Bangkok to Sukhothai: All Travel Options

Plan your journey from Bangkok to Sukhothai with travel options, tips, and the best ways to reach Thailand’s ancient capital.

Sukhothai is a historic, picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient temples and rich cultural heritage. There are many different ways to travel from Bangkok to Sukhothai, so you have no excuse not to visit. Whether you choose to fly, take the train, or travel by bus, each option offers a unique way to experience Thailand beyond the capital.

Bangkok to Sukhothai

Why visit Sukhothai?

Sukhothai is a UNESCO World Heritage City and is home to a large number of historic sites and temple ruins. As the first capital of Siam (founded by King Ramkhamhaeng), it is now home to restored temples and monuments. 

It is also a quiet, charming city, which gives you a wonderful insight into Thailand’s local life. 

(include map with Bangkok to Sukhothai map as the alt)

Bangkok to Sukhothai distance 

Situated approximately 267 miles from Bangkok, you should plan your trip in advance. You can use Sukhothai as a stopover on your way to Northern Thailand, which we go through at the end of this post. 

Sukhothai historical park from Bangkok

The historical park is 12 kilometres from the city of Sukhothai. You can travel from the modern city to the UNESCO site, once you have arrived. 

Option 1 – Bangkok to Sukhothai by train

Travelling by train is a comfortable, affordable option but it is not the fastest. The train part of the trip takes between 5 to 7 hours. There is no train staiton in Sukhothai , so you will need to travel to Phitsanulok. From here, catch a tuk-tuk to the bus station, then take the one-hour bus ride or a taxi straight to your hotel. 

Train tickets start at 669B and the bus costs 43B to get from the train station into Sukhothai city centre.  

Option 2 – Bangkok to Sukhothai flight

The city of Sukhothai has its own airport, making flying a great option. With the flight time being 1 hour and 20 minutes, this is the quickest way to get to Sukhothai from Bangkok. Even when you factor in wait times at the airports. 

Once arriving at Sukhothai Airport, you can catch a taxi or shuttle bus to the city centre. If you have already booked a hotel, you could take a hotel shuttle bus. The journey takes around 20 – 30 minutes and costs under 300B. We use the Grab app for easier communication.

Flying is not the cheapest option – Bangkok runs three flights a day, with flights starting at 1500B. 

Tip: Browse for the cheapest flights on Skyscanner and check AirAsia for deals. 

Option 3 – Bangkok to Sukhothai by car

The most expensive way to travel is by taking a taxi from Bangkok to Sukhothai. It offers more flexibility: when to leave and stop on route. You could either book a taxi using Glassflower Taxi service or travel as a large group in a van, then split the cost. 

However, if you are renting a car or own a car in Thailand, driving can be a great choice. If you have plenty of time, we recommend renting a car and taking your time as you drive up north. Stop at the smaller cities and towns en route to see off-the-beaten path  Thailand. 

This route can take around 6 hours, depending on traffic out of Bangkok. We recommend leaving early in the morning (6am) to avoid rush hour. 

We use 12go.asia to book a taxi for long drives. This route costs around 7000B for a comfortable car or 9 passenger van. 

Alternatively, if you wish to rent a car, expect to pay 9000B+ for a week rental. We recommend companies like Avis or Rentalcars. 

Option 4 – Bangkok to Sukhothai bus

Travelling around Thailand by bus is a popular choice because it is so affordable. The Bangkok to Sukhothai bus is the cheapest route and has several options. 

Buses depart from Morchit Bus Terminal in Bangkok, taking you directly to the bus station in Sukhothai. 

Transport Co Into and Phitsanulok Tour have different bus options. The cheapest being the express bus which offers air conditioning, washrooms and snacks. But, you can pay a little more for a VIP bus which includes a meal and TVs onboard. 

The journey takes 8 hours but the Bangkok to Sukhothai night bus takes slightly less time. If you can book a hotel or hostel which allows an early check-in, then the night option is the better choice

Bangkok to Sukhothai bus schedule

There are two companies that offer this route – Phitansanulok Yanyon Tour and Tara tour and Travel. 

You can use Bus Online Ticket to check the bus times and book tickets in advance. The first bus leaves at 7am and the last bus is usually around 9pm with Phitsanulok and 4pm with Tara Tour Travel. 

Bangkok to Sukhothai bus fare

Prices vary depending on time and date of travel but generally:

• Phitsanulok Yanyon Tour: 328B
• Tara Tour and Travel: 700B

Can you do a Bangkok to Sukhothai day trip?

If you are very short on time, it is possible to do a day trip to Sukhothai.  You can take an early morning flight and return late in the evening. However, at the time of writing, there is only one flight a day between the cities. This leaves Bangkok at 4pm – the city is currently easing lockdown restrictions. 

To fully experience the ancient city, you would need at least 2-3 days in the city. 

Bangkok to Sukhothai Overview

Cheapest option: Bus

Fastest option: Flight

Scenic route: Train

Transport option	Time	Price
Bus	8 hours	380B / 700B
Train	7 hours	669 – 1500B
Flight	1 hour 20 minutes	1500B+
Taxi	6 hours	7000B

More routes

• Bangkok to Sukhothai to Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai is further north, taking another 5 hours by car. We recommend hiring a driver or taking the hour journey to the city of Phitsanulok and flying to Chiang Mai. 

• Ayutthaya to Sukhothai: You can travel from Ayutthaya to Sukhothai without having to travel back to Bangkok. You could opt for a bus, costing 630B with Tour With Thai or hire a driver for the 5 hour journey. 

• Alternatively, you could take a train to Nong Tom then get a taxi from here to the city (taking around an hour). If you wish to fly, you would have to travel back to Don Muang or Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. 

We hope you have a great time in Sukhothai and choose the best travel option for you. Let us know in the comments below if you have any further questions.

Bangkok to Sukhothai FAQ