Pattaya vs Koh Chang – Travel Time, Cost & How to Get There

Pattaya sits on the Gulf of Thailand’s eastern seaboard, offering a dense mix of nightlife, shopping and beachfront hotels. Koh Chang lies off the same coast, approximately five hours by road and ferry away, and is known for its forested hills, quieter beaches and a slower pace. Travelers often wonder whether to stay longer on the mainland or hop to the island for a change of scenery. Understanding travel time, cost and logistics helps you decide which side of the Gulf fits your itinerary best, whether you’re planning a quick day trip or an extended island escape.

5 hours, depending on traffic. A standard car seats up to three passengers and costs between 3,000 THB and 3,800 THB. If you need more space for luggage or a larger group, an SUV/MPV accommodates four passengers for 4,000–4,500 THB. The taxi drops you at the pier where you board the regular car ferry to Ao Thammachat; from there the island‑bound ferries take over. This premium service is ideal for families or travelers who value speed and door‑to‑door convenience.

5–7 hours) and Boonsiri (700–1,200 THB, 6–7 hours). All three include hotel pick‑up in Pattaya, the car ferry to Ao Thammachat Pier, the short island ferry and drop‑off at your Koh Chang accommodation. The minivan rides are slower than a private taxi because they make multiple stops, but the price difference is significant for solo travelers or tight budgets. Booking can be done through local travel agencies or online platforms that list these operators.

The car ferry from Pattaya to Ao Thammachat Pier runs daily between 06:30 and 18:30, charging 120 THB per vehicle and 80 THB per passenger. Once at Ao Thammachat, the short ferry to Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang departs every 30–60 minutes, takes 25–30 minutes and costs 80 THB per person. A full‑island ticket for a one‑way journey from the mainland to any main pier on Koh Chang is priced between 500 and 800 THB. After disembarking at Ao Sapparot, shared pick‑up trucks shuttle passengers to White Sand Beach in 15–20 minutes for 60–80 THB each.

The road between Pattaya and Koh Chang spans roughly 251 km. By car or minibus the drive alone takes about five hours, not counting ferry waiting time. Private taxis shave off an hour by heading straight to Ao Thammachat Pier, where the short island ferry between Ao Thammachat Pier and Ao Sapparot runs 25–30 minutes, and then a short road leg onto the island. 5 to 7 hours because of multiple pick‑ups and scheduled ferry connections.

If speed is paramount, expect to pay 3,000–4,500 THB for a private taxi that seats three or four passengers. For the most economical trip, shared minivans cost 600–1,200 THB per person and include all ferry fees; the lower end belongs to 35 Group Pattaya, while Boonsiri sits at the higher range. The car ferry itself adds 80 THB per passenger, and the island‑to‑island ferry is another 80 THB. With a shared minivan (600–1,200 THB) plus the optional pick‑up truck (60–80 THB), the budget option totals roughly 660–1,280 THB per traveler, versus around 3,160–3,960 THB for the fastest private route.

Book minivan seats a day in advance during peak season to guarantee space; many operators accept online reservations. If you travel with bulky luggage, choose an SUV/MPV taxi or confirm that the minivan can accommodate extra bags without surcharge. Arrive at the Pattaya ferry terminal early—vehicles are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis and queues can build up before the 06:30 departure. For a night out in Pattaya before you leave, consider the vibrant Walking Street or a sunset party cruise on the Gulf (Pattaya Sunset Party Cruise). Families with children may enjoy a quick stop at the nearby Khao Kheow Open Zoo before heading to the pier (Khao Kheow Open Zoo Tickets).

Solo backpackers and tight‑budget travelers usually opt for the shared minivan routes, accepting a longer travel window in exchange for savings of up to 2,500 THB per person. Small families or groups with several pieces of luggage benefit from a private taxi, especially an SUV/MPV that can hold four passengers plus gear; the higher price also guarantees door‑to‑door service and flexibility on departure time. Business travelers often choose the fastest private car to maximize productivity, while adventure seekers may enjoy the scenic road trip and occasional stop at local attractions before reaching the island.