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How to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai
If you are interested in Thai culture and history, Sukhothai is an excellent addition to your itinerary.
Sukhothai Historical Park is one of Thailand’s most stunning World Heritage sites with ruins dating back to the 13th century. The area offers local Thai culture, excellent food and countless temples to be explored.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai
The distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai is 425 km (260 miles). In this post, we compare the three options: by bus (5-7.5 hours), by a combination of train and bus (6-7.5 hours), and by plane (1 hr 20 mins). Ticket prices range from 330 THB ($9.50) – 1,250 THB ($36).
With ticket prices starting from 330 THB ($9.50), the bus is by the far the most convenient option to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai. The bus trip is faster than the train and takes somewhere between 5 to 7.5 hours.
The combined train and bus also take up to 7.5. Besides being affordable, it is also a great option for those who need more legroom. Plus, you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery on your way.
Taking a flight from Bangkok to Sukhothai is the fastest option, yet also the most expensive. Although a flight is with 1 hour 20 minutes the fastest, you also need to add the extra time to get from and to the airport. The airport in Sukhothai is located 30 km north of the city.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Bus
There are four companies operating daily trips from Bangkok to Sukhothai: Pitlok, The Transport, Phitsanulok Yanyon, and Sukhothai Wintour.
Departure in Bangkok
All buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal, located in the northern part of Bangkok. Note that Mo Chit Bus Terminal is also known as Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, Chatuchak Bus Terminal, or Northern Bus Terminal.
Arrival in Sukhothai
All buses make their final stop at the Sukhothai Bus Terminal. The exception is The Transport buses that also drop off passengers at Sawankhalok Bus Station, about 40 km away from New Sukhothai.
Sukhothai Bus Terminal
The Sukhothai Bus Terminal is only 2 km away from the New Sukhothai city centre, where many accommodations are located. You can easily reach your hotel via tuk-tuk or songthaew.
A songthaew is a good option for those who are on a budget since it only costs between 20 THB ($0.50) to 30 THB ($0.80). To travel between the Old and New Sukhothai, choose the blue songthaew.
Getting around the city centre by tuk-tuk costs around 60 THB ($1.70). If you need to go to the Historical Park from the bus station, expect to pay around 150 THB ($4.30).
If you are a first-timer in Sukhothai, we recommend taking the tuk-tuk since the driver can drop you off at the hotel from the bus terminal.
Sawankhalok Bus Station
The Sawankhalok Bus Station is about 40 km away from the New Sukhothai Area and it is much closer to the Sukhothai Airport.
Since most hotels are in the New Sukhothai area, you will need to travel the 40 km distance by taxi. Expect to pay 1,800 THB ($52) – 2,200 THB ($63).
Bus schedules from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Train
The nearest train station to Sukhothai is in Phitsanulok, which is approximately 70 km from Sukhothai.
To travel by train from Bangkok to Sukhothai, you will first need to head to Phitsanulok and then transfer to a bus onward to Sukhothai.
The last time we checked (October 2022), there are no buses operating between Phitsanulok and Sukhothai. For this reason, you will need to take a taxi from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai with rates starting from 2,400 THB ($69).
Step 1: Bangkok to Phitsanulok by Train
Many trains run from Bangkok to Phitsanulok day and night.
However, we recommend leaving in the morning so you can arrive at Phitsanulok a little after 13:00. This should give you enough time to find a ride to continue your journey to Sukhothai.
You can hop aboard any of these trains:
Train Schedule from Bangkok to Phitsanulok
Both trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. You can hail a taxi or take the MRT to the train station.
Take note that travelling from Bangkok to Sukhothai via SP7 only takes 4 hours. Even though it costs a little more, it saves you time.
Tip: Train tickets are sold up to 90 days prior to departure. Book your ticket in advance as train tickets tend to sell out fast!
Step 2: Phitsanulok to Sukhothai
Prior to the pandemic, the bus was the easiest and cheapest way to go from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. But taxis are now more widely available.
Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Bus
Pre-pandemic, two popular bus operators Sukhothai Wintour and Phitsanulok Yanyon offered hourly trips to this route from 06:00-18:10.
The last time we checked (October 2022), buses from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai are unavailable. Feel free to check their Facebook pages for the latest updates.
Both buses depart from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1, about 2.3 km from the train station. The 1.5-hour-long journey ends at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is 2 km from the New Sukhothai city centre.
If you are coming from the train station in Phitsanulok, you can hire a tuk-tuk to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 (2.3 km away) for 60 THB ($1.70).
Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Taxi
Since the buses that ply between Phitsanulok to Sukhothai are unavailable, taking a taxi is your best bet.
With fares ranging from 2,400 THB ($69) to 2,600 THB ($75), the trip is indeed more expensive for the 1.5-hour journey.
On the bright side, you will be dropped off at your hotel. In other words, you no longer have to make additional trips to reach the Old or New Sukhothai from the bus terminal.
To make the journey easier, we recommend booking a taxi ahead of time. Among the operators that receive high ratings from travellers is the Smart En Plus. It offers a ride from the train station to your hotel 2,400 THB ($69).
Check Private Transfers on 12GoAsia
Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Tuk-tuk
Keep in mind that tuk-tuks are designed for short-distance travelling within the city. They run much slower than a car and their open carriage will expose you and your luggage to the elements.
Thus, a tuk-tuk is not exactly a good option when travelling the 63 km distance from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. We recommend taking a taxi instead.
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Flight
Bangkok Airways used to offer three flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai every day. The last time we checked (October 2022), only one daily flight is available, which departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) at 16:00.
One-way flight ticket prices start at 1,250 THB ($36) and the flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Sukhothai Airport is located 30 km north of New Sukhothai, which means you will need to arrange for another transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Bangkok Airways offers a shuttle service for a fee. You will need to contact them directly to inquire about updated prices, schedules and availability. Another option is to arrange a transfer with your hotel.
ÂOur favourite places to stay in Sukhothai
Resting Place Hostel
Located in Old Sukhothai just steps away from the Sukhothai Historical Park, this hostel is in an ideal location. There is a restaurant on-site and breakfast is included with your stay. Private rooms are equipped with private balconies overlooking the surrounding area. The hostel is very clean and the staff is extremely helpful.
- Perfect location
- Private balconyÂ
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $14 per night
Mango House
Mango House is centrally located in Sukhothai, just a few minute’s walk to downtown New Sukhothai and a few meters from the bus to Old Sukhothai. Cool off in the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy the garden and terrace area for relaxing. A wonderful breakfast is included with your stay and hosts are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
- Ideal location
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance to shops and restaurants
Private rooms start at $25 per night
Scent of Sukhothai Resort
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then be sure to check out the Scent of Sukhothai Resort. This resort offers a stunning garden and lovely outdoor swimming. Breakfast is included daily with your stay. Located near the Historical Park, you can easily ride your bike there or hop in a taxi for a short ride.Â
- Swimming pool
- Near Historical Park
- Outdoor garden area
- Breakfast included
Private rooms start at $43 per night
 ÂMost popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
