How to Travel From Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
Surat Thani, the jumping-off point for Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan, can easily be reached by train from Bangkok.
On the Bangkok to Surat Thani route, you can choose between a daytime train and night trains with comfortable sleepers.
In this short guide, I’ll show you the best trains for travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani, explain how to book tickets, and show you how to continue your journey to islands such as Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan.
Bangkok to Surat Thani by train
Currently, there are 10 daily train services linking Bangkok with Surat Thani.
However, I’d argue that only three of those services are really ideal for travellers, as all the others either arrive at inconvenient times in the middle of the night or are overnight trains with seats only.
Let’s take a look at the three trains I would advise you to take when travelling from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
Train arriving at Surat Thani railway station. ©AndyBTravels
The daytime option
The only daytime train service from Bangkok to Surat Thani is special express number 43.
This train currently leaves Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station at 07:30 in the morning and arrives in Surat Thani at 16:20.
Train 43 is a diesel railcar with 2nd class reserved seating only.
The train is fully air-conditioned, making it a great way to reach Surat Thani if you prefer to travel during the day and enjoy the scenery along the way.
The night trains
Although there are multiple night trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani, only two have departure and arrival times that are convenient, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep while avoiding an arrival in the middle of the night.
These trains are:
- Night train 85
- Night train 167
Night train 85 currently departs Bangkok Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station at 19:50 and arrives in Surat Thani at 06:23 the following morning, while night train 167 departs the Thai capital at 20:30 and arrives the following morning at 07:16.
Train 85 is the better-quality service of the two, offering 1st class air-conditioned sleepers, 2nd class air-conditioned sleepers, 2nd class non-air-conditioned sleepers with only fans on the ceiling, and a dining car.
This train also has 2nd and 3rd class seats, but these travel classes are not recommended for overnight journeys.
Train 167 has the same travel classes as train 85, apart from 1st class air-conditioned sleepers.
For more information and pictures of Thai night trains, check out the Thai train travel guide on DiscoverByRail.
Berths in a second class sleeper carriage. ©AndyBTravels
Booking train tickets
It’s highly recommended to book your Thai train ticket in advance, as tickets do sell out, especially during the high season or around national holidays.
Seats on the only daytime train and 1st class sleepers, in particular, tend to book out quickly.
By far the easiest way to book Thai train tickets is through the reliable booking website 12Go.
Use the search tool below to check prices and find the best train connection for your day of travel.
Onward travel
Surat Thani is the gateway to some fabulous Thai island destinations such as Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan.
To reach these islands, you need to travel from Surat Thani to the nearby Don Sak Pier, which is the departure point for ferries to Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan.
On 12Go, you can book combined minivan and ferry tickets, which include a seat in a shared minivan from Surat Thani railway station to Don Sak Pier, plus the ferry ticket to reach your island destination.
Conclusion
Taking the train is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani, from where you can continue your journey by combined minivan and ferry service to reach tropical islands such as Ko Samui, Ko Tao, and Ko Phangan.
Depending on which train you take, the journey from the Thai capital to Surat Thani takes between 9 and 11 hours.
You can choose between a convenient daytime train or two time-effective night trains with 1st and 2nd class sleepers for a good night’s rest.
Other Thai recommendations
Another wonderful destination in Thailand for a beach holiday is Hua Hin, which is located along the Bangkok–Surat Thani railway line and can be reached from the Thai capital in just 3 hours.
Want to travel even further south by train in Thailand? Read about the train journey to Sungai Kolok on the border with Malaysia!
