Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chon Buri is a pre-booked private transfer or taxi (1-1.5 hours, ~1,500 THB), balancing speed and convenience. The cheapest way is the public bus and van combo via Ekkamai Bus Terminal (2.5-3.5+ hours, under 200 THB). Direct airport buses offer a good middle ground (1.5-2 hours, 130-300 THB). There is no practical train route.
Taxi & Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
The most straightforward and fastest method, ideal for those prioritizing convenience, traveling in groups, or arriving late at night.
Official Airport Taxi (Metered)
Follow signs to “Public Taxi” on Level 1. You'll take a ticket from a dispenser with a queue number. Drivers approach you. Key instructions: 1) Show your destination address in Thai. 2) Firmly say “Meter, please”. 3) The driver is responsible for tollway fees, which are added to the final meter price along with a 50 THB airport surcharge.
- Cost: 1,200 - 1,800 THB (meter + tolls + surcharge).
- Time: 1 - 1.5 hours (highly traffic-dependent).
- Pros: Available 24/7, door-to-door, no pre-booking needed.
- Cons: Price uncertainty, potential for meter refusal (use official queue), communication issues.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Recommended for Groups)
Book online in advance with providers like Klook, Booking.com, or local companies. Your driver will be waiting in arrivals with a name sign.
- Cost: 1,500 - 2,500 THB for sedan; 2,000 - 3,500 THB for van.
- Time: 1 - 1.5 hours.
- Pros: Fixed price, meet-and-greet, guaranteed vehicle size, often includes tolls, less stress.
- Cons: More expensive than a potential metered taxi, requires internet booking.
Best For: Families, groups of 3+, travelers with heavy luggage, late-night arrivals, and anyone wanting a seamless start to their trip.
Direct Airport Bus: The Best Value Balance
This is the most efficient public transport option, offering a direct link from the airport to Chon Buri/Pattaya.
How to Find & Use the Service
Buses do not depart from the main terminal. You must take the free airport shuttle bus from Level 1, Gate 8 to the Suvarnabhumi Airport Public Transport Center (5-minute ride). From there, buy tickets at the counter.
| Operator | Destination | Frequency | Fare (THB) | Journey Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Travel Service | Pattaya (Chon Buri), drops at some hotels | Every ~1-2 hours (7:00-22:00) | ~300 | ~1.5-2 hours | Tourist-oriented, includes hotel drop-off in Pattaya area. Official Schedule. |
| Roong Reuang Coach | Chon Buri Bus Terminal / Pattaya North | Frequent (approx. hourly, 6:00-20:00) | 130-150 | ~1.5-2 hours | Standard public bus. Ends at bus terminal; you'll need a local taxi/songthaew to final hotel. |
Tip: For the most current schedules, check the information desk inside the airport or the transport center's boards. This service is excellent for solo travelers and couples on a moderate budget.
Public Bus & Van Combo: The Most Budget-Friendly Route
For the absolute lowest cost, this multi-leg journey is used by locals and seasoned backpackers.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Free Shuttle to Ekkamai: Take the free Airport Shuttle Bus from Level 2, Gate 5 or 7 to the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Eastern) - Ekkamai. Journey: 30-45 mins (traffic-dependent).
- Bus from Ekkamai to Chon Buri: At Ekkamai, buy a ticket at the counter for “Chon Buri” or “Pattaya”. Buses by Ekamai Tour or Roong Reuang Coach depart very frequently (every 20-40 mins from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM).
- Fare: ~100-120 THB to Chon Buri town; ~130 THB to Pattaya.
- Journey Time: ~1.5 to 2 hours.
- Final Local Transport: Arrive at Chon Buri or Pattaya Bus Terminal. Use a local songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi, 20-50 THB), motorbike taxi, or meter taxi to your final address.
Alternative: Public Van (Minibus) Vans depart from near Ekkamai terminal or Victory Monument (harder to reach from BKK). They are faster but more cramped and have strict luggage limits. Fare: ~150 THB. Warning: Safety records for vans can be variable.
Total Cost: Total Time: 2.5 - 4 hours (including waits and transfers). Best for ultra-budget travelers with light, manageable luggage.
Train: Why It's Not a Recommended Option
Despite Thailand's rail network, a train journey from BKK to Chon Buri is highly inefficient for air arrivals.
The Complex & Lengthy Route
- Airport Rail Link (ARL): Take the ARL from BKK to Makkasan (City Air Terminal) or Phaya Thai. (Time: 30 mins, Cost: ~45 THB).
- Transfer to Main Railway Station: From Makkasan/Phaya Thai, take a taxi or MRT subway to Hua Lamphong (old main station) or Bang Sue Grand Station (new central station, Krung Thep Aphiwat).
- State Railway (SRT) to Chon Buri: Trains to Chon Buri are infrequent (3-4 per day), slow (local lines), and take 3-4 hours. Schedules are unreliable.
- Fare: 50 - 300 THB depending on class.
- Final Local Transport: Arrive at Chon Buri Railway Station, which is not centrally located, requiring another taxi to your destination.
Conclusion: Total door-to-door time can exceed 5-6 hours. It is only recommended for rail enthusiasts or those with an extreme aversion to buses. For all other purposes, choose road transport. (Source: State Railway of Thailand).
