang na for what reason I don’t know because the bus was full and 10 minutes from pattaya it stopped for over 25 minutes to get gas as a bus went to fill up with gas after my bus and left before us.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

It's true, you can wait for ages if they need to fill up for gas. Why they can't do it between journeys is a mystery!

@VagabondRob555 3 месяца назад

Great info. Thanks. I've had many wonderful experiences on big buses in Thailand, especially the first class busses. I've had six minivan rides in Thailand and I felt very uncomfortable on three occasions where the driver was driving fast and recklessly. Nowadays if I couldn't get a big bus I would sooner pay for an expensive taxi before a minivan . Do the Big buses from Ekkamai have toilet's on them ? All the best, Cheers.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks for the positive feedback. I agree with you about the big buses, especially the first-class ones for longer journeys. The big bus from ekkamai to pattaya is generally older, but they did still have a toilet on board. My minivan trip wasn't bad at all. But I've had some horrors over the years!

@jeffrussell488 3 месяца назад

Just done that journey today on the 131 baht bus, didn't enjoy it much tbh but would use it again.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

The price is amazing, really. Even if not the most enjoyable, probably still more comfortable than a van!

@jeffrussell488 3 месяца назад

@@balloonchaser i booked return online available every hour, when i got to PNBS a bus left every ten minutes, on my way home a bus left 20 minutes beforehand. As you pointed out it was a bit slow, i was sitting at the front on the way to BKK and bus hardly went above 50 mph, on the way back some idiot thought it ok to try sit on half my seat so i politely told him to GTF. It wasn't too bad for the price but I reckon I'd take my moped to first BTS station, park there, and use the train next time.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

@jeffrussell488 I hear you, Jeff! Sounds like you have similar luck to me when travelling! It's a bit of a dilemma whether to book in advance (and have a guaranteed departure time) or to chance it and buy on the day. I got two guys behind me eating hot food and playing loud music on the minivan. They seemed surprised when I asked them to stop! The joys of travelling in Thailand, I suppose!

@jeffrussell488 3 месяца назад

@@balloonchaser i've only done the bus twice, last time I waited nearly 1 hour 30 minutes at Pattaya North (i left for a wander) as i didn't book, was surprised to see so many buses leaving on Friday. Yep you can never guarantee who'll be in the next seat, hopefully it'll be a hot babe the next time for both of us 555

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

@jeffrussell488 I like your optimism for our next trips, Jeff! I fear I have more chance of a Russian shot putter, but I'll let you know!

@davidmcquaid2557 3 месяца назад

Another great review!

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks for your comment!

@peapaulofthailand6539 3 месяца назад

I have done both many times. Big bus just more comfortable to me and with toilet and luggage option. Similarly why I use the big bus Jomtien to airport too. Minivans will always depend on the type of driver and stop offs for the experience, which can vary wildly.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks, Paul. For anyone with a suitcase the big bus is definitely better. And you've got reclining seats and a feeling of space. The big plus of the vans is if you want to be dropped off outside of the Central area. A few people got off beyond Sukhumvit Road. Overall, it's the big bus for me! Hope all is well with you.

@thecryptostrategist2433 3 месяца назад

The big bus is safer and more reliable. With luggage it is also the better option. I don't like the fact that the minivans wait to fill up and go off route to pick up / drop off. It should be quicker. but in many cases ends up longer - as you found. I used a minivan from this place in Bangkok once and never would again. The big bus + Bolt is the better combo - unless of course you fancy walking from Pattaya North bus station or if the mono-rail dream ever comes to fruition.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks, David. There's no doubt the big bus feels safer, has more space, and better for suitcases. And yes, the van overtook the bus several times, but then kept stopping meaning the big bus arrived in pattaya in less time. Then the only real issue is if you're OK arriving at Pattaya North. But grab or Bolt larges fixes thar, as you said!

@PeterFreitag 3 месяца назад

Thank you, great!

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks, Peter!

