THAILAND: How to Get to Northern Bus Terminal From Bangkok Airport
At Northern Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) in Mo Chit, there are several buses bound for all the areas in the North, Northeast and Central Thailand such as Chang Mai, Chang Rai, Sukhothai, Lampang, Lampoon, . I took this route to Kanchanaburi.
WHAT'S IN THIS BLOG?
HOW TO GET TO NORTHERN BUS TERMINAL (MOCHIT 2/ CHATUCHAK) FROM BANGKOK (SUVARNABHUMI) AIRPORT
- From Suvarnabhumi Airport take the train at the Airport Rail Link. (See the red line on the photo)
- Alight at Phaya Thai (that’s the 7th stop). See the green line on the photo)
- Switch to the BTS Sukhumvit Line. Buy ticket at the counter. Tell the cashier you are getting off at Mo Chit.
- Once you are in Mo Chit. Exit at Phahonyothin Road. From there, you can ride a taxi (make sure to use the meter) to the Northern Bus Terminal which is just nearby. Alternatively, you can just take any of these buses: Bus 3, 26, 77, 96, 104, 509. Or look for a motorbike taxi (usually they are parked at the waiting shed) and tell the driver you are heading to Mochit 2/Chatuchal (Northern us Terminal). Fare is 60 THB.
I remember boarding a free ordinary city bus to the Northern Bus Terminal which is just nearby. The lady conductor did not let me pay saying it’s free. Not sure if it’s because of a holiday or it’s really free.
Surprisingly, there are also buses en route to Southern Thailand, but fewer compared to the Southern Bus Terminal (Sa Tai Mai).
HOW TO GET OUT AND GET TO BANGKOK CITY FROM NORTHERN BUS TERMINAL
BY CITY BUS
Look for the city bus station at the Northern Bus Terminal. I had to pass through a covered market to get there. I basically just followed the other passengers. You can also ask around so you won’t get lost as Mo Chit 2 is quite huge. Look for Bus 3, 26, 77, 96, 104, 509, depending on your destination.
BY TAXI
At the arrival platform in Northern Bus Terminal. There is a metered taxi lane. Always go for the meter. Ignore the touts or cab drivers offering you a fixed rate so you won’t get in trouble.
I’ve rode taxis in Bangkok before alone, even at night or wee hours in the morning and most of them are pretty okay (except those parked in Khao San Road waiting for passengers). I usually just hail them at the highway and tell them to use the meter. If they refuse, I get out and hail another cab.
BY MOTORBIKE
Yes, if the Philippines has habal-habal (motorbike), Thailand has motorbike taxis and I’ve used them a few times when commuting to nearby places in downtown Bangkok. This is a good way to avoid traffic. But I won’t recommend it for long distance ride for security reasons.
Anyway, so if you just want to head back to Mo Chit BTS you can take a motorbike for 60 TBH. They also offer rides to Khao San Road for 150 THB and Victory Monument for 120 THB.
Now from Mo Chit BTS, refer to the map above. Look for the right lanes to your destination.
TIPS
- If you don’t know where to buy your tickets for your destination, look for the Information Desk at the middle of Northern Bus Terminal to inquire.
- There are left luggage counters located at the ground level and third floor. You can leave your luggage here but you have to get it before it closes at 9:30 PM. Fee starts at 20 THB depending on the size of the bag.
- There is a free WiFi inside the Northern Bus Terminal. But if you wish to get your own WiFi, you can buy at 7Eleven.
- There is a covered market inside the premise of Mo Chit2 Bus Terminal where you can buy things you need for your trip such as clothes, sarong and even food and drinks.
