How to get from Bangkok to Ranong

Beaches & Tropical · Nature & Outdoors · Thailand · Bangkok · Ranong

Bangkok to Ranong is easy once you pick your style: direct overnight/day buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), a short flight to Ranong (UNN) when available, the comfy night train to Chumphon plus a quick bus across to Ranong, or a private car/self-drive for full flexibility. This guide lays out timings, costs, how to book, and exactly how to reach each departure point.

At A Glance (Bangkok to Ranong)

Mode Duration Best For
🚌 Intercity Bus (Bangkok → Ranong) ~8–10h (overnight or daytime) Low cost, direct to Ranong town
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 350–650 one-way (class/operator) » compare buses
✈️ Flight (Bangkok → Ranong UNN) + Local Transfer ~1h20 flight + ~30–45m road Fastest (when flights operate)
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 1,200–3,000+ (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares
🚆🚌 Night Train (Bangkok → Chumphon) + Bus to Ranong ~7–9h train + ~2–3h bus Comfier sleep + morning arrival
🏷️ Cost: Train ~THB 500–1,200 + Bus ~THB 150–250 » Bangkok→Chumphon trains | Chumphon→Ranong buses
🚐 Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door) ~7.5–10h (route/traffic) Families, lots of luggage, custom stops
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 7,500–12,000 per vehicle » get quotes
🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car ~8–10h (Highway 4) Road-trippers, stop where you like
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 900–1,800/day (compact) + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | alt. options

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Reserve ahead on weekends/holidays: Compare buses/trains on 12Go; flights on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
  • Bangkok transfers: For easy rides to/from stations/terminals, use Grab/Bolt; or arrange a fixed car with GetTransfer.
  • Luggage: Sightseeing before departure? Store bags via Radical Storage Bangkok.
  • Onward islands: From Ranong, boats run to Koh Phayam/Koh Chang (Ranong). Check locally or via operators at the pier.
  • Local wheels: Scooters are handy around town/islands—see BikesBooking Ranong.

🚌 Option #1 — Intercity Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Direct to Ranong Overnight choices

  • Overview: Frequent day and night coaches run Bangkok → Ranong (many with reclining seats and A/C). Most depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and arrive at Ranong Bus Terminal close to town.
  • How to book (with price): ~THB 350–650 depending on class/operator. Compare departure times and seat layouts on 12Go. Official schedules also appear at the terminal ticket counters.
  • Pros: Cheapest, simple, several departures daily. Cons: Long sit; AC can be cold—pack a layer.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

  1. Get to Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) by Grab/Bolt or taxi. From the old town/Khao San, allow 45–75 minutes in traffic.
  2. Buy online via 12Go (e-ticket) or purchase at the terminal windows (arrive early for choice of seats).
  3. Board your coach; keep a light jacket, earplugs, and snacks. Rest stops en route usually every ~3–4 hours.
  4. Arrive at Ranong Bus Terminal; continue by local taxi/songthaew to town, hot springs, or the pier for island boats.

Getting to the main embarking points (Sai Tai Mai → Ranong Bus Terminal)

  • Sai Tai Mai (Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal): West bank of Chao Phraya; easiest by Grab/Bolt or a prebooked car.
  • Ranong arrival: Taxis/songthaews wait at the terminal; hotels can also arrange pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

✈️ Option #2 — Flight to Ranong (UNN) + Local Transfer (Fastest When Operating)

Fast No overnight travel Limited schedules

  • Overview: Nonstop flights (usually from Don Mueang DMK) reach Ranong Airport (UNN) in ~1h20. It’s ~24–30 km to town/pier by taxi or minivan.
  • How to book (with price): From ~THB 1,200–3,000+ depending on season and availability. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. At UNN, use the taxi desk or ask your hotel to arrange a pickup.
  • Pros: Shortest total time. Cons: Fewer frequencies; weather/season can affect schedules.

Step-by-step: Flight to Ranong

  1. Reach Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) by Airport Rail Link/metro (for BKK) or Grab/Bolt/taxi (both airports).
  2. Book and check in online via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com; arrive 2–3 hours preflight.
  3. Land at UNN; arrange a taxi/minivan to Ranong town or the pier (30–45 minutes).
  4. If heading straight to islands, confirm last boat times from the pier before you fly.

