Lignite

4.1
1,302 customer reviews
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  • Popular Routes
  • Stations
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About Lignite

Company Information

When travelling for long distances by bus the good reputation of your operator is a big deal. Lignite Tour can boast one. With its headquarters in the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai) Lignite buses connect the capital with the southern Thai tourist hubs of Krabi, Phang Nga, Suratthani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ranong. The company also operates an unusual Krabi–Nakhon Ratchasima route making it possible to travel from the south directly to Isan without connection in Bangkok.

Lignite’s fleet consists of 3 types of buses: most expensive VIP24 buses (3-seats-in-a-line), VIP buses (high-decker with 4-seats-in-a-line, and budget-friendly Standard Express buses, also with 4-seats-in-a-row but with less leg room compared to their VIP version.

All the buses are equipped with air-con and reclining seats. Blankets are provided for all long haul rides and there is a toilet on board. Needless to say comfort gradation hinge on the ticket price.

Routes served by Lignite Tour

The most popular routes of Lignite are Bangkok–Krabi and Bangkok–Suratthani.

Bangkok–Krabi

Lignite operates 3 daily departures from Bangkok to Krabi, all leaving the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok in the evening between 17.30 and 20.40, arriving to Krabi the next morning between 6.00 and 9.00/ The whole trip takes about 12 hours.

In the opposite direction there are both morning (8.00) and evening (17.00) departures with tickets priced between THB600 and THB900 depending on the class of the bus.

Bangkok–Phang Nga

There are two daily departures to Phang Nga, one at 18.40 and the other at 19.05, both from the Southern Bus terminal in Bangkok. Note that the latter departure is usually a double-decker bus which has both VIP and VIP24 options. Pricier seats are located on the lower deck with more budget option – on the upper deck. VIP24 seats are about 1,5 times more expensive than VIPs but they are worth investing in if you wish to survive through an 11-hour journey with all possible comfort.

Krabi–Nakhon Ratchasima

There is one daily departure from Krabi Bus Terminal to Nakhon Ratchasima at 16.50. It is a tiring 16-hour journey which passes via Bangkok but you do not need to change the bus there. There are both VIP and VIP24 options (THB950 and THB1250 respectively) within the same bus and we encourage you to opt for a more expensive one.

Pros

It is a great pro that Lignite tickets are available online – it is a good time option. Those really careful and picky travellers may want to visit Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal first to see how the things are at place. The terminal is integrated with a spacious mall and Lignite ticket counters are located on the 1st floor. It is also the place where you can easily exchange your e-ticket for the boarding pass (you do need that if you buy online through the main Thai booking sites) or handle the whole check-in procedure from the very beginning and proceed to the platform.

After boarding the passengers are offered complimentary snacks and bottled water. The ticket price also included a major meal. For this purpose the bus makes a stop about midnight at a food court where you can exchange your meal coupon for a bowl of rice with curry – do keep your ticket with the printed coupon in order not to miss this perk. The café staff will need your ticket, so make sure you have it at hand. Alternatively you can stock up on munchies at a mini-mart (not included into your ticket price).

Lignite staff are usually very accommodating and though limited English – or no English at all – can be spoken, you will be served well.

Cons

No English spoken by the crew can be rather distracting when you need to know how long the stop will last. The major meal stops usually are about 20 minutes – just follow your fellow passengers not to get lost.

It is a constant issue with many operators and Lignite is no exception: blankets on board are not washed before every departure.

No charging points onboard are available.

Keep in mind

Avoid booking seat right in front or directly behind the stairs to the upper level as there will be no leg room.

Lignite’s ‘express’ class is an economic option –do not expect much of it. VIP guarantees the most comfortable ride and it is worth investing some extra baht if your trip is going to last over 6 hours.

As it is the case with many other operator throughout Thailand, it can get freezing cold inside Lignite’s buses. An extra layer or a jacket will be very handy.

Read more

Lignite Popular Routes

Bangkok - Krabi
19:00, 20:00
Bangkok - Phang Nga
Bus VIP
19:05
Bus VIP 24
19:05
Krabi - Nakhon Ratchasima
Bus VIP
16:50
Bus VIP 24
16:50
NaN Passengers

Lignite Stations

Southern Terminal BangkokKrabi Bus TerminalTakua PaAo LuekNakhon Ratchasima Terminal 2Khlong Thom

Lignite Company Reviews

X
No guidance how to take ticket. Bus delayed not any english explain and guide.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 24, 2023
B A
This is the way to travel in Thailand. There is ample space for your legs. The seat reclines. There are leg extenders so it feels like you are laying on a massage bed. The road has a few bumps, but they are manageable. The air is the perfect temperature and very sleepable. A blanket is included. A halfway stop to eat is included. Just make sure to save your ticket for that. They need to keep a stub. Plenty of luggage storage too. You have lower cargo storage for your primary big bags, and upper storage near your seat for your small baggage. Everything was primarily on time. Arrived 40 minutes later, but it was fine. It was a 12 hour ride.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 21, 2023
B E
We left on time but arrived an hour early. The steward was grumpy and didn't say anything about dinner options, so we had to explore on our own, for which there was little time. The bus was comfortable, a bit cold but bearable.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 18, 2023
S V
Great bus, but very cold AC so put on something warm. Overall good bus trip!
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 17, 2023
M
I was worried at first remembering from other Asian bus trips, but I must say that everything with this company was perfect. Bus in excellent condition, very comfortable, punctual and attentive service. Above all, very important, careful driver, I am very satisfied.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 16, 2023
W E
The seat i was in was broken. De backrest just fell down sometimes wich was very scary while sleeping and the feetrest couldnt get up. When i asked for another seat they said all seats where booked, but one chair was only used after the first 4 hours of the trip..
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 14, 2023
A
Super comfortable seats. Break around 0000 o.clock Good Journey felt super Safe. Comunication could be little be better for information during Journey. Will do it again
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 7, 2023
C H
The information given is correct, when we checked in at the ticket office they offered us to take the bus half an hour earlier. The bus stopped around 21:00 for dinner (food was not enough but we only had to pay for drinks) and inside the bus you had a kit with water, juice and a bun. Also a blanket. Arrived in Krabi an hour later than planned.
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Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Dec 1, 2023
N K
Bus went late around 2 hrs and there was no blankets, it was cold due to AC
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 30, 2023
J F
The booking system is straight forward and easy to use. The bus was clean. The driver was polite. The journey was okay; although the seats recline far back, the seats are a little uncomfortable but loads of leg room!! The occasional squeak from thr bud as it hit a bump but overall the experience was good to excellent.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 30, 2023
S H
It was very nice and comfortable trip. Good service. 👍
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 24, 2023
A S
At first i was not sure about 12go service genuinity but anyway I booked the tickets and service was good for real.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 24, 2023
D B
The VIP bus was comfortable and we had a lot of room for our legs and even bags. We got a blanket, a snack and water. They asked us in the beginning, where we want to get dropped off, so maybe you can tell them a closer location to your destination and you can get off earlier. We left punctual at 7pm and arrived 12 hours later in Krabi. We felt safe during the trip and we still made sure that our valuables are not in our luggage but in our bags with us. It can get confusing at the terminal in Bangkok because there are many buses and you don't really know, which one you have to take. So we just asked people there and they showed us the right bus. We made one stop at 10.30pm to get food and we didn't get any information in English. But we figured out where to get the dinner that's included in the price and that the break was 20 minutes. The overall experience was good, the sleep we got not so much, but that's part of it :)
Bus VIP, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 21, 2023
S R
The ride from Bangkok to Krabi was great. We made a stop at 10pm for dinner (free of charge), where you could also buy snacks and drinks for the journey. The bus was clean, we got water, juice, a blanket and bread. I was able to sleep well as you could recline the seats backwards & it was almost like a bed. We left on time, but we were stuck in traffic for a while, which wasn't too bad. I would book this bus again and again & can only recommend it. I didn't use the toilet on the bus.
This review was autotranslated
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 19, 2023
N C
Came on the 14th Nov, 18:20 bus. It left 10 minutes late, had a couple of micro stops along the way to get ppl onboard. The stop to grab food was just before 1AM, no food stamps or anything that other reviewers were mentioning before. Arrived at 7 to Phuket Bus Terminal 2. From there you only have the option to use taxi according to the signs. What they don’t tell you is if you go out to the road, there are these 8-12 seater mini vans (I remember pink color) constantly dooing loops in the town (I think multiple different loops). One ride is 15 baht, you can ride it as long as you want it to. The buses to other towns leave from around the “Phuket bus terminal 1”. Just go to where the google map pinpoints the terminal 1, then walk on the road that is just south of the pinpoint towards east. My bus left from in front of the next 7eleven. The ride cost me 40 baht to get to Patong Beach, Bangala road. The destination is written on the buses side. No AC, the buses are just an open van with some made seats, but they climb easily on the steep roads.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 18, 2023
