How to Get from Surat Thani to Hat Yai
Five trains run from Surat Thani to Hat Yai in about 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes. See the departure times and your options.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Contents
Surat Thani is the gateway to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Hat Yai is the commercial hub of the deep south, where Thai, Chinese and Malay cooking meet in big night markets. The southern railway ties the two together along about 294 km of track.[1]
Surat Thani to Hat Yai by Train
The State Railway of Thailand runs 5 trains from Surat Thani to Hat Yai Junction, all leaving in the early hours. The quickest is Thaksinarath train 31, which takes about 4 hours 40 minutes. The others take 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes.[1]
| Train | Leaves Surat Thani | Arrives Hat Yai |
|---|---|---|
| 171 Rapid | 01:14 | 06:30[1] |
| 37 Special Express | 01:52 | 07:10[1] |
| 45 Special Express (DRC) | 01:52 | 07:20[1] |
| 31 Thaksinarath | 02:23 | 07:05[1] |
| 169 Rapid | 04:09 | 09:28[1] |
Train 45 continues to Padang Besar on the Malaysian border.[1]
Surat Thani to Hat Yai by Road
Buses, minivans and private cars also link the two cities from the town centres. Compare them on GoAsia.cc.
Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Hat Yai
- Plan for an early arrival: Every train reaches Hat Yai between 06:30 and 09:30, so arrange an early check-in or a late checkout at the other end.[1]
- Heading on to Malaysia: The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line and in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and parts of Songkhla.[2]
Timetable
| Flight Surat Thani Airport - Hat Yai $ 85.91โ96.65 4h โ 6h 35m | |
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| Taxi Surat Thani - Hat Yai $ 136.79โ215.93 4h 30m โ 6h | |
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| Van Surat Thani - Hat Yai $ 12.44 7h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Surat Thani to Hat Yai, including current prices and schedules.
Trains take about 4 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes. The Thaksinarath train 31 is the quickest.
5 trains leave between 01:14 and 04:09 and reach Hat Yai between 06:30 and 09:28.
About 294 km along the railway line.
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line.
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 October 28, 2026.
- [2] UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Thailand travel advice: Warnings and insurance. Retrieved October 28, 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.