Transport Comparison: Time, Cost & Ease
| Method | Approx. Cost (THB) | Travel Time | Transfers | Best For | Rating (1-5*) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer / Taxi | 1,200 - 2,500 | 1 - 1.5 hrs | None (Door-to-door) | Groups, families, luxury, late nights | ***** (Convenience) |
| Direct Airport Bus | 130 - 300 | 1.5 - 2 hrs | 1 (Free shuttle to bus center) | Solo/couple travelers, value seekers | **** (Value) |
| Public Bus & Van Combo | 2.5 - 4+ hrs | 2-3 (Shuttle, Bus, Local taxi) | Backpackers, strict budget travelers | ** (Budget) | |
| Train | 100 - 400 | 4 - 6+ hrs | 3+ (ARL, Taxi/MRT, SRT, Local taxi) | Rail enthusiasts only | * (Not Recommended) |
Verdict: For a seamless trip, book a private transfer. For the best mix of cost and efficiency, take the Direct Airport Bus.
Essential Traveler Tips & Warnings
Insider Advice for a Smooth Journey
- Have Thai Address & Map: Always have your destination written in Thai or saved on Google Maps (with a pin) to show drivers.
- Cash is King: Have sufficient Thai Baht in small denominations (100s, 50s, 20s) for taxis, buses, and tolls. Most buses and vans do not accept cards.
- Bangkok Traffic: Avoid road transfers during rush hours (7:00-9:30 AM & 4:00-7:00 PM). A 1-hour trip can become 2.5+ hours.
- SIM Card at Airport: Purchase a local tourist SIM (AIS, TrueMove, dtac) at the airport arrivals hall. Having data for Google Maps and ride-hailing apps (Grab) is invaluable.
- Beware of Touts: Ignore anyone inside the terminal offering “cheap taxi” or “special bus”. Always proceed to the official taxi queue or bus counters.
- Luggage on Buses: Direct airport buses have luggage compartments. Public vans have very limited space—large backpacks or suitcases may be problematic or incur extra fees.
- Songthaew in Chon Buri/Pattaya: These are shared taxis on fixed routes. Tell the driver your destination, and ring the bell to stop. Agree on the price (usually 20-40 THB per person) before getting in for a non-shared trip.
FAQs: Suvarnabhumi to Chon Buri Travel
What is the fastest way to get from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Chon Buri?
The absolute fastest way is by taxi or private transfer, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours directly to your destination in Chon Buri, depending on traffic. This is a door-to-door service with no stops. For budget-conscious travelers seeking a good balance, the Airport Bus + Public Van/Bus combo is the next fastest reliable option.
What is the cheapest way to travel from BKK to Chon Buri?
The cheapest method is using public buses and vans. First, take the free airport shuttle bus to the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Eastern) - Ekkamai. From there, a public bus or van to Chon Buri costs between 100-150 THB. The total journey can cost under 200 THB per person, but it takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours and requires navigating transfers with luggage.
Is there a direct train from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Chon Buri?
No, there is no direct train service. Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected to downtown Bangkok via the Airport Rail Link (ARL). To reach Chon Buri by train, you must take the ARL to Makkasan or Phaya Thai, then take a taxi or MRT to Hua Lamphong or Bang Sue Grand Station for a State Railway of Thailand (SRT) train to Chon Buri. This route is not recommended for most tourists due to its complexity, infrequent schedules, and long total travel time (4+ hours).
How much does a taxi cost from Suvarnabhumi to Chon Buri?
A metered taxi from the official airport taxi stand will cost between 1,200 to 1,800 THB, plus potentially a 50 THB airport surcharge and tollway fees (70-100 THB). The final price depends heavily on your exact destination in Chon Buri and traffic conditions. Always insist on using the meter (‘meter, please’). Pre-booked private transfers typically range from 1,500 to 2,500 THB for a sedan, offering fixed-price convenience.
Are there direct buses from the airport to Chon Buri?
Yes, but not from the main passenger terminal. Direct buses to Chon Buri (and Pattaya) depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport Public Transport Center, located about 5 minutes away by the free, 24-hour airport shuttle bus (go to Level 1, Gate 8). Operators like Bell Travel Service (more tourist-oriented, drops at some hotels) and Roong Reuang Coach (standard public bus) run this route. Fares range from 130 to 300 THB, and the journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
What should I choose if I arrive late at night or very early in the morning?
For flights arriving between midnight and 5 AM, your options are limited. Taxis and 24-hour private transfers are your only guaranteed options. The official airport taxi desk operates 24/7. While some bus services start early (around 6-7 AM), they are not reliable for very late-night arrivals. Pre-booking a private transfer is highly recommended for peace of mind during these hours.
What is the best option for a family or group with lots of luggage?
For families or groups of 3-4+ people with significant luggage, a pre-booked private van transfer is often the most economical and stress-free choice. It provides door-to-door service, a fixed all-inclusive price (usually 2,000-3,500 THB for a van), and ample, guaranteed luggage space. Compare the total cost of multiple taxis or bus tickets to a single van—the van often wins on cost and convenience.
Is it worth flying from Bangkok to Chon Buri?
No, it is not practical or recommended. Chon Buri province does not have a major commercial airport for domestic flights. The closest airport, U-Tapao International Airport (UTP), is near Pattaya but has very limited domestic connectivity, usually only from tourist islands like Phuket or Samui. Flying from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) to U-Tapao would involve two airport journeys, security, and high cost for a very short air time, making it significantly slower and more expensive than a direct road transfer.