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How to Get from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen

How to travel from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen by Transport Co. bus, from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3.

Last updated: October 31, 2026

How to Get from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen
Contents

Sukhothai's ruined temples and lotus ponds sit in Thailand's old heartland, and Khon Kaen is the lively university city of the northeast, known for silk and spicy Isan food. The road between them crosses the fertile plains of the Khorat Plateau, away from the tourist trail and well away from Bangkok.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Sukhothai to Khon Kaen by Bus

The Transport Co. runs buses from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3, and also to Chum Phae, a stop on the way.[1] There is no railway between the two towns, so the bus is the practical way to go.

Sukhothai to Khon Kaen by Plane via Bangkok

Bangkok Airways flies from Sukhothai Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport in about 1 hour 10 minutes.[2] From Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport, Thai Lion Air flies to Khon Kaen.[3] The two flights use different Bangkok airports, so allow a generous gap for the transfer between them.

Arriving in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is the main city of the northeast, a university town with a busy market scene, silk shops and the spicy, herb-heavy food of Isan. Drop your bags, then head to the night stalls for grilled meats and papaya salad.

Tips for Traveling from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen

  • Book in Advance: Seats fill up quickly on weekends and Thai public holidays.
  • Prepare for the Cold: Long-distance coaches run their air conditioning cold, so keep a light jacket or sarong in your daypack.
  • Keep Valuables With You: Carry your passport and electronics at your seat rather than in the luggage hold.

Timetable

Bus Sukhothai - Khon Kaen $ 11.52–13.77 5h 30m – 6h 40m
  • →  Express 21:30

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen, including current prices and schedules.

How do I get from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen?

Take a bus. The Transport Co. runs buses from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3.

Is there a train from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen?

No. The two towns are not linked by rail, so the bus is the practical choice.

Where does the bus arrive in Khon Kaen?

The Transport Co. buses arrive at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3.

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] The Transport Co., Ltd. (BusTicket.in.th): Bus Schedule of The Transport Co., Ltd.: Sukhothai - Khon Kaen. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
  2. [2] Bangkok Airways: Flight Ticket from Sukhothai to Bangkok. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  3. [3] Thai Lion Air: Baggage Allowance and Destinations. Retrieved October 19, 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.