What to expect when visiting Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a popular transport hub in southern Thailand. It often serves as a stop along the way to Krabi, Phuket or to islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The city may not be as exciting as the islands but it still offers some charm and sights.
Often used as a mere stopover by tourists, you can enjoy a more authentic Thai experience in this city. So if you have some extra time in your itinerary, our recommended activities in Surat Thani include exploring the floating market, the nearby Khao Sok National Park, and Surat Thani Pillar Shrine.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani
There are three ways to travel the distance of 645 km (401 miles) from Bangkok to Surat Thani: by bus (9h40m-10h), train (13h2m-13h17m) and flight (1hr 15m). The journey takes between 1h15m - 13h17m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 500 THB ($14.00) for the bus.Where to stay in Surat Thani?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani at the bottom of this page.
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
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 ($14.00). 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 ($3.90).
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 ($20.50), 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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
DD Modern House - Budget Friendly
DD Modern House, as the name suggests is a modern, clean and bright hotel that will make you feel instantly at home. It’s amazing value for money with king rooms costing just $14 per night. The beds are huge and the room comes with everything you could need.
The rooms even have their own balcony overlooking Surat Thani. Plus, you won’t have to go too far to find a number of restaurants and shops. This place books up fast, so don’t miss out!
- Huge and comfortable beds
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Private balcony
- Good location
Private rooms start at $14 per night.
Garden Homestay - Budget Friendly
Looking for authentic Thai culture and a welcome like no other? Garden Homestay is 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 every morning 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 - Budget Friendly
Set centrally in Surat Thani, the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani is a quirky monkey-themed hostel/hotel. It’s a great place to meet other travellers as the place offers free activities and also free bike rental. All day there’s complimentary drinking water and juice to enjoy.
And don’t forget about the delicious Asian breakfast that’s included in your stay. In need of coffee? They have an onsite coffee shop.
- Very comfortable beds
- Onsite coffee shop
- Walking distance to the night market
- Delicious breakfast included
Private rooms start at $23 per night.
Bangsrai Cottage - Mid Range
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 Wi-Fi and free bike rentals for guests to enjoy. A delicious continental breakfast is included with your stay too.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- River views
- Centrally located
Private bungalows start at $41 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Surat Thani
What is the distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani is 645 km (401 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by flight and takes 1hr 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by bus with ticket costs starting from 500 THB ($14.00).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
