Bangkok is the hub of Thailand's transport network. Trains, long-distance buses, minivans and flights connect it with almost every region, but the departure points are spread across the city, so you need to know which station or terminal serves your destination. This guide explains the system and the main choices. For arrival info, see airport to city, and for the overall picture, the Bangkok hub and Thailand getting around.
Timetables, fares and routes change. Check each operator's official page before you travel; all prices below are approximate, as of 2026.
Where to go for which destination
| Destination | Typical modes | Departure point in Bangkok | Approx. travel time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayutthaya | Train, minivan, taxi | Krung Thep Aphiwat station or Mo Chit area | 1.5-2 hours |
| Kanchanaburi | Train, bus, minivan | Thonburi side, Southern Bus Terminal | 2-3 hours |
| Pattaya | Bus, minivan, taxi | Ekkamai Bus Terminal, Suvarnabhumi | About 2 hours |
| Hua Hin | Bus, train, minivan | Southern Bus Terminal or Krung Thep Aphiwat | 3-4 hours |
| Chiang Mai | Train (sleeper), bus, flight | Krung Thep Aphiwat, Mo Chit, airports | 10-13 hours by land; about 1 hour 10 min by air |
| Phuket / Krabi | Flight, long-distance bus, train plus transfer | Airports, Southern Bus Terminal | 1.5 hours by air; 12+ hours by land |
| Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao | Flight to Samui, or train/bus plus ferry | Airports, Krung Thep Aphiwat, Southern Bus Terminal | Varies; often an overnight journey |
| Koh Chang | Bus and minivan plus ferry | Ekkamai Bus Terminal | 5-6 hours |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, season and the route.
Trains
Bangkok's main intercity station is Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue Grand Station), which replaced Hua Lamphong as the main long-distance hub. Check the State Railway of Thailand site for which trains use which station, since some services still use other stations.
Types of service include:
- Express and special express: Air-conditioned seats and sleeper cars, common for the north and south.
- Rapid and ordinary trains: Cheaper and slower, often with fans.
- Sleeper trains: A popular choice to Chiang Mai and the south; book early in high season.
Trains are generally low in cost compared with flights, and a sleeper can save a night's hotel. Check the current timetable, ticket classes and booking window on the official site. Seats on popular routes can sell out, especially around public holidays. See the Ayutthaya day trip for a short rail trip.
Long-distance buses
Bangkok has three main coach terminals:
- Mo Chit (Northern and Northeastern): for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ayutthaya, Isaan and the north.
- Ekkamai (Eastern): for Pattaya, Rayong, Trat and Koh Chang.
- Sai Tai Mai (Southern Bus Terminal, Boromaratchachonani): for Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and the south.
VIP and first-class coaches have reclining seats and sometimes meals. Check the operator's page, such as Transport Co., Ltd., for routes and times. Buses are usually less expensive than flights but take longer and may be affected by traffic.
Terminals can be large and busy. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early, confirm the departure bay, and buy tickets from official counters or trusted sellers.
Minivans
Minivans cover many shorter routes, such as Hua Hin and Kanchanaburi. They are often quicker to book than a bus and can depart more often, but comfort varies, and legroom is limited. Choose an operator with clear licensing and reviews of safety. Seat belts should be available. Some passengers prefer larger coaches for long trips.
Domestic flights
Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang both handle domestic flights, and several carriers connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and many other places. Check which airport your flight uses, as the two are far apart. Allow time for check-in and transport; the airport to city guide explains options. Compare baggage allowance, as low-cost fares often exclude checked luggage.
Flights are fastest for long distances such as Chiang Mai or Phuket, and often competitive with long-distance coach fares when booked early.
Booking options
| Option | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Station or terminal counter | Buy in person | Official, can check options | Queues, limited English |
| Operator website or app | Direct from railway, airline or bus company | Clear terms | May need Thai-language steps for some services |
| Booking marketplace | One site that lists multiple operators across modes, such as 12Go | Easy to compare train, bus, ferry and van | Service fees; check the operator named |
| Hotel or travel desk | Staff book for you | Convenient | Often a markup |
Booking marketplaces are widely used by visitors to combine buses, trains and ferries in one itinerary. They sell tickets on behalf of operators, so always check the actual operator, departure point, check-in time and cancellation terms on the booking page. Prices may differ from buying direct, so compare.
When a marketplace sells a combined bus-and-ferry ticket, the pick-up point may be a travel office rather than the terminal. Read the voucher carefully for the meeting place and time.
Sample choices
| Trip | Budget option | Comfort option |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Chiang Mai | Second-class sleeper or coach | Flight or first-class sleeper |
| Bangkok to Phuket | VIP coach (long) | Flight |
| Bangkok to Hua Hin | Minivan or ordinary train | Taxi or first-class bus |
| Bangkok to Koh Samui | Train plus bus plus ferry combination | Flight |
| Bangkok to Pattaya | Bus from Ekkamai | Taxi or private transfer |
For islands, ferry timetables vary; check the operator's official site. See the Thailand getting around guide for the national picture.
Approximate cost ranges
| Route | Bus / train (approx.) | Flight (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok to Ayutthaya | THB 20-100 train; vans about THB 60-150 | Not applicable |
| Bangkok to Pattaya | THB 100-200 bus; van about THB 150-300 | Not applicable |
| Bangkok to Chiang Mai | THB 400-1,500 train or coach | THB 900-3,000 |
| Bangkok to Phuket | THB 800-1,500 coach | THB 900-3,500 |
All figures are approximate and vary by season, class and booking time. Check the operator's own page for current fares.
Early flight bookings and overnight sleepers are the best-value options on long routes, because a sleeper replaces a hotel night. Add baggage fees when comparing low-cost airlines.
Getting to your departure point
Plan the first leg early. The BTS and MRT reach Mo Chit and Bang Sue (for the MRT, check the stations at Bang Sue); Ekkamai terminal is next to Ekkamai BTS. Sai Tai Mai needs a taxi or bus from central Bangkok. Traffic can be heavy, so leave extra time. If you carry heavy luggage, a taxi or ride-hailing app may be simpler; see car rental and eSIM.
Safety on long journeys
- Keep valuables with you, not in overhead racks, on night buses.
- Avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers on public transport.
- Use seat belts when available.
- Check that the operator is licensed. See the Department of Land Transport site for rules.
- Emergency numbers: 191 police, 1669 medical, 1155 Tourist Police.
Read Thailand safety, scams and health for general advice.
FAQ
Which station do trains to Chiang Mai leave from?
Most long-distance services run from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue Grand Station). Check the railway's current timetable to confirm your train.
Is the sleeper train worth it?
It can be, because it saves a night's accommodation and avoids traffic. Book early for high season.
What is the cheapest way to travel between cities?
Ordinary trains and buses are usually the cheapest, followed by minivans. Early flights can be competitive on long routes.
Can I book Thai trains online?
Yes, via the railway's official channels or marketplaces that list them. Check the operator and ticket class carefully.
Are minivans safe?
Many are fine, but standards vary. Choose licensed operators and use seat belts. For long routes, a coach or train may be more comfortable.
How early should I arrive at a bus terminal?
At least 30-45 minutes before departure, to find your bay and board.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
