Flight (direct)
Fastest option with easy booking and minimal travel hassle
Flight + private transfer
Smooth journey with minimal effort and comfortable onward travel
Train + bus (via Bangkok)
Cheapest option but long journey with multiple transfers
Direct bus routes
No true direct route without transfers via Bangkok
Quick answer: Travelling from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani gives you the option to fly for speed, take a train (with a transfer via Bangkok) for a more leisurely journey, or use a bus/van for the lowest cost. Choose based on how much time you have and what level of comfort you prefer.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: Approx. 1,300 km by land between Chiang Mai and Surat Thani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight ~2 hours direct; Train (via Bangkok) ~21–30 hours; Bus/Van ~22–28 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Flight US$80–200 per person; Train US$16–100 per person; Bus/Van US$35–65 per person.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct or via Bangkok from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani Airport—fastest option.
- 🚆 Train: Chiang Mai → Bangkok, then transfer to a train to Surat Thani—comfort with longer time.
- 🚍 Bus/Van: Tourist buses or vans via Bangkok to Surat Thani—budget-friendly but long.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chiang Mai to Surat Thani you can travel by plane, train, bus, or private taxi.
The travel distance from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani in Thailand is about 1,330 km by land or around 1,100 km by air. You can travel by direct flight, train via Bangkok, tourist bus, or private taxi. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 2 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok take around 5-7 hours. Flight prices range from about $80-200/pp.
Another popular option is the train via Bangkok, taking about 21-30 hours and costing around $16-100/pp. Tourist buses take about 22-28 hours, while private taxis provide the most comfortable but also the most expensive transfer.
From Surat Thani you can continue to Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, or Phuket. Surat Thani is also the gateway to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Besides the islands, you can also visit Khao Sok National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in southern Thailand.
| Transfer Mode – Chiang Mai to Surat Thani: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Train (via Bangkok) | 21-30 hours | $16-100/pp |
| Tourist Bus (via Bangkok) | 22-28 hours | $35-65/pp |
| Plane (Direct Flight or flights via Bangkok) | 2-8 hours | $80-200/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car (via Bangkok) | 19-22 hours | $500-920 (car) |
How do I get from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani?
1. TRAIN from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani (via Bangkok)
👉 Train via Bangkok is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those who prefer rail travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~21–30 hours (with transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $16–100 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (best with sleeper berths)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper trains from Chiang Mai to Bangkok + Bangkok to Surat Thani
- 💡 Tip: Book both train tickets online in advance, especially sleepers.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at the station at least 30–60 minutes early.
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani is by train via Bangkok. You need to change trains in Bangkok. Trains depart from Chiang Mai Railway Station and continue to Surat Thani Railway Station. See the Thailand Railway Map.
The trip takes about 10-14 hours from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and 9-12 hours from Bangkok to Surat Thani, or around 21-30 hours in total. Seats and sleeper berths are available in all classes.
Train tickets cost about $16-100/pp. You need two separate tickets, both of which can be booked online. Mobile tickets are accepted, and arriving 30-60 minutes before departure is recommended.
2. BUS from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus via Bangkok is a budget-friendly way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani, but with a long journey.
- ✔️ Best for: low-cost travelers who don’t mind extended travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~22–28 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–65 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (modern buses with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Reliable companies like Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, or Bangkok Busline
- 💡 Tip: Book both bus tickets online in advance and plan transfer time.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Overnight buses can help save time and accommodation costs.
You can also travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani by bus via Bangkok. This option requires a transfer in Bangkok, with buses departing from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 or MCA Bus Terminal.
The journey takes about 22-28 hours and buses are operated by companies such as Sombat Tour, Nakhonchai Air, Transport Co, Bangkok Busline, Viriya Tour, and others. Modern buses with reclining seats are available.
Bus tickets cost around $35-65/pp. It is recommended to book two separate tickets for each route online in advance and check the departure details before traveling.
