Flight + van/taxi (via Phuket)
Best balance of speed, comfort and relatively simple transfers
Private transfer (car)
Door-to-door journey with flexible timing and maximum comfort
Bus / minivan
Cheapest option but very long journey with limited comfort
Train combinations
No direct train, requires transfers via Surat Thani
Quick answer: From Bangkok to Khao Lak you can choose a direct bus/minivan, train + bus via Surat Thani, flight + bus via Phuket, or private car/taxi. Flight + bus is fastest, bus-only is budget‑friendly, and the car/taxi gives you full flexibility. Book tickets ahead to get better fares and ensure availability.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~770 km by land.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan ~13–19 h | Flight + Bus ~7–10 h | Train + Bus ~13–16 h.
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~US$25–42 pp | Flight + Bus ~US$50–200 pp | Train + Bus ~US$18–170 pp.
- 🚍 Bus / Minivan: Direct land transfer from Bangkok to Khao Lak—simple but long.
- ✈️ Flight + Bus: Fly Bangkok → Phuket, then bus/minivan to Khao Lak—fastest hybrid option.
- 🚆 Train + Bus: Take train Bangkok → Surat Thani, then bus to Khao Lak—cheaper land option, involves transfer.
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Khao Lak you can travel by bus, plane + bus, train + bus or private car.
The distance from Bangkok to Khao Lak is about 770 km by road. The fastest option is a flight to Phuket Airport followed by a bus or taxi to Khao Lak. This journey takes about 7–10 hours and costs around $50–200 per person. Direct buses are cheaper, taking about 13–19 hours and costing $25–42 per person.
You can also travel by train to Surat Thani and continue by minivan or taxi, as Khao Lak has no railway station. Another comfortable option is a private car. Tickets, flights and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
From Khao Lak you can continue by ferry to Koh Phi Phi or visit Koh Yao Yai. Before your trip, check the weather in Khao Lak.
| Transfer modes from Bangkok to Khao Lak: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Minivan | 13–19 hours | $25–42 per person |
| Flight + Bus / Taxi via Phuket | 7–10 hours | $50–200 per person |
| Train + Bus / Taxi via Surat Thani | 13–16 hours | $18–170 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi with a driver | 11–16 hours | $300–550 per car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Bangkok to Khao Lak
👉 Bus or minivan is a budget-friendly way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak, but the journey is long.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind long overnight travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~13–19 hours (depending on route and possible delays)
- ✔️ Cost: $28–43 per person (prices may vary slightly during the year)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern long-distance buses, sometimes with snacks)
- ✅ Best Option: Night bus from Southern Terminal Bangkok to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book bus tickets online in advance due to limited schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose overnight bus to save daytime travel time.
Traveling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get from Bangkok to Khao Lak. Modern buses and minivans are operated by companies such as Krungsiam Tour, Tara Tour and Travel, Bangkok Travel Plus, Raja Ferry, SOT Travel and others.
Buses depart from various locations in Bangkok and arrive at Khao Lak McDonald’s or other stops. The journey takes about 13–19 hours, and most services operate overnight. Bus tickets cost around $28–43 per person and can be booked online in advance.
Always check the departure and arrival points before booking, as they vary by operator. Bus travel is a popular choice for budget travelers visiting Khao Lak.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Khao Lak ➜
| Bus Company | Departs in Bangkok | Arrives in Khao Lak |
|---|---|---|
| Krungsiam Tour | 19:00 | 11:00 |
| TransBaanTom | 16:00 | 05:00 |
| The Twin 2000 | 18:40 | 11:10 |
| Bangkok Travel Plus | 18:45 | 10:15 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | 16:00 | 09:30 |
| Nara Travel | 19:00 | 11:40 |
| Asia Holiday Travel | 19:00 | 14:00 |
| Raja Ferry | 19:00 | 12:00 |
2. FLIGHT + BUS from Bangkok to Khao Lak (via Phuket)
👉 Flight + bus via Phuket is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and prefer comfortable transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–10 hours total (flight + transfer from Phuket)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–190 per person (flight + bus/minivan, prices vary)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + easy transfer to Khao Lak)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Phuket + minivan or bus to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and transfer tickets online in advance for best prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose transfer directly from Phuket Airport to save time.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak is by taking a direct flight to Phuket, followed by a bus, minivan or private taxi. Phuket Airport is about 80 km south of Khao Lak, and the entire journey takes around 7–10 hours.
Direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket take about 1.5 hours and cost around $40–170 per person. Airlines on this route include Thai Airways, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and Thai VietJet.
From Phuket to Khao Lak, you can continue by bus or minivan in about 1.5–2.5 hours for $8–23 per person. Flights and transfer tickets can be booked online in advance.
3. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Khao Lak
👉 Train + bus via Surat Thani is a cheaper way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak, but takes longer time.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer train travel with flexible connections
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–16 hours (train + bus transfer via Surat Thani)
- ✔️ Cost: $16–60 per person total (train + bus, depending on class)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (sleepers recommended, buses are basic but sufficient)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Surat Thani + bus to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book train and bus tickets online in advance for smoother trip.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose bus from train station for easier transfer connection.
Another budget-friendly option is to travel by train to Surat Thani and then continue by bus or minivan to Khao Lak, as there is no railway station in Khao Lak. The entire journey takes about 13–16 hours.
Trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani take about 9–11 hours and cost around $7–50 per person. For this overnight route, a sleeper berth is the most comfortable choice. Train tickets can be booked online in advance.
From Surat Thani to Khao Lak, you can continue by bus or minivan in about 3–4 hours for $9–12 per person. Some buses depart directly from Surat Thani Railway Station and also stop near Khao Sok National Park.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Khao Lak
👉 Private car/taxi is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want maximum comfort, privacy, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~11–16 hours (depending on route and traffic conditions)
- ✔️ Cost: $300–550 per car (varies by vehicle type and group size)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern vehicles, no transfers, flexible stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with driver from companies like Glassflower or Kim Transfers Thailand
- 💡 Tip: Book private transfer online in advance and review all conditions.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose larger vehicle for groups and split total cost.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak (or Khao Sak Park). It is also the most expensive option, but it offers door-to-door service with flexible departure and arrival points.
Private transfers are available with companies such as Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand, Van2Travel, Easyride Services, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, and Gosafe Transport. You can choose from standard cars, SUVs or larger minivans for groups.
The journey takes about 11–16 hours and prices range from $300–550 per car, depending on the vehicle type. Private transfers can be booked online in advance, where you can also compare vehicles, reviews and transfer details.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Easyride Services | 11:00 | From $338.00 |
| Glassflower | 11:00 | From $339.00 |
| AEC 168 Transport | 11:00 | From $300.00 |
| Van 2 Travel | 16:00 | From $426.00 |
| Kim Transfers Thailand | 10:50 | From $453.00 |
| Gosafe Transport | 16:00 | From $420.00 |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak
How to book bus, train, taxi or flight tickets from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
Book bus, train, taxi, minivan and flight tickets from Bangkok to Khao Lak easily online at 12go.asia ➜. You can also search for other routes across Thailand.
What is the travel time from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
Travel takes about 7–19 hours, depending on the transport option. Flying via Phuket Airport is the fastest way.
How far is Khao Lak from Bangkok?
Khao Lak is approximately 770 km south of Bangkok by road.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
Transport costs range from about $18 to $550, depending on whether you travel by train, bus, flight or private taxi.
What is the best way to get from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
The fastest and most comfortable option is a direct flight to Phuket followed by a minivan or taxi to Khao Lak.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
The cheapest option is usually a train to Surat Thani followed by a bus or minivan to Khao Lak.
Is there a direct flight from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
No. Khao Lak has no airport. Fly to Phuket Airport and continue by taxi or minivan.
Can you travel by train from Bangkok to Khao Lak?
Not directly. Take a train to Surat Thani and continue by bus, minivan or private transfer.
How do you get from Khao Lak to Phuket?
Travel by minivan, bus or private taxi. The journey takes about 1.5–3.5 hours.
Where to stay in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak offers beach resorts, hotels and budget guesthouses. Compare and book accommodation online at Book hotel in Khao Lak online ➜.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Khao Lak
Traveling from Bangkok to Khao Lak is possible by plane + minivan, tourist bus, train + bus or private car. Flying via Phuket Airport is the fastest option.
- Fastest Option: Fly to Phuket Airport and continue by minivan or taxi to Khao Lak.
- Cheapest Option: Travel by train to Surat Thani and continue by bus or minivan.
- Direct Buses: Overnight buses from Bangkok are a popular low-cost choice.
- Book Early: Flights, buses and transfers can sell out during the high tourist season.
- What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, a power bank and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
- Private Transfer: A private taxi offers the most comfortable door-to-door journey.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains and private transfers from Bangkok to Khao Lak can be searched and booked online in advance.