Bus service to Pattaya and Bangkok

[brucemb]

Hi I am new to this board-please advise the details on bus travel to and from both Pattaya and Bangkok.
Are all buses the same or are there VIP style buses-what is the jopurney time as well please.
Also what local hotels offer comfort and value for money.
many thanks

[nookiebear]

Where are you situated as it makes a difference to the choice of buses.

[brucemb]

All I know the new g/f lives in Buriram----she will come to meet me next month.
Want her to have best journey to Pattaya.
I will go from Bkk to Buriram later in the summer.
thanks

[urleft]

Here is the NCA bus schedule.  They use Rayong now instead of Pattaya.  I have not taken in a while, but it is a long ride, and when you think you are getting close, there are several more stops before the bus station at Pattaya Center Road and Suk. 

When I took the NCA bus, it went to Korat, then South to Pattaya.  The Yellow Bus went a southern route. 

But these could have changed (2 years since I took either bus). 

[mahdam]

NCA is the only bus company i have used in Thailand and felt safe.
Airline type seating,toilet, and a hostess. food and drink is also served albeit a little basic.
But best of all careful drivers, no little shit for brains,wanabe be racing drivers, driving these things.

[John the Traveller]

I took the NCA Gold Service bus from Buriram to Ban Chang a few weeks ago. It goes via the mountains and arrives at Pattaya before heading to Rayong where I believe it terminates. The trip took 8 hours approx. to Ban Chang so take off 30 to 40 minutes for Pattaya.  It's a good service with few stops although it isnt absolutely direct. I can vouch for the quality of the drivers and vehicles which are GPS monitored from a central base thereby ensuring adherence to speed limits. Light snacks are served so take some food with you as there is little or no opportunity to buy some along the way. Cost was under 500 Baht from memory.
The trip up with yellow bus took 12 hours and stopped everywhere. Sometimes for no apparent reason. It was also overbooked at times so out came the plasic stools!! I cant recomend it.
The best option speed wise is to catch the VIP yellow bus service at night. There are few stops and of course very little traffic. The downside is that you leave late evening from Buriram. The VIP yellow bus is travelling Mukdahan-Pattaya and return.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
John

[nookiebear]

There is also the 589 service Pattaya-Ubon which goes 2 ways one along the 24 which calls at Nong Ki & Nang Rong & Prakon Chai but not Buriram,,,,,,the other goes along the road Calling at Lamplaimat & Buriram.....most are Double deckers & they have 6 very large aircraft club style seats downstairs.Nang Rong -Pattaya was 330 baht 6 months ago.

[brucemb]

Thanks Guys
Was the schedule to Pattaya the long list on the left hand side?
Overnight appears best??

[urleft]

Thanks Guys
Was the schedule to Pattaya the long list on the left hand side?
Overnight appears best??

That is my understanding, the Bus is actually listed to go to Rayong, but stops at Pattaya.

[binnsy]

Thanks Guys
Was the schedule to Pattaya the long list on the left hand side?
Overnight appears best??

The overnight NCA bus from Buriram does not go into Korat and is quicker and it only takes about 6 hours the day bus goes into Korat and stops there for 30 minutes and takes 8 hours.

[brucemb]

Thats a big help-thanks