Chatuchak is best known for its huge weekend market, but this relatively quiet area of Bangkok is also home to the Mochit New Van Terminal, frequented by locals and tourists looking to travel around Thailand. Located north of downtown Bangkok and south of Don Mueang Airport, Mochit New Van Terminal offers minibus services throughout the region. There are probably over a hundred places you can reach from here.
How to get to Mochit New Van Terminal
Gone are the days when the Victory Monument was the main transport hub in Bangkok. Currently, minibuses mainly depart from the city’s three main bus terminals: Mo Chit, Ekkamai and Sai Tai Mai. Mo Chit was then divided so that Bangkok’s main northern bus terminal, Mo Chit, is located there, while Mochit New Van Terminal was built across the street.
You may know this station as Chatuchak Minibus Station or Mochit New Van Terminal; Anyway, it’s the same place and it’s opposite Mo Chit Bangkok Bus Terminal, so it’s easy to get to. Bangkok city center is easily accessible by taxi, MRT, BTS or city bus.
Taxi
Taxis are the most expensive but also the most convenient way to reach Mochit New Van Terminal as you can travel directly from door to door. Depending on the exact location you are traveling from, you will have to pay between 2.60 and 3.90 euros (100 and 150 baht).
Go see BTS
With BTS you can reach Mochit BTS station. It doesn’t look too far from Mochit New Van Terminal on the map, but it will probably take you about half an hour if you try to walk through Chatuchak Park. Instead, we recommend taking a city bus, taxi or motorbike. City buses are the cheapest and many run from here to Mochit New Van Terminal.
Take the subway
If you are taking the MRT, you can get off at Kamphaeng Phet stop. It doesn’t seem too far from Mochit New Van Terminal, but it’s better to get there by taxi, motorbike or city bus.
Take the city bus
From Bangkok you can also take a city bus to Mochit New Van Terminal. This will take longer than other options, but will save you money if you’re traveling on a budget. Many buses run to Bangkok’s Mo Chit Main Bus Terminal, including number 3 from Khao San Road.
Mochit New Van Terminal timetable
As we have already said, dozens of destinations can be reached from this minibus station in the north of Bangkok, and they are not limited to places north of the capital. On the contrary, from here you can go to towns and resorts all over Thailand. The most popular routes include the route from Mochit New Van Terminal to Hua Hin in the south, about 4 hours away; to Koh Chang Pier, approximately 7.5 hours away; or from Mochit New Van Terminal to Ayutthaya, a much shorter journey of around 2 hours.
| Van Bangkok – Ayutthaya ฿ 150–340 1h 30m – 2h 30m | |
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| Van Bangkok – Hua Hin ฿ 220–460 3 hours 45 minutes – 4 hours | |
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| Van Bangkok – Kanchanaburi ฿ 170–350 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes | |
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Chances are that if you’re going somewhere popular with tourists, you’ll find at least one minibus company that offers this route. In most cases, several companies offer the same route, so you can choose the one you prefer, whether it looks like the nicest minibus, has the best timetable for you, or is the cheapest.
Buy tickets for Mochit New Van Terminal
While there may be several carriers offering the same routes, that doesn’t mean you can always find availability. Minibuses are actually a very popular mode of transportation among Thais and tourists, so they can be filled in advance, especially when the holidays are approaching.
There are several ticket counters at the minibus terminal and you’ll find destination descriptions in English, so finding the right place to buy what you need shouldn’t be too difficult. However, booking in advance can save you time and hassle and ensure you get the minibus seat you need. Try searching on a booking site such as 12Go as they offer many route options and minibus companies.
Facilities of the new van Mochit terminal
The size and scale of Mochit New Van Terminal may surprise you. It’s a large place, with four different terminals, each dedicated to specific routes, making it easy to find where to go to catch a minibus. In addition to the four terminals, there is a central information building.
Terminal buildings
Terminal A serves minibus routes from Mochit to the north and northeast of Thailand, including Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima. Terminal B serves central Thailand and offers connections to cities such as Ayutthaya. Terminal C serves connections from Bangkok to eastern Thailand, including Pattaya, Rayong and Trat. Terminal D is Mochit in southern Thailand, with destinations including Hua Hin and Cha Am. There are maps you can consult at the minibus terminal if you’re not sure which direction you’re going, and you can always stop at the information building and ask for help if you’re still unsure.
Restaurants and shops
There are toilets at Mochit New Van Terminal, but they are said to be not particularly nice and often out of toilet paper. The good news is that there are places where you can eat something, have a coffee or a snack. The Food Center has several food courts if you want to eat seated. There is also a cafe and bakery, and 7-Eleven sells cheap snacks and water to take with you on the minibus.
There is air conditioning inside the terminals and nice waiting areas to sit in if you have to wait a long time for your minibus to arrive.
Mochit New Van Terminal is a great place to start any trip to Thailand, as it offers multiple routes to destinations throughout the country. Don’t forget that you can also consider the Ekkamai and Sai Tai Mai minibus terminals.
Bus stations in Bangkok
There are three main bus terminals in Bangkok, each with different routes to different destinations travel by bus around Thailand and not only that, but which terminal suits your needs? The answer will depend on from Bangkok to your final destination.
Ekkamai Bus Station (Eastern Bus Terminal)
The Eastern Bus Terminal primarily serves buses and minibuses traveling from Bangkok to destinations in Thailand’s eastern provinces. It is a short walk from Ekkamai BTS station.
Bangkok Mo Chit Bus Station (Northern Bus Station)
Mo Chit Bus Station is the best for your trip to the north of Thailand (to Chiang Mai, to Chiang Rai and Isan). It is located in the northern part of Bangkok, opposite the Mochit New Van Terminal and also close to the new Bang Sue Grand Station.
Bangkok South Bus Station (Sai Tai Mai)
The South Bus Station Bangkok, also known as Sai Tai Mai Bus Station, is located in the western part of Bangkok. It serves destinations throughout southern Thailand, including Phuket and Krabi. Bangkok South Bus Terminal is also a major transport hub for travelers heading to the western part of the country, to places like Kanchanaburi. However, as the second busiest bus station in Bangkok, it still serves the eastern part of the city, even if you head east to Pattaya!