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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 310 kilometre distance from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 4 ways to get from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai. You can choose between the flight, train, bus, private transport. The most affordable option is by flight, starting from $2. The fastest route is by private transport (4h 30m).
4h 30m
$155
6h
$16
7h 15m
$7
11h 30m
$2
There are no direct flights from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai.
All flights route through Bangkok. You can expect the entire trip to take around 5 – 11.5 hours, including the stopover at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
If you add the time spent travelling from and to the airport, waiting and check-in time, it will end up being the slowest of all options. That’s also why we don’t recommend travelling this distance by plane.
While numerous airlines are flying from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying to Sukhothai.
The cost of indirect flights from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai starts from $2.
Bangkok Airways provides a shuttle service for a fee. Contact them directly for more information on pricing, schedule, and availability.
You can also check with your hotel because they may offer a free or cheap transfer from the airport too.
The nearest train station to Sukhothai is located in Phitsanulok, which is 68 km southeast of Sukhothai.
If you want to travel by train to Sukhothai, you need to book a train ticket from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok and then continue by bus to Sukhothai.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
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There is one bus company that connects Chiang Mai with the historical city of Sukhothai: Tour with Thai.
Tickets cost $16 for the buses on the Chiang Mai to Sukhothai route.
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai.
Rates start from $155 for a -seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about per person. Travel time is around 4h 30m - 6h.
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Carbon Footprint
This 310 km journey produces approximately 28 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
BudgetTR 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.
BudgetMango 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.
Mid-RangeIf 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.
Mid-RangeFancy 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.
Treat YourselfAnd 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.
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