How to Get from Surat Thani to Phetchaburi
Surat Thani to Phetchaburi takes about 6 hours 25 minutes by day train or about 7 hours 30 minutes by private transfer.
Last updated: November 3, 2026
Contents
Phetchaburi is the stop most travellers rush past on the way to Bangkok. It rewards a pause with a hilltop palace, cave temples and a reputation for traditional Thai sweets. From Surat Thani you head north along the whole peninsula, and the train is the natural way to do it.
Surat Thani to Phetchaburi by Train
The southern line runs straight from Surat Thani to Phetchaburi on its way to Bangkok. Special Express DRC 40 is the daytime option: it leaves Surat Thani at 09:00 and reaches Phetchaburi at 15:25, about 6 hours 25 minutes later. Overnight, Special Express DRC 44 leaves at 18:25 and arrives at 01:03. Rapid 172 leaves at 20:55 and arrives at 04:46.[1]
The daytime train lets you watch the Gulf coast go by and arrive with the afternoon free. The night trains save a hotel night, but they drop you in Phetchaburi in the small hours.
Surat Thani to Phetchaburi by Private Transfer
A private transfer drives you door to door in about 7 hours 30 minutes. On booking platforms it costs about 6,170 to 11,220 baht per vehicle (November 2026), for an Economy car, an SUV for 4 passengers or a van for 9.[2] The price per person falls quickly when you fill the van.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Departure | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Day train (Special Express DRC 40) | 09:00 | 6 h 25 min[1] |
| Private transfer | Any time | About 7 h 30 min[2] |
Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Phetchaburi
- Visit Khao Wang early: Climb to Phra Nakhon Khiri in the morning to beat the midday heat and the cheekiest monkeys.
Timetable
| Bus Surat Thani - Phetchaburi $ 23.20โ31.25 13h 22m | |
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| Taxi Surat Thani - Phetchaburi $ 182.71โ332.19 7h 30m | |
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| Bus Surat Thani Bus Terminal - Phetchaburi $ 31.25 13h 28m | |
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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 Phetchaburi, 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 6,170 to 11,220 baht per vehicle, so it only pays off when you share a van.
Special Express DRC 40 takes about 6 hours 25 minutes from 09:00 at Surat Thani to 15:25 at Phetchaburi. A private transfer takes about 7 hours 30 minutes.
By day train about 6 hours 25 minutes, by private transfer about 7 hours 30 minutes.
Yes. Special Express DRC 44 leaves Surat Thani at 18:25 and arrives in Phetchaburi at 01:03. Rapid 172 leaves at 20:55 and arrives at 04:46. You save a hotel night, but you arrive very early.
Yes. Special Express DRC 40 leaves Surat Thani at 09:00 and reaches Phetchaburi at 15:25.
Phra Nakhon Khiri (Khao Wang), the hilltop palace, is the main sight. Go early in the morning to avoid the midday heat.
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 3, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Surat Thani to Phetchaburi. Retrieved November 3, 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.