Whether you go North, Northeast, East or South of Thailand, there is a wide range of bus routes linking the capital, Bangkok, with the rest of the provinces. Bus is the preferred way to move around the country among backpackers, as it is budget-friendly and relatively comfortable, and it also reaches most off the beaten path destinations far from the train network or inaccessible by plane.
We support advance ticket booking for more than 50 bus stations across Thailand, connecting Bangkok with the major tourist destinations: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai and Tak in Northern Thailand, Nong Khai, Loei, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Buriram and Ubon Ratchathani in Northeastern Thailand, Ayutthaya and Kanchanaburi in Central Thailand, Pattaya, Rayong and Trat in Eastern Thailand, Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi in Southern Thailand.
Contents
- Types of buses in Thailand
- Getting around Thailand by bus
- - Northern Thailand
- - Bus routes to Mae Hong Son
- - Bus routes to Chiang Mai
- - Bus routes to Chiang Rai
- - Bus routes to Lampang
- - Bus routes to Lamphun
- - Bus routes to Nan
- - Bus routes to Phayao
- - Bus routes to Phrae
- - Bus routes to Uttaradit
- - Bus routes to Tak
- - Bus routes to Sukhothai
- - Bus routes to Kamphaeng Phet
- - Bus routes to Nakhon Sawan
- - Northeastern Thailand
- - Bus routes to Bueng Kan
- - Bus routes to Nong Khai
- - Bus routes to Loei
- - Bus routes to Nong Bua Lamphu
- - Bus routes to Udon Thani
- - Bus routes to Nakhon Phanom
- - Bus routes to Chaiyaphum
- - Bus routes to Khon Kaen
- - Bus routes to Roi Et
- - Bus routes to Amnat Charoen
- - Bus routes to Buriram
- - Bus routes to Surin
- - Bus routes to Sisaket
- - Bus routes to Ubon Ratchathani
- - Central Thailand
- - Eastern Thailand
- - Southern Thailand
- How to book your bus tickets in Thailand
Types of buses in Thailand
Road transportation in Thailand is carried out by two types of vehicles: buses and minivans. Major local transport providers operate modern fleets of vehicles equipped with air-conditioning. Depending on the travel distance and the level of comfort your prefer, you can choose among bus or minivan options available for your route.
Buses
Buses cover short and long distances between two or more cities in different provinces during daytime. Note that there are no sleeper buses in Thailand.
The most common models of buses in Thailand are single-deck and double-deck coaches equipped with reclining seats and capacity for 30 to 40 passengers.
Most seated buses have air-conditioning and the staff on-board provides water and refreshing towels.
Minivans
Minivans generally cover short distances during daytime and connect cities in the same province or neighbor provinces.
The most common model of the minivan in Thailand is the Toyota Hiace, having the interior refurbished with three rows of seats accommodating 10 passengers. Additionally, there is space for 1 extra passenger in the front of the van, seating next to the driver.
Most minivan vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and seatbelts to ensure a comfortable and safe trip.
Getting around Thailand by bus
With over 70,000 km, the highway network in Thailand covers all the regions in the country. Most highways consist of two-lane and four-lane roads in good condition that guarantee a safe driving.
There are different types of highways in Thailand, classified as national highways interconnecting regions, provinces and major cities, regional and local highways interconnecting localities within the same region or province.
The first digit of the highway number indicates the region in Thailand -1 for Northern, 2 for Northeastern, 3 for Central and Eastern, 4 for Southern-, whereas the rest of the digits indicate the classification of highway.
- - Single digit highways represent the national highways connecting Bangkok with the rest of the country: Route 1 (Phahonyothin Road) between Bangkok and Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand, Route 2 (Mittraphap Road) between Bangkok and Nonh Khai in Northeastern Thailand, Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road) between Bangkok and Trat in Eastern Thailand, and Route 4 (Phet Kasem Road) between Bangkok and Hat Yai in Southern Thailand.
- - Two digit highways represent principal highways connecting a region. For instance, Route 22 between Udon Thani and Nakhon Phanom in the Northeast, Route 44 between Krabi and Surat Thani in the South.
- - Three digit highways represent regional highways connecting near provinces. For instance, Route 108 between Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son, Route 201 between Nakhon Ratchasima and Loei.
