Getting around Thailand can be confusing for first-time visitors, with flights, ferries, buses, and trains all offering different experiences across the country. Travelling around Thailand is relatively straightforward, but it is important to set expectations correctly. Transport is affordable and widespread, yet it is not always comfortable, punctual, or modern. Vehicles can be ageing, routes become overcrowded, and journeys often take longer than maps suggest.
With a little planning, however, moving around the country is simple, and transport itself often becomes part of the travel experience. Most visitors combine domestic flights with buses, trains, and ferries depending on distance and destination, while local travel usually involves taxis, ride-hailing apps or rented motorbikes.
Understanding how each option works will help you move around Thailand efficiently and comfortably. If you are still deciding where to base yourself, our guide to finding accommodation in Thailand explains the best areas, islands, and accommodation styles across the country.
Domestic Flights: Getting Around Thailand by Plane
Thailand is a large country stretching from the mountains of the north to islands and beaches far to the south. While overland travel is possible, flying is often the smartest option when distances are long or travel time is limited.
👉 We usually recommend booking accommodation in advance during peak season to secure better locations and prices. You can compare hotels and resorts across Thailand here.
Domestic flights operate between Bangkok and all major tourist destinations, and prices remain surprisingly affordable. A one-way domestic flight usually starts around 2,000 baht with full-service airlines, and sometimes less with budget carriers, when booked in advance.
Thai Airways is generally considered the premium domestic airline, and fares usually include checked baggage and better service. For travellers carrying luggage or seeking convenience, this is often worth the slightly higher price.
Budget airlines such as AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air and Thai Vietjet regularly offer very cheap fares, sometimes as low as 1,000 baht between popular destinations like Bangkok and Phuket. However, these fares seldom include checked baggage, so additional fees apply if you travel with more than hand luggage. By the time baggage is added, the price difference often narrows.
Flights are particularly useful when travelling between northern Thailand and the southern beaches, or when connecting quickly to island ferry ports.
Flying to Koh Samui
Koh Samui deserves special mention because it is the only major Gulf island reachable directly by air. Direct flights operate between Bangkok and Koh Samui daily and are extremely popular with travellers wanting to avoid long bus and ferry journeys.
The flight takes just over an hour, making it the fastest way to reach the island. Koh Samui Airport itself is also memorable, designed with open-air terminals that immediately give a holiday atmosphere upon arrival.
Flights to Samui tend to be pricier than other domestic routes because airport access is limited and demand remains strong. Many travellers still prefer flying because it avoids a lengthy overland journey via Surat Thani and subsequent ferry transfers.
For visitors short on time or travelling with families or heavy luggage, flying to Koh Samui is often the most comfortable and practical option. Once you arrive, our complete Koh Samui travel guide covers the best beaches, accommodation areas and things to do around the island.
Bangkok Has Two Airports
One important detail travellers sometimes overlook is that Bangkok has two international airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) handles most long-haul international flights, while Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is primarily used by low-cost domestic carriers.
If your international arrival and domestic departure use different airports, you will need to transfer across the city. A free shuttle bus operates between the two airports, but it usually runs about once per hour and is frequently overcrowded.
For this reason, we almost always prefer taking a taxi between airports. Taxi fares are inexpensive in Thailand, and airport transfers usually cost around 250 baht depending on traffic. Always insist on the driver using the meter if they attempt to negotiate a higher price, as metered fares are generally very reasonable.
Allow plenty of time when transferring between airports, as Bangkok traffic can be unpredictable.
Train Travel: Atmospheric but Slow
Thailand’s rail network connects Bangkok with northern, southern and northeastern regions. Train journeys can be scenic and enjoyable, but comfort levels vary, and delays are common.
Carriages are often older, and routes become crowded during weekends and holidays. Overnight sleeper trains to Chiang Mai or Surat Thani remain popular, offering a practical way to cover distance while saving on a hotel night. Facilities are basic rather than luxurious, but many travellers enjoy the experience.
Daytime trains provide a glimpse of rural Thailand, passing rice paddies, villages, and countryside landscapes. However, if time matters or comfort is important, flying is usually preferable.
Buses Reach Everywhere
Buses remain the backbone of transport throughout Thailand, reaching almost every town and destination. Long-distance coaches operate from Bangkok and major cities to beach resorts and provincial towns.
Comfort levels vary widely. Some routes use newer vehicles, while others rely on older buses that can become crowded and make frequent stops. Luggage storage can be limited, and travel times often extend longer than expected due to traffic or rest stops.
