THE SHORT VERSION
Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) at a glance.
- From
- 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
- Not listed as direct
- Border
- Thailand → Malaysia. Passport and visa needed
Ready to travel from Surat Thani to Penang (George Town)?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Surat Thani
Surat Thani is southern Thailand's main gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. It has three bus terminals, and many combined bus-and-ferry tickets connect through it.
- 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.
Arriving in Penang (George Town)
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
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.
- Check whether your bus ends on the island or at Butterworth.
KEEP GOING
From Penang (George Town), the road continues.
12Go's list doesn't include onward buses from Penang (George Town) yet.
All buses from and to Penang (George Town)Other ways to reach Penang (George Town)
More buses from Surat Thani
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How far is Surat Thani from Penang (George Town) 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 Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) 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 Surat Thani?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Surat Thani include Surat Thani Bus Terminal, Talad Kaset 1 and 2, Phun Phin railway station, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Penang (George Town) to Surat Thani as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Surat Thani arrive in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. In Penang (George Town), services use Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth). From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Penang (George Town)?+
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
What kind of bus runs from Surat Thani to Penang (George Town)?+
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 Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) 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.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Surat Thani to Penang (George Town)?+
This journey crosses from Thailand into Malaysia. 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 Surat Thani → Penang (George Town) 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: Surat Thani to Penang (George Town) bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Surat Thani (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →