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A Sea Traveler’s Guide to the Pattaya to Hua Hin Ferry Service

The Pattaya to Hua Hin ferry service officially launched 2017 and has gone from strength to strength.

The ferry operates from the Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and the Khao Takiab  pier in Hua Hin.

The Pattaya-Hua Hin ferry service is part of the Thai government's East-West Ferry Project, which aims to boost tourism between Chonburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan.

In this post, I provide all the essential details you'll need to use the service, including departure and arrival times, ticket prices, how to book and more!

pattaya to hua hin ferry

For those who've been to Hua Hin in recent times, you'll know that the pier has recently undergone renovation and is in a much better state than it was a couple of years back. Decrepit is one word I would have used.

This service is being launched following a crackdown on business owners who had set up illegally on the beach at Saphan Pla. On the other side of the water, officials in Pattaya removed speed boats that had operated in Bali Hai Pier for more than a decade.

So, let's get into the details:

1.Who Will Be Operating the Pattaya to Hua Hin Ferry?

The service will be operated by the Royal Passenger Liner Co.

2. How Long Will the Journey Take?

The journey will take approximately 1.5 hours. The ferry service is expected to slash journey times between the two popular resorts by almost two thirds.

However, this is known to be a choppy crossing, so expect it to be longer at times and potentially delays to occur during rainy season. A recent test run took near on 3 hours because of choppy seas.

pattaya-hua-hin-ferry-staff

The Hostess Staff

3. How Much Will the Ferry Cost?

The fee will be 1,200 Baht each way. Clearly the pricing is targeted at tourists, and as yet there is no concession for locals or OAPs.

4. What Times Will the Ferry Leave?

The service will run two trips per day, the first departing Pattaya at 10.00 AM (arrives in Hua Hin at 12.00 PM), and the second departing Hua Hin at 13:00 (arrives in Pattaya at 3.00 PM).

5. How Many Passengers Does the Ferry Hold?

The ferry currently has the following capacity:

  • Economy Class: 1st floor – 286 seats.
  • Business Class: 2nd floor –  44   seats.
  • VIP: First Class 2nd floor – 16  seats.
  • Private room with a capacity of 1 to 8 passengers.

Business class and VIP have more legroom, with larger chairs and a hostess service.

pattaya-hua-hin-ferry

Business Class

lunch-on-hua-hin-ferry

Snack-box time in Economy Class

6. Can I Take a Motorbike or Bike on the Ferry?

Only fold-up bikes are allowed. An extra charge of 214 Baht per bike will apply. Motorbikes are not allowed.

7. Can I Take My Pet on Board?

No pets are allowed. No dogs, cats, snakes or any other animals.

8. How Fast Will the Ferry Go?

The ferry will cruise at a speed of around 27 knots during the 113km journey.

 9. What Does the Ferry Look Like?

pattaya-hua-hin-ferry

Actual picture of the ferry

10. Where Can I Buy Tickets Online?

The cheapest ticket prices are available here,  and will save queuing up, or worse getting turned away from a full ship!

Use the box below to compare the price of tickets for economy and business class, and against other travel options.

11. Does the Ferry Company Have a Website

They do have a website but updates in English are best found on their Facebook page.

You can also contact the company by phone if you have a problem. I have two numbers for them.

Phone 1: 038-488-999

Phone 2: 098-625-9949

The TTL Take…

What are my thoughts on this? This ferry service was long overdue, and can only think it was the illegal businesses on each pier that were stopping this getting going before.

People said it would never be successful, but that hasn't been the case at all.

The ferry has been busy with tours, which have incorporated a trip between the two places as part of their itinerary.

Expats in Pattaya can now take a relaxing break in Hua Hin of a weekend, and those in Hua Hin can opt to leave the quiet life for an “interesting weekend” in Pattaya.

This has naturally had a positive impact on tourism for both sides of the water.

At 2,400 Baht per person for a return ticket it's not cheap compared with a minivan journey that costs 500 Baht. That said, it's arguably safer than a ride in a minivan. It cuts journey time down by a third too.

It's not a trip you'd pay to do on a weekly basis, but as a treat, or as part of a holiday, it's a positive addition to Thailand's tourism industry.

==> Book your ticket here.

✓ Your Next Read: Best Things to do in Hua Hin

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  11. Does anyone know about their performance in the last few months in terms of reliabilty, punctuality and travelling time?

    If I am on tight schedule with appointment in the destination and need to arrive on time, is it a good choice to take the ferry?

