Contents
Overview | Flight | Bus | Train | Secret Escapes
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, Bangkok is filled with delicious street food anywhere you look as well as restaurants offering international cuisine. The city is also a shopping haven with gigantic malls such as MBK and Platinum Fashion Mall.
To travel the 850kms from Phuket to Bangkok you have 3 options: you can hop on a flight and arrive in just 1.5 hours, take a bus for 14.5 hours or board the train and arrive in 14 hours. If you book well in advance you can find flights starting at just $25.
Flight, Bus or Train?
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1.5 hours | 760 THB ($25) | Check flights |
| Bus | 14hr 25min | 700 THB ($23) | Check bus tickets |
| Train | 14 hours | 885 THB ($29) | Check train tickets |
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.
If you’re travelling on a peak season though, flight prices might go up and it would be better to travel by land. Bus tickets start at $21 and travel time is 12 hours.
Travelling by train involves a couple of transfers and is often the most expensive option. However, it gives you the chance to make a side trip to Surat Thani.
Itinerary from Phuket to Bangkok
Phuket to Bangkok by Flight
Duration: 1h 30min
Cost: 760 THB ($25)
Aside from being the fastest, taking a flight from Phuket to Bangkok can also be the cheapest option if you book your flight advance.
Keep in mind though that flight prices tend to increase during weekends and peak season. Do not be surprised if you see flights for double or even triple the amount.
Low-cost airlines such as AirAsia, Thai Lion Air and Nok Air offer many flights daily with prices starting at just 760 THB ($25). All their flights land at Don Muang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok.
If you prefer to land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), you can book your flight through Thai Smile, Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways. Flights with these airlines tend to be more expensive so be sure to check the flights and prices carefully.
All flights from Phuket to Bangkok takes about 1.5 hours. To book your flight in advance and check out the cheapest offers, click the button provided below.
Phuket to Bangkok by Bus
Duration: 14hr 25min
Cost: 700 THB ($23)
Travelling by bus from Phuket to Bangkok is a great option when flights are too expensive. If you choose to take a night bus, you can catch up on some rest and save a few dollars on accommodation for the night.
Ticket prices start at 700 THB ($23) and most trips take about 14.5 hours.
Buses depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, located 15km east of Phuket’s tourist district. You may need to arrange a transfer from your hotel to the bus station.
The journey completes at the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), which is 15km west of Bangkok city center. You can easily hail a taxi from just outside the terminal.
Check out the bus schedule below:
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Travel | 16:30-06:55 17:20-07:45 (VIP) 19:00-09:25 (VIP) | 14h 25m | 700 THB ($23) 1,100 THB ($36) 1,100 THB ($36) |
| Bus Express | 06:30-18:30 15:30-03:30 18:30-08:55 (VIP) | 14h 25m | 700 THB ($23) 700 THB ($23) 1,100 THB ($36) |
| Sombat Tour | 15:40-04:40 | 13h | 1,200 THB ($39.50) |
| Transport Co. | 18:04-06:04 19:00-09:00 | 12h 14h | 1,000 THB ($33) |
Phuket to Bangkok by Train
Duration: 14 hours
Cost: 885 THB ($29)
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, however, does offer a chance to explore Surat Thani for the afternoon, as most of the trains leave later in the evening.
Step 1: Phuket to Surat Thani by Minivan
Duration: 4.5 hours
Cost: 245 THB ($8)
Minivans bound for Surat Thani Train Station leave from Phuket Bus Terminal 2. The journey takes about 4.5 hours and a ticket costs 245 THB ($8).
If you’d like to tour Surat Thani for the afternoon, we suggest taking a minivan bound for Surat Thani town. When you are finished exploring the town center, you can hail a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the train station.
| Bus Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantip | 08:00-12:30 12:00-16:30 15:30-20:00 | 4h 30m | 245 THB ($8) |
Check Available Minivan Tickets
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
Duration: 9.5 hours
Cost: 640 THB ($21)
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.
| Train | Schedule | Duration | 2nd Class Sleeper A/C |
|---|---|---|---|
| SP40 | 10:40-19:45 | 09h 05m | 640 THB ($21) |
| RP174 | 16:47-05:10 | 13h 05m | 760 THB ($25) |
| RP168 | 17:38-05:35 | 11h 57m | 760 THB ($25) |
| EX86 | 18:37-06:30 | 12h 07m | 840 THB ($28) |
| RP170 | 20:14-09:00 | 12h 46m | 730 THB ($24) |
| SP42 / SP44 | 20:41-05:55 | 09h 14m | 640 THB ($21) |
| EX84 | 21:04-08:35 | 11h 31m | 840 THB ($28) |
| RP172 | 21:26-09:15 | 11h 49m | 760 THB ($25) |
| SP38 / SP46 | 23:28-10:10 | 10h 42m | 840 THB ($28) |
| SP32 | 23:57-10:30 | 11h 33m | 770 THB ($25.50) |
You can book a 2nd class sleeper berth online for as low as 640 THB ($21). For more comfort, you can also get a 1st class berth starting at 1,400 THB ($46).
My favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel
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 travelers 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
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
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
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
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
