What to expect when visiting 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.
3 ways to get from Sukhothai to Bangkok
There are three ways to travel the distance of 435 km (270 miles) from Sukhothai to Bangkok: by bus (5h23m-6h), train* (9h41m-12h57m) and flight (1hr 20m + transfer time). The journey takes between 1h20m - 12h57m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 340 THB ($9.50) for the bus.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.
Sukhothai to Bangkok by Bus
Two known bus companies ferry passengers from Sukhothai to Bangkok: The Transport Co and the Sukhothai Wintour.
From New Sukhothai
From the New Sukhothai city centre, take a songthaew to the bus terminal for 15 THB ($0.40). Alternatively, you can also ride a tuk-tuk for 50 THB ($1.40).
From Old Sukhothai
Sukhothai Wintour used to allow passengers to catch their Bangkok-bound buses in their office near the Historical Park. Now, all buses depart from Sukhothai Bus Terminal.
If you are coming from Old Sukhothai, take a songthaew to the bus terminal. One ride costs around 20 THB ($0.50) to 30 THB ($0.80). Tuk-tuk is another alternative, which costs around 150 THB ($4.20).
Bus schedules from Sukhothai to Bangkok
Both operators have buses that depart from the Sukhothai Bus Terminal and arrive at the Mochit Bus Terminal.
The Transport offers only standard buses but it also has departures from Sawankhalok Bus Terminal, which is 40 km away from the New Sukhothai.
These buses will drop you off at Bangkok Bus Terminal in Sai Tai Mai, along the Boromaratchachonnani Road.
On the other hand, Sukhothai Wintour provides VIP and standard bus trips from Sukhothai and Bangkok.
With tickets sold at Origin currency not defined, VIP buses are only available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The standard P1 buses are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while the ticket costs 380 THB ($10.00).
Sukhothai to Bangkok by Train*
Taking the train is not the fastest way to travel from Sukhothai to Bangkok. Still, it is a great opportunity to relax and take in the sights.
*COVID-19 UPDATE: The last time we checked (March 2022), the buses going from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok are not available. For this reason, you will need to take a taxi instead.
Step 1: Sukhothai to Phitsanulok
Travellers coming from Sukhothai used to take the bus to the train station at Phitsanulok. Due to the pandemic, no bus operators seem to provide trips for this route. In this case, you can take a taxi.
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Bus
Buses operated by Sukhothai Wintour going from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok were widely available before the pandemic. Also, buses also used to pick up passengers from Sukhothai Wintour’s office near the Historical Park.
As of March 2022, the buses servicing this route are not available. Check their Facebook page to get the latest information on pricing, availability, and schedules.
Whether you are in the Old or New Sukhothai, you can go to the Sukhothai Bus Terminal by tuk-tuk.
From New Sukhothai, one tuk-tuk ride costs 60 THB ($1.60). Old Sukhothai is a little bit farther from the terminal so expect to pay 150 THB ($4.10).
Once you are at the Sukhothai Bus Terminal, you will then board a bus bound for Phitsanulok. The fare is around 60 THB ($1.60).
Upon arrival at the Phitsanulok bus terminal, you can hire a tuk-tuk to take you to the train station for 60 THB ($1.60).
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Taxi
Riding a taxi from Sukhothai to Phitsanulok is the most convenient option. The driver can pick you up from your hotel and then drop you off at the Phitsanulok Railway Station.
We recommend Kim Transfers Thailand as they offer the best value with rates starting from 2,300 THB ($63.00). You can book Kim Transfers or other private transport providers via the link below.
Sukhothai to Phitsanulok by Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are convenient for short trips around the city. For long journeys, they are not ideal as they make the ride slower and bumpier.
If you need to travel the 63 km distance between Sukhothai and Phitsanulok, taking a taxi makes more sense. Besides comfort and safety, you can be sure that your luggage won’t get wet when it rains.
Step 2: Phitsanulok to Bangkok by Train
Numerous trains go from Phitsanulok to Bangkok from morning to past midnight.
Among the options, the fastest train is SP8 as it only takes 4h 41 min to reach Bangkok. It costs 479 THB ($13.00) for a 2nd class seat in an air-conditioned car.
If you are on a budget, you can take the RP112 train. It only costs 180 THB ($4.90) for a 3rd class seat but the journey is almost 8 hours long.
Those who want to save on accommodations can opt for sleeper trains. RP 108 and SP14 offer second-class berths ranging between 640 THB ($17.50) to 700 THB ($19.00).
Train* options from Sukhothai to Bangkok
TIP: Train tickets are sold up to 90 days prior to departure. Book your ticket in advance as train tickets tend to sell out fast!
Sukhothai to Bangkok by Flight
Bangkok Airways used to offer 3 flights every day from Sukhothai (THS) to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok. Due to the pandemic, only 1 daily flight is available.
Flights depart at 17:50, and ticket prices start at 1,580 THB ($44.50).
Sukhothai Airport is located 30 km north of New Sukhothai, which means you will need to arrange a transfer from your hotel. Bangkok Airways provides a shuttle service for a fee.
Contact them directly to inquire about up-to-date information on pricing, schedule, and availability. Another option is to arrange a transfer with your hotel.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can reach Bangkok in 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your mode of transport.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite 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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sukhothai to Bangkok
What is the distance from Sukhothai to Bangkok?
The distance from Sukhothai to Bangkok is 435 km (270 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Sukhothai to Bangkok is by flight and takes 1hr 20m + transfer time.
What is the cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Sukhothai to Bangkok is by bus with ticket costs starting from 340 THB ($9.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Sukhothai 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!
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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.