    Reply

        • That’s really bad luck. They can’t risk crossings in high wind, certainly not in those waters. Better to be safe than sorry. As for getting your money back, have you followed up with their office? Under Thai consumer law they have to offer you a refund or a re-booked trip. You may also be able to claim on your travel insurance.

          Reply

          • We pre-booked to go on 20th Dec. Got a phone call to say ferry cancelled till 24th. Went to office for refund but refused. Booked again for 24th. We would have lost hotel booking in Hua Hin and would have had to find accommodation for 4 more nights in Pattaya. Decided to get taxi to Hua Hin.

            Reply

      • I took a the ferry from Hua Hin to Pattaya in Jan.
        Below is my experience:

        The ferry arrived to Pattaya and departed a bit late.

        The sea was calm but it took 2.5 hours to arrive Pattaya. So I think it’s the average.

        The seat is not comfortable at all, no head rest and the back is too straight. You will twist your neck easily since your head keep dipping while falling asleep.

        On arrival, it took almost another 30mins to handle the luggage. It is primitive and everything by human, one by one.

        Altogether it took 3 hours for the trip, and another few hundred metre walk with luggage from the jetty before you are really landed.

        So, the conclusion is that the journey not enjoyable at all. Take it only when there is really a need.

        Reply

        • Hi John,

          I didn’t think it was too bad. I didn’t plan to sleep on the ferry. I don’t really sleep on planes boats or coaches, anyway. For me, I just like to take in the views of the ocean. I think you always have to expect some boarding and disembarking time. If the ferry is at full capacity there is always going to be a wait. And after all, this is Thailand and people are not generally in a rush or getting really stressed about time like we tend to. I agree, there are things they could do to make the service smoother, and I’m sure by providing feedback that will help them to do that in the future.

          Reply

  28. I travelled last week (May 2017) from Hua Hin to Pattaya. Price for economy seats was 1250B. Business was 1550B. Travel time was 2 hours. Leaves Pattaya at 10 AM and Hua Hin at 12.30 PM. Bought the tickets on the pier. Ferry was not full. Sea was choppy and I got seasick. Staff was ready for the situation and provided me with the necessary plastic bags. Better sit in the rear of the cabin if you are prone to seasickness.

    Reply

  29. The ferry leaves Hau Hin from Khao Takiab pier now not Saphan pa pier at 13-30 each day but you have to ring to confirm sailings if the weather is bad, 093-495-9499. It is run by Royal Passenger Liner, you buy the ticket at the pier arrive early cos it gets busy. We are getting it tomorrow, 10th March 2017, will update info, hope this helps .

    Reply

  41. Update: from February 2017 the ferry leaves Pattaya for Hua Hin at 10.30am daily and the journey takes 2 hrs.
    During February the promotion fare is Bt 999 economy 1,299 1st class. Capacity of the boat is 340 passengers.
    Boat service may be suspended on Feb 11th and 12th.

    It returns from Hua Hin at 1.30pm.

    Reply

    • You can’t buy tickets online yet. You have to get them from the ticket office at Bali Hai pier in Pattaya, which you can do just before departure.
      Because the service is new and at a premium price the boat is highly unlikely to be full.

      Reply

  45. Finally this long overdue project came about. It would be more attractive if you consider the timing. Passengers from Hua Hun will not be able to return at night on the same day. I would not want to stay overnight in Pattaya!
    Looking at the road leading to the pear in Hua Hin is quite a filthy sight. All the trash and new small shacks do not add to an appealing tourist attraction. I have travelled the world and love Thailand. Why is everything amidst the new buildings so filthy and messy? One can be poor but still clean!!!

    Reply

    • They are planning additional journeys if the service is a success. You don’t have to stay overnight. You could depart Hua Hin at 8.30 and depart Pattaya at 3.30pm.

      I’m afraid I can’t answer the last part of your question 🙂

      Reply

  53. Tried to go yesterday waited from 6am for tickets ferry departed on time 8:30am only to turn back after 5 minutes due to high swells
    We were told to come at 8am todsy as our tickets were booked so on arrival to the same pier this morning only there was no boat or sign of staff no warning no notification apparently it can also leave from another pier but we were not informed of any difference
    Just nothing and no one ?

    Reply

  54. I wonder if the ferry meets the “Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships” by Lloyds, and also has a proper insurance for its passengers and their belongings.

    If this is the case, I would try that ferry too one day.

