Train from Bangkok to Phuket: Is There a Direct Train? How to Take Bangkok to Phuket Train?

Bangkok and Phuket are two must-visit destinations in Thailand. Bangkok’s culture, history, and nightlife, and Phuket’s gorgeous beaches are two sides of a great holiday in Thailand. Traveling between the two places is easy, with several options available. Read this guide before taking the train.

How Far Is Phuket from Bangkok? The Location Map of Phuket and Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok sits on a flat river plain in the Chao Phraya River Delta. The river winds through the city, dividing it into modern and traditional sides. It is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant cultural scene. Visitors flock to cultural sites like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun and love to eat their way through the delicious street food scene and shop in the night markets.

Phuket, on the southwestern coast of the Andaman Sea, is 840 km away by road. The second largest island in Thailand and a gateway to other best islands in Thailand like the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands. Connected to the mainland by two bridges, it’s an accessible getaway for anyone wanting to relax on the beach.

Bangkok and Phuket location map

Is There a Direct Train from Bangkok to Phuket? How to Take the Bangkok Phuket Train?

There are no direct trains from Bangkok to Phuket. To take the train, you have to travel to the closest station to Phuket, Surat Thani, and then go the rest of the way by bus or car.

Around eight daily trains leave Bangkok for Surat Thani. The journey takes 8-12 hours, and you can choose between daytime trains or overnight trains with sleeper berths. Ticket prices are between 5-45 USD and can be booked online or bought at the train station. Make sure to choose a seat or sleeper berth in an air-conditioned car.

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is around 10km from downtown Bangkok. A taxi there will cost around 5 USD and take 10-15 minutes. The station is also on the Bang Sue MRT line.

Buses to Phuket from Surat Thani depart from different locations. The most convenient are the buses that leave from the train station. There are many to choose from, with departure times between 06:40 and 14:10 daily. It takes 4.5-6 hours to reach Phuket, and tickets start from 10 USD.

Surat Thani train station

The Most Recommended & Cheapest Way to Phuket from Bangkok: by Flight (Only 1 Hour) & Express Bus (about 16 Hours)

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket is to fly. A nonstop flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Phuket International Airport takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. Flights are available 24 hours a day, and tickets are available for as low as 9 USD on Thai Vietjet Air.

Best Flights: Bangkok to Phuket
Suvarnabhumi Airport is 25km east of downtown and easily accessible by shuttle bus, taxi, or train. Many hotels offer shuttle buses to the airport, and a taxi from downtown is easy to find. Depending on traffic, both take around 25-30 minutes and will cost between 10-15 USD. The Airport Rail Link has seven stations across the city, and connects to the metro line. The trip takes 35 minutes, and tickets cost around 2 USD.

Taking an express bus from Bangkok to Phuket is a good way to see the countryside and travel on a budget. The fastest buses travel overnight and can make the journey in around 12 hours, average time for most trips is around 16 hours. Buses depart from Mo Chit Bus Terminal in the north of the city and Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, known as Sai Mai Tai. Busses arrive at Thalang Bus Terminal and Phuket Bus Terminal 2. Bus terminal 2 is closer to Patong Beach and Phuket Old Town. Bus tickets cost between 21-38 USD. 

7 Days Classic Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok - Chiang Mai - Phuket

More Information about Thailand Trains

1. The rail network in Thailand connects most major cities across the country, covering 47 provinces.
2. High-speed rail routes are under construction that will connect Thailand to the planned Kunming-Singapore railway, which will stretch from China across Southeast Asia.
3. Train tickets can be purchased in advance at the train station or through online services, including the State Railway of Thailand website.
4. Train travel in Thailand for tourists is valued more for the experience than the convenience.
5. Train classes include ordinary trains with wooden benches and no air conditioning, rapid trains with AC and reclining seats, express trains with sleeper berths, and special express trains offering luxury travel options. 

12 Days Highlights of Thailand Tour Package

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Khao Sok National Park - Koh Phangan – Koh Samui – Phuket - Koh Phi Phi - Phuket

Conclusion

There’s no better way to experience Thailand’s exciting city and cultural life combined with relaxing on the beach than by visiting Bangkok and Phuket. The train between the two cities will let you experience more of Thailand, but flights are the most convenient option. Find out more by checking out our Thailand tours featuring Bangkok and Phuket.