Flight + Minivan
Fastest and most convenient option via Hat Yai Airport
Bus
Direct overnight buses, affordable and widely available
Train + Bus
Comfortable sleeper train to Hat Yai with bus transfer
Private taxi/car
Very expensive for such a long journey
Quick answer: Traveling from Bangkok to Songkhla is possible by flight + minivan, bus, train + bus, or private car. The fastest option is a direct flight to Hat Yai followed by a short transfer to Songkhla, while buses and trains are cheaper alternatives for budget travelers.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 980 km by road (730 km by air).
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + transfer: 3–5 hrs | Bus: 12–18 hrs | Train + Bus: 18–20 hrs | Private Car: 18–20 hrs.
- 💰 Price: Flight $30–70 | Bus $20–32 | Train + Bus $10–50 | Private Car $500–650.
- ✈️ Fastest: Flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai + minivan or taxi to Songkhla.
- 🚍 Cheapest: Direct overnight buses from Bangkok.
- 🚆 Comfort: Sleeper train to Hat Yai with onward bus or taxi.
- 🚕 Private Transfer: Door-to-door service for maximum flexibility.
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Songkhla you can travel by plane, train, bus or private car.
The travel distance from Bangkok to Songkhla is about 980 km by road and around 730 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight to Hat Yai, followed by a short bus or taxi transfer to Songkhla. Flights take about 1.5 hours and cost approximately $30–70 per person.
You can also travel by Thai Railway train to Hat Yai, followed by a local transfer to Songkhla. Trains take about 18 hours and cost around $8–45 per person. Another option is a direct overnight bus, taking about 15–17 hours, while a private car is the most flexible but also the most expensive choice. Before arriving, you can also visit Koh Lanta or Koh Samui.
Songkhla is a historic coastal city in southern Thailand, close to the Malaysian border. It is known for its beaches, Songkhla Lake, temples, and Old Town. The province is also a convenient gateway for travelers continuing to Malaysia via Hat Yai and Padang Besar.
| Transfer modes from Bangkok to Songkhla: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 12–18 hours | $20–32 per person |
| Train + Bus | 20 hours | $10–50 per person |
| Direct Flight | 1.5 hours | $30–70 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi | 18–20 hours | $500–650 per car |
How do I get from Bangkok to Songkhla?
1. TRAIN + BUS from Bangkok to Songkhla
👉 Train + local bus is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and overnight journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: ~18.5 hours (including the bus from Hat Yai)
- ✔️ Cost: $9–46 per person
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper train to Hat Yai + local bus to Songkhla
- 💡 Tip: Book sleeper berths a few days in advance.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Check the Thailand Railway Map before your trip.
Traveling by train from Bangkok to Hat Yai is the cheapest long-distance option for reaching Songkhla. Thai Railway operates about 5 trains daily with 2nd and 3rd class seats as well as comfortable sleeper berths. Read more about the route from Bangkok to Hat Yai.
The train journey takes about 18 hours and tickets cost around $8–45 per person. Sleeper berths are recommended for overnight travel, while onboard facilities include toilets and basic snacks and drinks.
After arriving at Hat Yai Railway Station, take a local bus to Songkhla. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs around $1 per person, making this a very affordable way to reach Songkhla.
| Train | Departure in Bangkok | Arrival in Hat Yai | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railway SP37 | 15:35 | 08:41 | From $10.00 |
| Thai Railway RP171 | 13:10 | 06:34 | From $8.00 |
| Thai Railway RP169 | 16:10 | 09:52 | From $8.00 |
| Thai Railway SP45 | 15:35 | 08:41 | From $27.00 |
| Thai Railway SP31 | 14:50 | 07:25 | From $32.00 |
2. BUS from Bangkok to Songkhla
👉 Tourist bus is a cheap and direct way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers looking for a direct transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–18 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $23–32 per person
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight VIP or Express bus
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the departure station at least 30 minutes early.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Overnight buses save the cost of one night’s accommodation.
