Sai Tai Mai, Bangkok’s southern bus terminal, is one of the city’s three main bus stations, along with Ekkamai and Mochit. Although it is known as the Southern Bus Terminal, it actually refers to the part of Thailand it serves rather than the Bangkok location, as Sai Tai Mai is located further west of the city than directly south and serves routes mainly to the south and west from Thailand. This new bus station has replaced Bangkok South Bus Station and should not be confused with nearby Sai Tai Guo, also known as Bangkok South Bus Station, just to confuse everyone!
How to get to Bangkok South Bus Terminal
Sai Tai Mai is located on Borommaratchachonnani Road, west of downtown Bangkok, in the same building as SC Plaza Shopping Center, near the intersection with Thanon Phutthamonthon Sai 1 and in the Taling Chan area. As this is the main bus station, you have many options to get here from other parts of Bangkok; Of course, there are public buses that will be the cheapest option for getting around Bangkok, usually around €0.26 to €0.52 each way. However, the longest journey takes the local bus, especially when you factor in all the waiting at the stops. Taxis are the most convenient, but also the most expensive, way to get to the South Bus Terminal, but at least you can get door-to-door, which is great if you have a lot of luggage to carry.
Take a taxi to Sai Tai Mai Bus Station
The easiest way to get to the South Bus Terminal is by metered taxi. It will cost you around €4.45 and a 25 to 45 minute drive from most of downtown Bangkok to the South Bus Terminal. A bit more expensive than Sukhumvit and east of Bangkok. A little more from Suvarnabhumi airport, about 9.16 euros and about 50 to 75 minutes.
Take the bus to Sai Tai Mai Bus Station
Many public buses run to or pass through Sai Tai Mai, and which bus is right for you depends on where in Bangkok you’re coming from. There are regular city buses, but also air-conditioned buses, good if your trip is a bit longer. Bus number 515 is a good option as it doesn’t stop many times and you can catch it at the Victory Monument or from there take bus number 28. From Khao San Road you can take bus number 79. For Siam Square and MBK look for buses 40, 79, 177 or 511, and at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, buses no. 25, 40 or 501.
Take the Skytrain and taxi to Sai Tai Mai Bus Station
The BTS Skytrain is also available as an option. There is no Skytrain stop right outside the South Bus Terminal, but there are several nearby and you can then take a taxi. Traveling this way reduces travel time and is a convenient way to travel, although it is more expensive than public buses. You should get off the BTS Skytrain at Bang Wa and catch a taxi there. The taxi journey will be about 9 kilometers and take about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic, but it is a good option that does not cost too much, about 2.09 euros.
There is also the option of the new SRT Red Lines train which runs approximately 5km from Taling Chan Station to the South Bus Terminal. The SRT Red Lines train is a good option for those traveling from Don Mueang Airport or northern Bangkok. There is no public transport from Taling Chan Station. So from Taling Chan Station, the easiest option is to take a metered taxi for around €1.31 and ride the last 8-10 minutes of the journey to Bangkok South Bus Terminal.
Sai Tai Mai bus timetables and destinations
Bangkok South Bus Terminal offers bus and minibus services mainly to the south of Thailand, as well as some services to the west of the country. This is actually Bangkok’s main bus station, with buses to Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and Krabi, which are located on the Andaman Sea and not served by rail.
Sai Tai Mai Bus Station to Hua Hin
A popular route from Bangkok to Hua Hin from Sai Tai Mai is a daily bus leaving at 11:30 and arriving at 16:00. Minibuses to Hua Hin are also an option and run more frequently (about every half hour), so this may be a better option to fit into a busy schedule rather than trying to catch a bus. Minibuses are also faster and the journey takes about 3 hours. get to Hua Hinwith a few stops along the way.
From Sai Tai Mai Bus Station to Prachuap Khiri Khan
Buses and minibuses are also available to travel from Bangkok to Prachuap Khiri Khan, with either option available at Bangkok South Bus Terminal. There are multiple departures available every day, giving you plenty of options. Tickets can be found in advance on the 12th or purchased at Sai Tai Mai (more on this later).
From Sai Tai Mai Bus Station to Phuket
First class buses leave five times from 06:00 to 10:00, again at 15:30 and several times from 15:30 to 20:00 for €14.12–20.68. VIP buses leave every hour from 17:30 to 20:30 and cost between 23.55 and 27.46 euros. The journey takes 13 hours and many of these buses stop in Khuraburi, Takua Pa, Khao Lak and Phang Nga.
Most buses From Bangkok to Phuket They depart from 15:30 to 20:30, as the most popular option on this route is the night bus. The price ranges from 15.17 to 26.17 euros, depending on the company and type of bus.
Other destinations from Sai Tai Mai Bus Station
Surat Thani (for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan), Chumphon (for Koh Tao), Trang (Ko Muk, Ko Kradan and Ko Ngai docks), RanongNakhon Pathom, Trang, Satun, Pattaya and Rayong are some of the other popular destinations that Sai Tai Mai reaches, and most of them can be reached by bus or minibus.
| Bangkok – Krabi ฿ 740–915 10:30 – 15:00 | |
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| Bangkok-Trang ฿ 779–930 12:00 – 14:00 22:00 | |
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| Bangkok-Ranong ฿ 538–899 9:00 – 12:00 20:00 | |
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Buying tickets at Bangkok South Bus Terminal
As we mentioned earlier, you can always book your tickets online in advance using a reliable service like 12go. The advantage of booking in advance is that you are sure to have the seat on the bus or minibus you need. This is especially important during busy times, such as Thai holidays, when everyone wants to go somewhere. At other times of the year this is not as important and sometimes it may be beneficial to wait until you get to Sai Tai Mai and then consider your options. If you’re traveling on a budget, you may be able to find a better date or cheaper ticket.
Bus and minibus tickets are not sold at the same place; Bus tickets can be purchased at numerous sales points on the first floor. The meters are numbered if you already know which one you need; If not, look at travel destinations, which must be written in both English and Thai. Tickets for both government buses and private bus companies are sold here. For minibuses, there are small stands on the platform, right next to the minibus departure point.
Sai Tai Mai Facilities
As Bangkok’s newest bus terminal, Sai Tai Mai benefits from many amenities for travelers, and since it’s right next to a shopping mall, you can also take advantage of them when you have to wait a long time for a bus to depart.
If you just need snacks and drinks for your journey, there is a convenient 7-Eleven restaurant on Level G. If you prefer to grab a coffee or sit down for a meal, there are several cafes scattered throughout the terminal and a food court on the upper floor, as well as street vendors outside next to the minibus platform. For fast food, KFC is also located within the terminal.
The luggage storage service is practical if you are going on a short trip and don’t want to carry everything with you, and of course there is also a toilet service.
Night markets in Thailand are a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else. The Sai Tai Center Market, adjacent to Bangkok’s South Bus Terminal, offers endless options for street food and Thai desserts, and is open daily from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.!
Bangkok bus terminals
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 best suits your needs? The answer will depend on where you are heading from Bangkok.
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 option for a trip to northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Isan). It is located in the northern part of Bangkok, near the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Terminal Central railway station.
Bangkok South Bus Station (Sai Tai Mai)
Bangkok South Bus Station, 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’s South Bus Terminal is also a major transport hub for travelers heading to the west of the country places like Kanchanaburi. However, as the second busiest bus station in Bangkok, it also offers services to the eastern part of the city, even if you head east to Pattaya!