At a Glance

Option 1 — Direct Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Direct intercity buses to Ranong depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Taling Chan and arrive at Ranong Bus Terminal. Typical travel time is around 9 hours, with multiple departures daily and overnight options. Fares usually range from ~฿480 for standard classes to ~฿700–฿750 for VIP classes, depending on operator and seat type.

Where to Board in Bangkok

Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) is on Borommaratchachonnani Road (part of the SC Plaza complex) in the Chim Phli, Taling Chan area. Taxi/ride-hail is easiest; city buses also serve the terminal.

Recommended Operators & Times

• Transport Co., Ltd. (บขส. “999”), ChokeAnan, and Lignite commonly run this route, with morning/evening departures and VIP classes available. Check same-day schedules and prices before you go.
• Aggregators also show Sombat Tour departures from Sai Tai Mai with ~9h travel time.

How to Book

Buy at the operator counters inside Sai Tai Mai or book online via reputable Thai ticketing sites and OTAs. For overnight rides, reserve early during holidays and peak season (Nov–Apr).

Arrival in Ranong

Buses arrive at Ranong Bus Terminal. Take a taxi, songthaew, or hotel transfer to town or the pier (for Koh Phayam/Koh Chang [Ranong]).

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Cheapest point-to-point; overnight buses save a hotel night; no transfers.
• Cons: Long sit; bring layers (A/C can be cold); limited legroom on some classes.

Option 2 — Flight (Fastest)

Thai AirAsia operates direct flights from Bangkok Don Mueang (DMK) to Ranong (UNN); typical airtime is about 1h15–1h20. Schedules fluctuate (generally several flights per week), so check exact days and times close to travel.

There are no current non-stops from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Ranong; fly from DMK instead or connect.

Airlines & Booking

• Thai AirAsia (FD) DMK ⇄ UNN; see airline site/app for the latest schedules and promos.

Ranong Airport to Town

Ranong Airport (UNN) sits roughly ~20 km south of Ranong town on Route 4; taxis and hotel transfers are the easiest options on arrival.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: By far the fastest; comfortable.
• Cons: Limited flight days; add time/cost for airports and transfers.

Option 3 — Train + Bus/Van via Chumphon (Scenic & Flexible)

There’s no railway to Ranong. The classic workaround is Bangkok → Chumphon (train), then Chumphon → Ranong (van/bus). Expect ~11–14 hours total depending on your train and connection.

Step 1 — Bangkok → Chumphon (Train)

Multiple daily trains run from Bangkok (Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) to Chumphon, including the morning Special Express #43 and evening sleepers.

Step 2 — Chumphon → Ranong (Van/Bus)

From Chumphon Railway Station, transfer to a minivan/bus to Ranong. Typical road time is about 2–3 hours depending on service and traffic.

Booking & Tips

• Reserve train seats/sleepers in advance (especially during holidays).
• Leave buffer time in Chumphon to connect to your van/bus.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Comfortable sleepers; scenic rail; option to break the trip (e.g., stop in Chumphon).
• Cons: Requires a transfer; longer door-to-door than bus or flight.

Option 4 — Self-Drive (Highway 4 Road Trip)

Driving distance Bangkok → Ranong is roughly ~576–583 km (≈8–9 hours without long stops). The straightforward route uses Highway 4 (Phet Kasem Road), Thailand’s primary southbound artery that passes through Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon before reaching Ranong.

Routing Notes

• Highway 4 is the main corridor to southern provinces including Chumphon and Ranong; sections between Chumphon and Ranong have seen safety upgrades in recent years.
• Expect rain in monsoon months; plan extra time for wet roads and mountain curves near the Isthmus of Kra.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Maximum flexibility; easy detours (Hua Hin, Prachuap, Ban Krut, Thung Wua Laen, etc.).
• Cons: Long drive; watch for heavy rain/roadworks; overnight stop recommended if tired.

Which Option Should You Choose?

• Fastest door-to-door: Flight (DMK ⇄ UNN), then taxi/transfer (20 km) to town.
• Best value/no transfers: Direct bus from Sai Tai Mai (VIP class for comfort).
• Most scenic/comfortable night travel: Train + sleeper to Chumphon, then van to Ranong.
• Most flexible itinerary: Self-drive via Highway 4, stopping along the Gulf/Andaman coast.

How to Book & Practical Tips

• Bus: Buy at Sai Tai Mai counters or book online; check VIP/Express seat maps and arrival terminal.
• Flight: Compare DMK ⇄ UNN direct flights on airline sites/OTAs; verify days of operation (they can be fewer than daily).
• Train + Van: Choose a Bangkok→Chumphon train that lines up with a Chumphon→Ranong van; leave buffer for delays.
• Luggage & Comfort: For overnight buses, bring a layer; keep valuables with you; some VIP buses include snacks/water.
• Seasons: Peak months (Nov–Apr) and Thai holidays sell out quickly—book early for preferred classes/flights.

FAQ

Is there a direct train to Ranong?

No. Take the train to Chumphon then transfer by van/bus to Ranong (~2–3 hours by road).

Do flights leave from Suvarnabhumi (BKK)?

Current non-stops are from Don Mueang (DMK), not BKK. Check schedules before booking.

How far is Ranong from Bangkok by road?

About ~576–583 km, typically 8–9 hours of driving depending on stops and weather.

What’s the main road to Ranong?

Highway 4 (Phet Kasem Road)—Thailand’s longest highway—runs south from Bangkok through Chumphon and into Ranong.