Surat Thani Airport

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Surat Thani Airport plays a key role in the transport system of southern Thailand and possesses a number of unique characteristics that make it popular among independent travellers:

Main "Fly’n’Ferry" Hub: This is the primary entry point for combined "flight + bus + ferry" routes. Right in the arrival area, there are counters for transport companies where you can purchase a single ticket to the islands of Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Buses await passengers at the terminal exit, making the transfer as seamless as possible.

Budget Savings: A flight to Surat Thani often costs 2–3 times less than a direct flight to the private airport on Koh Samui. Thanks to this, URT enjoys immense popularity among backpackers and tourists wishing to save on logistics without a significant loss of time.

Compactness and Convenience: The airport terminal is small and intuitive. It is practically impossible to get lost here: all procedures, from check-in to baggage claim, are very quick. While waiting for a flight, you can visit small cafés, souvenir stalls, or shops with local products.

Civil-Military Base: The airport is a joint-use facility and is utilized by the Royal Thai Air Force. This leaves a mark of strict discipline and order on the airfield, but in no way interferes with the comfort of civilian passengers.

If you need to contact representatives or services of Surat Thani Airport (URT), you can use the following contact information. We recommend checking the validity of the data on the official website, as it may change.

• Official Website: On the airport's official portal suratthani.airportthai.co.th, you will find up-to-date flight schedules, terminal maps, and news.
• Inquiry Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +66 77 441 230.
• Airport Address: 73, Maluan, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130, Thailand.
• Email: For written inquiries, you can use the email: info.urt@airportthai.co.th.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on its official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to checked baggage, you should first contact your airline's representative. If you have lost personal items within the terminal building, contact the lost and found service via the inquiry service phone.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, please contact the information counters in the terminal or call the inquiry service.

Surat Thani Airport (URT) is an important transport hub for travellers heading not only to the city but also to the popular islands of the Gulf of Thailand. There are several ways to get there from Surat Thani city centre or vice versa, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and preferences.

Public Transport: Shuttle Buses

The most popular and budget-friendly way to get to the airport is to use shuttle bus services. Several companies, such as Phantip Travel, offer regular trips linking the airport with key points: the city centre, the railway station, and, importantly for tourists, Donsak Pier, from where ferries depart to the islands of Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Tickets can be purchased at counters in the arrival hall. The trip to the city centre takes about 40-60 minutes, and to Donsak Pier about 1.5 hours. The fare is very reasonable, making this option ideal for economical travellers.

Taxi and Transfer

For greater comfort and speed, you can use a taxi. There is an official taxi booking counter at the airport where you will be offered a trip at a fixed rate. This helps avoid inflated prices and guarantees safety. A trip to the centre of Surat Thani will take about 30-40 minutes. You can also book a private transfer online in advance, which is especially convenient if you are travelling with family, a large group, or bulky luggage. The driver will meet you with a sign in the arrival hall.

Car Rental

If you plan to actively explore Surat Thani province and other regions of Thailand, renting a car will be an excellent solution. Offices of both international and local rental companies (Avis, Budget, Thai Rent a Car, etc.) are present at the airport. Having your own transport gives complete freedom of movement. It is important to remember that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to rent a car in Thailand, and traffic in the country is on the left-hand side.

Parking at the Airport

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, convenient and affordable parking is provided. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and is suitable for both short-term and long-term parking.

Surat Thani Airport (URT) is a compact and functional transport hub consisting of one two-storey terminal. Its well-thought-out structure serves both domestic and international flights, making navigation for passengers extremely simple and intuitive. You won't have to worry about transferring between terminals — all services and zones are located in one building.

The airport layout is logical and simple. The Ground Floor is entirely dedicated to the arrival and check-in area. Here you will find airline check-in counters, the baggage claim area, as well as offices of travel companies where you can buy tickets for buses and ferries to popular islands such as Samui, Phangan, and Tao. The Second Floor is the departure zone. After going upstairs, you will pass through security and passport control (for international flights), after which you will enter the secure area (airside) with waiting lounges, several shops, and cafés.

Despite its modest size, the airport clearly separates passenger flows. The arrival zone on the ground floor allows you to quickly collect luggage and exit to transfer or taxi counters. The departure zone on the second floor, although not featuring a large number of shops, provides everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight.

Check-in and security procedures at Surat Thani Airport usually take less time than at the major capital airports of Thailand. Nevertheless, during peak hours, when several flights depart simultaneously for popular resorts, queues may occur. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5-2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5-3 hours before an international one. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without rushing, complete all formalities, and find your boarding gate.

The history of Surat Thani Airport (URT) is closely linked to the development of tourism in the southern provinces of Thailand. Originally built as a military airfield for the needs of the Royal Thai Air Force, it began serving commercial flights to meet the growing demand for travel to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The official opening for civil aviation took place in 1982, marking the beginning of a new era for the region.