VIP buses offer larger seats and fewer passengers, but they still cannot be compared to premium coach travel elsewhere. Nevertheless, buses are affordable and occasionally the only option for reaching smaller destinations.
Ferries and Island Connections
Island travel in southern Thailand relies entirely on ferry services. Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are all served by regular ferries, though only Koh Samui has an airport.
Most ferry services operate via Surat Thani on the mainland, where travellers transfer from flights, trains, or buses before continuing to the islands.
Seatran Ferry operates frequent sailings, often hourly or more, and is the main service between Surat Thani and the islands. Seatran ferries are large, stable vessels with plenty of seating space and a good onboard kiosk selling hot food and snacks. Passenger tickets usually cost around 170 baht, and vehicles or motorbikes can also be transported for roughly 550 baht extra each way. You can read our full Seatran Ferry guide from Surat Thani to Koh Samui for ticket options, boarding tips and what to expect onboard.
Lomprayah operates high-speed catamarans that cut travel time significantly, often halving the journey compared to traditional ferries. However, these boats are smaller, can feel crowded, and fares are higher, typically ranging between 500 and 1,000 baht. Vehicles and motorbikes cannot be taken on catamaran services.
👉 Ferry tickets can usually be bought at the pier, but during busy periods we recommend booking ferry tickets online in advance to avoid long waits.
Having used both services, we strongly prefer Seatran ferries for comfort, space and onboard facilities. High-speed catamarans are faster but often feel overcrowded, particularly during peak periods.
Sea conditions vary seasonally, and journeys can become rough during monsoon months. Travellers prone to seasickness may prefer larger ferries where possible.
Getting Around Bangkok
Bangkok traffic is legendary, but the city also offers modern public transport options that help avoid congestion. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems connect many major areas, making travel quicker and easier for visitors.
River ferries along the Chao Phraya River also provide both scenic and practical transport between temples and attractions.
Taxis are abundant and inexpensive when using the meter, and ride-hailing apps like Grab make journeys easier for visitors unfamiliar with Thai addresses. Traffic delays remain unavoidable during peak hours, so allow extra time when travelling across the city.
Tuk-Tuks: Fun but Not Practical
Tuk-tuks are iconic and fun to try once, but they are rarely the cheapest or most comfortable way to travel. Fares often exceed taxi prices, and journeys can be noisy and exposed to traffic fumes. Treat them as a novelty experience rather than serious transport.
Motorbikes: Popular but Risky
Motorbikes are the most common form of transport used by locals across Thailand. On islands and in smaller towns, renting a motorbike is often the easiest way to explore beaches and attractions.
Rental prices typically start around 200 baht per day depending on location and season, making them an affordable option for independent travellers.
However, great care is needed. Traffic behaviour can be unpredictable, road rules are loosely followed, and accident rates are high. Many visitors underestimate the risks, especially on islands where roads can be steep, poorly lit or slippery after rain.
Always wear a helmet and ensure your travel insurance covers motorbike riding if you choose this option.
👉 If you’re not comfortable riding, local car hire or private drivers can often be booked online before arrival.
Private Transfers and Drivers
Private drivers and transfer services are increasingly popular, particularly for airport pickups or longer journeys. They remove the stress of navigating bus stations or arranging connections and provide door-to-door convenience.
For families or small groups, private transfers can also be cost-effective when shared between travellers.
👉 Travellers arriving late at night may prefer pre-booking an airport transfer to avoid queues and negotiations.
Travel Takes Longer Than Expected
One common mistake travellers make is underestimating travel times. Journeys that appear short on a map may involve long traffic delays, transfers or slow road conditions.
Flights dramatically reduce travel time, while buses and trains often involve full days or overnight journeys. Planning realistic travel days makes trips far more enjoyable, especially when combining cities and islands.
Final Thoughts
Getting around Thailand is rarely difficult, but it requires patience and realistic expectations. Vehicles may be old, services crowded and schedules flexible, yet transport remains affordable and available almost everywhere travellers want to go.
Combining domestic flights for long distances with buses, trains, and ferries for regional travel usually works best. Adding extra time for transfers and avoiding rushed schedules makes journeys far smoother.
With sensible planning, travel within Thailand becomes part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience, allowing visitors to experience more of the country beyond its most famous destinations.
For more destination ideas and practical guides, explore our complete Thailand travel guide to help plan the rest of your journey.
