How much does bus fare cost in Thailand in 2026?

The cost of bus travel in Thailand varies greatly and depends on three main factors: type of bus, service class, and distance. In general, the bus is the cheapest way to travel around the country.

Scheduled buses (from cheap to expensive)

• Second class (2nd class): The most budget option. Short routes (e.g., 100-200 km) can cost from 50-100 baht (1.5-3$). Long-distance trips — several hundred baht.
• First class (1st class): More comfortable and faster. The cost on popular routes (e.g., Bangkok-Chiang Mai, about 700 km) can be 500-900 baht (14-25$).
• VIP class: The most comfortable and fastest. The price for the same Bangkok-Chiang Mai route can be within 800-1200 baht (22-33$).

Tourist buses

They cost more than scheduled buses for similar distances. The markup (sometimes significant) is for convenience: sales in agencies near the hotel and often included transfer. For example, a trip on a tourist minivan from Pattaya to Koh Chang island can cost 600-800 baht (17-22$), while on a scheduled bus with transfers it would be cheaper.

Summary: If the budget is limited and you are willing to spend time getting to the bus station — choose scheduled buses of 2nd or 1st class. If convenience and time are important, and you don't mind paying extra — consider VIP class or tourist buses (but with caution regarding their unpunctuality).

Current price examples and comparison of costs for different types of transport can be found in our detailed material: Buses in Thailand - what you need to know.

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