Hat Yai Bus Station is the central hub for both local and long-distance bus travel in Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand. Located in Songkhla Province, it’s a busy transportation point, connecting Hat Yai with cities across Thailand, as well as with Malaysia. This makes it a key stop for tourists and locals alike who are traveling within the southern region or heading north to popular destinations.
Services and Routes
Hat Yai Bus Station operates routes to several destinations, including:
- Bangkok: Long-distance buses to Bangkok run multiple times a day, offering both regular and VIP services for overnight travel.
- Phuket and Krabi: Travelers heading west to Phuket and Krabi can find regular buses and minivans from Hat Yai, with trips taking around 5–7 hours.
- Malaysia: Buses and minivans provide services across the Malaysia-Thailand border to Penang, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, and other major Malaysian cities, making Hat Yai a convenient gateway for cross-border travel.
Other nearby destinations include Pattani, Yala, Trang, and Surat Thani, where travelers can connect to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Bus Types and Amenities
The station offers various types of buses to accommodate different travel needs:
- VIP and First-Class Buses: These buses are more comfortable for long journeys, equipped with reclining seats, air conditioning, and sometimes even refreshments and entertainment.
- Express and Standard Buses: More budget-friendly options that may have basic amenities but still provide a reliable way to reach your destination.
- Minivans: Ideal for shorter trips within the region, offering faster service to destinations such as Songkhla and Satun.
Facilities at Hat Yai Bus Station
- Ticket Counters: Multiple counters for different bus companies make booking tickets easy. Some also provide English-speaking staff to assist tourists.
- Waiting Area: The station has a basic waiting area where passengers can sit and relax before their bus departs.
- Food and Drink: Small food stalls and convenience stores are located nearby, offering snacks, drinks, and quick meals.
- Toilets: Restrooms are available, though they may require a small fee for usage.
- Luggage Storage: For travelers with time to explore Hat Yai before departure, some services offer temporary luggage storage.
Getting to and from Hat Yai Bus Station
Hat Yai Bus Station is easily accessible from the city center by tuk-tuk, songthaew (shared truck taxi), or motorbike taxi. For those arriving at Hat Yai International Airport, you can take a taxi or bus service directly to the station, which is about a 20–30 minute drive.
Hat Yai Bus Station1
Hat Yai Bus Station 1 (often referred to simply as the main Hat Yai Bus Station) is the primary transportation hub for bus travel in Hat Yai, located centrally in the city on Phetkasem Road. It is a busy and well-connected station, offering routes across southern Thailand, major cities in other regions, and even international routes to Malaysia.
Services and Routes
The main Hat Yai Bus Station serves a wide range of routes:
- Long-Distance Routes: Regular bus services are available to Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Trang, among other cities. It’s especially busy with buses to Bangkok, offering various classes like VIP, first-class, and express options.
- Regional Routes: Buses connect Hat Yai with nearby towns in Songkhla Province and southern Thailand, such as Songkhla City, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.
- International Routes: The station has buses and minivans to Malaysia for destinations like Penang, Ipoh, and Kuala Lumpur, making it a popular gateway for cross-border travelers.
Hat Yai Bus Station 2 (Agriculture Market)
Hat Yai Bus Station 2 is a secondary bus terminal located a bit further from the city center of Hat Yai, specifically in the Khlong Hae area. It was established to help alleviate the traffic and congestion often experienced at the main Hat Yai Bus Station, which serves as the city’s primary transportation hub. Hat Yai Bus Station 2 caters mostly to long-distance and interprovincial buses, providing a convenient option for travelers heading to and from distant destinations.
Services and Routes
Hat Yai Bus Station 2 handles primarily long-distance routes to destinations in central and northern Thailand, including:
- Bangkok: Multiple daily departures connect Hat Yai with Bangkok, offering standard, VIP, and first-class options.
- Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai: Some routes extend to northern Thailand, though they may require transfers.
- Phuket, Surat Thani, and Krabi: Regular services connect to popular tourist areas along the Andaman coast, perfect for those heading to beach destinations.
- Northeastern Thailand (Isaan Region): Routes to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Nakhon Ratchasima are available for travelers heading into Thailand’s northeastern region.
Important
A few bus and minivan companies offer services across the Malaysia-Thailand border. The buses do not stop at the Hat Yai bus station. It is important that you clarify the drop-off point before booking.
Tourists have a connecting route to Koh Lipe. It is important to be aware of the traffic at the border. There was a delay in the arrival of the bus to Hat Yai. We recommend staying at Hat Yai one day before departing for Koh Lipe. As a join minivan from Hat Yai to Pak Bara only runs once at 8:30 in the morning.