Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal Survival Guide: Northern Routes & 2025 Upgrades
Mo Chit 2 (Chatuchak Bus Terminal) is Bangkok’s main hub for northern and northeastern Thailand. After 2024-2025 renovations, it’s cleaner and less chaotic than before. New elevators, LED screens, and charging stations make it functional.
Still crowded during peak hours. Signage improved but still confusing for first-timers. Platforms split between floors 1 and 3. Budget 20 minutes to find your gate.
Layout & Finding Your Bus
Terminal spreads across two main floors. Floor 1 handles most departures. Floor 3 covers overflow routes during busy periods. Ticket counters cluster near the main entrance.
Recent renovations added LED departure boards at each platform. Check your ticket for floor number and gate. Gates aren’t numbered sequentially. Gate 15 might sit next to Gate 8.
New elevators connect floors. Wheelchair users can now access all platforms. Ramps replaced most stairs.
Essential Facilities
ATMs: Multiple machines near entrance. Withdraw cash before boarding. Rural destinations don’t always accept cards.
Luggage Storage: Left luggage office on floor 1. Costs around 50-100 THB per bag per day. Opens 6am-10pm. Bring ID.
Food Options: Food court on floor 1 serves pad thai, fried rice, noodle soup for 40-60 THB. Avoid the overpriced cafe near ticket counters. 7-Eleven stocks snacks and drinks at normal prices.
Restrooms: Pay toilets cost 5-10 THB. Renovated in 2024. Cleaner than before but still basic. Bring tissues.
SIM Cards: No official kiosk inside terminal. Buy at Klook before arrival or grab one at 7-Eleven (AIS prepaid available).
Getting to the City
Terminal sits 15 minutes walk from BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park. Signage points you through Wachirabenchathat Park. Doable with light luggage. Skip it if you have backpacks.
Taxi: Official stand outside main entrance. Meter taxis to city center (Sukhumvit/Silom) run 100-150 THB plus tolls. Drivers sometimes refuse meter. Walk away and grab another.
Grab: Works perfectly here. Pin your location at ‘Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal’. Same price as metered taxi. No haggling.
Public Buses: Routes 3, 26, 77, 96, 104, 134, 136, 138, 145, 509, 522 stop outside. Costs 8-15 THB. Crowded during rush hour. Only practical if you know Bangkok bus system.
Heading north? Check schedules for Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Chiang Mai or Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Ayutthaya. Book tickets online via 12Go to skip counter queues.
Survival Tips
WiFi: Free terminal WiFi exists but barely works. Tether from your phone instead.
Charging: Five free charging stations added in 2025. Three on floor 1 near food court. Two on floor 3 by restrooms. Bring your own cable. USB-A ports only.
Air Conditioning: Terminal stays cool. Overnight travelers won’t freeze like at some bus stations. Seating upgraded with padded benches.
Safety: Watch bags during bathroom breaks. Petty theft happens. Terminal operates 24 hours. Security patrols at night.
Sleeping: Benches allow horizontal sleeping. Not comfortable but possible for budget travelers. Massage shops offer chairs for 200 THB/hour if you need rest.
Where to Go Next
Most travelers head to these spots:
Schedules change seasonally. Check current availability online.
Planning a beach run? Routes to Mo Chit Bus Terminal to Pattaya depart hourly. For temple ruins, City Center to Ayutthaya offers alternatives from other Bangkok terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from BTS Mo Chit to the bus terminal?
Walk 15 minutes through Wachirabenchathat Park following signs. Or take a 5-minute taxi for 40-60 THB. Grab works well here.
Is there luggage storage at Mo Chit 2?
Yes. Left luggage office on floor 1 charges 50-100 THB per bag per day. Opens 6am-10pm. Bring ID.
What are bus prices from Mo Chit to Chiang Mai?
600-900 THB depending on bus class. VIP buses cost more but include reclining seats and snacks. Journey takes 9-11 hours.
Does Mo Chit Bus Terminal have AC and charging?
Yes. Terminal is air-conditioned. Five free charging stations added in 2025 (3 on floor 1, 2 on floor 3). Bring your own USB cable.
Which buses go to Pattaya from Mo Chit?
Direct buses run hourly. Takes 2-3 hours. Costs 150-250 THB. Book online to guarantee a seat during weekends.
How to get from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) Mo Chit 2 to Kanchanaburi
You have three options: Kanchanaburi Express minivans (130 THB, 2h 30m), Win Happy buses (160 THB, 3h 20m), or Kanchanaburi Express buses (149 THB, 2h 30m). Take the minivan if you’re in a rush. Take Win Happy if you need more legroom and don’t mind the extra hour. All leave from Mo Chit 2.
