Special Express No. 43: Bangkok to Surat Thani

This is Special Express No. 43 day train that goes from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat) to Surat Thani in 8 hours and 50 minutes during daylight hours. It is an air-conditioned diesel multiple unit (DMU) built by Daewoo in the 1990’s. Top speed is around 120km/hour. The train leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station at 7:30 a.m. and arrives in Surat Thani at 4:20 p.m. Tickets cost 524 Baht for adults and 402 Baht for children. You can book tickets up to 90 days in advance if you are doing at least 60% of the entire route and up to 30 days in advance if you are doing at least 25%. Otherwise you have to try your luck on the day.

Popular stops along the way include Hua Hin (330 Baht), Prachuap Khiri Khan (373 Baht), and Chumphon (429 Baht). Carriages are all 2nd Class and air-conditioned. The seats recline and have drop-down trays in the back of seats. There are also curtains to block out the sun. It is a comfortable ride but the carriages are starting to show their age. For the time being, there is no catering service on the train. Carriage attendants may help you order food from stations further down the line but it is not guaranteed. You are advised to bring your own food. The Return journey is made by Special Express No. 40.

Related Link: How to buy train tickets online

TRAIN TIMETABLE: BANGKOK TO SURAT THANI

No.	STATION	ARRIVE	DEPART
1	Krung Thep Aphiwat	0:00	7:30
2	Bang Bamru	7:41	7:42
3	Sala Ya	7:59	8:00
4	Nakhon Pathom	8:22	8:23
5	Ban Pong	8:41	8:42
6	Rachaburi	9:07	9:08
7	Phetchaburi	9:45	9:46
8	Hua Hin	10:31	10:36
9	Wang Phong	10:51	10:52
10	Prachuap Khiri Khan	11:40	11:41
11	Huai Yang	12:01	12:02
12	Ban Krut	12:24	12:25
13	Bang Saphan Yai	12:37	12:38
14	Map Ammarit	13:11	13:12
15	Pathiu	13:26	13:27
16	Chumphon	13:50	14:05
17	Sawi	14:29	14:30
18	Lang Suan	14:56	14:57
19	Lamae	15:13	15:14
20	Tha Chana	15:34	15:35
21	Chaiya	15:50	15:51
22	Surat Thani	16:20	16:20