- - Four digit highways represent intra-province highways connecting the capital of the province with the districts.
Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand comprises the provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani.
Northern Mountains
Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are three mountainous provinces in Northern Thailand bordering Myanmar and Laos. The temperature is cooler than the rest of the country and the landscape offer stunning views of picturesque towns lying at the foot of the mountains. Visitors can travel here to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, admire the beautiful temples in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and set a base camp for trekking or visiting the hill tribes in the Golden Triangle.
Bus routes to Mae Hong Son
Bus routes to Chiang Mai
- Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai
- Pai to Chiang Mai
- Mae Hong Son to Chiang Mai
- Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai
- Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
- Chiang Khong to Chiang Mai
- Mae Sai to Chiang Mai
- Nan to Chiang Mai
- Phayao to Chiang Mai
- Phrae to Chiang Mai
- Mae Sot to Chiang Mai
- Khon Kaen to Chiang Mai
- Surin to Chiang Mai
- Ubon Ratchathani to Chiang Mai
- Rayong to Chiang Mai
- Phuket to Chiang Mai
Northern River Valleys
The Northern River Valleys comprise Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Phayao and Phrae. These provinces are outside the classic tourist circuit and contain many interesting and unspoilt towns ready to be explored.
Bus routes to Lampang
Bus routes to Lamphun
Bus routes to Nan
Bus routes to Phayao
Bus routes to Phrae
Bus routes to Uttaradit
North Central Plains
Near the border with Myanmar, Tak province contains many national parks, including Taksin Maharat, Mae Moei, Lan Sang and Namtok Pha Charoen, as well as many impressive waterfalls, Namtok Thi Lo Su and Namtok Thi Lo Re. The central region comprises the area where the ancient Kingdom of Sukhothai was located. The Historical Parks of Sukhothai and Kamphaeng Phet preserve the ruins of the first capital of Siam, both are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site for the numerous temples and monuments. Nakhon Sawan is situated at the confluence of the Ping and Nan rivers, and is considered the gateway to the North of Thailand.
Bus routes to Tak
Bus routes to Sukhothai
Bus routes to Kamphaeng Phet
Bus routes to Nakhon Sawan
Northeastern Thailand
The Northeastern region, known as Isan, is the biggest region in Thailand and is home to one-third of Thailand's population. From Khmer temples, to unusual sites and breathtaking scenery, Isan offers destinations that are not to be missed but still remain largely undiscovered. As such, the region boasts an authenticity that is appealing if you want to go off the beaten path. it worths to be mentioned, among others, the Khao Yai National Park, one of the biggest parks in Thailand, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Phanom Rung Historical Park, an astonishing remnant of the Khmer empire and Khon Kaen, one of the fastest growing areas in Thailand, especially known for its high-quality silk and for its proximity to fascinating archaeological sites such as the Phu Wiang park where dinosaur bones are still preserved.
Northern Isan
Northern Isan comprises the provinces of Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Kalasin. Travel here to explore the great Mekong River Valley and the National Parks in Loei or cross the border to Laos.
Bus routes to Bueng Kan
Bus routes to Nong Khai
Bus routes to Loei
Bus routes to Nong Bua Lamphu
Bus routes to Udon Thani
Bus routes to Nakhon Phanom
Central Isan
Central Isan comprises the provinces of Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon and Amnat Charoen. Travel here to discover the Chi River Basin.
Bus routes to Chaiyaphum
Bus routes to Khon Kaen
Bus routes to Roi Et
Bus routes to Amnat Charoen
Southern Isan
Southern Isan comprises the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket and Ubon Ratchathani. Travel here to visit Khao Yai National Park and marvel at the Khmer architecture of Phanom Rung Historical Park.
Bus routes to Buriram
Bus routes to Surin
Bus routes to Sisaket
Bus routes to Ubon Ratchathani
Central Thailand
Central Thailand comprises the provinces of Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.
Bangkok
Bangkok boasts magnificent temples and palaces, authentic river canals and bustling markets. The capital is also the main transportation hub in Central Thailand, with many buses and minivans departing from the main stations of Makkasan and Mo Chit, and the representative offices of the companies in Khao San Road.
