From Bangkok to Phuket by Train
Trains don't go all the way from Bangkok to Phuket, but you can hop on one until you reach the town of Surat Thani and then switch to a bus for the rest of the journey.
The train ride takes anywhere from 8.5 to 12 hours, depending on which train you choose. Most trains are sleepers with AC and you can choose between 1st and 2nd class tickets.
First class gets you a private two-person cabin, while second class means sharing a carriage with many other passengers. There's also a cheaper train with seats only (no beds)–but it's a long overnight trip, and the savings aren't big enough to be worth the discomfort. Also, while Thailand tends to be safe in general, pickpockets are common in open carriages, and foreigners are more of a target, so consider a private cabin if finances allow.
The bus ride from Surat Thani to Phuket is an extra four to five hours, but the buses are spacious and comfortable. The Phantip Travel Company has modern buses that leave directly from the Surat Thani Railway Station towards Phuket, so you don't have to worry about getting into town for a connection.
Prices vary widely throughout the year and sometimes the time of the day, so check carefully before booking to pick the best option. You can see train times on the official railway site or book directly through an online travel agency. Keep in mind that if you do it this way, you'll have to book train and bus tickets separately, so make sure you allow enough time for transfer and delays.
Money Saving Tip: The Thai Railway also has a fans-only (meaning, no AC at all), no-beds train that runs between Bangkok and Surat Thani once a day. If you think you can stand making the trip without cool air, you can get a cheaper ticket.
