Overview Compare Minivan Taxi To Stay
How to travel from and to Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani 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.
Although we won’t really recommend it as a destination to stay in Surat Thani, there are a few outdoor activities you can engage in such as hiking through the National Parks or exploring the rainforest.
3 ways to get from and to Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani International Airport (URT) is located 30 km (20 miles) from Surat Thani Town. In this post, we compare 3 options when travelling to and from Surat Thani Airport: by minivan (45 minutes), by taxi (30 minutes), or by car rental. Fares range from 100 THB ($2.80) to 580 THB ($16.50).
The minivan is the cheapest option to travel between Surat Thani Airport and the town centre. Fares are around 100 THB ($2.80), and travel time takes less than an hour.
Travelling in a group? Taking a taxi from Surat Thani Airport to the town centre can be more convenient for you. A 30-minute taxi ride to the town centre costs around 580 THB ($16.50).
If you plan to rent your own car, you can also rent a car at the airport. You will be charged a 24-hour rate, starting from 850 THB ($24.50).
Itinerary from and to Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport to Surat Thani Town by Minivan
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 ($2.80).
Minivan Schedule from Surat Thani Airport
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
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 ($16.50) for the 30-minute ride. 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
Alternatively, you can book with Klook and get a 3-seater sedan from 1,610 THB ($46.50) or a 9-seater van for almost the same price. Klook is also known for its spacious cars and reliable drivers.
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.
Our preferred cars are the ones offered by Skyscanner, as they are normally cheaper. Rates start from 850 THB ($24.50) for a 24-hour rental. Keep in mind that rates still depend on how early you book, so we recommend booking at least a few days or weeks in advance.
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
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