W
Seats were big and comfy, ride was smooth and felt super quick. Did not expect it to be as good!
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 18, 2023
R M
The administration for booking, collecting tickets and boarding the bus was excellent. The journey was very good except for the Air Conditioning. When the Air Con was set to ON, the bus became very cold to be able to sleep.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 16, 2023
A G
Great bus with plenty of space for legs and bags. Departed and arrived on time. The steward spoke English well. 👍
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 12, 2023
M B
We stop in a very nice restaurant to eat
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Nov 7, 2023
B
Confortable bus, clean, toilets are usable, a bit cold but they give you a blanket. I booked the front seats on website, but seat number didn't match so I was 2nd row. One stop at 2am where you can grab food. Overall good experience
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Oct 24, 2023
K P
The only thing is aircon was freezing cold
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Oct 23, 2023
A P
Hard to find check in point and the right bus terminal. Otherwise really nice seats and water and snacks was included!
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Oct 13, 2023
H P
First of all, lovely trip. Can absolutely recommend. BUT the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok is the worst for foreigners. We had to ask tons of people because we couldn’t navigate at all. No exact info about the Bus Terminal (there’s two!!) Once we reached the bus, with help ofc, we enjoyed the smoothest, most comfortable bus ride ever. We had a bit of a delay (2hr) but nothing we didn’t expect. Lots of space for our legs (book the seats at the end!) and even a water bottle + a few snacks. Would absolutely do the same over again, with a knowledge of the right bus terminal :P Oh and don’t forget a sweater cause the ac in Asia is crazy cold. You do get a lil blanket tho.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Oct 6, 2023
Л А
Condition is bus was very strong. And driver didn't switch it of.. The whole trip people were caughting. Me too. Hopefully they give blankets. And the bus was late to Phyket. We came not at 7.20 morning. But at 9.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Sep 18, 2023
U C
It was nice ride! They provided the free rice and curry dinner(we can select two curries based on our choice) and water bottle biscuits and a drink.Bus arrived around 04:50 to mochit. Of course they have a toilet in the bus. And it is a double decker bus!
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Sep 8, 2023
B A
The ride was a little rocky. There were a lot of stops and the lights turned on regularly. You will need to be accustomed to this and wear an eye mask and earplugs as others have suggested. The lower seating area can be a little less congested. But there is no divider between your seat and the one next to you. That means that you will regularly be making physical contact with the person next to you and the seats are small. When they are trying to sleep, they will bump into you sometimes. There is also no leg rest in this bus. And the seats don't recline very much. Bring a neck pillow.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Aug 30, 2023
S S
Not all seats could be put in lying position, and every seat was different in the amount you could push the back part back. There were snacks for everyone on the bus and a stop in the middle of the trip for dinner, that was a nice surprise. On the trip from Bangkok to Phuket were two stops in the early morning for passport control, would have been nice it know beforehand. Nobody said anyrhing, just the lights went on. We also arrived 2 hours later without any telling than the booking details said.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Aug 17, 2023
C A
Try to not vomit is a challenge !
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Aug 14, 2023
J D
The trip was very good. The VIP bus seats were spacious which made it easy to lie down to sleep. You also get a snack and cover on arrival for the trip! In the middle of the journey there is a break where you can exchange your bus ticket for a voucher to eat a meal - the break lasts about 15-20 minutes.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 26, 2023
R C
Really comfortable and clean bus. Seats are like business class and service was good too
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 25, 2023
R F
The bathroom didn’t have any hand soap, was not cleaned throughout the journey. The snack provided was very poor, inedible. Everything else was great, improvement needed for VIP service.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 22, 2023
K
Travelled from Bangkok to Phuket on the 7:20pm express bus with Lignite in July 2023. Tickets were $22 each which felt a little pricey for a non sleeper bus. Bus itself was clean, had a toilet, with comfortable reclining seats and left on time, however we did arrive an hour and a half late. The conductor was so friendly and helpful, and she let us move seats when we weren’t happy upstairs. The driver was also professional and we felt safe along the journey. Only 1 stop along the way for about 30 mins where there were nice toilets, food stalls and snack shop. Not the company’s fault but important to note that the bus depot is very far out of Bangkok, about 1 hr drive from the city centre.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 16, 2023