@WalkingmanPattaya 3 месяца назад

Good overview on the ride comparison and time comparison between services BC. I have been on the Ekkamai to North Pattaya big bus many times, almost always comfortable, sometimes the older buses seats have worn out padding and a bit uncomfortable. Strange the minivan stops at Bag Na when no customers were waiting, simple phone call would confirm. Keep on vlogging my friend.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Hey, Ric. Older, worn out, uncomfortable...thought you were talking about me for a minute! Big buses are a really dependable service in the main. I like the fact that they add extra buses when they get busy. I think some minibus stops are them "checking in" with the office to show that they're on route and on schedule. Sometimes, they sign a document. Other than that, I have no idea! Anyway, catch you later! 👍

@jeffrussell488 3 месяца назад

The big bus stopped at Bang Na yesterday although the bus was full and no passengers wanted off.

@Feier_Salamander 3 месяца назад

Last time I took a minivan I did not have a drop off option more central. They dropped me off Sukhumvit/South Pattaya Road. Had the same problem that the information "will leave now" with "now" meaning "when the minivan is full", and additional stops on the way. With the option to drop-off at Central Festival for example you could save the hassle and money for the last mile taxi that would set you off another 50-100 THB for the big bus or for minivans with bad drop-off points. Add the time for the taxi from north bus terminal to your destination may change the duration difference between coach and minivan, too. My conclusion: If you want to go to Sriratcha, or the minivan offers a drop-off near your final destination, minivan is a good option. Other than that take the big bus.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks for your input. You've made some good points about minivan. I was lucky this time that I arrived in time for the last 'proper' seat. Other times, I've sat for 20 minutes or more! There is one minivan service which starts or finishes at Central Festival Pattaya and Centralworld in Bangkok. But that one is 349 baht. They seem to find a way of getting an extra 100 baht somehow! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bcgX3OUXymI.htmlsi=iTsjRx6c0itAmXA8 Thanks again for your comments!

@hal8324 3 месяца назад

Absolutely the bus ! So easy and cheap

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

If there's a big bus to your destination, then it's usually going to be the better option

@Paul-di9or 2 месяца назад

143 bhat coach from bkk airport take less the 2 hours is a good shout

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

Thanks, Paul. Agreed 100%. In fact, I reviewed that service in another video! Great value for money. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-mllRzQ0swoE.htmlsi=aVua7161WzuP23cM

@alfredwinklmayr9392 3 месяца назад

I always (try) to take the Airport Bus from Suvarnabhumi to JOMTIEN. In the past, it was always ok - maximal 30 Min - 1 hour wait for the next Bus, but recently, I had a THREE hour wait one time and a TWO hour wait another time. And after travelling for 10-15 hours already to get to Bangkok, the extra wait is very annoying. The staff at the Airport Bus-booth is not very friendly and I suspect there is (some) shonky business going on, since I had observed some earlier Buses leaving with several empty Seats - even though the Staff said ..... fully booked???

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks, Alfred. I've had that myself, albeit with shorter flights, where the next available bus is hours away. Not ideal if you've had a journey, and that's when I definitely think about Grab taxi if the budget allows. One thing about empty seats I've noticed at Pattaya North Bus station, is that if earlier in the day there's a bus where they can put a ticket holder from a later bus onboard, then they do it. But then they have spare seats on later buses, which they try to fill, and the whole thing becomes a bit chaotic. Not sure if it's dodgy as such, but frustrating if you do see a bus leave with empty seats for sure!

@avernvrey7422 3 месяца назад

Thanks, great content, as always! Would be great to know the time it took the airport bus to get there.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Very kind of you to say so. Always appreciate it!

@bigbopper6311 3 месяца назад

Excellent job as usual. Had to stop for gas !!!! did the driver need a fart. It would be a taxi for me.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Cheers, BB. Seems they've always got to stop for something! At least it's a toilet break for the passengers!

@keith9970 3 месяца назад

We live, we die......and the wheels of the bus go round and round 🚌

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Can't argue with that one, Keith!

@aryonoguenani3429 3 месяца назад

20bath fees for excess baggage by big bus. my suitcase is 24" size

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Their policy is that "each passenger is allowed to have 1 checked bag with maximum weight of 20 kg. and 1 personal bag free of charge". They should only charge the excess 20 Baht if more than one bag or heavier than 20kg.

