The cheapest easy way to get from Bangkok to Sukhothai is the Transport Co bus from Mochit: about 8 hours 25 minutes, from THB 444 on 12Go, with 6 departures a day from 08:30.
Need Sukhothai → Bangkok? See the reverse guide.
In a hurry? Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi in about 1 hour 20 minutes, and a private car from Bangkok runs from about THB 4,600 per vehicle.
Every bus, flight and car to Sukhothai on one page
See Bangkok → Sukhothai times on 12Go →The detail everyone misses: the evening Transport Co buses leave Mochit between 18:10 and 21:00 and pull into Sukhothai around dawn, the earliest at about 05:05.
That is still before the songthaews to the Old City start, so book a bed you can check into at dawn or take a daytime bus.
At a Glance
Bangkok to Sukhothai transport options
Compare fares and travel times, then jump to the option that suits your trip.
| Transport | Fare | Travel time |
|---|---|---|
| Transport Co bus from MochitGovernment bus, 6 a day | FareFrom THB 444per person | Travel timeAbout 8h 25m |
| Express and VIP busesCherdchai, Phitsanulok Tour, Tara Tour | FareTHB 529 to 886per person | Travel time7h 30m to 8h 30m |
| Flight from SuvarnabhumiBangkok Airways, 2 a day | FareFrom about THB 4,700per person | Travel time1h 20m plus transfer |
| Train via PhitsanulokTrain, tuk-tuk, then local bus | FareAbout THB 420per person, 3rd class | Travel time6h to 9h in total |
| Hotel pickup vanAEC 168, 4 a day | FareTHB 2,987per person | Travel timeAbout 6h 15m |
| Private transferHotel or airport to your hotel | FareFrom about THB 4,600per vehicle | Travel timeAbout 6h |
| Rental carSelf-drive via Nakhon Sawan | FareVariesplus fuel | Travel timeAbout 6h |
Fares are 12Go and Bookaway listings for a Monday departure. Prices change with the date, so check live before you book.
Bangkok to Sukhothai timetable
These are the regular departures 12Go lists from Bangkok to Sukhothai, plus both legs of the train route through Phitsanulok.
Tap a row to see live seats.
| Transport | From | Time | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Bangkok | |||
| Bus | THB 400 | About 7h 30m to 8h 30m | Many departures from 07:00 to 21:00, including standard, express and VIP buses |
| Flight | THB 1,821 | 1h 20m | 07:00, 15:30 |
| Private car | THB 6,125 | 6h to 6h 10m | Pickup at any time you choose |
| Train route via Phitsanulok | |||
| Train, Bangkok to Phitsanulok | THB 226 | 3h 52m to 6h 20m | Day trains from 07:30, sleepers from 14:15 to 22:30 |
| Bus, Phitsanulok to Sukhothai | THB 130 | About 1h | 06:30, 07:30, 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 14:30 |
| From the Bangkok airports | |||
| Private car from Suvarnabhumi | THB 6,050 | 5h 30m to 6h 40m | Pickup at any time you choose |
| Private car from Don Mueang | THB 6,050 | 5h 30m to 6h | Pickup at any time you choose |
Lowest fares in the 12Go timetable. Live fares for a given date are often higher, so tap a route to see real seats and prices.
1. Transport Co bus from Mochit, the best value
The state-run Transport Co (Bor Kor Sor) is the backbone of this route.
12Go lists 6 departures from Mochit at 08:30, 10:30, 18:10, 19:30, 20:30 and 21:00, from THB 444 for a reserved seat.
The ride takes about 8 hours 25 minutes with a meal stop on the way. The morning buses arrive the same evening.
Where to catch it
Mochit, officially the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), sits on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road in Chatuchak.
It is not at BTS Mo Chit itself: ride the BTS or MRT to Mo Chit or Chatuchak Park, then take a short taxi or Grab to the terminal.
Allow extra time on Friday afternoons, when traffic around Chatuchak is heavy. If you booked online, show your e-ticket at the operator counter for your boarding pass.
