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Surat Thani is a port city on Thailand's Gulf coast. It's the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, 529 kilometres (329 miles) south of Bangkok. Flying is the quickest option, taking 1h 15m. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is the train at $7.50 (249 THB). The bus costs more and takes about as long.
Distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Bangkok and Surat Thani are about 529 km (329 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 646 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 15m.
3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani
There are three ways to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani. You can choose between the train, bus, and flight. The journey takes 1h 15m–9h 55m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $7.50 (249 THB).
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Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
There are numerous trains available when travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani. We suggest taking a night train to catch up on some sleep and be ready to explore your new destination upon arrival.
Departure and arrival stations
Trains operating between Bangkok to Surat Thani depart from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrive at the Surat Thani Railway Station, located east of the town centre. To get to the town centre, you can either take the public orange bus for $0.60 (20 THB) or a taxi for about $4.20 (140 THB).
You can find both the bus and the taxi services outside the train station, near the parking lot. The Surat Thani town is about 15 km east of the railway station. Going to the city centre takes about 20-30 minutes from the train station.
Train schedule from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Bus
Though travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani by bus is a long journey, it can be a much cheaper alternative when flight prices are inflated.
There are numerous bus companies operating daily trips from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The journey takes about 9h 55m - 12h 30m.
Departure and arrival stations
These two bus terminals are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. The southern terminal (official name is Sai Tai Mai) comes with the advantage that you can get there via Bangkok’s metro system. If you take a taxi to get to any of these terminals, it will take around 20-30 minutes from Bangkok city centre.
All buses arrive at Surat Thani Bus Terminal in the centre of Surat Thani. Fares start at $20 (658 THB). Below we have provided the schedules of the more credible bus companies for this route:
Bus schedule from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Bangkok to Surat Thani by Flight
The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is taking a flight which takes only 1h 15m. Fares already start from $22 (730 THB) but expect to pay more when booking short in advance or during peak seasons.
Low-cost airlines such as Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, AirAsia and Vietjet Air offer multiple flights daily to Surat Thani. Flights depart from Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
All flights arrive at Surat Thani International Airport (URT), which is about 32 km from the town centre. You will need to arrange your own transportation from the airport to the town centre or your hotel.
To check the best-priced flights, click on the button below:
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.
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
Here are our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani for every budget.
BudgetDD Modern House
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.
BudgetGarden Homestay
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.
BudgetBlu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani
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.
Mid-RangeBangsrai 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 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.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Surat Thani, roughly 529 kilometres (329 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7.50 (249 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 15m.
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 Surat Thani?
The distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani is 529 kilometres (329 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by flight and takes 1h 15m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani is by train with ticket costs starting from 249 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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