Train information
From Suratthani you can catch trains to Bangkok (Hualamphong Station), Chiang Mai and Malaysia amongst others. For Singapore you must buy the last leg in Malaysia. Note services are often disrupted Oct-Dec.
When you're travelling from Samui up to Bangkok the last ferries that connect to a bus to take you to Suratthani train station leave from Nathon at 13.30, 15.00 and 15.30.
Try to book the train at least 4 days in advance to ensure a seat and sooner during festival periods. Train tickets can vary greatly in price depending on the carriage class and whether the carriage is air-conditioned or fan. Train fares have increased again and are higher at weekends.
The prices differ for each as they are run by different companies. There are many trains leaving every evening going to Bangkok. We advise that you book the ticket early as the better the connection will be.
You can book Thai train tickets through several reputable Thai travel agencies, at the station or online Thai Railways www.thairailwayticket.com
Time table
| Bangkok » Ko Samui | ||
|---|---|---|
| Train classes: | DRC | 1,S,2,3 |
| Bangkok (Hualamphong) depart by train | 08:05 | 19:30 |
| Surat Thani (station) arrive: | 16:30 | 06:27 |
| --- shuttle bus from station to ferry terminal --- | ||
| Surat Thani (Don Sak pier) depart by ferry: | 18:00 | 08:00 |
| Ko Samui arrive: | 19:30 | 09:30 |
| Ko Samui » Bangkok | ||
|---|---|---|
| Train classes: | DRC | 1,S,2,3 |
| Ko Samui depart by ferry: | 07:00 | 17:00 |
| Surat Thani (Don Sak pier) arrive: | 08:30 | 18:30 |
| --- shuttle bus from ferry terminal to station --- | ||
| Surat Thani (station) depart by train: | 10:40 | 20:47 |
| Bangkok (Hualamphong) arrive: | 19:35 | 08:00 |
1 = 1st class sleeper
1st class sleeping-cars are modern and air-conditioned, with lockable 2-berth compartments with washbasin. Clean bedding, soap and towels are provided. The toilet at the end of the car even has a shower (cold water, but very welcome). Passengers traveling alone share with others passengers of the same sex unless they to pay for sole occupancy. The berths convert to a sofa for evening & morning use. A very good choice if you want space and privacy, although the cheaper 2nd class sleepers are perfectly adequate for most people.
S = 2nd class sleeper ( air-con )
Most western visitors are quite happy using 2nd class sleepers, which are comfortable, safe, and great fun. Berths are not in compartments, but are arranged 'open plan' along the coach wall either side of a central aisle. During the evening and morning part of the journey, pairs of seats face each other on each side of the aisle. At night, each pair of seats pulls together to form the bottom bunk and an upper bunk folds out from the wall. The attendant will make up your bunk with a proper mattress and fresh clean bedding and will hook up the curtains which are provided for each bunk to give you privacy. 2nd class sleepers come in both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned varieties. The fare for an upper berth is a fraction cheaper, but the upper bunks tend to be narrowed. There's plenty of luggage room, take a bike lock if you want to chain up your luggage for peace of mind. Security is not a problem, it's a great way to travel which saves time even compared to flying, and saves a hotel bill too.
2 = 2nd class seats
The express railcar is an excellent option for daytime travel on routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Bangkok to Hua Hin & Surat Thani. These modern air-conditioned railcars have comfortable 2nd class reclining seats. There is a hostess service of light meals and refreshments included in the fare.
DRC = Diesel Railcar express with 2nd class air-conditioned seats, meals included
A pleasant and comfortable way to travel for long-distance day time journeys, although slower than the express railcars. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-con varieties. The advantage of the non-air-con coaches is the open windows and unrestricted views, a breeze wafting in as the train clicked-clacks through the Thai countryside.
3rd class seats - ordinary & local trains
In spite of its name, 3rd class is a perfectly good option for short trips such as Bangkok to Kanchanaburi or Ayutthaya, as it's generally clean, not usually crowded outside the commuter peaks, unbelievably cheap, and sitting next to an open window as the train clicked-clacks through the countryside is a very pleasant experience. However, 2nd class would be better for long trips such as Bangkok to Nong Khai or Chiang Mai. 3rd class may have wooden or padded seats, is normally non-air-con, but air-con 3rd class exists on a few long distance routes.
Contact us for more information.