Thailand Surat Thani

How to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 645 kilometre (401 miles) distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Surat Thani as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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Why visit 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.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani?

There are 3 ways to travel the 645 kilometre (401 miles) distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani. You can choose between the bus, train and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 236 THB ($7.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train

8h 20m - 12h

From 236 THB ($7.50)

Book Tickets

Bus

9h 55m - 12h 30m

From 623 THB ($19.80)

Book Tickets

Flight

1h 15m

From 730 THB ($23)

Book Tickets

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 Train

Duration: 8h 20m - 12h

Costs: 236 THB ($7.50)

Duration: 8h 20m - 12h

Costs: 236 THB ($7.50)

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 stations

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 ($0.60) or a taxi for about 140 THB ($4.50).

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

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

From 236 THB ($7.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

248 THB ($7.90)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

252 THB ($8)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

384 THB ($12.20)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

415 THB ($13.20)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

418 THB ($13.30)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Ban Song

18:50

11h 3m

05:53

20:30

11h 51m

08:21

Thai Railway

421 THB ($13.40)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

554 THB ($17.60)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat

Chaiya

07:30

8h 20m

15:50

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

22:50

8h 30m

07:20

Thai Railway

576 THB ($18.30)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

585 THB ($18.60)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Ban Song

15:10

10h 53m

02:03

Thai Railway

591 THB ($18.80)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat

Na San

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

Thai Railway

686 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

802 THB ($25.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

Thai Railway

833 THB ($26.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Ban Song

15:10

10h 53m

02:03

Thai Railway

840 THB ($26.50)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

Thai Railways

906 THB ($29)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

First Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

16:50

9h 30m

02:20

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

Thai Railways

1,500 THB ($47.50)

Show 12 more operator(s)

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 eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Bangkok to Surat Thani by Bus

Duration: 9h 55m - 12h 30m

Costs: 623 THB ($19.80)

Duration: 9h 55m - 12h 30m

Costs: 623 THB ($19.80)

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 9 hours 55 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes.

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 Surat Thani. Fares start at 623 THB ($19.80). Below we have provided the schedules of the more credible bus companies for this route:

Bus schedules from Bangkok to Surat Thani

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 32 Seats

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

18:50

10h 10m

05:00

Krungsiam

623 THB ($19.80)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express 42

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:30

12h 20m

07:50

Sombat Tour

629 THB ($20)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Standard

Surat Thani Talad Kaset 2

19:00

10h

05:00

Nara Travel

657 THB ($21)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:30

10h

05:30

Choke Anan Tours

676 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:30

10h

05:30

Choke Anan Tours

676 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Jarinthon Tour Surat Thani

19:00

11h

06:00

Montanatip Tour & Travel

686 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Surat Thani Talat Kaset 2 Montanatip

19:00

11h

06:00

Raja Ferry

714 THB ($22.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

07:30

10h

17:30

Bangkok Buslines

730 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

Express

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:05

10h

05:05

Krung Siam Tour

733 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Makro Bang Bon

Express

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:10

9h 55m

05:05

Krung Siam Tour

733 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Surat Thani Talat Kaset 2 Montanatip

19:00

11h

06:00

Raja Ferry

767 THB ($24.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 24 Seats

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:00

10h

05:00

Krungsiam

827 THB ($26.50)

Get Your Tickets

S O T Khao San Office

VIP 24 Seats

Jarinthon Tour Surat Thani

18:00

12h

06:00

SOT Travel

833 THB ($26.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

VIP

Jarinthon Tour Surat Thani

19:00

11h

06:00

Montanatip Tour & Travel

859 THB ($27.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:00

10h

05:00

Krung Siam Tour

978 THB ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 30 Seats

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:00

10h

05:00

Sombat Tour

978 THB ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Makro Bang Bon

VIP

Surat Thani Bus Terminal

19:05

9h 55m

05:00

Krung Siam Tour

978 THB ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Show 12 more operator(s)

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 Flight

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 730 THB ($23)

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 730 THB ($23)

The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is taking a flight which takes only 1 hour 15 minutes. Fares already start from 730 THB ($23) 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).

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.

To check the best-priced flights, click on the button below:

Check Flights on Skyscanner

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

Best 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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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!

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 kilometre (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 1 hour 15 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by train with ticket costs starting from 236 THB ($7.50).

About the author(s)

Maarten

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

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.