Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) to Surat Thani is by pre-booking a private car or van transfer. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and costs ฿2,500 – ฿4,000 for the vehicle, offering door-to-door convenience. The cheapest option is a combination of taxi to the bus terminal + local bus, costing under ฿400 per person, but taking over 5 hours with transfers. There is no direct train or flight between these cities.
Option 1: Private Transfer, Taxi, or Ride-Hail (Fastest & Most Convenient)
This is the preferred choice for families, groups, those with heavy luggage, or travelers prioritizing comfort and time. The journey is direct, on-demand, and takes you from the airport arrivals hall to your exact address in Surat Thani.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time | 2 – 2.5 hours (150 km via Route 401) |
| Cost (Vehicle) | ฿2,500 – ฿3,500 (Taxi); ฿3,000 – ฿4,000 (Private Van) |
| Cost Per Person* | ฿625 – ฿1,000 (if sharing with 4 people) |
| Booking | Airport counter, pre-book online, or use Grab app |
| Pros | Door-to-door, fast, comfortable, flexible, safe for luggage |
| Cons | Most expensive solo travel option |
How to Book & Detailed Process
At the Airport: Upon exiting baggage claim, you'll find official taxi counters. Tell them your destination in Surat Thani (e.g., city center, pier). They will issue a fixed-price ticket, which you give to the driver. Tip: Have your hotel's name and address written in Thai ready.
Pre-Booking Online (Recommended): For guaranteed service and often better vehicles, book with providers like 12Go Asia or KiwiTaxi. You'll be met with a name sign.
Using Grab: The Grab app works reliably at NST. Select ‘Surat Thani’ as your destination. Confirm the price shown before booking. For long trips, the ‘GrabCar’ option is usually sufficient and cheaper than ‘GrabTaxi’.
Option 2: Bus & Shared Minivan (The Budget Champion)
The most economical method, ideal for solo backpackers or very cost-conscious travelers. It involves at least one transfer and requires more time and patience.
| Step | Transport | Cost (Approx.) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Airport to Bus Terminal | Taxi / Songthaew | ฿200 – ฿300 | 20-30 min |
| 2. NST to Surat Thani | Local Bus (2nd class) | ฿150 – ฿250 | 3.5 – 4.5 hrs |
| 3. Surat Thani Terminal to Hotel | Local Taxi / Tuk-tuk | ฿100 – ฿200 | 15-30 min |
| TOTAL (Per Person) | ฿450 – ฿750 | 4.5 – 6 hours | ||
In-Depth Guide & Important Notes
Step 1 – Reaching the Bus Terminal: Nakhon Si Thammarat's main bus terminal is about 10km from the airport. A taxi is the easiest way. Alternatively, look for a shared songthaew (pick-up truck taxi) heading towards the city center and ask for the bus terminal (“satani khon song”).
Step 2 – The Main Journey: At the terminal, go to the counter for buses to Surat Thani. Services are frequent from morning until late afternoon. Buses are basic but functional. For a faster, slightly more expensive option (฿250-฿400), ask for a direct minivan (rot duan).
Key Considerations:
- Luggage: Space is limited, especially in minivans. Large backpacks may incur a small extra fee.
- Comfort: Buses can be cold (bring a layer), and stops are made along the route.
- Last Bus: Departures taper off in the early evening. Plan to arrive before 4 PM to secure a seat.
Option 3: Train + Taxi Combination (The Scenic Route)
While not the most practical, the train offers a unique glimpse of Southern Thailand's countryside. It involves multiple steps but can be a memorable experience.
The Complete Step-by-Step Route
- Taxi from NST Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station: (25 mins, ฿200-฿300).
- Train from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Surat Thani:
- Train Types: Ordinary (slowest/cheapest), Rapid, and Express (fastest/most comfortable).
- Schedule: 4-5 daily services. Key departures are often in the late morning and afternoon. Always check current schedules on the State Railway of Thailand website.
- Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes (Express) to over 4.5 hours (Ordinary).
- Cost: ฿100 – ฿400 depending on class (3rd, 2nd, 1st) and train type.
- Taxi from Surat Thani Railway Station to your final destination: (10-20 mins, ฿100-฿150).
Analysis & Verdict: Total cost (฿400-฿850) and time (4.5+ hours) often make this less efficient than a direct private transfer. It is recommended primarily for train enthusiasts, those with a flexible schedule, or travelers continuing north to Bangkok by sleeper train from Surat Thani.
Cost & Time Comparison Table: Best Way from NST to Surat Thani
Use this table to quickly compare all your transportation options at a glance.
| Transport Method | Total Travel Time (Door-to-Door) | Approximate Cost | Best For | Convenience / Comfort Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer / Van | 2 – 2.5 hours | ฿2,500 – ฿4,000 (per vehicle) | Families, groups, luxury, tight schedules | ★★★★★ |
| Taxi (Metered/Fixed) | 2 – 2.5 hours | ฿2,500 – ฿3,500 (per vehicle) | Couples, direct convenience | ★★★★☆ |
| Bus + Taxi Combo | 4.5 – 6 hours | ฿450 – ฿750 (per person) | Solo backpackers, extreme budget travel | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Train + Taxi Combo | 4.5 – 6 hours | ฿400 – ฿850 (per person) | Train travel lovers, scenic journey | ★★★☆☆ |
Bottom Line: For speed & comfort, choose a private transfer. For the lowest cost, endure the bus combo.
Traveler Tips & Local Advice for a Smooth Journey
Go beyond the basics with these practical insights gathered from local travel experts and seasoned tourists.
Money & Negotiation
- Always agree on a price before any journey when not using a meter or app, especially for taxis from the bus/train stations in Surat Thani.
- Carry small Thai Baht notes (฿20, ฿50, ฿100). Drivers often lack change for large bills.
Timing & Connectivity
- Flight Landing at Night? Your only reliable options are a pre-booked transfer or an airport taxi. Public transport options will have stopped.
- Connecting to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan? If heading directly to the pier (Don Sak), a private transfer is vastly superior. Inform the company you're going to the pier, not Surat Thani city.
- Factor in potential rainy season delays (Oct-Dec). Road trips can take longer.
Safety & Comfort
- While generally safe, avoid unlicensed “touts” inside the airport offering transport. Stick to the official counter or your pre-booked driver.
- On buses/trains, keep valuables in a small bag on your person, not in the overhead storage.
FAQs: Travel from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Surat Thani
Is there a direct train from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Surat Thani?
No, there is no direct train service from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) to Surat Thani. The airport itself does not have a train station. To travel by train, you must first take a taxi or minibus from the airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat Railway Station (约 20-30 minutes), then take a train to Surat Thani Railway Station. This journey typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours depending on the train type.
What is the cheapest way to get from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Surat Thani?
The cheapest way is by taking a shared minivan or local bus. From the airport, take a short taxi ride (฿200-300) to the Nakhon Si Thammarat Bus Terminal. From there, catch a local bus to Surat Thani Bus Terminal 2. Total cost can be as low as ฿250-400 per person, but travel time can exceed 5 hours including transfers.
How much is a taxi from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Surat Thani?
A private taxi for the direct 150km journey from NST Airport to Surat Thani city center costs between ฿2,500 and ฿3,500. The price is usually fixed and should be agreed upon before departure. The trip takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. For a more budget-friendly private option, consider booking a Grab car, which may offer slightly lower rates.
Are there any flights from Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport to Surat Thani?
No, there are no commercial passenger flights between Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) and Surat Thani Airport (URT). The distance is relatively short by road (150km), making air travel impractical. The only air option would be an expensive private charter, which is not recommended for general travelers.
What is the best way to travel if I have a lot of luggage?
For travelers with heavy or multiple luggage, a pre-booked private transfer is the best option. It offers door-to-door service, assistance with bags, and a comfortable ride without the hassle of multiple transfers. While more expensive than shared transport, it provides the greatest convenience. Avoid local buses and shared minivans due to limited luggage space and multiple stops.
Can I use a ride-hailing app like Grab from the airport?
Yes, Grab is operational at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport. You can book a GrabCar or GrabTaxi to Surat Thani. Prices are dynamic but are often competitive with airport taxi counters, ranging from ฿2,200 to ฿3,000 for the full journey. This is a good option for transparent pricing. However, for very long trips like this, some drivers may decline the ride, so pre-booking a private transfer might be more reliable.
How long does the bus journey take?
A direct bus or minivan journey from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Surat Thani takes about 3 to 4 hours under normal traffic conditions. However, this does not include the time to get from the airport to the bus terminal (20-30 mins) or from Surat Thani's bus terminal to your final hotel. Total door-to-door travel time can easily reach 4.5 to 5.5 hours.
Is it safe to travel from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Surat Thani at night?
The road (Route 401) is generally safe and well-traveled. For night travel, the safest options are: 1. A pre-booked private transfer from a reputable company. 2. Taking a train (if schedule aligns). Avoid unlicensed taxis and be cautious with shared minivans at night, as services are less frequent. Always share your travel details with someone.