Planning a trip from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani? Whether you are looking for the fastest route, the cheapest ticket, or the most comfortable ride, here is everything you need to know before you book.
Important: Transit schedules fluctuate frequently based on the tourist season. Check the exact, real-time departure times and secure your ticket using the button below.
Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani: Route Facts at a Glance
- Distance: 605 km
- Available Transport: Bus, Minivan, Taxi, Flight (from BKK)
- Duration Over Land: 9 hours to 12 hours
- Overland Price Estimate (Bus/Train): 650 to 1,000 THB
- Flight Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes (from BKK Airport)
- Direct Flights Available: Yes (but only from BKK Airport)
- Flight Price Estimate (one-way): 1,200 to 2,200 THB
- Earliest Departure: 8:00 AM
- Latest Departure: 9:00 PM
Bus, Train, or Flight: Which is Best?
For this long 9-to-12-hour journey, taking a direct overnight bus is the most economical and straightforward option at around 650 to 1,000 THB.
However, we recommend taking a bus to Bangkok (BKK Airport) and flying to Ubon Ratchathani directly, which offers significantly faster travel time at not much more cost. Take the bus from Pattaya North Bus Terminal to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for 150 to 300 baht. From there, you can catch a flight to Ubon as low as 1,200 baht. The total travel time is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The Route: Important Travel Information in October 2026
Traveling from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani covers roughly 600 kilometers across changing terrain. Long-haul VIP buses provide the most comfortable and spacious option. Minivans run faster but feature uncomfortable seating and strict baggage limits, often requiring you to purchase an extra seat for oversized luggage.
Arriving in Ubon Ratchathani: What to Do First
Upon arrival at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal, walk outside to locate the local red songthaews, which provide the cheapest connection directly to the city center for a flat fare of 10 THB. Pay the driver directly upon exiting. If arriving by train at Warin Chamrab station, local songthaews and buses also run frequently across the river to downtown. The easiest option is to order a Grab or Bolt.
What to Expect & Things to Do in Ubon Ratchathani?
Ubon Ratchathani offers a laid-back, authentic, and culturally rich atmosphere as one of northeastern Thailand’s major hubs. The vibe is unhurried, welcoming, and has a much more local feel than places like Pattaya, Bangkok, and Phuket. The local Isaan food is also a huge draw (if you can handle spicy).
Visitors can pay respects at revered temples, experience the famed annual Candle Festival, or relax at specialty coffee shops around town. Travelers can also explore the prehistoric cliff paintings at Pa Taem National Park or marvel at Sam Phan Bok, often called the Grand Canyon of Thailand, where thousands of natural rock basins emerge along the Mekong River. There are also several lively night markets and a bustling nightlife scene. It’s one of the most off-the-beaten-path places in Thailand due to its geography.
It’s also a great stopover point before heading across the border to nearby Pakse, Laos, which is home to several breathtaking waterfalls.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to travel from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani?
The overland trip covers roughly 600 kilometers and takes around 9 to 12 hours by bus. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok and fly to Ubon, which takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes of total travel time.
What is the best way to get from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani?
The best way to get from Pattaya to Ubon Ratchathani is to take a bus from Pattaya North Bus Terminal to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok (takes less than 2 hours). From there, you can take a 1 hour and 10 minute flight to Ubon. The total cost is about 1,500 THB.
Are there direct flights between Pattaya and Ubon Ratchathani?
Technically, no. Travelers must first take a bus or taxi to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to catch a direct flight to Ubon Ratchathani. BKK Airport offers several daily direct flights to Ubon that cost anywhere from 1,200 to 2,200 THB. Total travel time is about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
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