My verdict: the 08:30 or 10:30 bus is what I would book. It is the cheapest seat on the route and you arrive with time to find dinner.
Want a seat on the morning bus?
Book the Mochit bus on 12Go →2. Express and VIP buses, a little faster
Several private companies run the route too, and one trims an hour off the trip. These are the ones 12Go lists, all departing in the morning or around midday.
| Operator | From | Departs | Duration | Price on 12Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phitsanulok Tour | Mochit | 07:00 and 12:00 | About 8h | THB 529 to 617 |
| Cherdchai Tour North | Mochit | 11:30 | About 7h 30m | THB 544 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | Mochit, counter 30 | 11:30 | About 8h 5m | THB 764 |
| Tara Tour and Travel | Khao San office | 09:30 | About 8h 30m | THB 886 |
| Tour with Thai | Pickup in Bangkok | From 07:00 | About 8h 30m | From THB 1,443 |
Cherdchai is the quickest scheduled bus, reaching Sukhothai at about 19:00. The Tara bus from Khao San saves backpackers the trip out to Mochit.
Tour with Thai picks you up in central Bangkok and can drop you at the Historical Park for a higher fare of THB 1,812.
On Bookaway the same buses start at about US$15, and its cheapest Sukhothai bus starts at US$13.
My verdict: worth the extra baht if you stay near Khao San or want the door-to-door Tour with Thai service.
Compare every bus company
See all Sukhothai buses on 12Go →3. Flight from Suvarnabhumi, done by lunchtime
Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi to Sukhothai Airport twice a day, at 07:00 and in the afternoon. The flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, and Thai Airways sells seats on the same planes.
Near-term seats on 12Go started at about THB 4,700, while the 12Go timetable shows fares from THB 1,821 on cheaper dates.
Booking a few weeks ahead makes a big difference.
Sukhothai Airport is a small private airport owned by Bangkok Airways, about 30 km north of New Sukhothai near Sawankhalok.
Bangkok Airways sells a shuttle into town, or your hotel can arrange a pickup.
My verdict: the best choice if your time is short. Add the airport transfer to the fare when you compare it with the bus.
Check flight seats and fares
See Sukhothai flights on 12Go →4. Train via Phitsanulok, for rail fans
Sukhothai has no railway, so the train goes to Phitsanulok and you finish by bus.
Trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Bangkok’s main station, and the 12Go timetable lists fares from THB 226.
Rapid train 111 leaves at 07:50 and reaches Phitsanulok at 14:08, with third-class fan seats for THB 228 on 12Go.
The faster second-class air-conditioned trains leave around 09:05 and take just under 4 hours.
From Phitsanulok station, take a tuk-tuk of about 2.3 km to Bus Terminal 1 for around THB 60.
Buses to Sukhothai take about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes and cost about THB 115 to 130.
The catch is the last bus: 12Go lists the final scheduled departure at 14:30.
Take a morning train, or pre-book a car from Phitsanulok, which starts at about THB 1,650 on the 12Go timetable.
My verdict: a fun, cheap ride if you start early. Overnight sleepers to Phitsanulok work too if you want to break the trip with a night there.
See the trains to Phitsanulok
Book the train on 12Go →5. Hotel pickup van, no terminals at all
AEC 168 Transport and Travel runs a van from Bangkok to hotels in Sukhothai town at 08:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 13:00.
12Go lists it at THB 2,987 per person, taking about 6 hours 15 minutes, with free cancellation.
It costs several times the bus fare, but you skip Mochit and the songthaew ride at the other end.
My verdict: a solid middle ground for solo travelers. For two or more people, a private car is better value.
Prefer a hotel-to-hotel van?
See the van on 12Go →6. Private transfer, best for families and groups
A private driver collects you at your Bangkok hotel, Krung Thep Aphiwat station or either airport and drives you straight to your Sukhothai hotel.
