Getting Around Thailand: Flights, Trains, Ferries and Transfers

Getting around Thailand is easy with the right mix. Use short domestic flights between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and the beaches, the overnight train to Chiang Mai for something different, ferries and speedboats to the islands, Grab or Bolt in cities, and private transfers for families and parents. Plan buffers around ferries and weather.

Thailand's transport is well developed and affordable, but distances are larger than many visitors expect. Choosing the right mode for each leg saves time and stress. This guide covers each option, with tips for Indian travellers.

Transport options at a glance

Domestic flights

Domestic flights link Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui and other cities in about one to one and a half hours. Low-cost carriers often fly from Don Mueang, full-service airlines from Suvarnabhumi. Check baggage allowances, which can be lower on budget fares. Our Bangkok airport guide explains the two airports.

The overnight train to Chiang Mai

Sleeper trains run between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, taking around twelve hours or more. Berths are comfortable, with bedding, and the journey passes rice fields and hills. Book through the official State Railway of Thailand or authorised agents, especially in peak season. Bangkok's main long-distance trains now leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

Ferries and speedboats

Ferries link Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi and Koh Lanta on the Andaman coast, and Surat Thani with Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao on the Gulf. Larger ferries are steadier; speedboats are faster but bumpier. Life jackets should be provided; ask if not.

Getting around cities

In Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain and MRT avoid traffic, and river boats serve the Old Town. Grab and Bolt work in major cities, with prices fixed in the app. Metered taxis are common in Bangkok; insist on the meter.

Tuk-tuks and songthaews

Tuk-tuks are fun for short trips; agree the price before getting in. Songthaews, shared pick-up trucks, run fixed routes in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and the islands.

Scooters

Scooters are widely rented, but accidents are common, and many insurance policies exclude them without a valid licence and helmet. Our travel insurance guide explains the risks.

Private transfers

For families, parents and groups with luggage, private transfers between airports, hotels and piers are the easiest option, and often good value when shared.

Buses

Long-distance buses link most cities and are cheaper than flights, but slower. VIP buses have reclining seats.

Planning your route

Plan routes in a line to avoid backtracking, such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai to Phuket, flying home from the last base. Our 10-day Thailand itinerary shows an example.

Getting around Bangkok

The BTS Skytrain and MRT underground are the fastest way around central Bangkok, avoiding traffic. Rabbit cards or contactless payments work on many lines. Chao Phraya river boats link the Old Town, Chinatown and riverside hotels. Grab and Bolt are useful for door-to-door trips, but avoid rush hours on the roads.

Getting around Chiang Mai

In Chiang Mai, red songthaews (shared pick-ups) run around the city, and Grab and Bolt are available. For day trips to Doi Suthep, Doi Inthanon or Chiang Rai, a car with a driver is easiest.

Getting around the islands

On Phuket and Koh Samui, taxis, Grab and hotel cars are the main options, as distances between beaches can be large. On smaller islands, longtail boats and songthaews link beaches.

For families and parents

Families and parents are better served by flights and private transfers than long bus or train journeys. Book cars with enough space for luggage, and child seats if needed, which are not standard.

Costs

Domestic flights booked early are often good value, while private transfers cost more but save time. Grab prices are shown before booking, which avoids disputes.

Choosing ferries

On the Andaman coast, ferries from Phuket and Krabi reach Phi Phi in about one and a half to two hours, and Koh Lanta in a little longer. On the Gulf, ferries from Donsak near Surat Thani reach Koh Samui in about one and a half hours. Larger car ferries are slower but steadier; speedboats and catamarans are faster but can be uncomfortable in choppy seas. Book combined bus-and-boat tickets through reputable agents, and keep valuables with you.

Other train journeys

Besides the Chiang Mai line, trains run south to Hua Hin and Surat Thani and east towards the Cambodian border. Day trains are slow but scenic; the line from Bangkok to Ayutthaya makes an easy day trip.

Useful apps

Grab and Bolt for rides and food delivery, map apps for public transport, and ferry or bus booking apps for the islands. Download them before you travel, and add a payment card.

Road safety

Thai roads can be busy and fast. Wear seatbelts in cars, choose reputable drivers, and avoid long night drives, especially in rain.

Bangkok to Pattaya and Hua Hin

Pattaya is about two hours from Bangkok by road and Hua Hin about three. Private transfers are easiest; buses and minivans are cheaper. Trains reach Hua Hin slowly but scenically.

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is about three hours from Chiang Mai by road, with buses and private cars. Many travellers visit on a long day trip, but an overnight stay is gentler.

Luggage between bases

Travel light if you plan several flights and ferries. Some hotels store bags while you visit islands, which is useful on longer trips.

Entry requirements

Before you fly, check the current entry requirements for Indian passport holders on the Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi page and the Thai e-Visa site, and complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card on the official Thailand Digital Arrival Card site. Rules change, so confirm them close to your travel date.

Next steps

Read our 10-day itinerary and airport guide, or see our Chiang Mai page.

A BagPackerMe planner can plan your Thailand trip privately, with one named planner, WhatsApp support throughout and vegetarian and Jain food planned in.

Your questions, answered

What is the best way to travel between regions in Thailand?

Domestic flights are fastest between Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui. Trains and buses are slower but cheaper.

Is the overnight train to Chiang Mai worth it?

Yes, for travellers who enjoy rail journeys. Sleeper berths make it a comfortable overnight trip, but it takes much longer than flying.

Can I use Grab in Thailand?

Yes. Grab and Bolt work in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and other cities, with car and taxi options.

How do I reach the islands?

Ferries and speedboats link the mainland with the islands, and Koh Samui has an airport. Book with reputable operators, and allow buffer time for weather.