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How to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Ready to leave the Capital City? The district of Surat Thani may not be as famous as Krabi or Phuket but there are still a few things to do and see here. If you’re interested in outdoor activities or hiking, there are numerous National Parks and a rainforest nearby that you can explore.
The distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani is 645 km (400 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani: by bus (10 hours), by train (13-13.5 hours), or by flight (1 hr 15m). Ticket prices range from 500 THB ($14.50) to 730 THB ($21.50).
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani
The bus is the cheapest and most practical option for travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani. There are numerous bus schedules on this route and the fare starts at 500 THB ($14.50) for the 10-hour journey.
Taking the train is the slowest option which takes at least 13 hours. The advantage of this option is that you can travel more comfortably in an airconditioned sleeper berth. Tickets for 2nd class sleeper berth with AC start at 730 THB ($21.50).
Taking a flight is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani. There are several flights offered daily and airfares start from 730 THB ($21.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Bus
Though travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani by bus is a long journey, it can be a much cheaper alternative when flight prices are inflated.
There are numerous bus companies operating daily trips from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The journey takes about 10 hours.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses from Bangkok heading to Surat Thani either depart from Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Mochit Terminal.
These two bus terminals are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. The southern terminal (official name is Sai Tai Mai) comes with the advantage that you can get there via Bangkok’s metro system. If you take a taxi to get to any of these terminals, it will take around 20-30 minutes from Bangkok city centre.
All buses arrive at Surat Thani Bus Terminal in the centre of Sarut Thani. Fares start at 500 THB ($14.50). Below we have provided the schedules of the more credible bus companies for this route:
Bus schedules from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Most of the buses depart the terminal in the late afternoon. Be aware that fares are dependent on the type of bus you book. The VIP buses tend to cost a little more, but offer more space and often a blanket and drinking water for your comfort.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
There are numerous trains available when travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani. We suggest taking a night train to catch up on some sleep and be ready to explore your new destination upon arrival.
Departure and arrival station
Trains operating between Bangkok to Surat Thani depart from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrive at the Surat Thani Railway Station, located east of the town centre. To get to the town centre, you can either take the public orange bus for 20 THB ($0.50) or a taxi for about 140 THB ($4.10).
You can find both the bus and the taxi services outside the train station, near the parking lot. The Surat Thani town is about 15 km east of the railway station. Going to the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes from the train station.
Train Schedules from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Flight
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is taking a flight which takes only just a little over 1 hour. Fares already start from 730 THB ($21.50), but expect to pay more when booking short in advance or during peak seasons.
Low-cost airlines such as Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, AirAsia and Vietjet Air offer multiple flights daily to Surat Thani. Flights depart from Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
To check the best-priced flights, click on the button below:
All flights arrive at Surat Thani International Airport (URT), which is about 32 km from the town centre. You will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to the town centre or your hotel.
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
Garden Homestay - Budget Friendly
Looking for that true Thai culture and welcoming feeling? Garden Homestay is definitely the best choice for you! The hosts are known to be extremely friendly and enjoy spending time with guests, showing them around town and taking them to the sights. A wonderful Asian style breakfast is included each morning of your stay and the homestay is centrally located.
- Extremely friendly and welcoming hosts
- Breakfast included
- Very comfortable beds
- Garden area
Private rooms start at $20 per night
Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani - Mid Range
Set centrally in Surat Thani, the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani is within walking distance of the night market. The hotel features an onsite restaurant, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, and private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is available every morning and the staff is happy to provide guests with directions and information about the area. This hotel is known for its extremely comfortable beds.
- Very comfortable beds
- Onsite restaurant
- Walking distance to the night market
- Breakfast included
Private rooms start at $23 per night
Bangsrai Cottage - Treat Yourself
Enjoy the stunning river views from the terrace at this centrally located cottage in Surat Thani. The outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to cool down after exploring the area and the cottage gardens. There is also a shared lounge, free wifi and free bike rentals for guests to enjoy. Delicious continental breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- River views
- Centrally located
Private bungalows start at $49 per night
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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.