Expect about 6 hours on the road.
| Vehicle | Price per vehicle | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan, 2 to 3 people | From THB 4,600 | 12Go |
| Economy car, 2 to 3 people | From THB 4,937 | 12Go |
| Economy car from Krung Thep Aphiwat | From THB 4,996 | 12Go |
| SUV, up to 4 people | From THB 5,635 | 12Go |
| Van, up to 9 people | From THB 8,106 | 12Go |
| Economy car, 3 seats | From US$162 | Bookaway |
| VIP minivan, 9 seats | From US$233 | Bookaway |
Ask your driver about a stop on the way.
Ayutthaya and Lopburi are on the general route north, and some drivers include a short break there for a small extra fee.
My verdict: for four people in an SUV, it works out at about THB 1,410 each, and you arrive at your door.
Traveling as a family or group?
Compare private cars on 12Go →Want more options?
See private cars on Bookaway →7. Rental car, if you want Si Satchanalai too
The drive north is about 425 km through Nakhon Sawan and takes roughly 6 hours. Thailand drives on the left, and you need your license plus an International Driving Permit.
A car is handy in Sukhothai, where the Historical Park, Si Satchanalai and the countryside resorts are spread out.
To compare prices, see rental cars in Bangkok.
My verdict: worth it for a northern road trip that continues to Phitsanulok or Chiang Mai. For Sukhothai alone, the bus and a rented bicycle are enough.
Rent a bicycle in the Old City at sunrise, before the tour groups arrive. The Central Zone around Wat Mahathat is flat, shady and at its most beautiful in the first hour of light.
Step by step: the morning bus to Sukhothai
- Book your seat on 12Go a day or two ahead, and earlier around Loy Krathong and Thai holidays.
- Ride the BTS or MRT to Mo Chit or Chatuchak Park, then take a taxi or Grab to the Northern Bus Terminal.
- Check in at the operator counter at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Store big bags in the hold and keep a jacket handy, since the air-conditioning runs cold.
- Get off at Sukhothai Bus Terminal on the edge of New Sukhothai.
- Take a tuk-tuk or songthaew to your guesthouse in town or out to the Old City.
What it costs for 1, 2 or 4 people
| Option | 1 person | 2 people | 4 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Co bus (12Go) | THB 444 | THB 888 | THB 1,776 |
| Train and bus via Phitsanulok | About THB 420 | About THB 840 | About THB 1,680 |
| Hotel pickup van | THB 2,987 | THB 5,974 | THB 11,948 |
| Private car (sedan, then SUV for 4) | From THB 4,600 | From THB 4,600 | From THB 5,635 |
Train fares here are third class; tuk-tuks in Phitsanulok are shared between the group. Flights vary too much by date to compare fairly, so check them live.
Which option should you choose?
- On a budget: the morning Transport Co bus from Mochit.
- Staying around Khao San: the Tara Tour bus from its Khao San office.
- Short on time: the morning Bangkok Airways flight from Suvarnabhumi.
- Love trains: an early train to Phitsanulok, then the local bus.
- Traveling solo with luggage: the AEC 168 hotel pickup van.
- Family or group of 3 or more: a private transfer.
Arriving in Sukhothai
Buses from Bangkok end at Sukhothai Bus Terminal, about 2 km outside the center of New Sukhothai. Tuk-tuks wait outside and charge around THB 60 into town, or about THB 150 to the Historical Park.
- New Sukhothai center: about 2 km, a short tuk-tuk ride.
- Old City and Historical Park: about 12 km west; songthaews run until about 17:00 for around THB 30 per person.
- Sukhothai Airport: about 30 km north near Sawankhalok.
- Si Satchanalai Historical Park: about 55 km north, best by car or a tour.
Ride-hailing apps are patchy here, so hotels and tuk-tuk drivers handle most transfers.
In the Old City, rent a bicycle for about THB 30 to 50 a day and ride between the zones.
Sukhothai: things to do and where to stay
Sukhothai was the first capital of Siam, and its Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lotus ponds, seated Buddhas and lotus-bud chedis spread across five zones, best explored by bicycle.
The Central Zone charges a separate entry from the North and West Zones, while the South and East Zones are free.
Add the Ramkhamhaeng National Museum, a day trip to Si Satchanalai, and Loy Krathong in November, when the ponds glow with candles.
