[sharkbait]

I read about the Bell Buses on another board, so decided to give them a try. Normally, to get from the airport to Pattaya, I would have got a taxi, or booked a private car with someone like Mr Toom, but with the Credit Crunch, and the unfortunate exchange rate, I was looking for saving money wherever I could.

I actually booked my place by email - rrc_bus@hotmail.com - but missed my bus as my flight was 2 hours late. No problem - I was put on the following bus 2 hours later. At the time I travelled (weekday in October) there didn't seem to be any need to book as there was plenty of space on the bus.

These are full-sized buses, not minibuses, and take you to the main bus station in Pattaya. There, you are transferred onto a minibus to take you to your hotel. Airport to Pattaya is about 90 mins - the transfer only takes about 5 - 10 mins.

They go from Gate 7 on Level 1 (one down from arrivals), and there is a little desk just inside the gate with a makeshift "Bell Travel" sign. If you've booked, just mention your name and hotel to the lady. If not, it's worth asking if there are any seats available. They go every even hour (not sure about first and last times) and return every odd hour - 7 til 7 but worth checking.

At about 2 hours door to door, it's not quite as quick as a taxi, and the buses are only every two hours, but the fare is only 150B each way. So for the round trip, its 300B versus about 2500B by taxi.

I gave them a try on my last trip in Oct/Nov, and was very impressed. We had an unexplained 30min delay leaving the airport, but made good progress after that. The transfer was faultless, and the minibus managed to find my hotel OK. The return journey was even better - I was picked up by the minibus from my hotel on time and delivered to the right bus at the bus station quickly and efficiently. The big bus left on time, and delivered me right to the airport departures level 30 mins early.

So if your flight times tie in well with the Bell bus timetable, I would thoroughly recommend you give them a try.

[Thaipan]

The return journey was even better - I was picked up by the minibus from my hotel on time and delivered to the right bus at the bus station quickly and efficiently. The big bus left on time, and delivered me right to the airport departures level 30 mins early.

So if your flight times tie in well with the Bell bus timetable, I would thoroughly recommend you give them a try.

You didn't mention the free drink and Bt10 tip prior to boarding the mini bus! Glad it worked out for you, you were beginning to look a bit depressed as the mini bus pulled away from the Metro!

[sharkbait]

Just an update on the Bell Travel Buses - I've heard that they have increased their prices from 150 to 200B each way. Still good value compared with the taxis if the times coincide with your flights.

I saw on another board that mentioning that you are taking this bus to the taxi touts results in a taxi fare of 1000B including tolls. Maybe as low as 800B.

[lpt]

Just an update on the Bell Travel Buses - I've heard that they have increased their prices from 150 to 200B each way. Still good value compared with the taxis if the times coincide with your flights.

I saw on another board that mentioning that you are taking this bus to the taxi touts results in a taxi fare of 1000B including tolls. Maybe as low as 800B.

Took the bus to Pattaya about a week ago. 200 baht now. But still good value. There is the added advantage that if you have to wait you can nip into the food hall nearby on level one, which has the best Thai food in the airport - it's the place all the Thais who work there use. Hardly a falang in sight.

[Keen Punter]

I would normally get a taxi but this is looking a good option.

I would have an hour wait so could grab some Thai food as a welcome to Paradise.

Even though this is my 8th trip, I am like a kid waiting for Christmas.

[Montydog]

At 200thb door to door even I’m getting tempted that’s a saving of x2 LT


Anyone know the full timetable?

[Keen Punter]

At 200thb door to door even I’m getting tempted that’s a saving of x2 LT


Anyone know the full timetable?

http://www.pattayanewbie.com/bell.html

[Montydog]

Cheers KP

[Keen Punter]

They now have an official website for bookings.

http://www.belltravelservice.com/