Chiang Mai to Sukhothai: Transport & Ticket Guide

After relaxing in Chiang Mai, Sukhothai would be ideal for exploring the ruins and historical sites.

How to get to Sukhothai?

This article is a detailed transportation guide from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai by bus and train, including ticket prices, schedules, and ticket booking tips.

Overview

The distance between Chiang Mai and Sukhothai is about 275 km. Currently, there are three travel options that you can choose: bus, train, and taxi.

If you’re looking for a quick trip, we recommend taking a cab. However, it’s the most expensive option on the list.

The travel time between Chiang Mai and Sukhothai can vary depending on your transportation choice, but it takes about 4.5 hours to 8 hours.

What to do in Sukhothai?

Sukhothai is a fantastic place for cycling, so taking a bike trip is an excellent idea for a half-day or one-day exploration. 

Chiang Mai to Sukhothai bus

• Duration: 5.5 hours
• Cost: 570 baht

12go offers a daily bus from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai, and the trip costs 570 baht.

According to the schedule, the bus departs at 12:50 pm and arrives in Sukhothai at 6:20 pm. However, when we took the bus, it arrived 1 hour earlier, so it was a win.

During the journey, the driver stopped twice for toilet breaks. At the first stop in Lampang, there were 7-eleven and other street vendors to have some snacks.

Pros: 

• The van was new and clean
• The driver could speak English

Cons:

• Leg-seat is not ideal

Bus stops

• Chiang Mai: Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2
• Sukhothai: Sukhothai Bus Terminal

Note:

• You should be at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the departure time.
• Infants 0-3 years old can ride for free on adult laps.
• The baggage allowance for one person is 20 kg.

Chiang Mai to Sukhothai train + bus

The train is currently suspended

• Duration: 6 hours (train) + 1.5 hours (bus)
• Cost: 290 baht (train) + bus/ taxi

If you’re not interested in taking a bus, enjoining scenery with a train ride will be a better option.

Because there is no train station in Sukhothai, you’ll need to take a train from Chiang Mai to Phitsanulok station.

Thai Railways offers several trains daily to Phitsanulok, and the journey takes from 5 hours 45 minutes to 7.5 hours, depending on the train. 

Departure time: 6:30 am, 8:50 am, and 3:30 pm.

After arriving at the Phitsanulok train station, you can take a taxi or bus to the Sukhothai bus station. It takes about 1.5 hours. 

Where to stay in Sukhothai?

We stayed at Legendha Sukhothai Hotel, and the location was perfect. The hotel is about 1 km from the historic park and has comfortable rooms and excellent service.