Minivan / van
Best balance of price, speed and direct flexible connections
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and maximum comfort
Bus
Cheapest option with many departures and simple booking
Train
No direct railway connection from Phuket to Surat Thani
Quick answer: Travelling from Phuket to Surat Thani offers two main reliable options: bus/minivan or private car/taxi. The bus/minivan is the budget‑friendly transfer; the private car/taxi gives you a more comfortable and flexible door‑to‑door ride. You can book tickets or private car from Phuket to Surat Thani online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 240‑250 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~4–6 hours | Private Car/Taxi ~3–4 hours (depending on route & traffic)
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan US$ 8–12 pp | Private Car/Taxi US$ 70–250 per vehicle
- 🚍 Bus / Minivan: Departures from Phuket Bus Terminals (or hotel‑pickup) to Surat Thani town.
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi: Direct transfer from your location in Phuket to your destination in Surat Thani; best for groups or lots of luggage.
Last updated in April 2026
From Phuket to Surat Thani you can travel by bus, minivan or private taxi.
The distance from Phuket to Surat Thani is about 240 km. The best transfer options are a bus, minivan, or private taxi, as there is no direct train and flights require a stopover. Minivans and buses are the most popular choice, taking about 4–6 hours and costing around $8–12 per person.
Private taxis offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer. The journey takes about 3.5–4 hours, with prices ranging from $70–250 per vehicle. From Surat Thani you can also travel to Hua Hin or take a direct flight to Bangkok.
Surat Thani is the main transport hub in southern Thailand. From the city you can continue by ferry to Koh Samui, travel by train to Bangkok, or use domestic flights to other destinations across Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Phuket to Surat Thani: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 4–6 hours | $8–12 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 3–6 hours | $70–250 per car |
How do I get from Phuket to Surat Thani?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Phuket to Surat Thani
👉 Bus or minivan is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and frequent departures
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $8–12 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (minivans or buses, depends on company)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Phantip 1970 or 12GO Transport
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the station at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your tickets online in advance for best prices and availability.
The most popular and cheapest transfer option from Phuket to Surat Thani is by bus or minivan. It is ideal for budget travelers, with services operated by Phantip 1970, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport, 12GO Transport, and other companies.
Buses and minivans depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 1 and 2 and arrive at several locations in Surat Thani, including the Train Station, Talad Kaset, and Ratchaprapha Dam. Exact departure and arrival points are shown when booking online.
The journey takes about 4–6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Tickets usually cost $8–12 per person, making this the cheapest way to travel.
There are frequent departures throughout the day, and tickets can be booked online in advance. Arrive at the departure point at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departure in Phuket | Arrival in Surat Thani |
|---|---|---|
| Phantip 1970 | 07:00 | 11:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 08:00 | 12:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 09:00 | 13:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 10:00 | 14:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 11:00 | 15:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 12:00 | 16:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 13:00 | 17:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 15:00 | 19:30 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 06:00 | 12:20 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 07:30 | 13:00 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 08:30 | 14:30 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 09:30 | 15:30 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 11:00 | 16:30 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket | 13:40 | 19:40 |
| 12GO Transport | 07:00 | 11:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 08:00 | 12:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 09:00 | 13:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 10:00 | 14:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 11:00 | 15:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 12:00 | 16:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 13:00 | 17:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 15:00 | 19:30 |
2. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Phuket to Surat Thani
👉 Private taxi or car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a private door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $70–250 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, flexible departure, no stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Andaman Taxis, Glassflower, or Call Me Taxi
- 💡 Tip: A minivan is a good option for groups to share the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your private car online in advance for a smooth trip.
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani. You can choose your pickup point, departure time, and destination, including Phuket Airport or your hotel.
Transfers are available from companies such as Andaman Taxis, Van2Travel, Call Me Taxi, Phuket Transfer, Mr Toon, Glassflower, Phantip Charter, KrabiShuttle, and others.
The journey takes about 3–6 hours, depending on the route. Standard cars, SUVs, and minivans are available, making this option suitable for couples, families, and groups.
Prices range from $70–250 per vehicle. Private taxis can be booked online in advance for a convenient door-to-door transfer.
| Taxi Service: | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Happy EV Taxi | 02:24 | From $70.00 |
| Van2Travel | 04:30 | From $170.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 04:00 | From $130.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 04:00 | From $150.00 |
| GB Limousine | 03:00 | From $150.00 |
| Than Car Service | 03:25 | From $120.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 03:30 | From $120.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | 03:30 | From $150.00 |
| Krabi Shuttle | 04:00 | From $140.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 04:30 | From $170.00 |
| Ramon Transport | 04:00 | From $140.00 |
| Phuket Transfer | 04:00 | From $160.00 |
| Easyride Services | 04:00 | From $150.00 |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Phuket to Surat Thani
How to book tickets from Phuket to Surat Thani?
Book tickets online with Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜. Both platforms also offer other routes across Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Phuket to Surat Thani?
The journey takes about 4–6 hours by bus or minivan, and 3–6 hours by private taxi.
What is the distance from Phuket to Surat Thani?
The travel distance is approximately 250 km by road.
How much does the transfer cost?
Bus and minivan tickets cost about $8–12 per person. Private taxis cost around $70–250 per vehicle.
Is there a train from Phuket to Surat Thani?
No. There is no railway in Phuket, so you need to travel by bus, minivan, or private taxi.
Where can you rent a motorbike in Phuket?
Rent a motorbike or scooter online with Bikesbooking.
Are there direct flights from Phuket to Surat Thani?
No. There are no direct flights, so overland transport is the only practical option.
Is a private taxi available?
Yes. Private taxis operate from Phuket Town, Phuket Airport, and hotels with direct transfers to Surat Thani.
Where can you travel from Surat Thani?
Travel by boat to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao.
Is there an airport in Surat Thani?
Yes. Surat Thani International Airport offers direct domestic flights, including routes to Bangkok.
Where to book accommodation in Surat Thani?
Book hotels online here: Book resort / hotel in Surat Thani. You can also read The best cheap hotels in Surat Thani.
Can you visit Koh Samui and Koh Phangan from Surat Thani?
Yes. Ferries and speedboats connect Surat Thani with Koh Samui and Koh Phangan every day.
What outdoor activities are available near Surat Thani?
Visit Khao Sok National Park for hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and beautiful rainforest scenery.
Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
Discover Thailand’s top islands in this guide: The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket to Surat Thani
Phuket to Surat Thani is a popular route for travelers heading to the Gulf of Thailand islands or other destinations in southern Thailand.
- Best Transport: Minivans are the cheapest, while private taxis offer the most comfort.
- Plan Connections: Allow enough time if you continue by ferry or train.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends and the high season.
- Pack Light: Small luggage makes transfers between vehicles much easier.
- Gateway to Islands: Surat Thani is the main hub for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
- Travel Essentials: Bring water, snacks, a charger, and some cash.
Tip: Surat Thani is an excellent starting point for island hopping, train travel, and exploring southern Thailand.