How to get to Sukhothai city

Getting to Sukhothai

Sukhothai sits in lower northern Thailand, roughly midway between Bangkok and Chiang Mai. It is reachable by bus from both cities, by plane from Bangkok, or by train to the nearest rail junction at Phitsanulok and then onward by bus. Of these, the bus is the most practical for most travelers. The flight is faster but adds airport time at both ends. The train is the most scenic but also the most complicated.

Sukhothai has two parts: Old Sukhothai (the Historical Park and the ruins) and New Sukhothai (the modern city, 12 km to the east), where the bus station and airport shuttle arrive. Some buses stop at Old Sukhothai near the park gates before continuing to the new city. If you are staying near the ruins, check when booking whether your bus stops at Old Sukhothai.

For more on the city itself, the difference between old and new Sukhothai, and transport between them, see the Sukhothai city guide.

Getting to Sukhothai by Plane

Bangkok Airways is the only airline flying directly to Sukhothai Airport (THS) from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). It operates two flights daily. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Bangkok Airways is not a budget carrier; fares are higher than the bus but the service is good and the aircraft are comfortable. Check current prices through the flight search below or directly at bangkokair.com.

Nok Air offers a "Fly 'n' Ride" service that does not fly to Sukhothai directly. The flight goes from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Phitsanulok (PHS), taking about 50 minutes, and then a connecting bus runs to Sukhothai. The combined journey takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. This option can be cheaper than Bangkok Airways but involves more moving parts and the connection must be managed carefully.

No direct flights operate between Chiang Mai and Sukhothai. All flights connecting the two cities route through Bangkok, making the journey 11 hours or more in total including connections and airport time. The bus from Chiang Mai is significantly faster for this route.

Check the latest flight prices from Bangkok to Sukhothai:

From Sukhothai Airport, a minivan shuttle service costs 300 THB and drops you at your hotel in either new or old Sukhothai. The airport is located approximately 27 km north of the new city.

Getting to Sukhothai by Train

There is no railway station at Sukhothai. The nearest station is at Phitsanulok, 59 km to the southeast. From Phitsanulok you continue to Sukhothai by bus (around 1 hour, 50 to 70 THB) or by taxi (around 600 to 800 THB for the whole car).

Trains from Bangkok to Phitsanulok depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat (Bang Sue Grand Station), which replaced Hua Lamphong as Bangkok's main long-distance terminus in 2021. Multiple daily services make the journey in approximately 5.5 to 7 hours depending on train type. Fares start from around 200 THB for a third-class seat up to 800 THB for a second-class sleeper on overnight services. Book in advance through the State Railway of Thailand website, especially for sleeper cars on weekend trains.

From Phitsanulok station, take local bus 10 or a tuk-tuk (approximately 60 THB) to the bus terminal, then a local bus onward to Sukhothai. The bus journey between Phitsanulok and Sukhothai takes around 1 hour and costs 50 to 70 THB.

The Sawankhalok Train Service

North of Sukhothai, the town of Sawankhalok has its own small station with one daily train to and from Bangkok departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat. The Bangkok departure is around 10:50, arriving Sawankhalok around 17:55. The return from Sawankhalok to Bangkok departs around 19:40 and arrives around 04:00. From Sawankhalok, a bus to Sukhothai takes 45 to 60 minutes and services run frequently in the morning, tailing off after 18:00.

It is a slow, old service on vintage rolling stock. If your schedule allows, you can leave Sukhothai in the morning, store your luggage at the quaint Sawankhalok station, spend the day exploring the town and Si Satchanalai Historical Park, and catch the overnight train back to Bangkok. Worth considering if time is not your main concern.

Getting to Sukhothai by Bus

From Bangkok: Multiple operators run daily services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit / Chatuchak) to Sukhothai throughout the day. Key operators include Sukhothai Wintour, Phitsanulok Yanyon, Cherdchai Tour, and Transport Co. Fares range from around 365 to 500 THB depending on operator and class. Journey time is typically 7 to 8 hours on faster services, up to 10 to 11 hours on slower ones that make more stops. The faster services depart early morning; check schedules at the Mo Chit terminal or book in advance through BusOnlineTicket or the operator websites. Buses arrive at Sukhothai's new bus terminal; some also stop at Old Sukhothai near the park gates before continuing.

From Chiang Mai: Sukhothai Wintour and Tour with Thai operate the Chiang Mai to Sukhothai route, departing from Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal 2. There are up to 12 daily services. Journey time is 5 to 6 hours including a refreshment stop at Lampang. Fares run from around 350 to 520 THB. Some services stop at Old Sukhothai (near the Historical Park) before the new city terminal -- check when booking. Book tickets online through BusOnlineTicket, directly at the Arcade terminal, or through your guesthouse in Chiang Mai.

From Chiang Rai: Buses run daily between Chiang Rai and Sukhothai via Phitsanulok, taking around 7 to 8 hours. Fares start at around 400 to 500 THB. Sukhothai Wintour operates this route. There is also a more frequent service to Sawankhalok (45 to 60 minutes from Sukhothai) if you cannot find a direct connection.

From Phitsanulok: The most frequent and straightforward connection for travelers using the train. Local buses run between Phitsanulok and Sukhothai throughout the day for 50 to 70 THB, taking around 1 hour. Buses depart from Phitsanulok Bus Terminal 2.

Do read the full guide to Sukhothai city for accommodation and getting around once you arrive.

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