Thailand bus prices 2026
Real fares for every route
All Thailand bus prices at a glance: Bangkok → Chiang Mai from €16, Bangkok → Phuket from €19, Bangkok → Koh Samui from €24… Live counter of real fares for the 30+ most popular routes, with comparison by bus type (Public, Express, VIP, Minivan) and budget estimate for your trip.
See all live prices →Bus prices from Bangkok — the 12 most popular routes
Real price range for each route (budget bus → VIP). Click a route to compare all available operators and book.
| Route from Bangkok | Price (from – to) | Duration | Recommended type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok → Chiang Mai | €16 – €25 | 9-11h | Overnight VIP |
| Bangkok → Chiang Rai | €20 – €30 | 11-13h | Overnight VIP |
| Bangkok → Sukhothai | €10 – €15 | 6-8h | Express |
| Bangkok → Ayutthaya | €2 – €4 | 1h30 | Public |
| Bangkok → Kanchanaburi | €3 – €5 | 2-3h | Express |
| Bangkok → Pattaya | €4 – €8 | 2-3h30 | Express |
| Bangkok → Hua Hin | €5 – €12 | 3-4h | Express |
| Bangkok → Phuket | €19 – €35 | 12-15h | Overnight VIP |
| Bangkok → Krabi | €18 – €28 | 14-19h | Overnight VIP |
| Bangkok → Koh Samui (bus + ferry) | €24 – €45 | 10-15h | Combo ticket |
| Bangkok → Koh Phangan (bus + ferry) | €28 – €45 | 13-15h | Combo ticket |
| Bangkok → Koh Tao (bus + ferry) | €26 – €42 | 11-14h | Combo ticket |
Bus prices departing from other Thai cities
Real fares for the most-used inter-city connections outside Bangkok:
| Route | From | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket → Krabi | €6 | 3-4h |
| Krabi → Koh Phi Phi | €13 | 2h ferry |
| Chiang Mai → Pai | €5 | 3-4h |
| Chiang Mai → Chiang Rai | €6 | 3-4h |
| Koh Samui → Koh Phangan | €10 | 30 min |
| Krabi → Koh Phangan (bus+ferry) | €13 | 6-8h |
| Surat Thani → Koh Tao (bus+ferry) | €15 | 5h |
Price by bus type: how much does each category cost?
More comfort = higher price — but even VIP buses remain affordable vs a domestic flight.
Cheapest. Short intra-province trips, many stops, basic comfort. Ideal for extreme budget or local immersion. Ex: Bangkok → Ayutthaya €2.
Best value for long distances. Reclining seats, AC, toilet, snacks. Ex: Bangkok → Sukhothai €10-15, Bangkok → Phuket Express €19-25.
Most comfortable: 3 wide reclining seats per row, meals included, blanket. Excellent for overnight trips. Ex: Bangkok → Chiang Mai €20-25, Bangkok → Krabi €22-28. Saves a hotel night.
Faster than the bus but cramped. Best for short tourist routes. Ex: Chiang Mai → Pai €5, Krabi → Ao Nang €2. Avoid for long distances.
Essential for islands (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Phi Phi, Koh Lipe). One ticket, guaranteed connection. Ex: Bangkok → Koh Samui from €24, Bangkok → Koh Phi Phi from €28.
Bus budget for your Thailand trip
Realistic estimate of the total bus cost based on trip length and travel style. Includes main inter-city legs.
Bus vs train vs flight: which is cheapest in Thailand?
Comparison on the most-requested route (Bangkok → Chiang Mai, 700 km) to help you choose by budget and time available:
| Mode | Price | Door-to-door duration | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Overnight VIP bus | €16-25 | 10-12h (saves a hotel night) | Cheapest, scenery, sleep |
| 🚆 Overnight train (2nd class) | €20-35 | 13-15h | More stable than bus, sleeper |
| ✈️ Low-cost flight | €25-60 | 4-5h (1h15 flight + airports) | Fastest |
| ✈️ Full-service flight | €60-120 | 4-5h | Comfort |
For tight budgets or adventurous travelers, the overnight VIP bus is unbeatable: cheapest, saves a hotel night, and offers a real travel experience. Low-cost flights remain relevant for long routes if time is tight.
5 tips to pay less for your Thailand bus
For trips under 5h (Bangkok → Pattaya, Bangkok → Hua Hin), Express comfort is plenty. Save 30-40% vs VIP.
Overnight VIP Bangkok → Chiang Mai at €20 = trip + included night. Save €20-30/night on hotel.
Counter prices are 10-20% cheaper than online, but you risk being sold out in high season. Avoid for popular VIP buses.
Khao San Road agencies in Bangkok or in tourist hubs charge 20-30% commission. Book online or directly at the terminal.
Bus + ferry combined tickets (Bangkok → Koh Samui from €24) are cheaper than buying separately, and guarantee the connection. Save 15-25%.
Do prices vary by season?
Unlike flights, Thailand bus prices are remarkably stable year-round — the ranges above apply regardless of the month. What changes with season:
- Availability: in high season (Dec-Feb + Jul-Aug), VIP buses sell fast. Book 48-72h ahead to avoid being forced into a less comfortable Express at VIP price.
- Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan: 48h before and after, combo tickets to Koh Phangan can rise 10-15% and sell out 5 days ahead.
- Thai New Year (Songkran, mid-April): high traffic on all national routes. Book early.
- Low season (May-Oct, monsoon): max availability, but a few cancellations possible during heavy rains (ferries especially).
See the exact price of your route
Click a route to see live prices, schedules and bus types from available operators:
FAQ — Thailand bus prices
What is the average Thailand bus price?
Why do prices vary so much between operators on the same route?
Does the online price include all fees?
Is it cheaper to buy at the bus terminal?
What bus budget for a 3-week Thailand trip?
Do prices rise in high season?
Is payment in Thai baht or euros?
If the price drops after I book, am I refunded?
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