A S
Got the 16.30 express from Phuket to Bangkok. Left on time, the bus was clean and comfortable, a lot of people had said it was too cold but we found it too warm, so pack/be prepared. They do just randomly turn the lights on in the middle of night so pack a eye mask + earplugs. Only one stop at around 12.30am, bus attendant told us right time in English and told us whwre to exchange bus ticket for food token... the food was a bit questionable so pack snacks if you are fussy. Snack of water, milk and biscuits, along with blanket included st start of the journey. Toilet on bus was clean and average. In terms of where to sit... front seats on the upper deck has the most leg room and the seats behind the stairs. Seats 15/16 and the opposite ones 11/12? there was like this diagonal strip on the window so there was almost like something to lean your head on which was very useful. Ground floor of bus seemed quieter and more spacious but did have a load of random storage.. tons of bags of leaves. Bus doesn't stop at South terminal it stopped at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak aka Mochi 2) - well this is where they kicked all the forgeiners off.... there's not a bts/mrt near there. All in all not the worst but certainly not the best overnight transport in south east asia.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 11, 2023
A D
left and arrived at the same time indicated on the site.but just a 20 minute break after an 8 hour drive??? there should be a break around 9 p.m to eat.It's not human to lock us up for so long
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 9, 2023
G B
good the bus had problems, and was promptly changed before departure, good drivers, contained delay if we consider the departure time. nice place where we stopped for a break. if the air conditioning had been just slightly less low would have been perfect
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jul 8, 2023
N M
Overall great experience! Comfortable and friendly staff. Free food voucher on a food court along the way! + water and coffee and sandwich-snack provided. Easy to find the bus too. One negative is that it became somewhat noisy at the end of the trip from staff. Lights were turned on very early so we could not sleep the full amount. There are no local busses before 7ish from the Phuket Bussterminal 2 so you either have to book a taxi or wait for a bit if you are taking the night busses.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jun 13, 2023
S N
The services are good but there are many foreigners traveling by your bus. In Communicating, maybe sometimes they have some problems and some staffs do not know some places where customers will get off. the metioned things above are experience for me.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Jun 10, 2023
T T
Good ride. Go faster than the one we have before.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 22, 2023
D B
Trip was ok. Trip was long (13 hours), overnight. Being so long, it would have been nicer to stop more than once and for that main stop to be a bit longer.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 21, 2023
A
We took, the Bus from Phuket Bus Terminal -2 and in 13 hours reached to Mochit. The Bus was very clean, the seats was comfortable, we were impressed by the management of the staff who were very good in terms of hospitality on time and providing snacks, water bottle. We travelled half the Thailand. From Phuket to Bangkok. Its a must if you want to Thailand's beauty from Southern part of the Country to Central
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 8, 2023
A M
All in all the ride was fine. Just don’t sit in the last row, especially as a female solo traveller! In the middle of nowhere four locals entered the bus an were siting behind the last row on the floor. That was really strange, also another woman changed her seat cause she wasnt comfortable with the situatuon.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 2, 2023
A E
The bus is new, the seats are comfortable. I wish it was a little warmer in the cabin. The stop was one, about 30 minutes. Milk, water, bun were distributed in the evening and hot coffee in the morning
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 2, 2023
K H
took too long unt
Bus VIP, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), May 1, 2023
A W
comfortable
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 29, 2023
P P
Quiet clean, At night spotting 2 cockroachs at the bus's floor, Eating coupon stick at the printed ticket, coupon can use in the rest area, 3 or 4 stall received this coupon.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 28, 2023
S F
Everything you need under one roof for journeys south so no need to rush to minimart first ! Great English speakers everywhere, helpful and always with a smile 👏
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 18, 2023
M L
If you’re a light sleeper then this is a no go. The chairs are super comfy and spacious but not for sleeping in my opinion.
Bus VIP 24, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 13, 2023
L K
Bus was more comfortable than expected. Short break to eat something included. You habe to plan +2-3 hours for arrival time because the bus stops many times along the trip.
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 12, 2023
K P
Comfortable seats, snack and blanket provided and stopped for a super meal along the way which is provided free with ticket. Lights off most of the journey to allow for sleep! Amazing service for the price!
Bus Express, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 10, 2023
K F
All of good. Just they accept only 1 bag.
Bus VIP, Lignite (ลิกไนท์ทัวร์), Apr 10, 2023
4.1
1302 customer reviews
5
43%
4
35%
3
16%
2
6%
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93.8% of 1,302 travelers were presumably happy with Lignite as they left good or no review