Bus routes to Bangkok (North)
Bus routes to Bangkok (East)
Bus routes to Bangkok (South)
Around Bangkok
Thanks to the proximity to Bangkok, travellers can arrange a day trip to Ayutthaya to visit the splendid ruins of the second capital of Siam in Ayutthaya Historical Park, or Kanchanaburi to cross the Bridge over the River Kwai part of the infamous Death Railway to Burma.
Bus routes to Kanchanaburi
Eastern Thailand
Eastern Thailand comprises the provinces of Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Chon Buri, Prachin Buri, Rayong, Sa Kaeo and Trat.
Eastern Gulf Coast
The Eastern Gulf Coast is a region filled with popular beach resorts and paradise islands. The coastline includes world-class tourist destinations like Pattaya, Ko Samed and Koh Chang archipelago, praised for the white sandy beaches and crystal waters.
Bus routes to Pattaya
Bus routes to Chanthaburi and Trat
Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand comprises the provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Yala, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, Ranong, Satun and Trang.
Northern Gulf Coast
Located in the heart of the Northern Gulf Coast, Hua Hin is an attractive destination for travellers seeking the sun and the sea. This seaside resort city is just few hours away from Bangkok and is the perfect spot to enjoy a weekend escape or some family vacations.
Bus routes to Hua Hin
Bus routes to Prachuap Khiri Khan
Central Gulf Coast
Chumphon and Surat Thani are the gateway to the islands in the Gulf of Thailand: Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Also the beautiful National Park of Khao Sok formed by impressive limestone ranges and evergreen tropical rainforest.
Bus routes to Chumphon
Bus routes to Surat Thani
Andaman Coast
The Andaman Coast is home to some truly picture-postcard destinations in Thailand, featuring incredible coastal karst formations, sandy beaches and idyllic islands scattered through the coastline between Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Phuket, Trang and Satun provinces.
Bus routes to Ranong and Phang Nga
Bus routes to Phuket
Bus routes to Krabi
Southern Gulf Coast
The Southern Gulf Coast comprises the provinces of Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, which contain beaches and landmarks popular among Malaysian tourists. Hat Yai is the major transportation hub in Southern Thailand.
Bus routes to Hat Yai
How to book your bus tickets in Thailand
Booking your bus tickets in Thailand is very quick and simple. Search for bus routes between any two cities for your travel dates.
Select your route
After search, we will display the results for your itinerary.
Find the services operated by different bus and minivan companies and select the most convenient option.
Click to expand the details of the route, you will find the available fares. The bus companies in Thailand offer various types of fares, depending on the vehicle.
Fill in the passenger and contact details
Next, provide the passenger(s) information and select your seats.
Baolau supports seat selection on certain buses and minivans in Thailand. In case that seat selection is available, you can choose your preferred seats during the reservation process and the seat numbers will be guaranteed when the booking is confirmed. In other cases, we will carefully select the best seats for you and your travel company.
Don't forget to provide the contact details of the person responsible for booking. We will send the ticket confirmation by email.
Complete your payment
Select your payment method. We accept international credit or debit cards.
Check your itinerary and price breakdown. Confirm that the booking information is correct. Before you proceed to payment, you must read and accept the terms and conditions of booking.
Receive your tickets by email
Once your payment is complete, your reservation will be processed.
In the following 24 hours you will receive the itinerary and booking confirmation by email with the electronic tickets in PDF format.
You can also access to Manage your booking via web and download the electronic tickets to your device.
The electronic tickets are valid boarding passes and can be used to board the bus or minivan at the departure point. Passengers must follow the instructions contained in the e-ticket and print a physical copy in advance or carry a digital copy in the mobile phone or tablet to present it before boarding.
Comply with transport regulations when travelling by bus during Covid-19 pandemic
Following the regulation by Thailand authorities to prevent the Covid-19 pandemic:
- - Passengers are required to verify the access restrictions and quarantine regulations of the province of destination before taking the bus. The bus company may request international passengers to present a certificate of entry into the province of destination at the time of boarding.
- - Passengers are required to arrive to the station 1 hour before the scheduled departure time for check in and health clearance.
- - Passengers are required to submit a mandatory health declaration at the station.
- - Passengers must wear face masks when entering the bus station and during the journey.
- - Passengers may need to proceed through body temperature check and additional control measures to ensure the passenger safety.