Long distance Bus Trips

Bangkok's three official long haul bus terminals

 

Eastern Bus Terminal - also known as Ekamai, this relatively compact terminal is located right next to Ekamai BTS station on Sukhumvit. Ekamai serves Eastern Thailand destinations, including Pattaya, Rayong, Ban Phe, Chanthaburi and Trat.
Address: Sukhumvit Rd (Ekamai) Bangkok
Ph: 03-912 504

 

North & North Eastern Bus Terminal - also known as Moh Chit (or Mor Chit or Morchit), this is the largest, busiest, and most modern terminal. The upper floor serves the North-East (Isaan); the ground floor serves the North, as well as sharing some destinations with Ekamai (including Pattaya, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat). It's a 30-baht moto hop (or a lengthy hike across Chatuchak Park) from BTS Moh Chit/Metro Chatuchak stations, or take the 77 bus and pay the 7-baht flat fare on board.

 

Southern Bus Terminal - also known as Sai Tai Taling Chan, this terminal serves aBus terminal serving the south of Thailand, Phuket, Samui, Hat Yai etc., and beyond to Malaysia and Singapore. The Terminal is located, at Phutthamonthon Soi 1 in the Taling Chan district. Ph: 02-894 6122

When arriving in Bangkok Late at night, the easiest way from Northern or Southern terminal to your final destination will be by metered-taxi.

 

By tourist bus you may find yourself delivered to their favorite hotel or guest-house, otherwise you'll probably be dropped off in the vicinity of one of the long haul terminals, or if it's a service catering primarily for backpackers, somewhere near Khaosan Road.

When buying tickets for buses out of Bangkok, it's best to skip travel agents and their private buses, and get the tickets for public buses directly at the public terminals. These buses are cheaper, safer, faster and more comfortable and won't scam you onto a clapped-out minibus halfway along the way or to a bedbug-infested hotel at the end.