Bangkok to Sukhothai

How to Get From Bangkok to Sukhothai

4Options
1h 20mFastest
$9.90From
MaartenAbegailWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail

Train · Bus · Flight · Private Transport

Sukhothai was the seat of Thailand's first kingdom. Its old city is a UNESCO-listed park of ruined temples and Buddha statues, best seen by bike. It sits 370 kilometres (230 miles) north of Bangkok. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is the train at $9.90 (335 THB). The bus costs a little more and takes 6h 10m - 9h 30m. There are flights too, if you'd rather not give up a day to travelling.

DISTANCE

Distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai

Bangkok and Sukhothai are about 370 km (230 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 422 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 20m + transfer time.

~370 km
Straight-line distance
~422 km
Route distance
1h 20m
Fastest
Map of Bangkok – Sukhothai

4 ways to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai

There are four ways to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai. You can choose between the train, bus, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 20m – 9h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $9.90 (335 THB).

Trainfrom$9.905h 20m – 7h 50m·Via Phitsanulok4 options to bookTrainVia Phitsanulok5h 20m–7h 50m$9.90Cheapest

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.

Step 1: Bangkok to Phitsanulok by Train

3h 50m – 6h 20m · $6.30 (212 THB)

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:

Thai Railway · Third Class Seat Fanfrom$6.30
5h 25m – 6h 20m
2 pickup points → Phitsanulok
07:3007:4714:15
Tickets
Thai Railway · Second Class Seat Fanfrom$9.40
5h 25m – 6h 20m
2 pickup points → Phitsanulok
07:3007:4714:15
Tickets
Thai Railway · Second Class Seat$14
3h 52m
Don Mueang → Phitsanulok
09:20
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Booking tip

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

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 by Bus

1h 30m · $3.40 (115 THB)

The bus is an easy and cheap way to get from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. A ticket costs $3.40 (115 THB) for the journey that takes 1.5 hours.

Buses depart from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1, about 2.3 km from the train station. 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 $1.80 (60 THB).

The bus ride ends at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is 2 km from the New Sukhothai city centre.

Alternative: Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Taxi

1h 30m · $71 (2,400 THB)

If you're travelling in a group from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, you can take a taxi. Fares start from $71 (2,400 THB).

It's more expensive, but you will be dropped off at your hotel so 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 Phitsanulok Train Station to your hotel that costs around $71 (2,400 THB).

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 bus or a taxi instead.

Busfrom$126h 10m – 9h 30m6 options to bookBus6h 10m–9h 30m$12

Bangkok to Sukhothai by Bus

There are three companies operating daily trips from Bangkok to Sukhothai: Phitsanulok Tour, Sukhothai Wintour and Khao San Tara Tour.

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.

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 $0.60 (20 THB) to $0.90 (30 THB). To travel between the Old and New Sukhothai, choose the blue songthaew.

Getting around the city centre by tuk-tuk costs around $1.80 (60 THB). If you need to go to the Historical Park from the bus station, expect to pay around $4.50 (150 THB).

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 $54 – $65 (1,800 – 2,200 THB).

Bus schedule from Bangkok to Sukhothai

Phitsanulok Tour · Standard$12
7h 30m
Mochit → Sukhothai
07:0014:00
Tickets
Sukhothai Wintour$12
6h 9m
Bangkok → Sukhothai
08:3010:0014:00
Tickets
Phitsanulok Tour · Standard$12
8h
Mochit → Sukhothai Historical Park
07:0014:00
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Flightfrom$371,250 THB1h 20m + transfer timeTimes and ticketsFlight1h 20m + transfer timeFastest$37

Bangkok to Sukhothai by Flight

Bangkok Airways offers daily flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai. These depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

One-way flight ticket prices start at $37 (1,250 THB) and the flight takes 1h 20m + transfer time.

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.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Private Transportfrom$195per car6h3 options to bookPrivate Transport6h$195per car

Bangkok to Sukhothai by Private Transport

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Bangkok to Sukhothai.

