How to Get from Bangkok to Surat Thani: 4 Best Ways
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani? Surat Thani is a popular transport hub in southern Thailand. From here, you can easily reach incredible destinations like Krabi and Khao Sok or the stunning islands of the Gulf of Thailand.
Getting to Surat Thani may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are 4 ways to get there. You can get to Surat Thani by plane, train, bus, or taxi.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Surat Thani, including the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and the cost of a taxi or train ticket.
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How far is Surat Thani from Bangkok?
The distance between Bangkok and Surat Thani is about 645 km, which is 1.5-13 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a flight or bus ticket will cost.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Flight
The easiest and fastest way to get to Surat Thani is by plane. Bangkok has two international airports, Don Mueang Airport (airport code DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (airport code BKK). Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Surat Thani.
Vietjet Air, AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air operate several daily flights to Surat Thani International Airport (URT). The flight takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the cheapest plane tickets start from 35 USD (excluding luggage) per person one way. In high season, flight tickets can be even more expensive.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily get to Surat Thani Town by bus or minivan for only 2-3 USD. The travel time takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bangkok to Surat Thani Airport by Taxi
The most expensive way to get to Surat Thani is by taxi. The trip takes 9-11 hours, depending on traffic.
A taxi to Surat Thani costs between 255-375 USD. Be sure you negotiate the price with the driver before you get in the taxi. Taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money (THB) or USD.
Alternatively, you can book a VIP van to Surat Thani Airport, which can carry 9 people and costs 443 USD.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Bus
One of the best and most popular ways to travel to Surat Thani is by bus. Most buses depart from the famous Khao San Road, which is a convenient option if you are in the area. You can also get to the Surat Thani Bus Terminal from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). The journey takes approximately 9-13 hours, depending on traffic.
The cheapest bus tickets start from 18 USD.
We traveled to Surat Thani by bus. On the bus, we were given a blanket, mineral water, and some snacks. We found traveling by bus in Thailand easy, comfortable, and safe.
We recommend you travel by VIP bus. These buses are modern, air-conditioned, and have comfortable reclining seats, luggage compartments, and toilets. The disadvantage of the VIP bus is that it is more expensive.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
The cheapest way to get to Surat Thani is by train. Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station). Travel time is approximately 9-11 hours. There are 9 direct trains daily from Bangkok to Surat Thani Train Station between 07:30 and 22:50.
Due to the long journey, we recommend taking the night train. The second class offers open carriages with seats that can be converted into beds for the night. One advantage of traveling by sleeper train is that you can save on the cost of overnight accommodation.
TIP
As the journey is long, bring enough water and snacks.
Once you arrive at the train station, you can take a taxi to the city center in about 30 minutes.
Train Timetable & Price
- 07:30-16:20
- 15:10-01:11
- 16:10-01:49
- 16:50-02:20 *
- 17:30-04:06
- 18:50-04:58 *
- 19:50-06:23 *
- 20:30-07:16
- 22:50-07:50
* You can also buy first-class train tickets on these trains. Train schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable.
The cheapest train tickets start from 7 USD per person. But if you want to take a sleeper train, second-class train tickets start from 25 USD.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by 1st Class Sleeper Train
We suggest you book a 1st class A/C sleeper train for a comfortable journey. If you book a first-class carriage, you can travel in your own private two-person cabin with a washbasin.
First-class train tickets start from 47 USD. Train tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend booking days in advance.
You can easily buy tickets at the train station, but we recommend booking online with 12Go!
Where to Stay in Surat Thani
Most people use Surat Thani as a base for getting to nearby islands and impressive destinations. However, if you arrive late in the city, you may want to consider overnight accommodation before continuing your journey. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Surat Thani
- Mid-Range: Sky View Luxury Pool Villa
- Budget: S.22 Hotel Suratthani or Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel
We hope our post on how to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani will help you plan your next trip to Thailand. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
More Travel Guides about Thailand
- Where to Stay in Koh Phangan: Best Areas & Hotels
- Where to Stay in Koh Samui: Best Areas and Hotels
- Koh Samui to Koh Tao by Ferry
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by Ferry
- Bangkok to Koh Samui: All Options
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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