Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal, also known as Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, is a bus station in the far western part of the city mainly serving buses and minivans running on intercity routes from Bangkok to various destinations in Southern Thailand. Discover a detailed guide to Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal in Bangkok with bus routes, station facilities, and tips on how to get to Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal.
Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal Facilities
The Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal building also houses a shopping center called SC Plaza. You can do some shopping for clothing, books, magazines, cosmetics, and other cheap goods while waiting for your bus.
The 7-Eleven convenience store is located on the "G" floor of the terminal building, so you can stock up on food, snacks, and beverages right at the station.
We've spotted at least 3 Café Amazon coffee shops in different parts of the terminal. There's also KFC and even a food court on the top floor of Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal. A number of local-style street restaurants can be found just outside the terminal building at the platform used by minibuses (vans).
There's also a left luggage service provided at Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal. A luggage storage locker operating 24 hours can also be found at the terminal.
Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal's regular bus ticket booths with a small waiting area for passengers nearby can be found on the 1st floor of the terminal.
Van tickets are sold outside the terminal. You will find ticket desks at the platform used by minibuses, which is located on the east side of the terminal building.
Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal Tickets
Buses on the popular short-distance routes, such as Bangkok-Kanchanaburi, depart every 20 minutes, so there’s no need to book bus tickets for such a route in advance.
However, if you are planning to take a long-distance bus to one of the popular tourist destinations, booking a ticket in advance is highly recommended. For the night buses during the high season and all buses during holiday periods such as New Year and the Songkran Festival in April, booking a ticket in advance is almost mandatory, as buses on the most popular routes from Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal quickly fill up.
Some bus companies offer their own online booking systems and let you book seats in advance. However, booking a ticket via an online agent is more convenient, as they offer more options for your trip.
You can use this search form for booking your bus tickets online. Pay attention that the bus station on the system is called Southern Terminal Bangkok.
Popular Routes from Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal
The most popular routes with buses and minivans departing from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to various destinations in Southern Thailand, Central Thailand, and some other areas of the country:
Hua Hin (the journey takes about 3.5 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Hua Hin)
Phuket (the trip all the way to Phuket takes about 12-14 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Phuket)
Krabi (the trip all the way to Krabi can take between 11 and 14 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Krabi)
Ranong for Koh Phayam (the journey takes about 9-10 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Ranong)
Surat Thani for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan (the trip to Surat Thani takes about 10-11 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Surat Thani)
Chumphon for Koh Tao (the trip takes about 7 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Chumphon)
Kanchanaburi (the journey takes about 3 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Kanchanaburi)
Trang (the trip all the way to Trang takes about 12-13 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Trang)
Satun for Koh Lipe (the trip to Satun takes about 15-16 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Satun)
Hat Yai (the journey takes about 14-16 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Hat Yai)
Nakhon Si Thammarat (the trip takes about 10-11 hours; bus schedules and tickets are available here: Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat)
Samut Songkhram for the Maeklong Railway Market (the journey takes about 2 hours)
Amphawa Floating Market (the trip takes about 2 hours)
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (the trip takes about 2 hours)
Pattaya (the journey by van can take about 3 hours)
If you have a specific time of bus departure in your mind, booking a ticket in advance is recommended, as buses for the most popular routes quite often fill up, especially during holidays. During the high season and public holidays, it is recommended to book a ticket online in advance due to the high demand for departures from Bangkok to various regions of Thailand.
You can check the bus schedule and book tickets online by using this search form.
How to get to Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal
There are several ways to get to Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal from different areas of Bangkok.
SRT Red Line & Taxi
Take the SRT Red Line train to Taling Chan Station and then take a taxi to Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal.
The SRT Red Line is connected with the MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue Station, so you can transfer there when traveling to the bus station from the city center.
BTS SkyTrain & Taxi
You can take the BTS Silom Line to Bang Wa Station and then take a taxi for about 10 km.
Public Bus
There are many routes of Bangkok buses passing by Sai Tai Mai Bus Station. You can take the following buses:
- From Sanam Luang, Khao San Road, and the Democracy Monument, take a bus No. 79, 4-51 (124), 3-13 (507), 511, 516, or 556.
- From Victory Monument, take a bus No. 4-38 (28) or 4-61 (515).
- From Siam Square and MBK, take bus No. 4-39 (40), 79, or 511.
For more options, check Bangkok bus routes.
Taxi
Bangkok taxis can be the fastest way to get to the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, but they're the most expensive way as well.
Other Bangkok Bus Terminals
There are 3 main bus terminals in Bangkok, and you need to choose one depending on your desired destination. The other two bus terminals in Bangkok are Mochit Bus Terminal, mainly serving bus routes to Northern and Northeastern Thailand, and Ekkamai Bus Terminal, serving buses running to Eastern Thailand destinations.