Which area to stay in
- Old City: guesthouses and small resorts next to the ruins, ideal for sunrise bike rides.
- Countryside around the Old City: boutique resorts among rice fields, a short ride from the park.
- New Sukhothai: riverside guesthouses, cheap food and the night market, about 12 km from the ruins.
- Near the airport: quiet garden resorts, handy for early flights and Si Satchanalai.
Best places to stay
- Sriwilai Sukhothai Resort & Spa: about 2 km from the Historical Park, with an infinity pool looking out over rice fields and a spa.
- Legendha Sukhothai: a Thai village-style resort a few minutes from the park entrance, with a saltwater pool among lotus ponds.
- Sukhothai Treasure Resort and Spa: modern rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool and a spa, a short drive from the ruins.
- Sukhothai Heritage Resort: a traditional Thai-style resort with two pools set among lotus ponds, close to Sukhothai Airport.
The Heritage Resort is far from the bus terminal and the Old City, so a private transfer or a hotel pickup is the easiest way to arrive.
Practical tips before you go
Carry small cash. Park ticket booths, bike rentals and tuk-tuks expect baht, and change for a THB 1,000 note is hard to find.
Be careful on public Wi-Fi. Bus terminal, cafe and guesthouse networks are shared with strangers. A VPN such as ExpressVPN keeps your bookings and banking private.
Book ahead for weekends and holidays. Loy Krathong, Songkran and long weekends fill buses and Old City guesthouses fast.
Going back? See our Sukhothai to Bangkok guide.
Coming from the old capital instead? Read Ayutthaya to Sukhothai, or plan the next leg north with Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
Our Bangkok public transport guide explains the ride to Mochit.
Tours from Sukhothai
Guided bike tours of the Historical Park, day trips to Si Satchanalai and cooking classes are the favorites.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
The Transport Co bus from Mochit starts at THB 444 on 12Go. Private express buses cost about THB 529 to 886, and the Tour with Thai pickup service starts at THB 1,443.
How long is the bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
Between about 7 hours 30 minutes and 8 hours 30 minutes. Cherdchai Tour is the quickest at about 7 hours 30 minutes, and Transport Co takes about 8 hours 25 minutes.
Where do buses to Sukhothai leave from in Bangkok?
Most leave from the Northern Bus Terminal at Mochit in Chatuchak. Tara Tour also runs a bus from its Khao San office, and Tour with Thai picks up in central Bangkok.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
No. Sukhothai has no railway station. Take a train from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Phitsanulok, then a local bus of about 1 hour to Sukhothai.
Can you fly from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
Yes. Bangkok Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi twice a day in about 1 hour 20 minutes. Sukhothai Airport is about 30 km north of town, so plan a transfer.
Is there a night bus from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
Yes. Transport Co buses leave Mochit between 18:10 and 21:00 and arrive around dawn, the earliest at about 05:05, before local songthaews start running.
How much is a private car from Bangkok to Sukhothai?
On 12Go, private cars start at about THB 4,600 per vehicle for 2 to 3 people, SUVs at THB 5,635 and 9-seat vans at THB 8,106. The trip takes about 6 hours.
How do I get from Sukhothai Bus Terminal to the Historical Park?
Take a tuk-tuk for about THB 150, or a songthaew from New Sukhothai for around THB 30. The Old City is about 12 km west of town.
Ready for the old capital?
Live seats and prices for buses, flights, vans and private cars from Bangkok to Sukhothai.
Prices last verified: November 2026. Sources: bus, van, flight, train and private car fares from 12Go’s and Bookaway’s live listings and the 12Go timetable; Phitsanulok connections, local fares and distances from Sukhothai travel guides; hotel details from hotel listings and travel guides.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Tim Kroeger is a luxury wellness travel specialist, founder of Universal Traveller, and creator of The Restorative Index, a performance-based framework for evaluating wellness hotels. After 15+ years across 110+ countries, he shifted from destination-chasing to travel recovery. Based in Bangkok, he reviews luxury wellness hotels and spas on tim-kroeger.com through a performance lens, combining firsthand testing with expert insights.