3. FLIGHTS from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani
👉 Flight via Bangkok is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and prefer a comfortable journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–10 hours (or ~2 hours if direct flight available)
- ✔️ Cost: $80–200 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (flight connections with multiple daily options)
- ✅ Best Option: Flights with Thai AirAsia or other carriers via Bangkok
- 💡 Tip: Book flights early to get the best price.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check transfer times in Bangkok for smooth connections.
The fastest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani is by plane. Most flights operate via Bangkok, although a limited number of direct flights may also be available. Flights depart from Chiang Mai International Airport to Surat Thani via Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport.
Airlines on this route include Thai AirAsia, Thai VietJet, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile, and others. Flights via Bangkok take about 6-10 hours in total, while direct flights take around 2 hours.
Flight prices range from about $80-200/pp, depending on the airline and season. Booking in advance usually offers the best fares, especially with low-cost airlines such as Thai AirAsia.
4. TAXI / CAR from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani
👉 Private taxi/car is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Travel time: ~19–22 hours (may vary by route and stops)
- ✔️ Cost: $500–920 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car, SUV or minivan with experienced driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Glassflower, Van2Travel, or Gosafe Transport
- 💡 Tip: Book your transfer online and plan stops if needed.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Best for groups—split the cost for better value.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani. Most transfers operate via Bangkok, although some companies also offer direct transfers by car or minivan.
Companies such as Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, Kim Transfers Thailand, Van2Travel, Gosafe Transport, Easyride Services, and others provide modern cars, SUVs, and minivans for groups. The journey takes about 19-22 hours, depending on the route.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Surat Thani ➜
Private transfers cost about $500-920 per vehicle. Smaller cars are the cheapest option, while larger SUVs and minivans are ideal for groups and can make the cost per person more affordable.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Gosafe Transport | 24:00 | From $800.00 / Van 9-10pax |
| Van 2 Travel | 24:00 | From $889.00 / Van 10pax |
| Easyride Services | 17:30 | From $530.00 / Economy 2pax |
| Easyride Services | 17:30 | From $566.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Easyride Services | 17:30 | From $920.00 / Van 8pax |
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani
How to book tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani?
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani?
Flights take about 2 hours (direct) or 6-10 hours via Bangkok. Trains take 21-30 hours, buses 22-28 hours, and private cars about 19-22 hours.
How far is Surat Thani from Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 1,330 km by land or around 1,100 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani?
Train: $16-100/pp. Bus: $35-65/pp. Flight: $80-200/pp. Private car: $500-920 per vehicle.
What is the best way to get to Surat Thani?
Flying is the fastest option. Direct flights take about 2 hours, while connecting flights via Bangkok are also widely available.
Where can I travel from Surat Thani?
Popular destinations include Khao Sok National Park, Koh Lanta, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao.
Is there an airport in Khao Sok National Park?
No. The park is accessible only by bus, minivan, or private taxi from Surat Thani.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest options are the train or bus. Sleeper trains are the most comfortable choice for this long journey.
Is there a private transfer from Chiang Mai?
Yes. Private cars and minivans can be booked online, usually via Bangkok or as a direct transfer.
How do I travel from Surat Thani to Phuket?
Travel by bus, minivan, or private taxi. Read more in How to get to Phuket from Surat Thani?.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Surat Thani
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani is a long journey across Thailand. You can travel by plane, train, bus, or private car, with flights being the fastest option.
- Fastest Option: Direct flights take about 2 hours, while connecting flights usually travel via Bangkok.
- Train: Sleeper trains via Bangkok are comfortable for overnight travel but require changing trains.
- Bus: Tourist buses are a budget-friendly option, although the journey is long.
- Book Early: Reserve flights, trains, and buses in advance during weekends and holidays.
- Gateway to Islands: Surat Thani is the main transport hub for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
- Travel Essentials: Bring snacks, water, a charger, and keep important documents easily accessible.
Tip: Flights, train tickets, bus tickets, and private transfers from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani can be searched and booked online in advance.