How to Get from Hat Yai to Surat Thani
Train from Hat Yai to Surat Thani: daytime and evening departures, journey times of 4h 40min to 7h and tips for the onward ferry to the islands.
Last updated: November 2, 2026
Contents
Hat Yai and Surat Thani are the two big junctions of the Southern Line, about 290 kilometres apart.[1] The train rolls north through rubber plantations and palm groves, and most travellers use the trip as the first leg towards the Gulf islands.
Hat Yai to Surat Thani by Train
The evening trains from Hat Yai take between about 4 hours 40 minutes and 5 hours. Rapid 172 leaves at 16:05, Thaksinarath 32 at 17:45, Special Express 38 and Special Express DRC 46 at 18:05, and Rapid 170 at 18:20. By day, Local 446 leaves at 06:20 and arrives at 13:31.[1]
Surat Thani station lies outside the city centre in Phunphin. For the islands, Seatran Discovery sells bus-and-ferry transfers from Surat Thani to the Donsak pier and the piers of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.[2]
Train Times
| Train | Leaves Hat Yai | Arrives Surat Thani |
|---|---|---|
| Local 446 | 06:20 | 13:31[1] |
| Rapid 172 | 16:05 | 20:55[1] |
| Thaksinarath 32 | 17:45 | 22:24[1] |
| Special Express 38 | 18:05 | 22:50[1] |
| Rapid 170 | 18:20 | 23:28[1] |
Tips for Traveling from Hat Yai to Surat Thani
- Plan for a late arrival: The faster trains reach Surat Thani at night, so book your hotel in advance.
- Mind the last ferry: The last ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui leaves at 19:00,[3] which the evening trains miss.
- Eat before you board: Hat Yai has plenty of local food stalls, and the choice on the train is limited.
Timetable
| Taxi Hat Yai - Surat Thani $ 152.26โ257.29 4h 30m โ 5h | |
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| Train Hat Yai - Surat Thani $ 6.60โ20.93 6h 20m | |
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| Van Hat Yai - Surat Thani $ 257.29 5h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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The evening trains take between about 4 hours 40 minutes and 5 hours. The daytime Local 446 takes about 7 hours.
Local 446 leaves at 06:20. In the evening Rapid 172 leaves at 16:05, Thaksinarath 32 at 17:45, Special Express 38 at 18:05 and Rapid 170 at 18:20.
The station is outside the city centre in Phunphin. Take a bus or taxi to reach the city or the ferry piers.
Yes. Bus-and-ferry transfers run from Surat Thani to the Donsak pier and on to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. The last ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui leaves at 19:00.
Yes, if you want to see the landscape and reach the Donsak ferries before dusk. The evening trains are faster but arrive after dark.
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 inbound. 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.