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 ($120.00).
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 ($120.00) for the 4.5-hour journey.
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 ($120.00) 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 ($98.00).
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
DD Modern House - Budget Friendly
DD Modern House, as the name suggests is a modern, clean and bright hotel that will make you feel instantly at home. It’s amazing value for money with king rooms costing just $14 per night. The beds are huge and the room comes with everything you could need.
The rooms even have their own balcony overlooking Surat Thani. Plus, you won’t have to go too far to find a number of restaurants and shops. This place books up fast, so don’t miss out!
- Huge and comfortable beds
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Private balcony
- Good location
Private rooms start at $14 per night.
Garden Homestay - Budget Friendly
Looking for authentic Thai culture and a welcome like no other? Garden Homestay is 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 every morning 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 - Budget Friendly
Set centrally in Surat Thani, the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani is a quirky monkey-themed hostel/hotel. It’s a great place to meet other travellers as the place offers free activities and also free bike rental. All day there’s complimentary drinking water and juice to enjoy.
And don’t forget about the delicious Asian breakfast that’s included in your stay. In need of coffee? They have an onsite coffee shop.
- Very comfortable beds
- Onsite coffee shop
- Walking distance to the night market
- Delicious breakfast included
Private rooms start at $23 per night.
Bangsrai Cottage - Mid Range
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 Wi-Fi and free bike rentals for guests to enjoy. A delicious continental breakfast is included with your stay too.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- River views
- Centrally located
Private bungalows start at $41 per night.
Surat Thani Travel Guides
The Ultimate Surat Thani Travel Guide
5 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani
Routes from Surat Thani
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
