โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
60
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Surat Thani International Airport operates from a compact but efficiently designed two-story terminal building positioned 21 kilometers west of downtown Surat Thani, serving as Thailand's premier 'Fly'n'Ferry' hub and the primary budget gateway to the Gulf of Thailand's world-famous islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. As Thailand's tenth-busiest airport handling over 2 million passengers annually, this facility represents the crucial first step in the popular combined flight-bus-ferry journey that has revolutionized access to southern Thailand's tropical paradise destinations.
The terminal's ground floor is entirely dedicated to arrivals and check-in operations, featuring airline counters for Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Airways, alongside specialized travel company offices including Phantip Travel, Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, and Seatran Ferry where passengers can purchase integrated transportation tickets combining bus transfers to Donsak Pier with ferry connections to the islands. The baggage claim area seamlessly connects to these transportation booking counters, enabling visitors to arrange their complete island journey immediately upon arrival without external coordination.
The second-floor departure zone provides comfortable waiting lounges, security screening for domestic and international flights, passport control facilities, and airside amenities including shops and cafes serving southern Thai cuisine and travel essentials. Recent infrastructure improvements completed in 2024 included enhanced security systems and expanded passenger processing capabilities, while the airport received critical aerodrome certification from Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority in December 2024, affirming compliance with international safety standards.
Strategic expansion plans announced by Thailand's Transport Minister in October 2025 envision transforming Surat Thani into the primary international gateway for Gulf of Thailand tourism, with capacity increases from 4 million to 8 million passengers annually by 2031. The terminal currently coordinates with seven ferry companies providing direct airport-to-island services, supporting an estimated 9,300 jobs in regional tourism and hospitality sectors while contributing 5-7% of Surat Thani province's GDP through enhanced connectivity that has made the remote islands accessible to budget travelers worldwide. The facility's dual role as a Royal Thai Air Force base adds strategic importance while maintaining focus on civilian operations that have revolutionized southern Thailand's tourism accessibility.
๐ Connection Tips
Surat Thani International Airport (URT) serves as the primary 'FlyโnโFerry' hub for travelers heading to the world-renowned islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. During the monsoon season (October to December), ferry schedules can be affected by sea conditions, so maintaining a flexible travel plan is essential. The airport is a major hub for low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air, making domestic connections to Bangkok's Don Mueang (DMK) very frequent. Always allow at least three to four hours for the total journey from the airport to the islands to account for bus transfers and ferry boarding times.
These 'joint tickets' include a comfortable shuttle bus ride to the Donsak Pier, which takes about 90 minutes, followed by a ferry or speedboat transfer to your chosen island. Located approximately 21 kilometers west of Surat Thani city, the airport is a much more cost-effective alternative to flying directly into Samui. Upon arrival, the most critical logistical tip is to visit the dedicated transportation counters in the arrival hall (such as Phantip Travel or Lomprayah) to purchase combined bus and ferry tickets.
If you are connecting from a late-night flight, be aware that the last ferry departures from Donsak usually occur around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, so you may need to spend a night in Surat Thani city if you arrive late. For those heading to Surat Thani city, shuttle buses run frequently and take about 45 to 60 minutes, while fixed-rate taxis are also available for roughly 500-700 THB. The single-terminal facility is modern and efficient, offering essential amenities like local Thai eateries, small retail shops, and free Wi-Fi.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Buri Ram Airport (BFV) has recently evolved into a significant aviation hub for the lower Northeast region of Thailand, following the soft-opening of its major new passenger terminal in early 2026. Spanning over 25,500 square meters, the modernized facility has been designed to support the region's booming sports tourism sector, specifically catering to the massive influx of international visitors for the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix and events at the nearby Chang International Circuit. The expansion has significantly increased the airport's annual capacity to approximately 2.8 million passengers, establishing it as a primary gateway for the 'East-West Economic Corridor' and the wider Isaan region.
The new terminal features a sophisticated two-story layout that integrates both domestic and future international operations with high efficiency. The first floor manages arrival processes, baggage claim carousels, and ground transportation links, while the second floor serves as the main hub for departures, housing centralized check-in counters and a state-of-the-art security screening zone. As a key destination for Thai AirAsia, the airport manages frequent daily links to Bangkok's Don Mueang (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airports, primarily utilizing Airbus A320 aircraft. The facility is equipped with contemporary passenger information systems and offers spacious, naturally lit waiting areas designed to handle up to 1,000 passengers per hour during peak event cycles.
Amenities at the expanded terminal are comprehensive, reflecting its status as a top-tier regional hub. Travelers have access to a variety of dining options ranging from traditional Isaan cafes serving local specialties to international coffee chains and snack bars. The terminal features a dedicated commercial zone with retail boutiques offering famous Buri Ram silk products, sports memorabilia, and essential travel goods. Ground transportation is well-supported by a fleet of regulated taxis, airport shuttle buses, and multiple car rental desks located in the arrivals hall. The airport is situated approximately 30 kilometers north of the Buriram city center, with the new highway links providing a smooth 35-minute connection to the region's major hotels and sports venues.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Buri Ram Airport (BFV) is a streamlined process thanks to its recently expanded single-terminal complex. For travelers transiting from international flights arriving at Bangkok (BKK/DMK) and connecting to domestic regional flights at BFV, the new facility ensures you can move from arrivals to the check-in hall in under five minutes. It is important to note that while the terminal is now capable of handling international traffic, most current connections involve transitioning from a flight to local ground transport. To ensure a smooth journey, arrive at the terminal at least 90 minutes before departure, as security can experience peaks during the MotoGP season and major race weekends.
There is no automated baggage transfer for separate tickets; all luggage must be personally retrieved from the new carousel and re-checked at the main counters. For those transiting to specialized charters during event weeks, the airport management facilitates rapid coordination between the main terminal and general aviation parking. During the peak dry season (November to February), the airport can see its highest passenger volumes, so early coordination with your transport is recommended. For travelers with a wait, the new airside departure hall offers the most comfortable waiting environment with high-speed Wi-Fi.
In the event of a missed connection, the Thai AirAsia service desk is centrally located. Because Buri Ram is now a major node in Thailand's regional network, the carrier often provides multiple daily frequencies, facilitating various re-booking options. Ground transportation is conveniently located near the exit, with the airport shuttle bus providing a reliable link to the Buriram Bus Terminal. For a seamless connection to the Phanom Rung Historical Park or the Chang International Circuit, ensure your arrival manifest is shared with your local guide to facilitate a rapid transition.
โ Back to Surat Thani Airport