Overview Compare Flight Bus Train + Bus To Stay
How to get from Phuket to Bangkok
Ready to explore the Capital City of Thailand? Also known as the “City of Life,” Bangkok has so much to offer that you will never be bored. Home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and countless other temples, you will find the city to be filled with history and beautiful Thai culture.
If you’re hungry, you’ll find delicious street feed anywhere in Bangkok as well as restaurants offering outstanding cuisines. The city is also a shopping haven with gigantic malls such as MBK and Platinum Fashion Mall.
3 ways to get from Phuket to Bangkok
The distance from Phuket to Bangkok is 845 km (525 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Phuket: by flight (1.5 hours), by bus (13-20.5 hours), or by train + minivan (18-19 hours). Ticket prices range from 690 THB ($20.00) to 1 THB ($30.00).
Taking a flight is the easiest and fastest way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok. It is also often cheaper than taking the VIP bus or the train, which is why most travellers prefer this method for this route.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
If you’re travelling during peak season though, flight prices increase, which makes the overland trip often cheaper. Bus tickets start at 700 THB ($20.50) and travel time is 13-20.5 hours.
Travelling by train involves a couple of transfers and is often the most expensive option. We would only recommend taking this route if you want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand first (Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan).
Phuket to Bangkok by Flight
Aside from being the fastest, taking a flight from Phuket to Bangkok can also be the cheapest option if you book your flight in advance.
Keep in mind that flight prices tend to be high when you book in the same week or near your desired travel date.
Low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia and Thai VietJetAir, offer many flights daily with prices starting at just 690 THB ($20.00).
Aside from these airlines, you also have the option to book with Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, or Bangkok Airways.
To best flight offers, we recommend checking Skyscanner.
All flights depart from Phuket Airport (HKT). The airport is about a 35-minute drive from Phuket town. Flights from Phuket to Bangkok usually take about 1.5 hours.
Flights land at either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok, which are both located around 1hour from the city centre.
Phuket to Bangkok by Bus
Travelling by bus from Phuket to Bangkok is a great alternative when flights are too expensive. If you take a night bus, you can catch up on some rest and save a few dollars on accommodation for the night.
There are three bus companies that operate on this route: Transport Co., Sombat Tour, and Lignite.
Ticket prices start at 700 THB ($20.50) and trips can take 13-20.5 hours, depending on the bus company.
Departure station in Phuket
All buses depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, located 15 km east of Phuket’s tourist district. You may need to arrange a transfer from your hotel to the bus station.
Arrival stations in Bangkok
The journey completes at the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or the Mochit Terminal in Bangkok.
Both bus stations are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. Bangkok Southern Terminal comes with the advantage that the station connects with Bangkok’s metro system. By taxi, it will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre from the bus stations.
The Transport Co. has departures from both, Bangkok Southern Terminal and Mochit Terminal. On the other hand, Sombat Tour and Lignite buses all depart from the Bangkok Southern Terminal.
Bus Schedule from Phuket to Bangkok
Phuket to Bangkok by Train + Minivan
Taking the train from Phuket to Bangkok is the slowest and often the most expensive way to travel this route. Also, there is no train station on Phuket Island, so you will first need to head to Surat Thani.
Taking the train is only recommended if you want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Step 1: Phuket to Surat Thani by Minivan
Minivans bound for Surat Thani Train Station leave from Phuket Bus Terminal 1. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and a ticket costs 300 THB ($8.50).
You can take a tour of Surat Thani in the afternoon because all minivans are bound for Surat Thani town. When you are finished exploring the town centre, you can hail a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the train station.
Minivan schedule from Phuket to Surat Thani
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
There are numerous trains leaving from Surat Thani to Bangkok daily, although most trains depart in the evening. There is only 1 train departing in the morning which you cannot catch with the connecting bus trip since their first trip is at 10:25.
We recommend booking trains #168 and #86 because these are the earliest train departures to avoid you waiting longer.
Train schedule from Surathani to Bangkok
Trains can be the cheapest option. The third class seat is as low as 260 THB ($7.50). But it won’t be comparable to the comfort that second-class berths and first-class tickets can offer. First-class berth cost starts at 1 THB ($41.00).
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.
