Surat Thani
Getting to Surat Thani: A Guide to Air, Land, and Sea Travel
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Surat Thani Information
Due to being the largest province in Thailand, when it comes to transportation, Surat Thani has it all, it’s just about which is the best option for you. The aero transport is the fastest way to arrive at Surat Thani, its airport is located at 25 kilometers from the downtown and it offers daily flights from Bangkok, also at the arrivals you can take an airport shuttle for 100 baht that will drop you off near your hotel.
For those who prefer to travel by land and save some money, the city also has a train station located 13 kilometers west from the downtown and three bus terminals at the north of Surat Thani. Both transportations depart from touristic cities such as Bangkok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Chumpon.
Surat Thani is known as ¨the province of the thousand islands¨ so it is surrounded by piers which offer ferry services that will take you to/from famous islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Traveling by ferry is an original way to explore the sea, besides, the ferry offers you safety equipment, comfortable seats, snacks and amazing landscapes. Check the updated ferry schedule below between Surat Thani and the other interesting destinations.
Attraction Points
Popular Routes
Popular crossings to Surat Thani — pick a route to book.
Departures from Surat Thani
The first 8 of 21 departures leaving Surat Thani today — pick one to choose your date and book.
- 2h 15m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2h 15m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 15m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 15m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 4h 45m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 4h 45m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 45m1 stopEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2h 45m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
Pick-Up
Drop-Off
Arrivals in Surat Thani
The first 8 of 24 services arriving in Surat Thani today — pick one to choose your date and book.
- 2h 55m2 stops28 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is higher than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 40m3 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 55m4 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 15m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 3h 30m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 55m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 2h 40m2 stopsEstimated CO₂ · per passengerLowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
- 1h 30mDirect20 kg CO₂Estimated CO₂ · per passengerEstimated CO₂ emissions per passenger for this trip. That is higher than similar trips in the industry.LowMediumHighInstant confirmation Refund available Amend available
Hop onward from here
Piers
Surat Thani Town: Tapee Pier
Pickup & collection points
Surat Thani: Beyond a Gateway to Hidden Wonders
Surat Thani: Thailand's Southern Hub Beyond Island Hopping
Maybe for some people, Surat Thani is a gateway to go to nearby islands, however, it is much more than that; after all, this is the largest province in Thailand. "The City of Good People" is situated 530 kilometers from Bangkok in the south of Thailand and it is the perfect destination if you want to enjoy the southern culture of Thailand without many travelers around you. Surat Thani features colorful temples, speedboat & ferry services, delicious coastal food and night markets.
Whether you're passing through or planning to stay, Surat Thani offers authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist trail. The province combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and practical transport connections that make it an ideal base for exploring southern Thailand.
Getting to Surat Thani
Travel Options from Bangkok and Major Cities
Surat Thani is well-connected to Bangkok and other major Thai cities through multiple transport options. Most travelers reach the province via long-distance coach services, minivans, or private transfers. The distance of 530 kilometers from Bangkok makes it accessible as either a direct destination or a convenient stop on longer journeys through the south.
The province has several transport hubs where buses, minivans, and private vehicles arrive and depart. Nakhon Si Thammarat Highway passes through the region, making Surat Thani a natural waypoint for those traveling between northern and southern Thailand.
Travellers coming down the Gulf coast often break the trip partway. The Bangkok to Surat Thani journey is the longest of the mainland connections, while Hua Hin to Surat Thani and Chumphon to Surat Thani shorten the road time for anyone already heading south.
Ferry and Water Transport
Surat Thani's coastal location means speedboat and ferry services connect the province to nearby islands. The availability of speedboat and ferry services makes Surat Thani a genuine transport gateway rather than just a tourist destination. These water routes provide access to popular island attractions while also offering scenic travel experiences in their own right.
Donsak is the mainland ferry port used for Gulf island crossings in this part of the province, and combined road-and-boat tickets are common on these connections. You can review timings and availability on the Donsak to Surat Thani connection before you book.
Popular Routes To and From Surat Thani
Surat Thani links to Ao Nang, Donsak, Khao Sok National Park, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui and more, giving you both Gulf and Andaman options from a single base. In total there are 95 routes bookable routes serving the province.
- Island connections: Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Andaman side: Ao Nang and Koh Phi Phi, reached by crossing the peninsula. See the Ao Nang to Surat Thani route for the return leg.
- Nature stops: Khao Sok National Park to Surat Thani, an easy inland detour on the way in or out.
Operators Serving Surat Thani
Several established companies run services here, including Lomlahkkhirin High Speed Ferries, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. and Phantip 1970 Co., Ltd. Each several operators publishes its own departure points, vehicle standards and luggage rules, so check the details shown with your chosen service before confirming. Fares start from ฿120 depending on the route, operator and travel date.