    Reply

    • This is one issue with the route. The sea can be choppy and therefore may take longer than planned. This is one reason no company has taken it on before; because you need a state of the art vessel (expensive) to ensure safety in case of rough seas

      Reply

    • Hi Stephen, the service starts on 12th January so the link hasn’t been activated yet. I am told that rides are free in January as part of the testing phase, or at least for the first couple of weeks, so you may have to just turn up as I doubt you will be able to buy tickets online until February.

      Reply

  59. looks like BS to me…..the ferry photos have varied from a converted mine layer to an old rive tub….some look like hey can take cars, others don’t….I get the impression they actually don’t have a boat yet – and the one in the video???? I’ll believe that when I se it.

    however it makes you wonder about the general ethics of a company that is prepared to put out what appears to be a rather misleading video………
    If they compromise on that, what else will they compromise on? Safety? certainly not on price!

    Reply

    • Well apparently it is launching on the 12th, and early takers will get a free “maiden voyage” ride during the rest of January. I’m also interested to see if the ferry looks anything like the one in the video.

      Reply

  60. The distance shown from Hua Hin to Pattya is 113 km. The speed of the ferry shown above is 27 knots or 50 km per hour.
    The answer for the travel time shown on my calulator is 2 hours 43 minutes. It is not 1 hour and 40 minutes.
    Some please take note of this.

    Reply

  62. I’ve actually always wondered why there were no ferries between Pattaya and Hua Hin. After all, the two are only about 70 miles apart as the bird flies but are over 210 miles apart by land. Of course I’ve never driven from Pattaya to Hua Hin myself, but based on the over the road distance it would take 3.5 hours to get there if you could somehow manage to average 60MPH the whole way (not likely) making no stops for food or gas. But realistically I think 4 to 4.5 hours is probably a more accurate estimate. Traveling across the water at 31 MPH on the other hand it would take you just a bit over two hours to get there (I’m not sure how they came up with 1.5 hours). So basically you are cutting your travel time in half. And this probably makes it a no-brainer for most people.

    Still, I don’t imagine that I will be taking this new ferry anytime soon. For one thing I get seasick very easily, and once sick it can sometimes take me half a day or more to completely recover. I’ve never had any trouble with short ferry rides in Thailand of course, but I really don’t think I could risk a two-hour long trip over possibly very choppy water – that is, unless the ferry is a hydrofoil (very doubtful).

    Then there is the matter of price. 1200 baht for a one-way ticket on this ferry is a whopping 2.5 times more than what it would cost you to take a Supercat Ferry one-way for an equal distance in the Philippines. Furthermore you get a substantial discount on round trip ferry ticket in the Philippines. Anyway, this new ferry service just seems like a huge rip-off to me and I personally don’t care for being ripped off.

    Reply

    • This stretch of water can be quite choppy too, so for those who do get seasick it is probably worth giving it a miss, or at the very least looking at the weather forecast prior to booking. That said, how much does the weather have to do with a choppy sea? I mean, I’ve seen choppy waters when there’s no wind and clear sky!

      I hear you on the price. And it annoys me why the state couldn’t stump up the cash for a new boat and get this off the ground with reasonable ticket prices that are also affordable to locals. Because it’s a private firm, they want to make their money back on the vessels quickly and turn a big profit too.

      Clearly this is being aimed at the “quality tourist”, as they put it, and families.

      I personally think they will need to rethink the pricing. People are happy to pay a bit more for convenience, but people aren’t stupid either. A family of 4 could fly to Chiang Mai for less than the cost of taking the boat from Pattaya to Hua Hin. Or am I being naive? Perhaps the plan is to pre-sell bundles of tickets to Chinese tour companies and cash in that way.

      Reply

      • Yeah, it will be interesting to see if they do indeed end up having to rethink their pricing. Part of me really thinks that they will. But then again, it’s also entirely possible that they will be booked solid most of the time, even at those outrageous prices. After all I’m sure that a lot of the Pattaya expats will love the idea of being able to quickly and easily jump across the gulf to Hua Hin to relax for a few days with their girlfriends. And both Thais and westerners from Bangkok will probably love the idea of being able to hit both Pattaya and Hua Hin in the same trip. It would be a nice little circular route – Bangkok to Pattaya to Hua Hin and then directly back to Bangkok from there. And I hadn’t even considered all the Chinese tourists until you brought it up – probably because
        their numbers only really exploded after I left Thailand – but this route would be perfect for the tour bus type of tourist as they like to cram as many destinations as possible into one trip.

        Reply

    • If anybody is concerned about the time taken I now have a new improved time machine as seen on dr Who,this will cut the journey time considerably or erase it completely,please send details of when you would like to arrive/depart.fully ATOL insured,schedule still to be fantasised.

      Reply

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