Surat Thani is one of the best-connected cities in Thailand, serving as a major transportation hub in the south of the country and a gateway to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. It’s the first stop on the way to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Koh Phangan.
Before heading to these islands, it’s essential to know how to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani, a city that makes for a good stopover before exploring the archipelago in the Gulf.
The distance between Bangkok and Surat Thani is about 573 kilometers. You can reach Surat Thani by plane in about one hour for approximately 20-40 euros, by train in less than ten hours for about 25 euros, or by bus in around 12 hours for about 15 euros.
The fastest way to get to Surat Thani from Bangkok is by plane. Flights between these two cities operate frequently, from early morning until late at night, mostly offered by low-cost airlines. Ticket prices typically start at around 20 euros.
Keep in mind that there are two airports in Bangkok, neither of which is very close to the main tourist areas. The primary airport is Suvarnabhumi (BKK)(map), while most budget flights depart from Don Mueang (DMK) (map). Choose your departure airport based on price and schedule, as either will work well.
To reach Suvarnabhumi Airport, the most convenient option is the Airport Rail Link train, which costs 30 baht from the central Phaya Thai station. For Don Mueang Airport, we recommend taking public transport to Mochit station, where you can catch the A1 bus to the airport for 30 baht as well.
For both airports, taking a taxi is the most comfortable option, costing around 300 baht with the meter (about nine euros). This ride can get you to either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang in under an hour from most parts of the city.
The best way to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani is undoubtedly by train. Surat Thani is located on one of Thailand’s main railway lines, so trains run frequently, with both daytime and nighttime options available.
There are two primary train routes to Surat Thani. The faster train departs at 4:50 p.m., taking less than ten hours to reach Surat Thani at around 2:30 a.m., with tickets costing about 33 euros. However, this timing might not be the most convenient for many travelers.
A more recommended option is the train that departs at 7:30 p.m., arriving the following morning. This option is cheaper (a second-class sleeper costs about 28 euros) but takes almost 14 hours to complete the journey.If you plan to take the train to Surat Thani, please note that all train services in 2024 operate from the new Bang Sue station (map), which is located at Bang Sue metro station, a bit far from the city center.
The bus is another popular option for getting to Surat Thani from Bangkok, with the most flexible schedules. Buses depart from as early as 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., and travel times can vary depending on traffic conditions and the type of service. Most buses leave from the Mochit station (map), but there are also departures from the Southern Terminal (mapa) and even the backpacker area of Khaosan Road.
To ensure a comfortable trip, it’s important to check the bus schedules, departure terminals, and the type of bus service. Booking your ticket in advance through platforms like 12GoAsia is highly recommended.
Ticket prices range from 15 to 30 euros, with the more expensive options usually being more direct and comfortable. Night buses, which depart in the evening and arrive in the morning, offer reclining seats and greater comfort, though they tend to be pricier.
If you’re looking to save money, we recommend taking the first bus in the morning to avoid traffic when leaving Bangkok. For a more comfortable journey, opt for a night bus. Both options take about 10 to 12 hours, while those departing in the mid-afternoon can take up to 16 hours due to frequent stops, making them less ideal.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll have plenty of ways to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani, making it easy to plan your journey through Thailand.
