To/From Bangkok:
First class / VIP bus service is available to/from Bangkok direct to Mahasarakham. There are about 8 buses daily. Overnight buses to Bangkok leave Mahasarakham between 8:30pm and 10:30pm. As of August 2010, fare is about 400 Baht.
In Bangkok, buses leave from Morchit Northeastern Bus Terminal and in Mahasarakham, about one block south of the SermThai shopping plaza.
Within Isaan
Regular bus service from several nearby cities is also available daily. Banner signs at the bus station are printed in Thai and English. You may either purchase a ticket before you get on the bus, or just pay in Baht after you get on the bus.
A bus ticket to/from Khon Kaen was 48 Baht one-way in February 2011. The fare from Roi Et to Maha Sarakham was 45 Baht in August 2010.
The last bus out of town is often at 6 or 7 pm, so inquire before you stay too long.
