How to get from Phuket to Bangkok
Why visit Bangkok?
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Phuket to Bangkok?
There are 4 ways to travel the 845 kilometre (525 miles) distance from Phuket to Bangkok. You can choose between the bus, private transport, train + minivan and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 20 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + minivan with tickets starting at 567 THB ($17.30).
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
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
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.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
There are numerous trains leaving from Surat Thani to Bangkok daily.
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.
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Trains can be the cheapest option. The third class seat is as low as 255 THB ($7.80). But it won’t be comparable to the comfort that second-class berths and first-class tickets can offer.
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 eight bus companies that operate on this route: Transport Co., Lignite Tour, Jarinthon Tour (2553), Khao San Nara Travel, Sombat Tour, Raja Ferry, Phuket Travel and Trans Baan Ton.
Ticket prices start at 688 THB ($21) and trips can take around 12 hours to 20 hours 30 minutes, depending on the bus company.
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 Flight
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 690 THB ($21).
Aside from these airlines, you also have the option to book with Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, or Bangkok Airways.
For the 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 hour 30 minutes.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Phuket to Bangkok by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Phuket to Bangkok.
Rates start from 11,561 THB ($355) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 5,780 THB ($175) per person. Travel time is around 12 to 14 hours.
Private Transport option from Phuket to Bangkok
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phuket to Bangkok. 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 Phuket to Bangkok
What is the distance from Phuket to Bangkok?
The distance from Phuket to Bangkok is 845 kilometre (525 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is by flight and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is by train + minivan with ticket costs starting from 567 THB ($17.30).
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.
