How to Get from Chumphon to Hat Yai
Compare night trains, buses and private transfers from Chumphon to Hat Yai, with train departure times, durations and what each option costs.
Contents
Leaving the gateway to the Gulf islands of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan for the bustling commercial hub of Hat Yai takes you from laid-back coastal life to the energetic pulse of southern Thailand. Many travellers only see Chumphon as a ferry pier, but the journey south crosses the narrow Thai peninsula before it reaches the gateway to Malaysia.
The route follows the southern rail line and the highway south. Whether you are heading to the border for a visa run or to explore the street food markets of Hat Yai, you have several reliable ways to make the trip.
Chumphon to Hat Yai by Train
The train is the most atmospheric way to cross the southern provinces. Five night trains leave Chumphon for Hat Yai Junction: Rapid 171 at 22:27 (arrives 06:30), Special Express 37 at 23:26 (07:10), Special Express DRC 45 at 23:26 (07:20), Thaksinarath 31 at 00:05 (07:05) and Rapid 169 at 01:35 (09:28). They take about 7 to 8 hours. Local train 445 runs in daylight, leaving Chumphon at 06:15 and reaching Hat Yai at 16:45.[1]
The night trains let you sleep on the way and arrive in Hat Yai in the morning, and vendors often board at the stations to sell grilled chicken, sticky rice and fruit.
Chumphon to Hat Yai by Bus
The bus is a dependable alternative for those who prefer the highway to the tracks. On booking platforms, a local bus costs about THB 700 (about $21) in November 2026, and the trip takes from about 8.5 hours.[2]
Chumphon to Hat Yai by Private Transfer
For families, small groups and travellers who value door-to-door convenience, a private transfer is the most flexible option. The drive takes from about 6 hours 20 minutes, and on booking platforms a vehicle costs THB 7,480 to 14,300 (about $224 to $427) in November 2026.[2] You can choose between an economy car, an SUV for 4 passengers and a van for 9, and you can stop for breaks or photos at your own pace.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | Depends on the class | About 7h - 8h (night trains)[1] | Medium to High |
| Bus | About THB 700[2] | From about 8.5h | Medium |
| Private Transfer | THB 7,480 - 14,300[2] | From about 6h 20m | High |
Tips for Traveling from Chumphon to Hat Yai
- Book early: Sleeper berths on the southern line are popular, especially around public holidays, so reserve them well in advance.
- Prepare for air conditioning: Trains and buses can be cold at night. Carry a light jacket or a sarong.
- Connecting from the islands: Lomprayah's 10:15 catamaran from Koh Tao reaches Chumphon railway station at 12:45 and its 15:00 catamaran reaches Thung Makham Noi Pier at 16:45.[3] Leave a buffer of at least two hours before your train or bus.
- Snacks: Vendors board the trains, but the bus makes fewer stops, so pack water and food for the long ride.
- Arrival in Hat Yai: Songthaews and motorbike taxis are available at the bus terminal and the station to take you to the city center or the border.
Timetable
| Bus Chumphon - Hat Yai $ 20.73 8h 30m | |
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| Taxi Chumphon - Hat Yai $ 221.46โ423.38 6h 20m โ 7h | |
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| Train Chumphon - Hat Yai $ 6.69โ21.38 6h 36m โ 7h 5m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chumphon to Hat Yai, including current prices and schedules.
The local bus costs about THB 700 (about $21) on booking platforms (November 2026). SRT fares for the train depend on the class you choose.
A private transfer takes from about 6 hours 20 minutes. The fastest night train, Thaksinarath 31, takes about 7 hours.
Night trains take about 7 to 8 hours, a private transfer takes from about 6 hours 20 minutes, and the bus takes from about 8.5 hours.
Yes. Five trains leave Chumphon between 22:27 and 01:35 and arrive in Hat Yai between 06:30 and 09:28, so you can save a hotel night.
The train is generally the better choice: it is quicker than the bus and gives you a choice of classes. The bus is a reliable alternative if you want to leave in the morning.
Yes. Private vans for up to 9 passengers are available, which suits large groups and families who want a direct journey from their hotel in Chumphon to Hat Yai.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026: Southern Line outbound. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Chumphon to Hat Yai. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
- [3] Lomprayah High Speed Ferries: Timetable Lomprayah 2026. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.