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Surat Thani is the mainland gateway to Thailand's Gulf islands. Most travellers pass through on their way to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. The town sits 173 kilometres (107 miles) northeast of Phuket. The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani is the minivan at $9.40 (312 THB), and it takes 4h - 4h 30m. The bus costs a bit more and can take longer. A taxi costs a lot more.
Distance from Phuket to Surat Thani
Phuket and Surat Thani are about 173 km (107 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 225 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 4h and 6h 20m.
3 ways to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani
There are three ways to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani. You can choose between the minivan, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 4h–4h 30m and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $9.40 (312 THB).
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Phuket to Surat Thani by Minivan
Hopping on a minivan is a lot cheaper than hiring a taxi. If you’re on a budget, this is the best option for you.
There are numerous minivan trips operating from Phuket to Surat Thani daily. The earliest trip is at 7:00 in the morning and the latest is at 15:00 in the afternoon.
Departure and arrival stations
Phantip minivans on the Phuket to Surat Thani route depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 1. You can reach the terminal in 5 minutes if you ride a taxi from Phuket Town.
Minivans arrive at Phantip Travel Head Office in Surat Thani Town.
To serve as your guide, see the schedules below that we have provided for you:
Minivan schedule from Phuket to Surat Thani
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Phuket to Surat Thani by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani. Bus fares start from $11 (349 THB) and the journey takes around 4h 15m - 6h 20m.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport and Phantip 1970.
Bus schedule from Phuket to Surat Thani
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Phuket to Surat Thani by Taxi
Prefer a convenient car ride from Phuket to Surat Thani? Then it’s best to hire a taxi service. It’s quite pricey, but it allows you the convenience of door-to-door travel. Travel time takes around 4.5 hours.
You can hail a taxi along the streets of Phuket, but you’ll need to negotiate a fair price with the driver. Taxis can also be booked through local travel agencies, or you can ask your hotel for assistance.
The fare starts from $130 (4,400 THB) from any Phuket hotel to Surat Thani town. If you’re coming from Phuket Airport, it’s even a bit cheaper with rates starting from $105 (3,520 THB).
Taxi tickets are available on 12Go Asia.
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 Phuket to Surat Thani, roughly 173 kilometres (107 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $9.40 (312 THB). The quickest trip takes 4h.
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 Surat Thani?
The distance from Phuket to Surat Thani is 173 kilometres (107 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani?
Journey times from Phuket to Surat Thani overlap: minivan 4h - 4h 30m, bus 4h 15m - 6h 20m, taxi 4.5 hours. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Surat Thani is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 312 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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