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Sukhothai was the seat of Thailand's first kingdom. Its old city is a UNESCO-listed park of ruined temples and Buddha statues, best seen by bike. It sits 370 kilometres (230 miles) north of Bangkok. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is the train at $9.90 (329 THB). The bus costs a little more and takes 6h 10m - 9h 30m. There are flights too, if you'd rather not give up a day to travelling.
Distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Bangkok and Sukhothai are about 370 km (230 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 422 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 20m + transfer time.
4 ways to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai
There are four ways to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai. You can choose between the train, bus, flight, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 20m–6h 10m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $9.90 (329 THB).
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Bangkok to Sukhothai by Train
The nearest train station to Sukhothai is in Phitsanulok, which is approximately 70 km from Sukhothai.
To travel by train from Bangkok to Sukhothai, you will first need to head to Phitsanulok and then transfer to a bus onward to Sukhothai.
Step 1: Bangkok to Phitsanulok by Train
Many trains run from Bangkok to Phitsanulok day and night.
However, we recommend leaving in the morning so you can arrive at Phitsanulok a little after 13:00. This should give you enough time to find a ride to continue your journey to Sukhothai.
You can hop aboard any of these trains:
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
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!
Step 2: Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Bus
The bus is an easy and cheap way to get from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. A ticket costs $3.50 (115 THB) for the journey that takes 1.5 hours.
Buses depart from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1, about 2.3 km from the train station. If you are coming from the train station in Phitsanulok, you can hire a tuk-tuk to Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 1 (2.3 km away) for $1.80 (60 THB).
The bus ride ends at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, which is 2 km from the New Sukhothai city centre.
Alternative: Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Taxi
If you're travelling in a group from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai, you can take a taxi. Fares start from $72 (2,400 THB).
It's more expensive, but you will be dropped off at your hotel so you no longer have to make additional trips to reach the Old or New Sukhothai from the bus terminal.
To make the journey easier, we recommend booking a taxi ahead of time. Among the operators that receive high ratings from travellers is the Smart En Plus. It offers a ride from Phitsanulok Train Station to your hotel that costs around $72 (2,400 THB).
Phitsanulok to Sukhothai by Tuk-tuk
Keep in mind that tuk-tuks are designed for short-distance travelling within the city. They run much slower than a car and their open carriage will expose you and your luggage to the elements.
Thus, a tuk-tuk is not exactly a good option when travelling the 63 km distance from Phitsanulok to Sukhothai. We recommend taking a bus or a taxi instead.
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Bus
There are three companies operating daily trips from Bangkok to Sukhothai: Phitsanulok Tour, Sukhothai Wintour and Khao San Tara Tour.
Departure in Bangkok
All buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal, located in the northern part of Bangkok. Note that Mo Chit Bus Terminal is also known as Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal, Chatuchak Bus Terminal, or Northern Bus Terminal.
Arrival in Sukhothai
All buses make their final stop at the Sukhothai Bus Terminal.
Sukhothai Bus Terminal
The Sukhothai Bus Terminal is only 2 km away from the New Sukhothai city centre, where many accommodations are located. You can easily reach your hotel via tuk-tuk or songthaew.
A songthaew is a good option for those who are on a budget since it only costs between $0.60 (20 THB) to $0.90 (30 THB). To travel between the Old and New Sukhothai, choose the blue songthaew.
Getting around the city centre by tuk-tuk costs around $1.80 (60 THB). If you need to go to the Historical Park from the bus station, expect to pay around $4.50 (150 THB).
If you are a first-timer in Sukhothai, we recommend taking the tuk-tuk since the driver can drop you off at the hotel from the bus terminal.
Sawankhalok Bus Station
The Sawankhalok Bus Station is about 40 km away from the New Sukhothai Area and it is much closer to the Sukhothai Airport.
Since most hotels are in the New Sukhothai area, you will need to travel the 40 km distance by taxi. Expect to pay $54 (1,800 THB) – $66 (2,200 THB).
Bus schedule from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and BusOnlineTicket.
