Koh Samui trains and rail travel
Thailand's trains are slow but great fun
Travelling by train is a popular option with travellers to Samui and it is possible to buy combination tickets, which include a train to Surat Thani, transfer to the pier and a boat ticket to the island. It is well worth taking this hassle free option.
The journey from Bangkok's Hua Lampong train station to Surat Thani takes around 9-11 hours. Taking the overnight train and travelling by first or second-class sleeper with air conditioning is recommended as the most comfortable and convenient option. The only extra comfort you get in first class is private cubicles.
Trains in Thailand are fairly safe, but if you're a light sleeper 2nd class might not be suitable. A series of accidents and industrial strikes in late 2009 highlighted how outdated and mismanaged the national rail network is in Thailand and increasingly it’s becoming a poor alternative for tourist travel.
However, the slow overnight sleeper remains a popular option for budgetravellers, especially if you find buses difficult to sleep on. These Southern trains all actually stop in Phun Phin which is about 10kms west of Surat Thani, and taxis are always waiting.
Trains From Bangkok to Surat Thani (Samui)
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surattani(Phun Pin) | 08.05 | 16.30 | Special Express |
| 13.00 | 00.05 | Rapid | |
| 14.45 | 00.45 | Special Express | |
| 15.10 | 01.53 | Special Express | |
| 15.35 | 03.18 | Rapid | |
| 17.05 | 04.02 | Express | |
| 17.35 | 05.14 | Rapid | |
| 18.20 | 05.51 | Rapid | |
| 19.30 | 06.27 | Express |
Trains From Surat Thani (Samui) to Bangkok
| Destination | Departure | Arrival | Train |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | 10.40 | 19.45 | Special Express |
| 16.46 | 04.45 | Rapid | |
| 17.30 | 05.15 | Rapid | |
| 18.22 | 06.05 | Express | |
| 20.02 | 09.00 | Rapid | |
| 20.25 | 05.40 | Special Express | |
| 20.47 | 08.25 | Special Express | |
| 21.07 | 09.25 | Rapid | |
| 23.17 | 09.55 | Special Express | |
| 23.25 | 10.30 | Special Express |
