The city of Surat Thani is located approximately 650 kilometers south of Bangkok. It is a popular base for trips to southern Thailand, including the country’s most popular beaches and islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui. Being a busy transport hub, you can travel in several ways to and from Surat Thani. You can go by plane, bus or train; the latter operates from Surat Thani railway station. The railway station is located on the outskirts of the city and on the Southern Line of the State Railways of Thailand.
More information:
– How to get to Surat Thani Railway Station
– Timetables and destinations from Surat Thani Railway Station
– Train Tickets and Reservations for Surat Thani Railway Station
– Facilities of Surat Thani Railway Station
How to get to Surat Thani Railway Station
Surat Thani Railway Station is located in the small town of Phun Phin, about 10 kilometers from the center of Surat Thani. The station has an interesting history. It was first built elsewhere in 1915. It was then called Phun Phin Station after the name of the city in which it is located. During World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army used the station for military operations, so in 1945 it was bombed and destroyed. A new Surat Thani railway station was built and served for several years after the end of the war. it was demolished to make way for the Chulachomklao Bridge. Thus, the current Surat Thani station is technically the third station and was opened in 1954.
It is easy to travel between Surat Thani City Center and Surat Thani Railway Station by taxi or public bus. Taxis are a good option as it only takes 20-30 minutes to reach the train station. You can book a taxi to pick you up from your hotel or other convenient location. Buses are a good way to save money and travel with local Thais. Orange/red city buses run every 15 minutes during the day. The bus line ends quite early, around 7 p.m. The disadvantage of these buses is that they stop at several stops. Therefore, buses take around 40-50 minutes from Surat Thani city center to the railway station.
Surat Thani Airport is 15 km from Surat Thani Railway Station. The taxi ride takes about 20 minutes and costs only THB 600. Another option is to take the local bus. Surat Thani Railway Station is located between Surat Thani Airport and Surat Thani City Center. Make sure you board the bus that stops at Surat Thani Railway Station. Otherwise, the journey to Surat Thani center will be longer and you will then need to take a shuttle bus back to the train station.
Timetables and destinations from Surat Thani Railway Station
The most popular train to Surat Thani Railway Station departs from Bangkok. Surat Thani is your first stop from Bangkok if you’re heading to Phuket, Khao Sok or Koh Samui, some of the busiest beaches in Thailand. Koh Samui is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, accessible by bus and ferry from Surat Thani. Phuket is located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, on the opposite side of the railway line and further from Surat Thani.
There are approximately 10 trains a day from Bangkok to Surat Thani. They depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. The train journey takes from 10.5 to over 14 hours, depending on the train connection. There are many different types of trains. Coming back to Bangkok, the trains are even slower. Journeys can take up to 15 and a half hours.
Bangkok is not the only destination from Surat Thani Railway Station. The station is located on the Southern Line of Thai National Railways. It is the longest line in the country, 1,144 km long, running from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok, on the border with Malaysia. Surat Thani Railway Station is located about halfway down the Southern Line and is used to travel to many destinations in southern Thailand. Destinations include Trang and Hat Yai, south of Surat Thani. Chumphon and Hua Hin are on their way north before reaching Bangkok. Ten trains run daily between Surat Thani and Bangkok. If you want to get to the Malaysian border, there is only one train a day to Padang Besar.
Train Tickets and Reservations for Surat Thani Railway Station
At the entrance there are ticket offices in the hall, to the right of the train station. Unlike bus stations, there is only one railway operator (Thai National Railways). When purchasing a ticket, you won’t be faced with many options except deciding what type of ticket you want. These range from the cheapest ticket to a seat with a fan in third class. Second class fan seats are a bit more comfortable and have a stewardess on the train. Next are second and first class with air conditioning. There are more expensive bed options for both classes.
Tickets can be purchased on the day of travel at Surat Thani Railway Station. However, if you want a sleeper car ticket, purchase it in advance as they usually sell out a few days before the departure date. Search for online bookings to make your life easier by using a service like 12go where you can search for multiple trains and compare ticket prices.
Facilities of Surat Thani Railway Station
Surat Thani Railway Station receives many foreign tourists and is well equipped to serve non-Thai speaking guests. There are signs in English to help visitors find what they need, and English-speaking staff to help. Public notices are made in Thai and English. Many of the information desk staff speak English. Some security staff may not speak English fluently, but they can help you find the right platform for your train.
Surat Thani Railway Station offers several options if you want to grab a bite to eat. These include a cafe and small food stalls that serve local food in the afternoons. Drinks and snacks can also be purchased to take away from small shops within the station. Another option is to walk about 100 meters outside, where you will find places like 7-Eleven and other stores.
There are public toilets at Surat Thani Railway Station. There is a luggage storage facility on Platform 1 where you can leave your luggage safely for a fee.