Getting to the main embarking points (DMK/BKK → UNN)

  • Bangkok airports: Airport Rail Link (for BKK) + taxi, or go direct by Grab/Bolt. For peace of mind, prebook a car with GetTransfer.
  • Ranong Airport (UNN): Small terminal; taxi desk outside arrivals, hotels can prearrange pickups.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆🚌 Option #3 — Night Train to Chumphon + Bus to Ranong (Comfy + Scenic)

Sleep on the way Morning arrival One change

  • Overview: Take a sleeper from Bangkok to Chumphon, then transfer by bus/minivan ~2–3 hours to Ranong. A relaxed option if you like trains.
  • How to book (with price): Train ~THB 500–1,200 (class/berth) on 12Go; onward bus ~THB 150–250 on 12Go. Official rail info also at SRT counters.
  • Pros: Real bed; sunrise arrival near the coast. Cons: Transfer needed; connections depend on the train’s punctuality.

Step-by-step: Train + Bus

  1. Get to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal or Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) per your train’s origin (check ticket). Use MRT/Grab to reach the station.
  2. Board the night train to Chumphon (choose lower/upper berth as you prefer) via 12Go.
  3. At Chumphon, walk/taxi to the bus stop or terminal and take a bus/minivan to Ranong (~2–3h) booked on 12Go or on the spot.
  4. Arrive at Ranong Bus Terminal; continue by taxi/songthaew to your hotel or pier.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bangkok rail hubs → Chumphon → Ranong)

  • Bangkok rail hubs: MRT connects to both Aphiwat and Hua Lamphong; Grab/Bolt for last-mile.
  • Chumphon transfer: Local taxis or short walks link station to bus/minivan stands—ask staff for the nearest stop.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Car/Driver (Door-to-Door, Easiest with Family)

Door-to-door Flexible stops Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver picks you up anywhere in Bangkok and drops you at your Ranong hotel/pier with meal/stretch stops along Highway 4.
  • How to book (with price): ~THB 7,500–12,000 per vehicle depending on size/date/route. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. Within Bangkok you can also use Grab/Bolt for shorter hops.
  • Pros: Zero transfers; great with kids/gear. Cons: Cost vs. bus/train; long day in a car.

Step-by-step: Private Car/Driver

  1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and desired departure time on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, fuel, waiting time) and child seats if needed.
  3. Share your live location on pickup day; plan 2–3 rest stops en route.
  4. Arrive in Ranong; ask the driver to drop you at your hotel or directly at the pier if continuing to the islands.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

  • Bangkok pickup: Any hotel/airport/residence; early starts beat traffic.
  • Ranong drop: Hotels, hot springs, or pier—just share the exact pin.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #5 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Road Trip Freedom)

Go at your pace Easy stops Long drive

  • Overview: Collect a car in Bangkok and follow Highway 4 (Phetkasem Rd) south-west via Ratchaburi–Phetchaburi–Prachuap Khiri Khan, then inland to Ranong. Consider overnighting en route if you prefer short driving days.
  • How to book (with price): ~THB 900–1,800/day (compact) + fuel/tolls. Compare suppliers/locations on Booking.com Car Rental (Bangkok) or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Total flexibility; easy detours to beaches/temples. Cons: Tolls, fatigue, parking in Bangkok; drive rests recommended.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up the car (airport or downtown). Check insurance, spare, and Google/Offline maps.
  2. Exit Bangkok via Rama II toward Highway 4; continue past Prachuap Khiri Khan and turn inland for Ranong.
  3. Plan fuel/meal stops every 2–3 hours; arrive before dark if possible.
  4. Return the car in Ranong (if your supplier allows one-way) or keep it for island ferries/region touring.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Highway 4)

  • Pick-up: Airport counters have longer hours; downtown branches can be cheaper but keep business hours.
  • En route: Plenty of fuel and 7-Eleven stops along Highway 4; cashless tolls near Bangkok.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Bangkok to Ranong)

How long is the Bangkok–Ranong bus ride?
Typically 8–10 hours depending on traffic, route, and rest stops.

Is there a train directly to Ranong?
No. The nearest railhead is Chumphon; from there it’s a 2–3 hour bus/minivan to Ranong.

Are Bangkok→Ranong flights daily?
Schedules can be limited/seasonal—always check current availability and times when planning.

What’s the best seat class on the bus?
“VIP/Express” coaches offer more legroom and fewer seats across. Night buses help save daytime travel.

Where should I stay in Ranong?
Downtown for hot springs/markets; near the pier if heading to Koh Phayam/Koh Chang (Ranong) early. Compare options on Booking.com Ranong.

Can I rent a scooter in Ranong?
Yes—many shops in town and on the islands. Compare prices online at BikesBooking. Always wear a helmet and carry a valid license.

Related posts:

  1. How to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
  2. How to get from Bangkok to Koh Kood
  3. How to get from Bangkok to Chumphon
  4. How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phi Phi