Tourist buses are a popular and affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla. Companies such as Transport Co, Sri Siam Tour, Siam Lane Tour, and Piya operate modern air-conditioned coaches on this long-distance route.
The journey takes about 12–18 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $23–32 per person. Most buses depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal and arrive at Songkhla Bus Terminal.
Overnight services are the most common and are a convenient option if you want to travel while sleeping and arrive in Songkhla the next morning.
3. DIRECT FLIGHT from Bangkok to Songkhla (Hat Yai)
👉 Flight + transfer is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–5 hours (including airport transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $30–70 per person
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Hat Yai + taxi or minivan to Songkhla
- 💡 Tip: Book early to get the lowest airfare.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Hat Yai Airport is about 45 km from Songkhla.
The fastest way to reach Songkhla is by a direct flight from Bangkok to Hat Yai. Airlines such as Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, and Thai Smile operate frequent daily flights.
Flights depart from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airport and arrive at Hat Yai International Airport. The flight takes about 1.5 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $30–70 per person.
After arriving at Hat Yai Airport, you can continue to Songkhla by taxi, minivan, or local bus in about 45–60 minutes.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Bangkok to Songkhla
👉 Private car is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla.
- ✔️ Best for: families, groups, and door-to-door transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~15–17 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $380–870 per vehicle
- ✅ Best Option: Private car via Krabi and Hat Yai
- 💡 Tip: Minivans are ideal for groups sharing the travel cost.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Book your transfer online before departure.
A private transfer to Songkhla is available via Krabi and Hat Yai. This option offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to choose your departure time and pickup location in Bangkok.
The first section from Bangkok to Krabi takes about 11–12 hours. Read more about traveling from Bangkok to Krabi.
From Krabi, continue by private car to Hat Yai in about 3–4.5 hours and then proceed to nearby Songkhla. Modern sedans, SUVs, and minivans are available, with total transfer costs starting at about $380 per vehicle.
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Bangkok to Songkhla
How to book tickets or flights from Bangkok to Songkhla?
You can book trains, buses and flights online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Both platforms also offer other routes in southern Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla?
Flights take about 1.5 hours, buses 14–17 hours, trains with bus transfer about 20 hours, and private cars around 18–20 hours.
What is the travel distance from Bangkok to Songkhla?
The distance is about 980 km by road or around 730 km by air to Hat Yai Airport.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla?
Expect to pay about $8–45 by train, $20–25 by bus, $30–70 by flight, or $500–650 per vehicle for a private transfer.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla?
The fastest and most convenient option is a direct flight to Hat Yai Airport, followed by a local bus to Songkhla.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Songkhla?
The cheapest option is a Thai Railway train to Hat Yai followed by a local bus to Songkhla.
Is there a private taxi from Bangkok to Songkhla?
Yes. Private cars with drivers are available, but they are the most expensive transfer option.
What places can you visit before arriving in Songkhla?
You can stop in Nakhon Si Thammarat or Trang, both accessible by train, bus or flight from Bangkok.
Where can you travel from Songkhla?
Where to stay in Songkhla?
Songkhla offers hotels, guesthouses and resorts. Book your hotel in Songkhla ➜.
Is Thailand suitable for solo travel?
Yes. Thailand is one of Asia’s best destinations for solo travelers. Read Solo Travel in Thailand for useful tips.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Songkhla
Traveling from Bangkok to Songkhla is a long journey across southern Thailand. You can travel by direct flight to Hat Yai, tourist bus, train with a local bus, or private transfer.
- Best Option: Direct flights to Hat Yai are the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Songkhla.
- Budget Travel: Trains to Hat Yai combined with a local bus offer the cheapest transfer.
- Bus Travel: Long-distance buses provide direct overnight services from Bangkok to Songkhla.
- Airport Transfer: Hat Yai International Airport is about 40 km from Songkhla and is connected by local buses and taxis.
- Best Time to Travel: Morning flights and overnight buses help you maximize your time in Songkhla.
- Book Early: Flights, trains and buses can sell out during Thai holidays and peak travel seasons.
Tip: Flight, bus, train and private transfer tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.