Overview Compare Flight via Koh Samui Flight via Surat Thani Bus + Ferry Train + Ferry To Stay
How to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok
Ready to explore the “City of Life”? Bangkok is Thailand’s Capital City, which is filled with amazing street food, excellent shopping and beautiful sights. Home to world-famous sights such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, you will find Thai culture in all corners of Bangkok.
The distance from Koh Phangan to Bangkok is 770 km (480 miles). In this post, we compare the 4 options to travel from Koh Phangan to Bangkok: by flight via Koh Samui (3-3.5 hours), by flight via Surat Thani (4-7 hours), by bus + ferry (12-18 hours), or by train + ferry (15.5-20.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 1 THB ($34.00) to 3 THB ($105.00).
4 ways to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok
Taking a flight via Koh Samui is the fastest option to travel from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. The total journey time will be around 3-3.5 hours, including transfers. The downside is that it’s also the most expensive option at 3 THB ($105.00).
A cheaper option when travelling by flight is to fly from Surat Thani instead of Koh Samui. The flight fares start at 1 THB ($38.50), which is only slightly pricier than the bus or train. As Surat Thani is further away from Koh Phangan, this route will take about 1-3 hours longer than flying via Koh Samui.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
An alternative option is a combined bus and ferry ride from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. This option is cheaper than the flights with combined fares from 1 THB ($35.00). Although the overall journey takes 12-18 hours, you can save a night on accommodation if you travel by night.
The train is the cheapest option for this route at 1 THB ($34.00), but note that you will need 3 transfers if you take the train. This option includes a combined ferry and bus ride from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani, followed by a train from Surat Thani to Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok.
Koh Phangan to Bangkok by Flight via Koh Samui
Taking a flight is the fastest way to get from Koh Phangan to Bangkok, but there is no airport on the island.
The closest airport to Koh Phangan is in Koh Samui. You will need to take a 1.5-hour ferry ride to Koh Samui. From there, you can hire a taxi or minivan to take you to the airport.
Step 1: Koh Phangan to Koh Samui by Ferry
You easily reach Koh Samui by taking a ferry which departs from Thong Sala Pier and arrives at Lipa Noi Pier in Koh Samui. Fare starts at 155 THB ($4.50) for the 1.5-hour ferry ride.
There are multiple ferry trips offered by Raja Ferry and Seatran Discovery from 7:00 in the morning until 16:00 in the afternoon. You can check the schedule below so that you can plan ahead.
Bus + Ferry schedules from Koh Phangan to Bangkok
Seatran Discovery also offers a combined ferry + minivan that will directly drop you off at Samui Airport for 645 THB ($19.00).
This option is very convenient because you don’t need to arrange an airport transfer. However, there are only 2 trips per day so make sure to align the schedules with the flights.
Step 2: Koh Samui to Koh Samui Airport by Taxi
If you didn’t book a ferry with drop-off at the airport, you will need to travel from Lipa Noi Pier to Koh Samui Airport (USM).
The ride takes about 1 hour and fares start from 490 THB ($14.00) if you book with Grab.
Alternatively, you can book a private car with SmackOne that will bring you from Lipa Noi pier to Samui Airport. Fare starts at 945 THB ($27.50) on 12GoAsia.
Step 3: Koh Samui Airport to Bangkok by Flight
There are multiple daily flights from Koh Samui Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. All flights are operated by Bangkok Airways. The airport is about 33 km east of the Khao San Road area, which is one of the most popular areas in the centre of Bangkok.
You can get a ticket for around 3 THB ($88.00), and the flight takes about 1hr 15m. For the best flight offers, we recommend checking Skyscanner.
Be sure to factor in the time it will take for your ferry to cross from Koh Phangan and the travel time from the pier to the airport.
Koh Phangan to Bangkok by Flight via Surat Thani
A cheaper option to travel by flight from Koh Phangan to Bangkok is to fly from Surat Thani Airport (URT). This takes at least 3 hours longer than flying from Koh Samui but is still much faster than taking the bus or train.
Step 1: Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Airport by Ferry + Bus
First, you have to take a combined ferry and bus ride from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Airport.
There are 3 companies operating on this route: Phantip Travel, Raja Ferry, and Lomprayah. The earliest departure is 05:00 and the last is 11:00 in the morning.
Fares start at 505 THB ($14.50) and travel time is 5-6 hours for standard ferries. But if you take the high-speed ferry of Lomprayah for a few more dollars, you can reach Surat Thani Airport in about 3 hours.
Ferry + Bus schedules from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Airport
Ferries depart from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan and take you to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani. From there, a van or bus will be waiting to take you directly to Surat Thani Airport.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Flight
From Surat Thani Airport, the flight takes around 1hr 10m, and airfare starts at 800 THB ($23.50).
There are several airlines operating on this route like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. Flights land at Don Muang Airport (DMK), which is located around 1 hour from Bangkok city centre.
You can check the best flight offers on Skyscanner.
Koh Phangan to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
While travelling by bus may take more time, it’s a lot cheaper than taking a plane or train. You also get to save a few dollars in accommodation if you choose to take a night bus.
Montanatip, Lomprayah, and Krungsiam Tour operate bus and ferry trips from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. Each operator offers only 1 trip daily.
Travelling by bus takes at least 12 hours, making it the perfect time to catch up on some sleep.
Departure and arrival stations
The first part of the journey is departing from Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. The ferry will take you to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani and from there, you will transfer to the bus onward to Bangkok.
If you will board the Montanatip and Lomprayah buses, the last stop is at Khaosan Road, which is about 5 minutes away from Bangkok centre by taxi.
Meanwhile, Krungsiam buses arrive at Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). You could take Bangkok’s metro system or a taxi to reach the centre in 20-30 minutes.
Bus + Ferry schedules from Koh Phangan to Bangkok
If the bus route passes by your hotel in another area, you can request the driver to drop you off at the nearest stop, but note that not all drivers will oblige.
Koh Phangan to Bangkok by Train + Ferry
You can also take the train when travelling from Koh Phangan to Bangkok. This option is cheaper than the flights, but it takes almost a full day to reach Bangkok, as it requires 3 transfers.
From Koh Phangan, you will take a combined ferry and bus or van ride to Surat Thani Train Station. From there, you can hop on a train going to Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok.
Step 1: Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Minivan
You can book a combined ferry and minivan ticket for 465 THB ($13.50). You will take a ferry from Thong Sala Pier to Surat Thani Pier. At the pier, you will be transferred to a bus or a minivan, which will take you to Surat Thani Railway Station.
The trip takes 4.5-6 hours with the fares starting from 425 THB ($12.50).
Ferry + Bus schedules from Koh Phangan to Surat Thani Train Station
There are several ferry and minivan schedules to choose from on this route. Be sure to check if the schedule you booked is aligned with the train schedule.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
The last leg of this journey is the train ride from Surat Thani Train Station to Hua Lamphong Railway Station. There are multiple trips daily with the first trip at 10:25 until 23:14.
We recommend that you take a night train so that you won’t lose a day travelling. You can check the schedule below for the 2nd-class sleeper trains.
Train schedules from Surat Thani to Bangkok
There are several train options for this route and the price for a 2nd class sleeper berth starts at 730 THB ($21.50). For extra comfort, you can upgrade to a 1st class A/C sleeper for 1 THB ($39.50).
You can also book 3rd-class seats for 215 THB ($6.00) and 2nd-class seats for 360 THB ($10.50). However, we recommend that you book tickets with berths to have maximum comfort in the 11-14.5 hours journey.
For more info, check out our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travellers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club - Budget Friendly
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House - Mid Range
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House - Mid Range
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night’s rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 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.
