THE SHORT VERSION
Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani at a glance.
- To
- Surat Thani สุราษฎร์ธานี
- Road distance
- About 528 km
- Straight line
- 429 km
- Car time, no stops
- ~6 h 30 min buses take longer
- Return route
- Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) →
- Border
- Malaysia → Thailand. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Penang (George Town)
Penang is a Malaysian island whose capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Buses from Thailand arrive at Sungai Nibong terminal on the island or at Butterworth on the mainland.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Arriving in Surat Thani
Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
- Surat Thani Bus Terminal
Outside the city off Highway 401. Long-distance buses. - Talad Kaset 1 and 2
In the city centre. Local and regional buses and minivans. - Phun Phin railway station
About 14 km from the city. Trains and many connecting buses.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Donsak pier for Samui and Phangan ferries is over an hour's drive from the city.
KEEP GOING
From Surat Thani, the road continues.
Other ways to reach Surat Thani
More buses from Penang (George Town)
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Penang (George Town) from Surat Thani by road?+
About 528 km by road (429 km in a straight line). Distance is an OpenStreetMap routing estimate, not an operator figure.
How long does the bus from Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani take?+
We don't publish timetables. As a guide, the drive takes roughly 6 h 30 min by car without stops; bus journeys are usually longer. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Penang (George Town) include Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth), and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Surat Thani to Penang (George Town)?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) guide.
Where does the bus from Penang (George Town) arrive in Surat Thani?+
It depends on the operator. In Surat Thani, services use Surat Thani Bus Terminal, Talad Kaset 1 and 2, Phun Phin railway station. Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Surat Thani?+
Check which terminal or office your bus uses. Combined island tickets often continue straight to Donsak pier.
What kind of bus runs from Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani?+
It varies by operator and departure. Routes in this region are served by a mix of sleeper buses, seated coaches and smaller limousine vans. Check the vehicle type, seat layout and luggage allowance for your departure on 12Go before you book.
Can I book the Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Surat Thani by bus?+
Direct buses from Surat Thani include Donsak, Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Chumphon, Khao Lak and more. See all connections on our Surat Thani bus page.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani?+
This journey crosses from Malaysia into Thailand. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Penang (George Town) → Surat Thani on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Surat Thani (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →