Home Nakhon Si Thammarat Thailand Nakhon Si Thammarat Hotels About
Home  ›  Asia  ›  Thailand  ›  Nakhon Si Thammarat  ›  Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat
🛬 Nakhon Si Thammarat Travel Guide · 2026

Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat
fly, take the train, ride a coach or connect by van

Nakhon Si Thammarat is easier to reach than you'd think — fly into NST (the fastest, ~1.5 hr), take the scenic overnight train straight into the centre, ride a budget coach, or connect by van from Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. Compare real times and costs before you set off.

First things first

Nakhon Si Thammarat is reachable more ways than you'd think

Nakhon Si Thammarat (locals shorten it to "Nakhon" or "Khon") is a major historic city on Thailand's lower-Gulf coast — the city of the great Wat Phra Mahathat temple and fiery southern food. It isn't an island resort, but it's easier to reach than many travellers assume. You can fly direct into Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST) airport, take the Southern Line branch train that arrives right in the city centre, ride a coach or minivan from Bangkok, or connect by road from the bigger cities around it — Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi and Phuket. From Bangkok, flying is fastest at about 1.5 hours; the train and coach take all night but are cheaper and have their own charm. If you're already touring the south, dropping in on Nakhon along the way is simple. Pick the option that fits your budget and time in the next section.

~1.5 hr
Fly Bangkok → Nakhon Si Thammarat
land at NST, ~20 km from town

Flying is the fastest way from Bangkok, with several departures a day from both Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi, landing at NST airport and a 20–30 minute drive into town. Even adding that drive, it beats the train or coach, which both take all night.

Airport: Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST), ~20 km from town
Flight time: Bangkok ~1.5 hr
Options: Fly · train · coach/van · connect from nearby cities
Bonus: The train arrives in the centre; onward to Khanom & Khao Luang
🧭
Which one suits you?
Each option fits a different traveller

There's no single best way — it comes down to where you're starting from and whether you value speed, price or the experience of the journey. Here's the quick read on which option fits you before the detail below.

Fastest from Bangkok: Fly into NST
Cheap + scenic: Overnight sleeper train
Budget, lots of luggage: Coach / minivan
Already in the south: Van from Surat Thani / Hat Yai / Krabi / Phuket
Method
Approx. time
Cost / person
Comfort
Fly (from Bangkok)
~1.5 hr in the air
฿900–2,500
Fastest · cheaper booked early
Southern Line train, Nakhon branch (from Bangkok)
~13–15 hr
฿250–1,400
Scenic · sleeper · arrives in centre
Coach / minivan (from Bangkok)
~11–12 hr
฿650–1,100
Budget · luggage hold
Connect from nearby cities
~2.5–6 hr
฿150–500
Van/bus · Surat Thani/Hat Yai/Krabi/Phuket
Check before you go: The figures above are approximate ranges compiled in 2026. Real prices shift with seat class, airline, operator, traffic and peak holidays (Songkran / New Year / the local Tenth Lunar Month festival). Check the latest departures, prices and timetables on the official booking sites before you travel.
From Bangkok

Getting to Nakhon Si Thammarat — fly, train or coach compared

Nakhon has no skytrain or city train like Bangkok, but it connects in by air, rail and road — read this before you decide how to travel.

✈️
Fly — into Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST) airport
the fastest from Bangkok · several flights a day

If your time matters, flying is the answer. A direct Bangkok–Nakhon Si Thammarat flight takes about 1.5 hours in the air, with several departures a day from Don Muang (Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air) and some from Suvarnabhumi, landing at NST airport about 20 km north of town, a 20–30 minute drive in. Fares vary by date and how far ahead you book, from around ฿900 for a low-cost ticket booked well in advance up to roughly ฿2,500 at peak times or last minute. If the NST schedule doesn't suit your timing, another option is to fly into Surat Thani — which has more frequent flights — and connect by road into Nakhon in about 2.5–3 hours.

fastest ~1.5 hr ฿900–2,500 last-minute prices spike
Best if: you're short on time, want to arrive fast, and are going for a short weekend. Booking ahead gets you a much better fare.
Tip: Set a price alert and book several weeks out, especially for Friday evenings and long weekends that fill fast and cost more. Get into town from the airport by shared van, taxi or Grab — read how in our getting around Nakhon Si Thammarat guide.
🚆
Southern Line train (Nakhon branch) — Bang Sue (Krung Thep Aphiwat) to Nakhon Si Thammarat
scenic · overnight sleeper · arrives in the centre

