Train from Phuket to Bangkok: Schedules & Routes
Travel from Phuket to Bangkok by bus and train, taking 15-18 hours from Thailand’s tropical beaches to its bustling capital.
Start with a bus from Phuket to Surat Thani (243 km), then hop on an overnight train to Bangkok (646 km)—no direct train exists, but the combo offers a budget-friendly adventure.
Prefer a simpler ride? The VIP Bus from Phuket to Bangkok delivers direct, overnight comfort with reclining seats and no transfers.
Note: Book your bus tickets to Surat Thani first, then secure separate train tickets from Surat Thani to Bangkok—combined tickets aren’t available.
Contents
Best Bus & Train Combinations
| Option | Bus & Train | Why Choose This |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ RECOMMENDED | Bus 13:30 (→ 17:45) + Train #168 (18:32) | Perfect timing, sleeper comfort |
| ⚡ FASTEST | Minivan 13:00 (→ 17:00) + Train #44 (18:25) | Earliest arrival in Bangkok (3:45 AM) |
| 💰 BUDGET | Bus 12:20 (→ 18:20) + Train #86 (19:31) | Lowest combined fare with fan options |
Schedule from Phuket to Surat Thani
Buses depart from three main locations in Phuket: Phuket Bus Terminal 2 (the main terminal near Phuket Town), Phuket Bus Terminal 1 (for minivans), and Phuket Bus and Van Office locations. Most travelers should head to Bus Terminal 2 for the widest selection of departures to Surat Thani.
Buses are listed below based on arrival time to Surat Thani, with options that allow for smooth train connections appearing first.
| Departure → Arrival | Bus/Van Info | Best Train Connection |
|---|---|---|
| 13:30 → 17:45 | Phantip 1970 Express (4h 15m) | Train #44 at 18:25 |
| 13:00 → 17:00 | 12Go Minivan (4h) | Train #44 at 18:25 |
| 11:00 → 16:40 | 465 Transport (5h 40m) | Train #168 at 18:32 |
| 12:20 → 18:20 | 465 Transport (6h) | Train #86 at 19:31 |
| 08:30 → 14:30 | 465 Transport (6h) | Train #84 at 20:23 |
Buses to Avoid
| Bus/Van | Why Avoid |
|---|---|
| Afternoon buses arriving after 19:40 | May miss evening trains |
| Early morning buses (6:00 – 8:00) | Long wait for evening trains |
Recommended Train Connections to Bangkok
These trains offer the best connections with afternoon buses from Phuket, minimizing wait time at Surat Thani station while ensuring comfortable arrival times in Bangkok.
| Departure → Arrival | Train Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 18:25 → 03:45 (+1) | #44, Special Express (AC Seats) 9h 20m |
Fastest arrival in Bangkok Connects with 13:30 Phantip bus |
| 18:32 → 05:10 (+1) | #168, Express (AC Sleeper) 10h 40m |
Comfortable overnight journey Connects with 11:00-13:00 buses |
| 19:31 → 06:10 (+1) | #86, Rapid (AC/Fan Sleeper) 10h 40m |
Budget-friendly options Connects with 12:20-14:00 buses |
| 20:23 → 07:05 (+1) | #84, Express (AC/Fan Sleeper) 10h 40m |
Morning arrival in Bangkok Connects with later afternoon buses |
Sleeper Classes & Fares
First Class AC Sleeper
Special Express (#32)
- Private 2-berth cabin with lock
- AC control, washbasin
- Full dining service available
Second Class AC Sleeper
Trains #168, #86, #84, #172, #32, #38, #46, #170
- Open berths with privacy curtains
- Fresh bedding, AC system
- Reading light, power outlet
Fan/3rd Class
Rapid trains (#86, #172, #170)
- Fan-cooled or basic seating
- Budget-friendly option
- Basic bedding on fan sleepers
Bus Options: Phuket to Surat Thani
Buses cost between THB 370-400 per person. Note that minivans depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 1, while larger buses leave from Phuket Bus Terminal 2. Some services also depart from Bus and Van Office locations throughout Phuket. Afternoon buses (11:00-13:30) align perfectly with evening train departures.
| Operator | Journey Type | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| 12Go Minivan | 4h journey (fastest) | Air conditioning, limited luggage space |
| Phantip 1970 Express | 4h 15m journey | Air conditioning, onboard toilet, free water |
| 465 Transport | 5h 40m – 6h journey | Air conditioning, rest stop, luggage storage |
Food & Onboard Services
Onboard Services
- At-seat meals (THB 120-250)
- Thai and Western options
- Dining car on Express trains
- Surat Thani: Local snacks
- Chumphon: Fresh coffee
- 5-10 minute stops
- Mid-journey rest stop
- Complimentary water
- Onboard toilets (large buses)
Bus to Train Connection at Surat Thani
Most buses from Phuket arrive directly at Surat Thani Railway Station. The station has waiting areas, snack shops, and toilets. For afternoon buses, you’ll typically have 30-60 minutes to purchase or collect your train tickets before boarding.
Bangkok Arrival Information
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station
Popular Bangkok Destinations
- Taxi: THB 150-200
- MRT: THB 20-40
- Shopping areas, major hotels
- Taxi: THB 200-300
- MRT + BTS: THB 50-70
- International restaurants, nightlife
- Taxi: THB 150-200
- Public bus: THB 20-30
- Backpacker area, street food
FAQs
No. Take a bus to Surat Thani (243 km), then train (646 km) to Bangkok.
15-18 hours total (889 km): 4-6 hours bus + 9-11 hours train.
Phantip Express 13:30 bus (arrives 17:45) connects perfectly with the 18:25 #44 train.
Yes. Bus+train: THB 900-1,200 total vs flights: THB 1,500-3,000.
Book 3-7 days in advance, especially for sleeper trains in high season.
Traveling from Phuket to Bangkok by bus and train offers a scenic, affordable alternative to flying. The 889 km journey takes you from Phuket’s tropical beaches through the southern Thai countryside to the capital city. While the trip spans 15-18 hours, it provides unique opportunities to experience Thailand’s diverse landscapes and enjoy comfortable overnight accommodations.
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