Train (overnight sleeper)
Best balance of comfort and price, saves hotel with night travel
1st/2nd class sleeper
Comfortable beds with AC, good option for long 9–12 hour journey
3rd class / seat
Cheapest option but basic seating and less comfort overnight
Day train
Less practical, takes 9+ hours and requires extra overnight stay
Quick answer: Travelling by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani is a reliable overnight option — several trains run daily, offering sleeper-berth classes so you sleep while travelling. It’s a popular route especially for travellers heading onward to islands like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Booking a sleeper berth in advance is recommended for comfort and availability, you can book train tickets to Surat Thani online.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 650–645 km by rail.
- ⏱️ Travel time: 9–12 hours depending on train service; some express trains take ~8h50min.
- 💰 Price range (one-way): US $7–9 for basic seat or fan class • US $40–55 for 1st-class AC sleeper berth.
- 🚆 Train types: Options include regular seats (fan or AC), 2nd class sleepers (air-conditioned or fan), and 1st class AC sleeper berths — ideal for overnight comfort.
- 🕐 Schedule & frequency: There are around 8–9 direct trains per day from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Departures span from early evening to late night, with arrivals next morning — suitable for catching ferries or onward transport.
Last updated: April 2026
📅 Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani – Schedule / Timetable + Train Tickets:
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- Bangkok to Surat Thani – one of the most frequented railway routes to southern Thailand
- there are overnight + day sleeper + seat trains between Bangkok and Surat Thani
- train tickets from Bangkok and Surat Thani start at $7-50/pp (soft seat or sleeper berths)
- travel by sleeper overnight train from Bangkok and Surat Thani takes about 9-12 hours
- trains to Surat Thani depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station or Don Mueang and arrives to Surat Thani Railway Station in Surat Thani town
- you can check Thailand Railway Map + most frequented railway routes in Thailand
- the most cheapest way how to travel by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani is a hard seat $7-9/pp
- train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani – 1st class sleeper berth costs about $40-55/pp
- Book train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜
| Train | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Surat Thani | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SP37 | 16:10 | 01:49 | From $9.00 |
| Train SP43 | 07:30 | 16:20 | From $16.00 |
| Train RP171 | 15:10 | 01:11 | From $6.60 |
| Train SP39 | 22:50 | 07:50 | From $16.00 |
| Train EX83 | 18:50 | 04:58 | From $8.00 |
| Train RP169 | 17:30 | 04:06 | From $7.00 |
| Train EX85 | 19:50 | 06:23 | From $8.00 |
| Train RP167 | 20:30 | 07:16 | From $7.00 |
| Train SP45 | 16:10 | 01:49 | From $24.00 |
| Train SP31 | 16:50 | 02:20 | From $30.00 |
| Train | Departs in Surat Thani | Arrival in Bangkok | Train Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train SP40 | 10:25 | 20:30 | From $18.70 |
| Train RP170 | 19:41 | 08:25 | From $6.70 |
| Train EX86 | 18:52 | 07:45 | From $7.90 |
| Train SP44 | 21:05 | 08:45 | From $18.70 |
| Train SP38 | 23:14 | 12:05 | From $8.70 |
| Train RP172 | 21:16 | 10:30 | From $6.70 |
| Train EX84 | 20:14 | 09:25 | From $7.90 |
| Train RP168 | 17:08 | 07:00 | From $6.50 |
| Train SP46 | 23:14 | 12:05 | From $29.50 |
| Train SP32 | 22:27 | 10:50 | From $30.00 |
🚆 What type of trains depart from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
❓ FAQ + Tips — Travel by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani:
1. How to book and buy train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
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- You can book train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani on Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
- you can also search another travel routes, e.g. Bangkok to Pattaya, Bangkok to Hua Hin…
2. What is the travel time by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
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- Travel by train of Thai Railway from Bangkok to Surat Thani in Thailand takes about 9-12 hours.
3. Which train from Bangkok to Surat Thani to choose? What is the best train?
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- You should take a sleeper train, berth to Surat Thani. The best and comfortable are 1st class sleeper trains.
4. How much does it cost to travel by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
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- Travel by train of Thai Railway from Bangkok to Surat Thani costs about $7-50/pp. The most cheapest option is a seat of the 3rd or 2nd class, the most expensive option is to travel by train of the 1st class – sleeper berth, this option costs about $40-50/pp.
5. What is the travel distance by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani?
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- Travel distance from Bangkok to Surat Thani in Thailand by train is about 650 km.