The Southern Line leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) — now the hub for all long-distance trains, not the old Hua Lamphong. Nakhon Si Thammarat has trains running right into the city on a branch that splits from the main Southern Line around Khao Chum Thong junction, arriving at the central station. The journey takes about 13–15 hours, with overnight services leaving in the evening and arriving in the morning. Fares cover a wide range by class, from around ฿250 for 3rd class up to roughly ฿1,200–1,400 for a 1st-class air-conditioned sleeper, with the popular 2nd-class air-con sleeper in the middle. The clear advantage is that you arrive right in the centre — no onward transfer from an airport — within easy reach of the Wat Phra Mahathat area and the markets.

฿250 3rd class overnight sleeper + arrives in the centre far slower than flying · can run late
Best if: you're not in a hurry, like the experience of a train ride, and want to save a night's hotel by sleeping on board — or want to arrive in the centre without a transfer from the airport.
Tip: Book up to 30 days ahead via the State Railway's D-Ticket site, especially for 2nd-class sleepers that fill fast; choose a lower berth (odd numbers) for more room, and allow extra time as long-distance trains can run behind schedule. If a direct Nakhon train doesn't suit, you can also get off at Thung Song or Khao Chum Thong junction and connect by road.
A quiet beach at Khanom in the north of Nakhon Si Thammarat province, a popular onward stop after arriving in Nakhon for the pink-dolphin boat tours
Khanom beach — a popular onward stop about 1–1.5 hours from Nakhon city
🚌
Coach / minivan — from Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai)
budget · roomy, with a luggage hold

Air-conditioned coaches run Bangkok–Nakhon Si Thammarat from Sai Tai Mai (the Southern Bus Terminal) in about 11–12 hours, mostly overnight services leaving in the evening and arriving in the morning. Fares run around ฿650–1,100 depending on class and operator (from standard first-class up to VIP coaches that recline a long way). The upside over flying is cost, plus seats that recline and a luggage hold underneath for big bags. Within the south, frequent minivans and buses also connect Nakhon with Surat Thani, Thung Song, Sichon, Khanom and other towns throughout the day.

฿650–1,100 reclining seats · luggage hold takes all night
Best if: you're on a budget, have lots of luggage, or want to stretch out and sleep on a VIP coach. Pick a reputable operator and check where it drops you in Nakhon, in case you need a songthaew on to your hotel.
Connect from nearby cities

Coming from Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Krabi or Phuket

If you're already touring the south, it's easy to drop in on Nakhon along the way, with vans and buses running throughout the day.

Nakhon Si Thammarat sits in the middle of the lower-Gulf south, well connected to the bigger cities around it. Many travellers don't fly direct into Nakhon — they arrive via a neighbouring city and connect by road, especially Surat Thani, which is the closest and has more frequent flights and trains. Vans and buses mostly leave from each city's bus terminal or van depot. Check the last departure of the day, as evening runs fill up early.

From Surat Thani — closest and most popular

Surat Thani is the closest city to Nakhon, about 2.5–3 hours by van or bus. Many people fly into Surat Thani or take the train there (more frequent services than Nakhon) and then connect by road. Vans run throughout the day.

Good for: those flying/training to Surat first · frequent departures
From Hat Yai

Hat Yai is the far-south's big junction, with vans and buses running up to Nakhon in about 3–4 hours. Handy if you're already in the Songkhla/Hat Yai area and want to continue north to the city of Nakhon.

Good for: travellers heading up from the far south
From Krabi

Krabi is on the Andaman side; cross over to Nakhon on the Gulf side by van or bus in about 3 hours. It's a popular cross-peninsula hop for travellers who want to see both coasts in one trip.

Good for: coast-to-coast Andaman–Gulf trips
From Phuket

Phuket is a bit farther; vans and buses take about 5–6 hours, often with a change or stop on the way. If time is tight, compare with flying into Nakhon or Surat Thani instead — it may save you hours.

Good for: those continuing from Phuket · allow travel time
Plan a smooth connection: Southern minivans often make their last run in the late afternoon to early evening. If you reach the departure city in the evening, check the day's last departure first, or stay a night and connect in the morning. Confirm exactly where you'll be dropped in Nakhon (bus terminal / van depot), in case you need a songthaew or motorbike taxi on to your hotel.
Nakhon Si Thammarat airport (NST)

From NST airport into town — about 20 km

Once you land, you're in the centre in about 20–30 minutes, by shared van, taxi or Grab.

Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) is about 20 km north of the centre — a domestic airport handling mainly flights from Bangkok. Several easy ways get you into town, so choose by budget and group size. Always agree the fare before you get in unless it's metered or Grab.

Shared airport van — the cheapest

A shared airport van drops you in town for around ฿100–150 per person. It's what most people use, and the best value if you're travelling solo or as a pair. Ask at the counter inside the terminal or the vehicle point out front.

Cost: ~฿100–150/person · drop-off in town
Taxi / charter car

Taxis and charter cars at the airport run into town for roughly ฿300–400 per car, handy if there are a few of you or you've got lots of luggage. Use the counter's rate or ask the price before you get in.

Cost: ~฿300–400/car · quick and direct
Grab — book via the app

Grab works in Nakhon, but there are fewer cars than in the big cities, so you may wait or find none at quiet times. Prices are similar to a taxi and shown before you book. You'll need mobile data — if your Thai SIM isn't ready, have an eSIM set up.

Read more: Thailand eSIM & SIM guide
Hotel shuttle

Some Nakhon hotels offer an airport shuttle (some free, some paid). Booking ahead is the easiest — no need to find your own ride. See hotels and their services on the city page.

Find a stay: The best Nakhon Si Thammarat hotels
Onward from the city

On to Khanom and Khao Luang — how to plan it

The province's headline trips are outside the city — Khanom (beaches + pink dolphins) and Khao Luang (Krung Ching waterfall) — so it helps to know how to connect first.

Many people come to Nakhon to head on to these two. Khanom is in the north of the province, with quiet beaches and boat tours to see the Indo-Pacific humpback (pink) dolphins, across the bay from Koh Samui. Khao Luang (Khao Luang National Park) is southern Thailand's highest mountain, with the roughly seven-tiered Krung Ching waterfall and trekking trails. Both are spread out, and public transport is limited, so renting a car or motorbike, or chartering a car / joining a tour, is the easiest way.

To Khanom (~1–1.5 hr)

Khanom is about 100 km from the city, a 1–1.5 hour drive. There are some vans and buses on the Nakhon–Khanom–Don Sak route, but they don't run often. To take a pink-dolphin boat, renting or chartering a car for a day return is easiest — and set off early to catch the boats.

Good for: car rental / charter / tour · start early
To Khao Luang / Krung Ching waterfall

Khao Luang National Park and Krung Ching waterfall are in the west of the province. The easiest way is your own car or a charter, as the mountain road and the various spots are far apart. Some of the trail takes time on foot — allow a full day for Krung Ching.

Good for: own car / charter · allow a full day
Rent a car / motorbike in the city

There are car and motorbike rental shops in the city and at the airport. Driving yourself is the most flexible way to reach the spread-out Khanom, Khao Luang, Sichon and the waterfalls. Bring an international driving permit and take care in the rain.

Good for: confident drivers · spots outside town
Join a tour / charter with a driver

If you'd rather not drive, a chartered car with a driver or a joining a tour is the comfortable option, especially for the dolphin boat trips at Khanom. You can book ahead — see the tours and transfers at the Klook link below.

Good for: non-drivers · book ahead
Tip: The pink-dolphin boat tours at Khanom run year-round, but the sea is calmer and the skies clearer in the dry months (around January–April). During the northeast monsoon (around October–December, peaking November–December) there's heavy rain and choppier seas, so allow time and check the weather before you go. See the best window to visit in our best time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat guide.
Before you set off

Sort these 4 things — for a smooth start in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon is easy and friendly to visit, but sort these four things before you leave and your arrival — and getting around — will be much smoother.

Book tickets / transport ahead (key on holidays)

Flights are far cheaper booked early, and 2nd-class train sleepers and VIP coaches sell out fast on weekends and long holidays. Booking ahead is the safer bet, especially around the local Tenth Lunar Month (Sat Duean Sip) festival when many people travel home.

Find a stay: The best Nakhon Si Thammarat hotels
Know which area you're staying in

Most people should stay in the central area near Wat Phra Mahathat, Ratchadamnoen Road and the markets, so sights and restaurants are within walking distance. Decide where before you go, so you know where to get off and how to travel on.

