Originally Posted by
transpac
I've heard some first-hand experiences of buses making several stops on the way, to drop off passengers on request, and even terminating service in North Pattaya, wherever that might be. Even if your bus goes all the way to the Pattaya bus station you may still be several Km. from your final destination, having to rely on local transport like a pick-up truck (song tao), motorbike taxi or your feet.
I guess a mini-van, like those at Victory Monument, might not even be required to transport you to your final destination?
But I think a private mini-van service, like Bells, might both pick you up at a specific location in Bangkok - I saw a Bells mini-van on my tiny sub-soi just the other day - and drop you off at your final destination in Pattaya. I think these private mini-van services cost a bit more, maybe 230/250 baht one way?
FWIW, I've been using Grab Taxi a lot recently here in Bangkok with excellent results. I'm not sure if you could use them to go to Pattaya, but I will try to get that information and follow up.
Ive taken numerous buses from BKK and Ekkamai and never stopped to let anyone off. The Ekkamai bus may make one stop in Bang Na (I think) to pick up people if needed for a minute, but otherwise were always non-stop. Ekkamai stops at North Pattaya BS, which is on North Pattaya Rd (in Pattaya)...then grab a bhat bus, motorbike, etc and you are at final destination quickly.
With the Bells vans you may spend an hour picking people up, then 2 hr drive to Pattaya, and then spend an hour dropping people off....depending on your destination in relation to their route. No way I would go in a van when the buses are faster, safer, and cheaper.
I have used Mr T. Taxi, but only if arriving after busses stop running