Overview Compare Minivan Taxi To Stay
How to get from Phuket to Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a popular transport hub in southern Thailand. It often serves as a stop along the way to Krabi, Phuket or to Islands in the Gulf of Thailand. It may not be as exciting as the islands but it still offers some charm and sights, like outdoor activities such as hiking through the National Parks or exploring the rainforest.
The distance from Phuket to Surat Thani is 240 km (150 miles). In this post, we compare the 2 best options to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani: by minivan (5 hours) or by taxi (4.5 hours). Tickets range from 345 THB ($9.50) to 4,400 THB ($125).
2 ways to get from Phuket to Surat Thani
The minivan is a cheap and convenient way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani. You can get a ticket for only 345 THB ($9.50) and the travel time is about 5 hours.
For a door-to-door transfer, you can also take a taxi. However, taxi rates from Phuket to Surat Thani can be quite expensive. Fares start from 4,400 THB ($125) for the 4.5-hour journey.
Itinerary from Phuket to Surat Thani
Phuket to Surat Thani by Minivan
Hopping on a minivan is a lot cheaper than hiring a taxi. If you’re on a budget, this is the best option for you.
There are numerous minivan trips operating from Phuket to Surat Thani daily. The earliest trip is at 7:00 in the morning and the latest is at 15:00 in the afternoon. The last time we checked (August 2022), only Phantip Travel operates on this route.
Departure and arrival stations
Phantip minivans on the Phuket to Surat Thani route depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 1. You can reach the terminal in 5 minutes if you ride a taxi from Phuket Town.
Minivans arrive at Phantip Travel Head Office in Surat Thani Town.
To serve as your guide, see the schedules below that we have provided for you:
Minivan schedules from Phuket to Surat Thani
The whole journey from Phuket to Surat Thani takes 5 hours. Be sure to book early to avoid missing out on your preferred schedules.
Phuket to Surat Thani by Taxi
Prefer a convenient car ride from Phuket to Surat Thani? Then it’s best to hire a taxi service. It’s quite pricey, but it allows you the convenience of door-to-door travel. Travel time takes 4.5 hours.
You can hail a taxi along the streets of Phuket, but you’ll need to negotiate a fair price with the driver. Taxis can also be booked through local travel agencies, or you can ask your hotel for assistance.
The fare starts from 4,400 THB ($125) from any Phuket hotel to Surat Thani town. If you’re coming from Phuket Airport, it’s even a bit cheaper with rates starting from 3,520 THB ($100).
Check Private Transfers on 12GoAsia
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
Garden Homestay
Looking for that true Thai culture and welcoming feeling? Garden Homestay is definitely the best choice for you! The hosts are known to be extremely friendly and enjoy spending time with guests, showing them around town and taking them to the sights. A wonderful Asian style breakfast is included each morning of your stay and the homestay is centrally located.
- Extremely friendly and welcoming hosts
- Breakfast included
- Very comfortable beds
- Garden area
Private rooms start at $20 per night
Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani
Set centrally in Surat Thani, the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani is within walking distance of the night market. The hotel features an onsite restaurant, air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, and private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is available every morning and the staff is happy to provide guests with directions and information about the area. This hotel is known for its extremely comfortable beds.
- Very comfortable beds
- Onsite restaurant
- Walking distance to the night market
- Breakfast included
Private rooms start at $23 per night
Bangsrai Cottage
Enjoy the stunning river views from the terrace at this centrally located cottage in Surat Thani. The outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to cool down after exploring the area and the cottage gardens. There is also a shared lounge, free wifi and free bike rentals for guests to enjoy. Delicious continental breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- River views
- Centrally located
Private bungalows start at $49 per night
Surat Thani Travel Guides
The Ultimate Surat Thani Travel Guide
Routes from Surat Thani
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Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
