Thailand Surat Thani

Surat Thani Airport

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Surat Thani Airport. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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Why visit 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. The city may not be as exciting as the islands but it still offers some charm and sights.

Often used as a mere stopover by tourists, you can enjoy a more authentic Thai experience in this city. So if you have some extra time in your itinerary, our recommended activities in Surat Thani include exploring the floating market, the nearby Khao Sok National Park, and Surat Thani Pillar Shrine.

What are the 2 ways to travel from Surat Thani Airport?

There are 2 ways to travel the 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Surat Thani Airport. You can choose between the minivan and taxi or car rental. The journey takes 30 to 45 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi or car rental. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 100 THB ($2.90).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Minivan

45m

From 100 THB ($2.90)

Book Tickets

Taxi or Car Rental

30m

From 580 THB ($17.10)

Where to stay in Surat Thani?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani at the bottom of this page.

Surat Thani Airport by Minivan

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 THB ($2.90)

Duration: 45 minutes

Costs: 100 THB ($2.90)

Travelling by minivan is one of the most practical and cheapest ways of going from and to Surat Thani Airport.

The last time we checked (August 2022), Phantip Travel is the only minivan company operating at the airport. Seatran Ferry also used to operate this route, but they haven’t resumed their services since the pandemic.

Phantrip Travel offers several trips daily from 08:30 to 20:00. The travel time between Surat Thani Airport and the city centre of Surat Thani is about 45 minutes. Fare starts from 100 THB ($2.90).

Minivan Schedule from Surat Thani Airport

Surat Thani

6x a day, every hour between 08:30-20:00

Phantip Travel

100 THB ($2.90)

Get Your Tickets

We recommend that you buy your ticket online beforehand to skip long queues at the airport. If you weren’t able to book advance online, you can still try checking out Phantip Travel’s counter at the arrivals hall.

Transfer to other destinations

There are many minivans and buses bound for Phuket, Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan at Surat Thani Airport. It’s best to arrange your transfer in advance, especially during peak season.

Surat Thani Airport by Taxi or Car Rental

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 580 THB ($17.10)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 580 THB ($17.10)

If you’re travelling in a group, travelling by taxi or private car from the airport may not be too expensive. It can be a really comfortable option that can take you to your hotel in Surat Thani.

Kim Transfers Thailand offers taxi services between Surat Thani Airport and the town centre. Fare starts from 580 THB ($17.10) for a ride that takes 30 minutes. We suggest booking a taxi in advance to avoid not just the taxi queues, but also the touts often offering overpriced rides.

Check Private Transfers with 12GoAsia

Car rental at Surat Thani Airport

Aside from taxis, car rental services are also available at the arrival hall of Surat Thani Airport. You can choose from popular companies, such as Thai Rent-a-Car, Avis, Budget, and Hertz.

Best 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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Surat Thani Airport

What is the distance from Surat Thani Airport?

The distance from Surat Thani Airport is 30 kilometers (19 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Surat Thani Airport?

The fastest way to get from Surat Thani Airport is by taxi or car rental and takes 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Surat Thani Airport?

The cheapest way to get from Surat Thani Airport is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 100 THB ($2.90).

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Surat Thani Airport. 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!

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.

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