How to Get from Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat
Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours by private transfer, or you can take the morning train via Thung Song.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Contents
Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of the oldest cities on the peninsula, a quiet place of temples and old shophouses where most visitors from the Gulf islands never stop. It is a short hop south from Surat Thani, by train in the morning or by road at any time.
Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat by Train
Express 85 calls at Surat Thani at about 06:33, runs via Thung Song Junction and reaches Nakhon Si Thammarat at 09:55. Rapid 173 follows the same route, passing Surat Thani at 06:51 and arriving at 10:20.[1] The train is a good fit if you are already at Surat Thani station and want a morning arrival.
Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel or at Surat Thani Airport (URT) and drives you to Nakhon Si Thammarat in about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours. On booking platforms it costs about 2,500 to 3,410 baht per vehicle (November 2026), for a Comfort car or a van for 9 passengers.[2]
The airport lies in Phunphin District, about 30 to 40 minutes from Surat Thani city centre.[3] Choose the van for a group or if you carry hiking gear for Khao Luang National Park.
Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Give an exact address: Nakhon Si Thammarat is a large province, so send your driver the hotel name or the temple you want to visit.
- Start early for Wat Phra Mahathat: A morning arrival lets you see the temple before the midday heat and still have time for the market stalls and shadow puppet workshops the city is known for.
- Size the vehicle to your luggage: A sedan suits two travellers with modest bags, a van suits larger groups.
Timetable
| Taxi Surat Thani - Nakhon Si Thammarat $ 73.76–100.61 2h 30m – 3h | |
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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 Nakhon Si Thammarat, including current prices and schedules.
The train is the budget choice, and the fare depends on the class you book. A private transfer costs about 2,500 to 3,410 baht per vehicle, so it works out well when split between a group.
A private transfer takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours door to door. Express 85 takes about 3 hours 20 minutes from Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat station.
By private transfer, about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic and your pick-up point. By train, Express 85 runs from 06:33 at Surat Thani to 09:55 at Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Book the Comfort car for one or two travellers with modest luggage. Choose the 9-passenger van for a larger group or for hiking gear and big suitcases.
Yes. Private transfers can pick you up at Surat Thani Airport (URT) and drive you straight to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
With a private transfer you can ask your driver for a short stop at a petrol station or cafe along the highway.
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 3, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] Grab: Surat Thani International Airport (URT) transfers. Retrieved October 27, 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.