Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal (Southern Bus Terminal) Bangkok: travel guide
Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai): how to get there, buses to Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hua Hin and Kanchanaburi, tickets and tips.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
The Southern Bus Terminal, known in Thai as Sai Tai Mai (New Southern) and officially Bangkok Bus Terminal (Borommaratchachonnani Road), is where buses to southern and western Thailand leave: Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani (for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao), Chumphon, Hat Yai, the deep south near the Malaysian border and Kanchanaburi.[1] It sits on Bangkok's western edge, a long way from the centre, so plan extra time to get there.
For the east use Ekkamai, and for the north and northeast use Mo Chit 2.
Location and how to get there
The terminal is on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Chim Phli subdistrict, Taling Chan District.[1] Ask your driver for "Sai Tai Mai" so you do not end up at the old Southern terminal near Pinklao.
- Taxi or ride-hailing: The easiest option with luggage, from Khao San Road, Silom or Sukhumvit.
- City bus: BMTA buses run to the terminal, but they get crowded at peak hours, so skip them with big bags.
- From Mo Chit 2: Take a taxi if you are changing between the two terminals. The Ministry of Transport decided in May 2026 to keep and upgrade Mo Chit 2 rather than move it.[2]
Operators and destinations
The Transport Co. (Bor Kor Sor) is the main operator, alongside private coach and minibus companies. The terminal serves public buses, long-distance coaches and minivans.[1] Many southern buses leave in the afternoon or evening and arrive the next day.
Transport Co's own timetable for the terminal lists these standard-class departures:
| Destination | Departure | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|
| Pattani and Yala | 15:00 | 891[1] |
| Sungai Kolok | 15:30 | 1,001 to 1,557[1] |
| Songkhla | 16:00 | 824[1] |
| Phuket | 16:30 | 715[1] |
| Hat Yai and Songkhla | 16:30 | 808[1] |
| Krabi (via Khlong Thom) | 17:30 | 700[1] |
| Koh Samui (via Don Sak, with ferry) | 18:35 | 963[1] |
Schedules and fares change, so check the current price when you buy. The bus to Phuket takes about 12 hours or more, depending on traffic and delays.[3]
Route guides: Bangkok to Hua Hin, Bangkok to Kanchanaburi, Bangkok to Chumphon, Bangkok to Surat Thani, Bangkok to Koh Samui, Bangkok to Koh Phangan, Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bangkok to Krabi, Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi, Bangkok to Koh Lanta, Bangkok to Phuket, Bangkok to Khao Lak, Bangkok to Trang, Bangkok to Hat Yai, Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Bangkok to Ranong, Bangkok to Koh Lipe, Bangkok to Narathiwat, Bangkok to Yala, Bangkok to Pattaya and Bangkok to Rayong.
Tickets and facilities
- At the terminal: Tickets are sold at the terminal.[1]
- Online: Transport Co. sells tickets at tcl99web.transport.co.th and in the BKS E-Ticket app. Pay within 30 minutes of booking.[4] Agents such as 12Go sell some bus and ferry combinations to the islands.
- Facilities: The terminal has restaurants, convenience stores, restrooms and waiting areas.[1]
Tips
- For the islands near Surat Thani or Chumphon, the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is a comfortable alternative to an overnight bus.
- Minibuses are faster over short distances but cramped; take a full-size bus where you can.
- Leave extra time for evening departures, when the roads to the west are congested.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] The Transport Co., Ltd. (BusTicket.in.th): Bangkok Bus Terminal Southern (Sai Tai Mai): timetable, services and information. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [2] Bangkok Post: B3.5-billion makeover planned for Mo Chit 2 (8 May 2026). Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Bangkok - Phuket. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [4] The Transport Co., Ltd (Bor Kor Sor): BKS online ticket booking (tcl99web). Retrieved October 21, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is on Borommaratchachonnani Road in Taling Chan District, on the western edge of Bangkok. Most people call it Sai Tai Mai, and Transport Co. lists it as Bangkok Bus Terminal (Borommaratchachonnani Road).
A taxi or ride-hailing car is easiest, especially with luggage. City buses also run to the terminal, but they get crowded at peak hours.
Buses to southern and western Thailand: Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Hat Yai, Kanchanaburi and more. Services to the islands often combine a bus and a ferry.
Sai Tai Mai (New Southern) is the current main terminal on Borommaratchachonnani Road. Sai Tai Gao is the old terminal near Pinklao, so tell your driver which one you want.
No, there is no railway station at the terminal. Take a taxi or bus for the last stretch.
About 12 hours or more, depending on traffic and delays. Transport Co. lists a departure at 16:30 for 715 baht.