Thailand Bangkok

How to get from Phuket to Bangkok

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 845 kilometre (525 miles) distance from Phuket to Bangkok. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Bangkok 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 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 544 THB ($17.30).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train + Minivan

13-16h

From 544 THB ($17.30)

Bus

12h - 20h 30m

From 660 THB ($21)

Book Tickets

Flight

1h 30m

From 690 THB ($22)

Book Tickets

Private Transport

12-14h

From 11,102 THB ($355)

Book Tickets

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

Duration: 13-16h

Costs: 544 THB ($17.30)

Duration: 13-16h

Costs: 544 THB ($17.30)

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

Duration: 4h - 4h 30m

Costs: 299 THB ($9.50)

Duration: 4h - 4h 30m

Costs: 299 THB ($9.50)

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.

Phuket Bus Terminal 1

Standard

Surat Thani Town Phantip Travel Office

07:00

4h 30m

11:30

08:00

4h 30m

12:30

09:00

4h 30m

13:30

10:00

4h 30m

14:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

12:00

4h 30m

16:30

13:00

4h 30m

17:30

14:00

4h 30m

18:30

15:00

4h 30m

19:30

12Go Transport

299 THB ($9.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket bus Terminal 1

Standard

Surat Thani Town

07:00

4h 30m

11:30

08:00

4h 30m

12:30

09:00

4h 30m

13:30

10:00

4h 30m

14:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

12:00

4h 30m

16:30

13:00

4h 30m

17:30

14:00

4h 30m

18:30

15:00

4h 30m

19:30

16:00

4h 30m

20:30

Phantip 1970

315 THB ($10)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 1

Standard

Surat Thani Train Station

07:00

11:00

08:00

12:00

09:00

13:00

10:00

14:00

11:00

15:00

12:00

16:00

13:00

17:00

14:00

18:00

15:00

19:00

12Go Transport

343 THB ($10.90)

Get Your Tickets

Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train

Duration: 9h 5m - 11h 30m

Costs: 245 THB ($7.80)

Duration: 9h 5m - 11h 30m

Costs: 245 THB ($7.80)

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.

Surat Thani Train Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

23:28

11h 22m

10:50

Thai Railway

From 245 THB ($7.80)

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

23:28

11h 22m

10:50

Thai Railway

399 THB ($12.70)

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Seat

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

09:00

9h 5m

18:05

18:25

9h 20m

03:45

Thai Railway

594 THB ($18.90)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Sleeper

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

22:24

9h 46m

08:10

Thai Railways

912 THB ($29)

Surat Thani Train Station

First Class Sleeper

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

22:24

9h 46m

08:10

Thai Railways

1,510 THB ($48)

Trains can be the cheapest option. The third class seat is as low as 245 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

Duration: 12h - 20h 30m

Costs: 660 THB ($21)

Duration: 12h - 20h 30m

Costs: 660 THB ($21)

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 660 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

Bangkok

07:30

20h 39m

04:09

15:30

20h 39m

12:09

17:00

20h 39m

13:39

18:00

20h 39m

14:39

Transport Co.

660 THB ($21)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Economy

Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2)

15:30

12h 30m

04:00

16:30

12h 30m

05:00

Lignite Tour

786 THB ($25)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Economy

Bangkok Bus Terminal Southern (Sai Tai Mai)

15:30

13h

04:30

16:30

13h

05:30

19:00

12h

07:00

Lignite Tour

786 THB ($25)

Get Your Tickets

Starbucks Jungceylon Patong

Standard

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

13:00

16h 40m

05:40

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

874 THB ($28)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Express

Khaosan Nara Travel Office (2nd floor)

13:00

16h 30m

05:30

Khao San Nara Travel

931 THB ($29.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Express

Government Savings Bank (Aomsin Bank Ratchadamneon branch)

13:00

16h 30m

05:30

Khao San Nara Travel

931 THB ($29.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Express 44

Southern Terminal Bangkok

16:10

12h 45m

04:55

Sombat Tour

940 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

Express

Khao San Nara Travel

13:00

16h 30m

05:30

Raja Ferry

1,154 THB ($36.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 24 Seats

Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2)

15:30

12h 30m

04:00

17:00

12h 30m

05:30

Lignite Tour

1,223 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 24 Seats

Bangkok Bus Terminal Chatuchak (Mo Chit 2)

17:40

11h 50m

05:30

Phuket Travel

1,223 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 24 Seats

Bangkok Bus Terminal Southern (Sai Tai Mai)

15:30

13h

04:30

17:00

13h

06:00

Lignite Tour

1,223 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 24 Seats

Bangkok Bus Terminal Southern (Sai Tai Mai)

17:40

12h

05:40

Phuket Travel

1,223 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 33 Seats

Southern Terminal Bangkok

18:30

12h 45m

07:15

Sombat Tour

1,255 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 30 Seats

Southern Terminal Bangkok

15:40

12h 45m

04:25

Sombat Tour

1,255 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Starbucks Jungceylon Patong

VIP

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

01:00

16h 40m

17:40

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

1,258 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP 24 Seats

Southern Bus Terminal

17:40

12h 30m

06:10

Trans Baan Ton

1,403 THB ($44.50)

Get Your Tickets

Show 11 more operator(s)

Phuket to Bangkok by Flight

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: 690 THB ($22)

Duration: 1.5 hours

Costs: 690 THB ($22)

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 ($22).

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.

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.

Phuket to Bangkok by Private Transport

Duration: 12-14h

Costs: 11,102 THB ($355)

Duration: 12-14h

Costs: 11,102 THB ($355)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Phuket to Bangkok.

Rates start from 11,102 THB ($355) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about 5,551 THB ($175) per person. Travel time is around 12 to 14 hours.

Private Transport option from Phuket to Bangkok

Standard

Standard Car 2 PAX

Price per person = 5,551 THB ($175)

Bangkok Taxi 24

11,102 THB ($355)

Get Your Tickets

VIP

VIP Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = 1,541 THB ($49)

Bangkok Taxi 24

13,869 THB ($440)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

Price per person = 2,669 THB ($85)

Kanokwan Travel

18,681 THB ($595)

Get Your Tickets

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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 544 THB ($17.30).

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.