@disturbances8710 Месяц назад

If going to elphant sactuary to pataya ..is cheaper that renting a van but is there a bus passing tjat elepahabt sactuary at patayan i want to know more than you..need some tip befire going

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

Thanks. I don't know of any bus passing the elephant sanctuaries. I have been, and the choices were get a Bolt taxi OR the elephant sanctuary will send a shared minivan to pick you up from your central hotel or condo. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nwuSC6qATpM.htmlsi=RZa3Irqo35m8R2iB

@PATThaiA 3 месяца назад

Liked นะ.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Many thanks!

@LingBass-u8x Месяц назад

Aside from the crazed yaabaa Minivan ( coupled with min imal vehicular maintenence ) Rong Reung is in My opinion ( 2009 onwards ) the BEST Bus company in Thailand . Safest , well maintained , friendly . ( Try their overnight VIP Bus to anywhere they go ) . Minivan is a 'will I live , or die '. Once a Minivan sat on 140km/h from Ayutthaya to Bangkok . Never again . Don''t be a fool

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

It's definitely up there as a good company, although I wish they'd update a few more of their older buses. Some long distance companies have new buses with business class seats, Nakhon Chai Air is a good example. But for a 2+ hour journey, Rung Reueng ticks the boxes!

@LingBass-u8x Месяц назад

@@balloonchaser Oops. You are completely correct My brain is skewiff : I meant NakornChai air . 555 Cheers :)

@LingBass-u8x Месяц назад

PS ( Egg is mad if He still takes mototaxi . I eliminated that joyless risk as soon as BOLT arrived .)

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

@user-ki6vx9iv6l It's not often I'm completely correct, usually I'm the one who mixes things up! No worries, mate!

@MilikMiliez Месяц назад

Can i Buy the Ticket also when i Go in at stop bang na ?

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

Yes, absolutely. There's a ticket office there as well.

@Kiianu 2 месяца назад

If you are at BKK SUVARNABHUMI Airport and wanted to travel to Pattaya by New Bus service where should we go?

@balloonchaser 2 месяца назад

Buy ticket at the counter service on level 1 GATE 8 DEPARTURE TIMES 7:00 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 Bus fare 143 baht per seat

@Kiianu 2 месяца назад

@@balloonchaser Thank you 🙏

@windowtintinguk 3 месяца назад

Big bus all day long

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Not much love in the room for the minivan option!

@HaoChen-l9h 8 дней назад

mini vans are terrible for me. cuz the delays and not spacious environment.

@balloonchaser 8 дней назад

Thanks. I agree people normally feel very crammed in on minivans. I feel that, too!

@perolsson4344 3 месяца назад

The Van-drivers often drive like crazy 😒 I prefer big bus. Or Bolt or some kind of taxi.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

Thanks. I agree, Bolt is a good choice if you have the budget for it 💰

@Farang_Lifestyles 3 месяца назад

Always the big bus... minivan makes too many stops along the way...

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

I can only agree with you on that one, mate! At least based on my recent experience.

@Farang_Lifestyles 3 месяца назад

@@balloonchaser I rather the follow the Tortoise - Slow and steady wins the race.... and perhaps safer driving conditions...

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

@@Farang_Lifestyles Absolutely 🐢 travel is the smoother ride by far!

@richardcoutts2198 3 месяца назад

Get the train.

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

I like the train but it only runs once a day on weekdays and twice at weekends. Weekday train is slow as well. But very good value!

@akeman21 3 месяца назад

I don't trust minivan drivers. They drive like they stole the car and are running from police. 😂

@balloonchaser 3 месяца назад

That's the perfect description. Made me smile 😃 !

@phillipfairbrass3575 Месяц назад

The best bus is the one that goes nowhere near that shite city

@balloonchaser Месяц назад

Thanks, Phillip.

@stevethom407 5 дней назад

If u value your life do not catch a minibus. Last time i cuaght one from rayong to bankok driving at 130kph weaving in and out of traffic with my bags and son on my lap and after an hour we stopped at a traffic light i saw a bus station across the road i oped the door and my wife and boy got out.WAited an hour and got a big bus with toilet

@balloonchaser 5 дней назад

My goodness, Steve, thanks for sharing that! I've seen some pretty crazy driving in my time here, particularly when I was regularly travelling between Bangkok and Ratchaburi for work. Never worth doing something you're uncomfortable with. And especially if family are with you. I reckon you did the right thing!