From the very beginning, the airport played a key role as a transit hub for tourists heading to popular islands such as Samui, Phangan, and Tao. In the 1990s and 2000s, as tourist traffic grew, the airport's infrastructure underwent several stages of modernization. The runway and passenger terminal were expanded to accommodate a larger number of flights and serve modern types of aircraft. The airport also played an important humanitarian role, becoming one of the coordination centres for relief efforts following the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

In recent decades, Surat Thani Airport has continued to develop actively. Reconstructions have significantly increased its capacity, making the passengers' stay more comfortable. An interesting fact: the airport still retains its dual status — it is simultaneously a civilian hub and an active Royal Thai Air Force base. This unique combination underscores its strategic importance for the country both in tourism and in ensuring national security.

Surat Thani Airport (URT), being a key transport hub for travellers heading to the islands of Samui, Phangan, and Tao, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its relatively small size, the terminal is well-organized and offers amenities for both domestic and international passengers.

Dining and Shopping. The airport houses several cafés and small restaurants where you can taste Thai cuisine or have a coffee before departure. There are also shops selling souvenirs, snacks, beverages, and essential items. The selection in duty-free shops may be limited, but basic goods are available.

Comfort and Connectivity. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected. Special stations are provided for charging gadgets. Passengers wishing to rest in a quieter environment can use the services of the VIP lounge, where beverages, snacks, and a more secluded atmosphere are usually offered.

Financial and Other Services. For passenger convenience, the airport has currency exchange counters and ATMs from several local banks. In case of illness or injury, there is a medical point where first aid can be provided.

Services for Special Categories of Passengers. The airport is equipped for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility, including ramps and specially equipped restrooms. To receive assistance with moving around the terminal, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. Families with small children can use the mother and child room.

Accommodation and Business. There are no hotels within the airport territory itself, but there are several hotels in the immediate vicinity that can be quickly reached by taxi. Specialized business centres or conference rooms are absent in the airport, but basic conditions for work may be provided in the VIP lounge.

Surat Thani Airport (URT), being an important transport hub for travellers heading to the islands of Samui, Phangan, and Tao, offers several dining options so you can refresh yourself before your flight. Although the choice here is not as extensive as in capital airports, you certainly won't go hungry.

Most cafés and eateries are concentrated in the public area (landside) of the main terminal, before passing through security control. We recommend eating here, as the selection in the departure area (airside) is extremely limited and may be reduced to a small kiosk with beverages and snacks.

Dining Options at Surat Thani Airport:

For a Full Meal: On the ground floor of the terminal, you will find several small restaurants and a food court serving authentic Thai cuisine. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the flavours of southern Thailand one last time. Look out for dishes with curry, spicy soups, or classic Pad Thai. Prices here are quite democratic, especially compared to tourist zones on the islands.

For a Quick Snack: Several chain and local coffee shops operate at the airport, for example, Black Canyon Coffee. Here you can order coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and pastries. There is also a 24-hour 7-Eleven store on the premises — an ideal option for a budget snack. In it, you will find ready-made meals that can be heated on the spot, as well as a wide selection of beverages, yoghurts, crisps, and sweets.

Special Dietary Requirements:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: In cafés with Thai cuisine, you can always ask to prepare a dish without meat or fish (for example, vegetarian fried rice "khao pad jay" or noodles). 7-Eleven also has a selection of vegetarian sandwiches and ready-made meals.
• Halal: Given the characteristics of southern Thailand, the airport usually has at least one establishment offering certified Halal food. Look for the corresponding sign.
• Gluten-Free: The safest choice would be rice-based dishes and fresh fruits. Care should be taken with sauces, as most contain soy sauce.

Most establishments operate according to the flight schedule — from early morning until the last flight departs late in the evening. Prices are generally moderate: a full lunch in a local café will be inexpensive, and a snack in a coffee shop or store will cost even less.

Surat Thani Airport (URT) is a key transport hub for travellers heading to the popular islands of Thailand. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, follow these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Surat Thani Airport is relatively small, but it can get crowded during peak season. We recommend arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international one. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. Check-in counters and the security zone usually work quickly, but it is better to have a time buffer.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When choosing a seat on the plane, standard advice applies here too: a window seat offers beautiful views during takeoff or landing, while an aisle seat allows you to stand up freely. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions on liquids (no more than 100 ml in one container, all in a transparent bag). Power banks can only be carried in hand luggage. Please note that the import, use, and possession of electronic cigarettes (vapes) in Thailand are prohibited by law, so do not bring them with you.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Surat Thani is rarely used as a transit hub for flights. Most often, people transfer here to a bus and ferry to the islands of Samui, Phangan, or Tao. If you do have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect your luggage. Upon arrival in the country, follow the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, or the "Red Channel" if you have goods subject to declaration.

Saving Time and Money. The most popular way to get from the airport to the islands is a combined ticket (bus + ferry). It is more profitable and reliable to book it online in advance, especially in the high season. Prices for food and beverages at the airport are higher than in the city, so it is better to have a snack before arriving at the airport. Use ATMs to withdraw cash, but be prepared for a commission fee.

In Case of Flight Delay. If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Monitor updates on the departure board. Depending on the length of the delay, the airline is obliged to provide beverages, meals, or hotel accommodation. Keep all receipts for unforeseen expenses to request compensation later, if provided for by the rules.