Train to Pattaya: Complete Guide and Schedule 2025

Can you take a train to Pattaya? Yes, but it’s not the transport option most visitors choose. The State Railway of Thailand operates just one train daily on weekdays and an additional express service on weekends between Bangkok and Pattaya. The journey costs as little as 30 baht but takes 3 to 4 hours, and Pattaya’s train station sits inconveniently far from the beach areas where most travelers stay.

So why would anyone choose the train? It’s the absolute cheapest way to reach Pattaya, offers a genuinely authentic Thai travel experience, and provides a scenic journey through eastern Thailand’s countryside. Here’s everything you need to know about this unconventional route.

Current Train Schedule: Bangkok to Pattaya

The limited schedule makes advance planning essential. As of 2025, here’s what’s running:

Weekday Service (Monday to Friday): Train 283 departs Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station at 6:55 AM, arriving in Pattaya at 10:35 AM. Travel time is 3 hours and 40 minutes in third class with fan ventilation. The fare is 30 baht, making this the cheapest transport option by a significant margin.

Weekend Express (Saturday and Sunday only): Train 997 departs Hua Lamphong at 6:45 AM, arriving at 9:14 AM. This faster service (2 hours 29 minutes) runs with second class air conditioned coaches for 170 baht. At that price point, you’re better off taking a bus, which costs similar money and runs all day with more convenient departure times.

Return Journey to Bangkok: Train 284 leaves Pattaya daily at 2:21 PM (14:21), reaching Bangkok at 6:15 PM (18:15). That’s 3 hours and 54 minutes for 30 baht in third class. The weekend express return (Train 998) departs at 4:26 PM for 170 baht.

Can You Buy Tickets in Advance?

Here’s where things get confusing, and the answer depends on which train you’re taking.

For the weekday train (Train 283/284): No, you cannot buy tickets in advance. Train 283 is classified as an “ordinary” train (numbered in the 200s), and Thai Railways does not allow advance booking for these services. You must purchase your ticket at the station on the day of travel, typically an hour or two before departure.

The good news? These tickets never sell out. You might not get a seat with an assigned number if you buy very close to departure time, but you’ll always be able to board the train.

For the weekend express (Train 997/998): Yes, weekend trains can be reserved up to 60 days in advance. You can book through the State Railway of Thailand’s D-Ticket website or app, or through agency sites like 12Go Asia.

Why the difference? Thai Railways restricts advance booking on ordinary and local trains numbered 2XX, 3XX, or 4XX to prioritize long distance travelers. Since the Pattaya route is relatively short, the weekday service falls under this policy. The weekend express, however, is classified differently and allows reservations.

Practical implications: If you’re taking the weekday train, you need to arrive at Hua Lamphong station with enough buffer time to buy your ticket before the 6:55 AM departure. Most travelers arrive 30 to 45 minutes early. The ticket window opens well before the first departure.

Don’t stress about the no advance booking policy for Train 283. Remember, this train exists primarily to serve Thai commuters and local travelers, not tourists. It runs every single day and has never been known to turn passengers away due to capacity.

The Real Cost

The train wins on price but loses badly on convenience and time. That 30 baht ticket starts looking less appealing when you factor in the cost of getting to Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, then from Pattaya train station to your hotel. For better transportation options to Pattaya, check out our guide to the best ways to get from Bangkok to Pattaya.

Where Do You Arrive In Pattaya?

Here’s where things get complicated. Pattaya Railway Station sits 3 to 4 kilometers east of the beach and central Pattaya area in Nong Prue subdistrict. It’s not near Walking Street, not near the main hotel zones, and not on any regular public transport routes.

When you arrive, you’ll find a small, basic station with minimal facilities: a ticket counter, restrooms, and not much else. No convenience stores, no food stalls, no tourist information desk.

Getting from the train station into Pattaya:

Motorcycle taxis cluster at the station when trains arrive. Expect to pay 60 to 80 baht for the 10 minute ride to central Pattaya or Jomtien. Use the Grab or Bolt rideshare apps and learn about common issues you may encounter and how to resolve them. Opening your app and ordering a car typically costs 100 to 150 baht to reach the beach area, assuming drivers are available. During busy times or off peak hours, you might wait 15 to 20 minutes for a pickup. Check our Grab and Bolt hacks guide for tips on getting rides faster.

Who Should Consider the Train Option?

The train works best for a specific traveler profile:

Budget travelers on extended trips where every baht matters and time flexibility exists. If you’re spending a month or two in Thailand, saving 100 baht per journey adds up. The train becomes a sensible choice when you’re not counting days. Long term visitors and expats report taking the train regularly despite the inconvenience, finding the leisurely pace and rock bottom fares worth the trade offs.

Rail enthusiasts and experience seekers who value the journey as part of the adventure. Third class trains with open windows, food vendors boarding at stations, and interactions with Thai locals heading home to eastern provinces deliver authentic experiences you won’t get in an air conditioned bus. The scenic route passes through small towns, rice fields, and glimpses of rural Thai life. Some travelers particularly enjoy watching the colonies of wild monkeys near Si Racha and seeing the train pass under planes landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The 5 minute stop at Chachoengsao Junction gives you a quick glimpse of a provincial city that most tourists never visit.

The Thailand Trains website provides a good map of the Eastern train line.

Indian travelers on extended visits might find the train particularly appealing given the extreme budget efficiency. The savings add up quickly over multiple trips, though be aware that third class trains can get quite hot during midday hours.

Not recommended for:

First time visitors to Pattaya who need efficiency and simplicity. Your vacation days are limited, and spending half a day on transport when a 2 hour bus exists doesn’t make sense for most people.

Anyone on a tight schedule. One train per day means if you miss it or it runs late (Thai trains don’t have stellar on time records), your entire day’s plans collapse.

Practical Tips If You Choose the Train

Bring your passport or a photo of it. While enforcement varies, technically you need ID to purchase train tickets. A phone photo sometimes works but isn’t guaranteed. Read our guide on whether you should carry your passport in Pattaya for more context on ID requirements in Thailand.

Arrive at Hua Lamphong 30 to 45 minutes early. The station can be confusing for first timers, and you want time to find the right platform, buy tickets if needed, and grab snacks and water for the journey.

Pack food and drinks. While vendors sell items on the train and at station stops, the selection is hit or miss. Bring more water than you think you need, especially on third class trains without AC.

Bring small bills. Train vendors and ticket counters often can’t break large notes. Having 20, 50, and 100 baht notes makes everything easier.

Check the current schedule before you travel. Train timetables in Thailand occasionally change with little notice. Verify departure times a day or two before your trip.

Don’t expect the train to run on time. Delays of 15 to 30 minutes aren’t uncommon. If you have a connecting flight or important appointment, the train introduces too much uncertainty.

The Verdict: Train as a Budget Choice, Not a Practical One

Taking the train to Pattaya makes sense in specific circumstances: you’re on a very tight budget, you have time flexibility, you enjoy authentic local travel experiences, or you’re a rail enthusiast who values the journey itself. The 30 baht fare represents spectacular value, and the route through eastern Thailand’s countryside offers scenery you won’t see from the highway. Several travelers report never getting bored with the journey despite taking it multiple times, finding new details to appreciate each trip.

Think of the train as Thailand’s best kept secret for reaching Pattaya, appealing to those who prize experiences and savings over efficiency. Just know exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit to that 6:55 AM departure from Bangkok.

If you’re planning your Thailand itinerary and wondering whether to visit Pattaya first or Bangkok, that decision might influence your transport choices. And for more money saving strategies once you arrive, check out our budget hacks for Pattaya.