Here is information about getting to Pattaya from various parts of Thailand.
Air
Pattaya has a small airport at U-Tapao. However, Pattaya airport is on the sidelines of air traffic. Flights operating between Bangkok and Koh Samui stop for a while at U Tapao. Taxis are available from here for getting to Pattaya town.
From Suwarnabhumi Airport of Bangkok
For international tourists, most convenient way for getting to Pattaya is to land at Suwarnabhumi Airport of Bangkok and then hire taxis for Pattaya. The taxis would take a bit more than one hour to reach their destination. Buses also ply regularly between Suwarnabhumi Airport and Pattaya. Buses going from Bangkok city to Pattaya also stop at the airport to take the people. The express bus from the airport would be best option for you. It would take not more time than the taxi and would have enough room for your luggage.
Taxi/Car Hire
From any town in Thailand you can hire taxis or cars for getting to Pattaya. However, you must keep in mind that most taxi drivers don't use their meters and you must settle on the price before you board the taxi.
Bus
Bus services operate for Pattaya from all major tourist spots of Thailand. From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) of Bangkok, buses depart for Pattaya every 30 mins from 5am to10pm. Pattaya-bound buses also operate from the Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit II). Both express and ordinary buses are available.
Train
A train runs daily between Hualamphong Railway Station of Bangkok and Pattaya. The train takes five hours to reach its destination. On Saturdays and Sundays, a weekend excursion train is also available from Bangkok to Pattaya. Travelling on train, you would be able to save on your money too.
Here is information about getting to Pattaya from various parts of Thailand.