Phuket to Bangkok

How to Get From Phuket to Bangkok

4Options
1h 30mFastest
$17From
MaartenAbegailWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail · Updated 1 week ago

Train + Minivan · Flight · Bus · Private Transport

Bangkok sits 693 kilometres (431 miles) north of Phuket, at the head of the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand's capital is where most trips to the country begin or end. Flying is the quickest way, taking 1.5 hours. By road and rail, the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is the train and minivan combination. It costs $17 (575 THB). The bus costs more and can take even longer.

Distance from Phuket to Bangkok

Phuket and Bangkok are about 693 km (431 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 823 km by road. The quickest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is by taking the flight, which takes around 1.5 hours.

~693 km
Distance
~823 km
Road distance
1h 30m
Fastest
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4 ways to travel from Phuket to Bangkok

There are four ways to travel from Phuket to Bangkok. You can choose between the train, flight, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 1h 30m–13h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $17 (575 THB).

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Phuket to Bangkok by Train + Minivan

13-16hFrom $17 (575 THB)

Taking the train from Phuket to Bangkok is the slowest and often the most expensive way to travel this route. Also, there is no train station on Phuket Island, so you will first need to head to Surat Thani.

Taking the train is only recommended if you want to visit the islands in the Gulf of Thailand.

Step 1: Phuket to Surat Thani by Minivan

4h - 4h 30m$9.50 (316 THB)
You can take a tour of Surat Thani in the afternoon because all minivans are bound for Surat Thani town. When you are finished exploring the town centre, you can hail a taxi or tuk-tuk to take you to the train station.
12Go TransportStandard4h 30m
07:0008:0009:0010:0011:0012:00+3
$9.50
316 THB
Phantip 1970Standard4h 30m
07:0008:0009:0010:0011:0012:00+4
$10
332 THB
12Go TransportStandard4h
07:0008:0009:0010:0011:0012:00+3
$11
362 THB

View minivan stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To
Via

Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.

Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train

9h 5m - 11h 30m$7.80 (259 THB)

There are numerous trains leaving from Surat Thani to Bangkok daily.

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 eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

All services arrive at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station
Thai RailwayThird Class Seat Fan10h 15m
18:3219:3120:2320:5522:5023:28
From $7.80
259 THB
Thai RailwaySecond Class Seat Fan10h 15m
18:3220:2320:5522:5023:28
From $13
422 THB
Thai RailwaySecond Class Seat9h 5m
09:0018:25
$19
628 THB
Thai RailwaysSecond Class Sleeper9h 46m
20:2322:24
From $29
964 THB
Thai RailwaysFirst Class Sleeper9h 46m
19:3120:2322:24
From $48
1,596 THB

View train stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore

Train tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

Trains can be the cheapest option. The third class seat is as low as $7.80 (259 THB). But it won’t be comparable to the comfort that second-class berths and first-class tickets can offer.

Phuket to Bangkok by Flight

1.5 hoursFrom $21 (690 THB)

Keep in mind that flight prices tend to be high when you book in the same week or near your desired travel date.

Low-cost airlines, such as AirAsia and Thai VietJetAir, offer many flights daily with prices starting at $21 (690 THB).

Aside from these airlines, you also have the option to book with Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Lion Air, Thai Airways, or Bangkok Airways.

For the best flight offers, we recommend checking Skyscanner.

All flights depart from Phuket Airport (HKT). The airport is about a 35-minute drive from Phuket town. Flights from Phuket to Bangkok usually take about 1.5 hours.

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.

Phuket to Bangkok by Bus

12h - 20h 30mFrom $21 (698 THB)

Travelling by bus from Phuket to Bangkok is a great alternative when flights are too expensive. If you take a night bus, you can catch up on some rest and save a few dollars on accommodation for the night.

There are eight bus companies that operate on this route: Transport Co., Lignite Tour, Jarinthon Tour (2553), Khao San Nara Travel, Sombat Tour, Raja Ferry, Phuket Travel and Trans Baan Ton.

Ticket prices start at $21 (698 THB) and trips can take around 12h - 20h 30m, depending on the bus company.

Arrival stations in Bangkok

The journey completes at the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or the Mochit Terminal in Bangkok.

Both bus stations are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. Bangkok Southern Terminal comes with the advantage that the station connects with Bangkok’s metro system. By taxi, it will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre from the bus stations.

The Transport Co. has departures from both, Bangkok Southern Terminal and Mochit Terminal. On the other hand, Sombat Tour and Lignite buses all depart from the Bangkok Southern Terminal.

Bus schedule from Phuket to Bangkok

Transport Co.20h 39m
07:3015:3017:0018:00
$21
698 THB
Lignite TourEconomy12h
15:3016:3019:00
$25
831 THB
Lignite TourEconomy12h 30m
15:3016:30
$25
831 THB
Jarinthon Tour (2553)Standard16h 40m
13:00
$28
924 THB
Khao San Nara TravelExpress16h 30m
13:00
$30
984 THB

Bus tickets are available on Bookaway and 12Go Asia.

View bus stations on map

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Phuket to Bangkok by Private Transport

12-14hFrom $355 (11,734 THB)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Phuket to Bangkok.

Rates start from $355 (11,734 THB) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s just about $175 (5,867 THB) per person. Travel time is around 12-14h.

Private Transport option from Phuket to Bangkok

12-14h$355 (11,734 THB)
Bangkok Taxi 24
Standard Car 2 PAX
$355 (11,734 THB)
$175 (5,867 THB) per person
Bangkok Taxi 24
VIP Minivan 9 PAX
$440 (14,659 THB)
$49 (1,629 THB) per person
Kanokwan Travel
Standard Minivan 7 PAX
$595 (19,745 THB)
$85 (2,821 THB) per person

Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.

STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
  • Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
  • Sukhumvit has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
  • Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you'll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan
Treat Yourself

dusitD2 Samyan

dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok. 

  • One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
  • Rooftop swimming pool
  • Onsite gym
  • Bright and modern rooms

King rooms start from $110 per night.

Check availability
The One Smart Living
Treat Yourself

The One Smart Living

The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won't want to leave your room it's so nice!

It's a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you're constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It's hard to fault this place.

  • Great value for money
  • Close to the airport
  • Helpful staff
  • Beautiful rooms

Double rooms start from $50 per night. 

Check availability
Naga Residence
Mid-Range

Naga Residence

Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that's exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city. 

There's also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby. 

  • Huge rooms
  • Exceptionally clean
  • Private balcony
  • Onsite gym

Double rooms start from $37 per night.

Check availability
Phranakorn-Nornlen
Mid-Range

Phranakorn-Nornlen

It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely. 

The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They'll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants. 

  • Unique design and rooms
  • Incredible staff
  • Nice local neighbourhood
  • Very clean

Double rooms start from $33 per night.

Check availability
Greenery Hostel
Budget

Greenery Hostel

As you've probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city. 

The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It's in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok's attractions. 

  • Great value for money
  • Relaxing chill-out areas
  • Good location
  • Free cancellation

Private rooms start from $21 per night.

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Bangkok?

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!

Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren't the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Phuket to Bangkok, roughly 693 kilometres (431 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $17 (575 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.

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 Phuket to Bangkok?

The distance from Phuket to Bangkok is 693 kilometres (431 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok?

The fastest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is by flight and takes 1.5 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok?

The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Bangkok is by train with ticket costs starting from 575 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

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.

Abegail
AbegailReviewer

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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