What Makes Surat Thani Worth Visiting
Culture and Local Attractions
The province earns its nickname "The City of Good People" through its welcoming atmosphere and strong local culture. Colorful temples throughout Surat Thani showcase traditional Thai architecture and religious heritage. Many temples remain peaceful and relatively undiscovered compared to those in more touristed areas, offering genuine cultural encounters.
Night markets are central to daily life in Surat Thani, offering authentic Thai street food, local crafts, and a genuine slice of southern community life. These markets operate year-round and provide an immersive way to experience local culture without the crowds found in major tourist destinations.
Food and Culinary Scene
The province's coastal location influences its distinctive food culture. Delicious coastal food reflects both traditional Thai cuisine and the unique flavors of the southern region. Fresh seafood, curries, and regional specialties appear in restaurants throughout the province and in night markets where locals gather to eat and socialize.
Practical Information for Travelers to Surat Thani
Transport Connections
Surat Thani serves as a transport hub for the southern region. Different transport operators run services to various destinations, with 95 routes routes available from the province. Booking options include buses, minivans, and private transfers depending on your preferences and travel timeline.
Journey times and scheduling vary by operator and service type. When planning your trip to Surat Thani, check availability on your preferred travel dates, as schedules may change seasonally.
Nearby Destinations
From Surat Thani, you can easily reach nearby attractions and islands. The province's central location in southern Thailand makes it convenient for onward travel to other regional destinations. Whether you're heading to nearby islands via speedboat and ferry or continuing your journey by coach or minivan to other Thai cities, Surat Thani offers good connectivity.
Common Questions About Travelling to Surat Thani
How long does the journey take?
Travel time depends on the route, the operator and the type of service you choose. Live durations are shown next to each departure when you search your dates, so compare them there rather than relying on a fixed figure.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking ahead is sensible during Thai public holidays and the busiest island season, when popular departures fill early. Outside those periods, seats are usually easier to find, but advance booking still secures your preferred time and vehicle.
Can I book a combined ticket?
Many connections between the mainland and the islands are sold as through tickets covering more than one leg. Where this applies, the transfer points are listed in the route details, so you can see what is included before paying.
Where do services arrive and depart?
Departure and arrival points differ by operator and by whether you are travelling by road or by sea. The exact pick-up and drop-off locations are confirmed on your ticket and shown during booking.
Planning Your Journey
Whether Surat Thani is your final destination or a stop on a longer trip through southern Thailand, it is worth allowing time for the province itself: the temples, the night markets and the coastal food are reason enough to stay a night rather than transit straight through. With 95 routes routes and multiple operators to compare, you can build an itinerary that mixes mainland travel with island crossings.
Compare departures, prices and travel times for your dates, then search availability to book your Surat Thani ticket online.
Surat Thani Information
Natural Beauty
What To Do
The Food
Getting Around
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pier that my ferry departing from?
Phuket Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents; we are happy to help.
Ferry Samui :
FWe understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Pier Information page for the most comprehensive local pier information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
Bali Ferry :
We understand that pier details are important to our customers. That’s why we’ve made the information as clear as possible. Your departing pier address is clearly shown on your e-ticket, which we sent to your email. Additionally, go to our Departure Point Information page for the most comprehensive information you can find anywhere. Finally, if you still need more information, contact our Customer Service Agents, we are happy to help.
What are the tourist seasons ?
Phuket Ferry :
Phuket really just has two seasons, which are known as "high season" and "low season" (or "green season"). During the low season months (May- September), boat numbers are reduced. During the high season (October - April), boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options.
Ferry Samui :
There are three distinct weather seasons on the tropical island of Koh Samui: the dry season (December until February), the hot season (March until August) and the rainy season (September until November).
Bali Ferry :
Bali actually has a variety of tourist periods, notably around the Balinese New Year, 15 December - 15 January, and 1 June - 30 September. During these high traffic periods, boats to the surrounding islands are increased so you will have some more options. The quieter periods are between 16 January - 30 April and 1 October - 14 December historically.
Will bad weather affect my travels?
Ferries are large and can usually operate in the rain, except in extremely bad weather. During storms or strong winds, the journey may take a little longer than usual.
Speedboats are more likely to be canceled than ferries. If a trip is canceled due to bad weather, you can choose to receive a refund or reschedule. Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip.
On rough days, we recommend bringing motion sickness medication and taking it about 20 minutes before boarding if you are prone to seasickness. Boat staff may also provide Dramamine upon request, but you will need to remain indoors during rough conditions. On sunny and calm days, the sun deck is open for passengers to enjoy the weather.
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
When will I receive my ticket confirmation?
After completing your online booking, your reservation will remain in “Pending” status until it is processed. Once confirmed, we will send your e-ticket via email. The process is usually very quick.
On the day of travel, please present your e-ticket to the ferry staff at the relevant booking counter. If you do not receive your confirmation within 24 hours, contact us immediately.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
