Transport New Express Buses Cut Travel Time from Bangkok to Chiang Mai

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

State-owned Transport Co Ltd has launched a trial of new special express bus services aimed at slashing travel times between Bangkok and the popular destinations of Chiang Mai and Phuket. This initiative, starting today and running until 8th March, represents a significant shift from traditional routes by reducing the number of stops and offering onboard meals instead of breaks at roadside eateries.

 

The company, commonly known as Bor Kor Sor, aims to make long-distance travel more efficient, according to its president, Attawit Rakjamroon. Passengers will benefit from shorter journey times and a more streamlined experience, which the company hopes will enhance overall satisfaction.

 

On the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, the express service reduces travel time from the usual 11 hours to just 9 hours and 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the express service to Phuket trims the trip from 13 hours down to 12. These reductions are achieved by cutting out certain pick-up and drop-off points and serving meals directly on the bus.

 

The Bangkok-Chiang Mai express ticket is priced at 594 Thai Baht, and expediently offers two round trips each day. Buses depart from the Bangkok Bus Terminal, also known as Mo Chit 2, at 8pm and leave Chiang Mai Bus Terminal for the return journey at 6:30pm.

 

Similarly, the Bangkok-Phuket service is priced at 1,112 Thai Baht, with two round trips available every day. Departures from Bangkok are at 5:25pm, with return trips leaving Phuket Bus Terminal at 4:30pm.

 

This streamlined service is expected to be popular with travellers seeking to maximise their time in Chiang Mai and Phuket, two of Thailand's most visited destinations. The change reflects a broader trend towards increasing the convenience of intercity travel, recognising passengers’ desire to spend less time on the road.

 

By integrating meal services onboard, passengers can enjoy a seamless travel experience without the interruptions of extended roadside stops, allowing them to reach their destinations faster and with greater comfort. This move could set a new standard for long-distance bus travel in the region, offering a competitive edge against other modes of transportation.

 

The trial will assess customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, and if successful, may lead to a permanent service. It represents a proactive response by Bor Kor Sor to evolving passenger needs, with an emphasis on speed, convenience, and customer care.

 

As the trial progresses, feedback from passengers will be crucial in determining the future of these express routes, potentially influencing further innovations in Thailand's intercity transportation. Travellers looking for efficient and comfortable travel options are encouraged to take advantage of this trial period, providing an opportunity to experience an enhanced bus service that could soon become a staple of travel across the country.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-11

 

 

[johng]

2 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

the Bangkok-Chiang Mai express ticket is priced at 594 Thai Baht,

That seems like a bargain to me  for such a long distance  however sitting for all that time might be a problem if the chair is not so comfortable  which I find they generally are not after a few hours.

[Jim Mac]

Hopefully there are toilets and more than one driver.

[hunkidori]

9 and a half hours on a bus...no thanks