How to Get From Bangkok to Hua Hin (3 Best Options)

Looking to escape Bangkok for a weekend by the beach, but you don’t want to step on a plane? Hua Hin is one of the easiest (and most rewarding) city breaks you can take.

It’s about 3.5–4 hours away, and there are a few different ways to get there. I usually book my tickets through 12Go Asia, which saves me the stress of showing up at the station and hoping a seat is free.

Buses and trains can sell out, especially on weekends, since Hua Hin is a popular getaway for Bangkok locals.

Want to make the trip to this lovely beach town? Here’s the breakdown of your best options!

Best Option: By Bus

The bus is the easiest and most reliable way to get to Hua Hin; you can book bus tickets online here.

Personally, I take the bus from Ekkamai Bus Station, since it’s right off the BTS Sukhumvit Line and I don’t live too far from there. From there, it’s about 3.5–4 hours to Hua Hin, depending on traffic and what time you leave Bangkok.

Tickets are 200–250 baht ($6–7 USD), and the buses are air-conditioned, comfortable, and pretty punctual. Both times I went, there was a bathroom stop halfway, and we actually arrived a little earlier than scheduled.

Just note that buses leave their destination on the dot, so don’t be late. Whether or not they arrive on time is another story and completely dependent on road conditions.

The main con is that overhead compartments are small (not ideal for big luggage — though I did see people putting their luggage under the bus), and buses can frequently sell out on weekends.

Besides Ekkamai, you can also take buses from:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport
• Southern Bus Terminal
• Don Mueang Bus Station
• Khao San Road (Montanatip is one of the main companies)
• Big C at On Nut BTS

Next Best: By Train

Taking a train down the coast of Thailand sounds romantic, but in reality, it’s not the most convenient option.

Trains to Hua Hin leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue) and take about 3–3.5 hours. Sounds reasonable, right? But it’s not exactly the most convenient for most Bangkokians — let me explain.

First of all, most trains depart in the afternoon, which isn’t great if you want to make the most of your first day and you don’t want to arrive the night before.

Also, most of the seats are fan-only, which is fine in theory but less fun when it’s hot season and there’s no breeze going.

There are some A/C seats available, but only in the sleeper cars, which cost about 700 baht ($22 USD) or more. It’s great for train lovers, but not the most practical.

Another Option: Rent a Car

If you’re comfortable driving in Thailand, renting a car gives you flexibility and is super affordable. The drive takes about 3.5 hours if traffic is light, but if you return on a Sunday evening — especially a holiday weekend — you should expect delays that can stretch it to 5 hours.

You can rent cars from the airport if you flying into Bangkok and immediately going to Hua Hin. However, if you’re already in Bangkok, it’s most likely more convenient to get a car downtown.

I spoke to a friend who always gets to Hua Hin via car. She lives in downtown Sukhumvit area and here are here recommendations:

• There are branches of Budget near Rama 9, or Sixt near Rama 4, which are the easiest to rent from if you are already in downtown Bangkok. Type in “Bangkok Downtown” to get the results downtown.
• The drive is straightforward if you follow Route 35 through Samut Sakhon — but don’t take the wrong turn toward Din Daeng (she’s done it twice)
• Expect tolls, road work, and lots of motorbikes weaving around you. Drive slowly and predictably as motorbikes will drive around you and very close to you. For tolls, be sure to have cash. This is one of few places in Thailand where QR will not help you!
• Also, you’ll need an International Driver’s Permit unless you already have a Thai license. Police are cracking down on traffic stops.

The upside is that once you’re in Hua Hin, having a car makes it much easier to explore the surrounding area, and you can go to places nearby Hua Hin like caves, beaches, and mountains to explore even more, places that would be expensive with taxis.

Not Worth It: Flying

Hua Hin technically has an airport, but there are no direct flights from Bangkok. You’d have to fly to another city, like Chiang Mai, then back down to Hua Hin, which makes absolutely no sense. Skip this option entirely.

My Personal Take?

If you’re traveling light and just want the simplest option, take the bus — it’s convenient, eco-friendly, and super cheap. I felt it was really comfortable and definitely offers a high standard of comfort for point-to-point traveling compared to other buses I’ve taken in Southeast Asia.

If you’re planning to explore beyond Hua Hin and want a lot of freedom or you’re going with a group of friends, maybe you want to rent a car — so long as you’re brave enough to maneuver your way out of the heart of Bangkok.

The train is nice for the experience if you’re a railway geek like me, but limited departure times plus the train leaving from a far-away location (Bang Sue Junction) make this option less convenient for Bangkokians living in Sukhumvit or other areas of Southern Bangkok.

And flying? Forget it.