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Flight
Bangkok Airways offers daily flights from Bangkok to Sukhothai. These depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
One-way flight ticket prices start at $38 (1,250 THB) and the flight takes 1h 20m + transfer time.
Sukhothai Airport is located 30 km north of New Sukhothai, which means you will need to arrange for another transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Bangkok Airways offers a shuttle service for a fee. You will need to contact them directly to inquire about updated prices, schedules and availability. Another option is to arrange a transfer with your hotel.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Flight tickets are available on Skyscanner.
Bangkok to Sukhothai by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Bangkok to Sukhothai.
Rates start from $195 (6,482 THB) for a 9-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $22 (720 THB) per person.
Private Transport options from Bangkok to Sukhothai
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Sukhothai
Here are our favourite places to stay in Sukhothai for every budget.
BudgetTR Guesthouse
TR Guesthouse is great value for money! For less than $20 you get to enjoy a HUGE and comfortable bed and meet one of the friendliest guesthouse owners in Thailand.
Staying here feels more like you've been welcomed into a home and is a great way to experience Thai culture and local life. The guesthouse is a 15-minute walk from the bus station or a short tuk-tuk ride away.
- Amazing host
- Great value for money
- 20-minute drive from Sukhothai Historical Park
- Cosy and clean rooms
Private rooms start from $19 per night.
BudgetMango House
Mango House is centrally located in Sukhothai, just a few minutes walk to downtown New Sukhothai and a few meters from the bus to Old Sukhothai.
Cool off in the outdoor swimming pool and enjoy the garden and terrace area for relaxing. A wonderful breakfast is included with your stay and hosts are exceptionally friendly and helpful.
- Ideal location
- Swimming pool
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance to shops and restaurants
Private rooms start at $28 per night.
Mid-RangeScent of Sukhothai Resort
If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious, then be sure to check out the Scent of Sukhothai Resort.
This resort offers a stunning garden and lovely outdoor swimming. Breakfast is included daily with your stay. Located near the Historical Park, you can easily ride your bike there or hop in a taxi for a short ride.
- Swimming pool
- Near Historical Park
- Outdoor garden area
- Breakfast included
Private rooms start at $30 per night.
Mid-RangeThai Thai Sukhothai Resort
Fancy something a touch more luxurious, Thai Thai Resort is exactly that and great value for money! Enjoy a spacious private balcony adorned with traditional Thai decor.
And when you're not relaxing in your room, you can go for a swim in the pool, chill in the gardens or even have a massage. Situated 1.5km from Sukhothai Historical Park, you'll be staying in a great location. Don't worry about getting hungry, the complimentary delicious breakfast will fill you up for the day.
- Beautiful bungalows
- Swimming pool
- Great location
- Delicious free breakfast
Bungalows start from $41 per night.
Treat YourselfBaanSuk Sukhothai Resort
And if you want somewhere even more fancy, you have to stay at BaanSuk Resort. This place is amazing and feels like an oasis hidden from the world by all its lush greenery. The pool is the epitome of peace and the perfect place to cool off after a day exploring Sukhothai Historical Park.
Their family villas are spacious, bright and very clean. Forget about the pool, wait until you see the bathtub. A superb breakfast is also included in the price.
- Stunning swimming pool
- Huge and luxurious villas
- Amazing staff
- Free delicious breakfast
Villas start from $51 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Sukhothai?
Sukhothai is home to one of Thailand’s most stunning World Heritage sites — Sukhothai Historical Park. With ruins dating back to the 13th century, the park gives us a glimpse of what was once the capital of the first Kingdom of Siam (the former name of Thailand).
The city's name literally translates to "dawn of happiness." And if you're a history buff, that's exactly what you will get in Sukhothai. In this often-forgotten city, you can escape from the backpacker trail and just get lost in an impressive collection of temples and ruins.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Sukhothai, roughly 370 kilometres (230 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.90 (329 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 20m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
The distance from Bangkok to Sukhothai is 370 kilometres (230 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by flight and takes 1h 20m + transfer time.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is by train with ticket costs starting from 329 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Travel Writer
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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