Rates start from $195 (6,600 THB) for a 9-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $22 (730 THB) per person.

Private Transport options from Bangkok to Sukhothai

6h · $195 (6,600 THB)
MCC Van · Standard Minivan 9 PAX$195
6hper car
Bangkok - Any hotel → Sukhothai Historical Park
Any time you choose
Tickets
Taxi Tour Service · Standard Car 3 PAX$200
6hper car
3 pickup points → Sukhothai - Any hotel
Any time you choose
Tickets
Taxi Tour Service · Standard Minivan 7 PAX$230
6hper car
3 pickup points → Sukhothai - Any hotel
Any time you choose
Tickets

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Reach out to our Community

No questions yet — be the first to ask about Bangkok to Sukhothai.

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Sukhothai

Here are our favourite places to stay in Sukhothai for every budget.

TR Guesthouse
Budget

TR Guesthouse

TR Guesthouse is great value for money! For less than $20 (670 THB) you get to enjoy a HUGE and comfortable bed and meet one of the friendliest guesthouse owners in Thailand.

Staying here feels more like you've been welcomed into a home and is a great way to experience Thai culture and local life. The guesthouse is a 15-minute walk from the bus station or a short tuk-tuk ride away.

  • Amazing host
  • Great value for money
  • 20-minute drive from Sukhothai Historical Park
  • Cosy and clean rooms

Private rooms start from $19 (640 THB) per night.

Check availability
Mango House
Budget

Mango House

Mango House is centrally located in Sukhothai, just a few minutes 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 $28 (940 THB) per night.

Check availability
Scent of Sukhothai Resort
Mid-Range

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.

  • Swimming pool
  • Near Historical Park
  • Outdoor garden area
  • Breakfast included

Private rooms start at $30 (1,000 THB) per night.

Check availability
Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort
Mid-Range

Thai Thai Sukhothai Resort

Fancy something a touch more luxurious, Thai Thai Resort is exactly that and great value for money! Enjoy a spacious private balcony adorned with traditional Thai decor.

And when you're not relaxing in your room, you can go for a swim in the pool, chill in the gardens or even have a massage. Situated 1.5km from Sukhothai Historical Park, you'll be staying in a great location. Don't worry about getting hungry, the complimentary delicious breakfast will fill you up for the day.

  • Beautiful bungalows
  • Swimming pool
  • Great location
  • Delicious free breakfast

Bungalows start from $41 (1,380 THB) per night. 

Check availability
BaanSuk Sukhothai Resort
Treat Yourself

BaanSuk Sukhothai Resort

And if you want somewhere even more fancy, you have to stay at BaanSuk Resort. This place is amazing and feels like an oasis hidden from the world by all its lush greenery. The pool is the epitome of peace and the perfect place to cool off after a day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park.

Their family villas are spacious, bright and very clean. Forget about the pool, wait until you see the bathtub. A superb breakfast is also included in the price.

  • Stunning swimming pool
  • Huge and luxurious villas
  • Amazing staff
  • Free delicious breakfast

Villas start from $51 (1,720 THB) per night. 

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Sukhothai?

Sukhothai is home to one of Thailand’s most stunning World Heritage sites — Sukhothai Historical Park. With ruins dating back to the 13th century, the park gives us a glimpse of what was once the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam (the former name of Thailand).

The city's name literally translates to "dawn of happiness." And if you're a history buff, that's exactly what you will get in Sukhothai. In this often-forgotten city, you can escape from the backpacker trail and just get lost in an impressive collection of temples and ruins.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Sukhothai, roughly 370 kilometres (230 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.90 (335 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 20m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai?

The distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai is 370 kilometres (230 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai?

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by flight and takes 1h 20m + transfer time.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by train with ticket costs starting from 335 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

Abegail
AbegailReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Stay Connected

Join our Community

We're a small team of passionate travellers sharing what we've learned on the road. Get our best tips, route updates, and travel stories delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime.