Chumphon to Surat Thani by Train: Times and Tips

Chumphon, the gateway to Koh Tao, and Surat Thani, the gateway to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, sit on the same Southern Line. The train is the simplest way to go, and a ride of a little over two hours takes you past palm plantations and limestone hills.

Chumphon to Surat Thani by Train

Most trains on the Southern Line stop at both stations. Day services such as Special Express DRC 39 (05:37, arriving 07:50) and Special Express DRC 43 (14:05, arriving 16:20) take about 2 hours 15 minutes. Night trains take between about 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 50 minutes, and Local 445 leaves at 06:15 and arrives at 09:38.^[1]

Train Times

Train	Leaves Chumphon	Arrives Surat Thani
Special Express DRC 39	05:37	07:50^[1]
Local 445	06:15	09:38^[1]
Special Express DRC 43	14:05	16:20^[1]
Rapid 171	22:27	01:14^[1]
Special Express 37	23:26	01:52^[1]
Thaksinarath 31	00:05	02:23^[1]

Onward to the Islands

Surat Thani station lies outside the city centre in Phunphin. Seatran Discovery sells bus-and-ferry transfers from Surat Thani to the Donsak pier and the Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao piers.^[2]

Surat Thani railway stationPhoto: OraMAAG / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Tips for Traveling from Chumphon to Surat Thani

Pick a daytime train for the ferry: The last ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui leaves at 19:00,^[3] so a morning or afternoon train fits best.
Carry some water: The fan-cooled carriages can get warm in the afternoon.
Plan for night arrivals: Night trains arrive after midnight, so book a room in advance.

Timetable

Chumphon - Surat Thani More info / Tickets

Taxi Chumphon - Surat Thani $ 78.93–165.53 2h 20m – 4h
→ Van 9pax → Economy → SUV 4pax → Comfort → Luxury VIP Van
Train Chumphon - Surat Thani $ 3.04–21.04 1h 27m – 4h 4m
→ 2nd Class Sleeper AC 02:40, 05:00, 05:53, 22:10 → 2nd Class Sleeper Fan 05:00, 22:10 → 2nd Class AC seats only 07:12, 16:36 → 2nd Class Fan seats only 02:40, 05:00, 05:53, 22:10 → Class 3 Fan 02:40, 05:00, 05:53, 22:10

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Chumphon to Surat Thani?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Chumphon to Surat Thani, including current prices and schedules.

How long does it take to get from Chumphon to Surat Thani?

The fast trains take about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes. Local 445 takes about 3 hours 25 minutes.

What time do trains leave Chumphon for Surat Thani?

Special Express DRC 39 leaves at 05:37, Local 445 at 06:15 and Special Express DRC 43 at 14:05. Night trains follow from 22:27 onwards.

Where is the train station in Surat Thani?

The station is in Phunphin, outside the city centre. Take a bus or taxi to the city or the ferry piers.

Can I go from Surat Thani to Koh Samui the same day?

Yes. Bus-and-ferry transfers run to the Donsak pier, and the last ferry to Koh Samui leaves Donsak at 19:00.

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 2, 2026.

[2] Seatran Discovery: Seatran Discovery: bus and ferry transfers. Retrieved October 31, 2026.

[3] Raja Ferry Port PLC: Sailing schedule. Retrieved October 31, 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.