What are the best options for travelling to Lopburi from Pattaya by either bus or train? Aree there any buses leaving from South Pattaya/Jomtien/Pratumnak area or do I have to do the dread route to Sukhumvit?  Can I get tickets in advance. I sometimes buy two tickets so I can have two seats for me and my bag.

I suspect you will have to go through central Bangkok on any commercial service.  Alternative, especially if more than one, might be to charter a taxi or van for the trip.

Travelling solo so wont charter van. Have been using taxis and limos for years now trying to travel cheaper. Buses run from two BKK bus stations including Mo Chit I believe so the issue is: what is the least painless way to get a bus from Pattaya to Mo Chit or any bus station that has buses to Lopburi. Do buses frun from Survanapoomi to Lopburi?

If you willing to take several vehicles this might work:  Suspect just going into Bangkok might be easier though.

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Pattaya/Lopburi

1. Pattaya

   2 h - hourly

   $4

2.  

   Suvarnabhumi Airport Arrivals

   554

   1 h - every 20 minutes - line 554

   $1 - $2

3.  

   Rangsit

   1 h 30 min - every 30 minutes

   $3

4.  

   Ang Thong

   45 min - every 30 minutes

   $2

5. • Lopburi
   • 20 Accommodations