Getting There in Sukhothai

Part of the Sukhothai travel guide — see every topic in All Sukhothai Guides.

Sukhothai sits in the lower north of Thailand, about 430 km from Bangkok by road. There is no train station in Sukhothai, so most people come by plane or bus, or take a train to nearby Phitsanulok. This guide compares the options and explains how to reach the historical park.

Flying to Sukhothai Airport

Sukhothai Airport is a small, private airport owned and run by Bangkok Airways. It is the only airline that flies there. Flights connect it with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, usually a few times a day, and take about one hour and 20 minutes. The airport is in Sawankhalok district, well north of the town, so plan a road transfer to your hotel. Transfer vans often meet flights, and your hotel can also arrange a car. Check the latest schedule and transfer options with the airline when you book, because flight times change by season.

Flying to Phitsanulok

Another option is to fly from Bangkok to Phitsanulok, a larger city about 60 km east of Sukhothai. More airlines fly this route, including low-cost carriers, so you may find more flight times. Most flights leave from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport. From Phitsanulok, buses and vans run to New Sukhothai in about one to one and a half hours. Some airlines sell a ticket that includes a road transfer to Sukhothai. Taxis from Phitsanulok Airport are also available and are a good choice for groups.

By bus

Direct buses to Sukhothai leave from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal, called Mo Chit 2. Several companies run air-conditioned buses through the day and at night. The trip takes about seven hours, sometimes more with traffic. A night bus saves a hotel night but is less comfortable. Buses also run from Chiang Mai in about five hours, and there are links to Phitsanulok, Chiang Rai and other northern towns. Buses arrive at the Sukhothai bus station, on the edge of New Sukhothai. Book tickets at the terminal or online, and book early before Thai holidays.

Train via Phitsanulok

Sukhothai has no railway, but the main northern line from Bangkok to Chiang Mai stops at Phitsanulok. Trains from Bangkok take about seven hours or more, and there are day trains and overnight sleeper trains. From Phitsanulok station, take a tuk-tuk or taxi to the bus station, then a bus or van to Sukhothai, which takes about one hour. This route is slower than a direct bus, but the train is more comfortable and a sleeper berth lets you travel overnight. You can also break the trip at Ayutthaya on the way north.

Getting around

Most hotels are in New Sukhothai or near the historical park in the old city. The two areas are about 12 km apart. Large blue songthaews, pickup trucks with bench seats, run between New Sukhothai and the park gate through the day. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs little. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available, and ride-hailing apps may work in town. At the park, the best way to get around is by bicycle. For Si Satchanalai, take a bus north from the bus station or hire a car and driver for the day.

Getting There at a glance

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