6. What to watch out when you are traveling by train to Surat Thani?
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- The most important thing is to watch your baggage in the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. It is recommended to come at the railway station in Bangkok at least 1 hour before departure of the train.
7. Is an train e-ticket from Bangkok to Surat Thani in smartphone or tablet acceptable?
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- You can use your train e-ticket to Surat Thani in your smartphone, but it is recommended to print this e-ticket. Read carefully the instructions before and after you book your train ticket, because these instructions can change.
8. Are there also another ways of transfer to Surat Thani from Bangkok?
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- Yes, from Bangkok to Surat Thani you can also travel by bus, private car or taxi or you can also travel by plane. There are direct flights between Bangkok and Surat Thani, it is the most fastest option. The most expensive way of transfer to Bangkok is to book your private taxi/car.
9. From which railway station in Bangkok these trains depart?
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- trains to Surat Thani depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station or Don Mueang. You can also check and read this article: Thailand Train Map + Transportation in Thailand.
10. Where do you keep your luggage in Bangkok?
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- You can try Radical Storage service in Thailand. This service offers a few places in the city center of Bangkok, you can search + book your luggage place online.
11. Where to stay in Surat Thani? Hotel, hostel or guesthouse?
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- Surat Thani has various accommodation facilities, there are cheap hotels / guesthouses, luxury hotels and also hostels for low-cost travelers. You can book your hotel in Surat Thani in Thailand easily online.
12. Where you can also travel from Bangkok?
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- From Bangkok you can also travel by train to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, by train to Ayutthaya or Nong Khai in the northeast of Thailand.
13. Where you can travel from Surat Thani town?
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- From Surat Thani town you can travel by van + ferry to Koh Samui, by bus / car to Krabi + Koh Phi Phi or Phuket. These 3 places belongs to the most visited tourist sites in southern Thailand.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Surat Thani ➜
| Travel by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani | |
|---|---|
| Travel Route | Bangkok to Surat Thani |
| Popular Route | One of the most frequented railway routes to southern Thailand |
| Train Types | Overnight, day sleeper, and seat trains |
| Train Ticket Prices | Start at $7-50 per person (soft seat or sleeper berths) |
| Travel Time | About 9-12 hours by sleeper overnight train |
| Departure Points | Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station or Don Mueang |
| Arrival Point | Surat Thani Railway Station in Surat Thani town |
| Cheapest Option | Hard seat for $7-9 per person |
💡 Travel Tips for Bangkok to Surat Thani (Train)
These practical tips are tailored to help you plan the train journey from Bangkok down to Surat Thani — a long but rewarding trip for adventurous travelers heading toward southern Thailand, island connections, or the Gulf coast.
1. Book an Overnight Sleeper for Comfort and Time Savings
Choosing a night train with sleeper berths lets you cover most of the long journey while you sleep, saving a night’s accommodation and arriving early in the morning ready to explore or transfer onward. Sleeper berths also give you more privacy and space than just sitting for 9–12 hours.
2. Pick a Lower Bunk if You Can
Lower bunks tend to be wider, easier to access, and calmer than upper ones — especially on overnight services. It’s also easier to store bags and move about without climbing ladders, which makes rest more comfortable on such a long ride.
3. Bring Entertainment and Comfort Essentials
Since the train journey is lengthy and part of your travel adventure, pack snacks, water, a power bank, and entertainment like downloaded shows or books. A light shawl or travel blanket helps with variable air-conditioning, and eye masks and earplugs improve sleep quality.
4. Expect the Train to Arrive Outside the Town Centre
Surat Thani’s train station is a bit outside the main city, so plan how you’ll get into the town centre or onward transport connections. Local buses, songthaews, and taxis are available directly outside the station, and taxis are useful if you’re heading to the airport or ferry links.
5. Check Timetables and Book Early
Multiple trains run daily, including daytime and overnight options. Overnight services with sleepers can fill up fast, especially on weekends and holidays, so booking ahead — online or at the station — gives you better choice of departure time and berth class.
6. Use the Train as Part of a Bigger Travel Plan
Many travelers use Surat Thani as a hub for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao, or continue further south by bus or van. Planning your train arrival time to connect smoothly with these next legs makes the long rail journey feel like part of the adventure rather than a challenge.
Tip: Train tickets for the Bangkok to Surat Thani route can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure your preferred departure time and berth — especially useful during high travel seasons or holidays.