Helps you choose: Nakhon Si Thammarat for first-timers
Sort your data / eSIM

Data lets you call a Grab, check the map and book transport and hotels easily. If your home SIM has good coverage you're fine; otherwise grab an eSIM. It's especially useful for the out-of-town spots like Khanom or Khao Luang where you'll rely on the map.

Read more: Thailand eSIM & SIM guide
Allow time for the rainy season

Nakhon is on the Gulf side; October–December is the northeast monsoon with heavy rain (peaking November–December, with flooding in some years). Allow more travel time and check the weather news. The best window to visit is around January–April/May (hottest March–May).

Read more: Best time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat
Frequently asked

FAQ · before you set off for Nakhon Si Thammarat

What's the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat?
Flying is the fastest by far. A direct Bangkok–Nakhon Si Thammarat flight takes about 1.5 hours, with several departures a day from both Don Muang (Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air) and Suvarnabhumi, landing at Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST) airport about 20 km from town, a 20–30 minute drive in. Even adding the trip into town, it's far quicker than the train or coach, which both take all night, and fares are reasonable when booked ahead.
Is there a train to Nakhon Si Thammarat?
Yes. Nakhon Si Thammarat has its own station right in the city centre, the terminus of a branch line that splits from the main Southern Line around Khao Chum Thong junction. Trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) take about 13–15 hours, with overnight services that have air-conditioned sleeper berths, leaving in the evening and arriving in the morning. The big plus is that you arrive right in the centre, with no onward transfer needed — ideal if you're not in a rush and want the experience of the train while saving a night's hotel.
How do I get to Nakhon Si Thammarat from Surat Thani, Hat Yai or Krabi?
Nakhon Si Thammarat is easy to reach by van and bus from the bigger cities around it. Surat Thani is the closest, about 2.5–3 hours away (many people fly or take the train to Surat Thani, which has more frequent services, then connect by road). Hat Yai is about 3–4 hours, Krabi about 3 hours, and Phuket about 5–6 hours. Minivans run throughout the day from each city's bus terminal or van depot — check the last departure of the day, as evening runs fill up early.
How far is Nakhon Si Thammarat (NST) airport from town, and how do I get in?
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) is about 20 km north of the centre, a 20–30 minute drive in. The popular option is a shared airport van that drops you in town, around ฿100–150 per person, with taxis or charter cars at roughly ฿300–400 per car, and Grab works but there are fewer cars than in the big cities, so you may wait. Some hotels offer a shuttle if you book ahead. Always agree the fare before you get in unless it's metered or Grab. Read how to get around town in our getting around Nakhon Si Thammarat guide.
How do I get from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Khanom (to see the pink dolphins)?
Khanom is in the north of the province, about 100 km from Nakhon Si Thammarat city, a 1–1.5 hour drive. The easiest way is to rent a car or motorbike and drive yourself, or charter a car or join a tour for a day trip. There are some vans and buses on the Nakhon–Khanom–Don Sak route, but they don't run often. If you're going to take a boat to see the Indo-Pacific humpback (pink) dolphins, set off early and allow travel time. Boat tours run year-round, though the sea is calmer in the dry months (around January–April). See more in our day trips from Nakhon Si Thammarat guide.
Nakhon Si Thammarat travel guide
Where to stay, what to see, eat and how to get around — everything before you go
View →
Getting around Nakhon Si Thammarat
Songthaews, motorbike taxis, tuk-tuks, Grab and renting a car
View →
Nakhon Si Thammarat for first-timers — start here
How to get there, where to stay and what to do — everything before you go
View →
Day trips from Nakhon Si Thammarat
Khanom, pink dolphins, Khao Luang, Krung Ching waterfall and Sichon
View →
Nakhon Si Thammarat in 2 days
A 2-day, 1-night plan for the city and the sights just outside it
View →
Getting around Thailand
Trains, coaches, domestic flights and ride-hailing apps
View →
Klook · Transfers & day trips

Don't want to find a ride? Book a Nakhon transfer or tour ahead

Reserve a Nakhon Si Thammarat airport–town transfer, a charter car, or a day trip to Khanom for the pink-dolphin boat and to Khao Luang / Krung Ching waterfall in advance through Klook — convenient, clearly priced, with no surprises on the spot.

See Nakhon Si Thammarat transfers & trips on Klook →
Wherebest is a Klook affiliate partner — we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.