Local Transportation: Sukhothai

Public Transportation Options

Sukhothai's public transportation system is less extensive than in larger Thai cities, but it effectively serves the main tourist routes.

Within Sukhothai New City, there is no formal fixed-route public bus system. For shorter distances or specific destinations within the city, tuk-tuks serve as the main on-demand transport.

Songthaew & Tuk-tuk

Songthaew: Modified pickup trucks with two benches, shared taxis along fixed routes (New City to Historical Park).
Tuk-tuk: Main on-demand transport for shorter distances within New City or Old City.
Songthaew fares (New City to Old City) are fixed (30-50 THB/person). Tuk-tuk fares are negotiated.
Songthaews operate from early morning (6 AM) to early evening (6-7 PM), running every 15-30 minutes.

Hailing Songthaews

Simply wave one down from the roadside along its route. Confirm your destination with the driver before boarding.

Tuk-tuk Communication

Always have your destination written in Thai or clearly marked on a map. Agree on the price before boarding.

Accessibility

Public transportation options are generally not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.

Stay Connected Locally

ESIM for Travelers

Airalo: Digital SIMs (eSIMs) for instant connectivity abroad.
Avoid expensive roaming charges.
Global coverage for data plans.

Seamless Setup

Easy installation and activation.
Download plans before you arrive.
Stay online from the moment you land.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Metered Taxis

Rare in Sukhothai. Tuk-tuks serve as main private hire.

Hailing

Flag down tuk-tuks or find at stands near attractions.

Grab App

Limited availability in Sukhothai; do not solely rely on it.

Payment

Cash (THB) is preferred and often only accepted for local transport.

Rental Options for Exploration

Car, motorcycle, and bicycle rentals are available for independent travel.

Car Rental

International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country license required.
Passport and major credit card for deposit.
Major companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz) at Phitsanulok Airport.
Cost: 800-1,500 THB/day for basic car.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rental

Widely available from rental shops/guesthouses.
Legally, IDP with motorcycle endorsement needed (many shops rent without).
Always wear a Helmet (legally required, usually provided).
Inspect bike for damage and take photos before renting.

Driving Laws & Roads

Traffic drives on the left side of the road.
Helmets mandatory for motorcyclists, seatbelts for car occupants.
Speed limits: 60 km/h (urban), 90 km/h (rural), 120 km/h (major highways).

Bicycle Rentals: No formal bicycle sharing programs.
Immense popularity; rent from guesthouses and shops near Historical Park.
Very affordable: typically 30-50 THB/day.

Walking & Cycling Around

Pedestrian-Friendly

Sukhothai Historical Park has excellent walking opportunities within individual zones.

Cycling Infrastructure

Park boasts well-developed and maintained bicycle paths connecting temples and monuments.

No-Go Areas

Cycling on major highways outside city/park vicinity is not recommended due to high traffic speeds.

Specialized Transportation

Sukhothai's specialized transportation options cater mainly to organized tours rather than unique local modes.

Tour Buses

No hop-on-hop-off bus services operate in Sukhothai.
Tour buses are typically part of organized package tours or private group arrangements.
These are usually pre-booked and give transport for a specific itinerary.
They operate on a fixed itinerary rather than a flexible hop-on, hop-off model.

Unique Local Transport

Boat taxis and other forms of water transportation are not relevant for tourism.
No regular passenger boat services for sightseeing or getting around on the Yom River.
Sukhothai does not feature cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.
Main local transport options are songthaews, tuk-tuks, and bicycles.

Accessibility Services

Limited Infrastructure

Accessibility infrastructure in Sukhothai is generally limited, reflecting the broader situation in many parts of Thailand.

Many sections have uneven ground, steps, or unpaved surfaces.

Public Transport

Public transport options like songthaews and tuk-tuks are not wheelchair accessible.

No ramps or specialized seating.

Accommodation & Transfers

Newer, larger hotels might have some accessible rooms and facilities; confirm directly before booking.

Hiring a private car with a driver gives the most flexibility.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing Details

Identification & Hailing

Sukhothai does not have a common fleet of licensed metered taxis.
Flag down a passing tuk-tuk on the street or find at designated stands.
Private cars arranged through hotels or local travel agencies are less common.

Fares & Payment

Tuk-tuk fares are always negotiated before starting your journey.
For short rides within New City, expect 50-100 THB.
Cash in Thai Baht is the universally preferred and often only accepted payment method.

Safety Considerations for Local Options

Local transportation in Sukhothai is generally safe.
For tuk-tuks, always agree on the fare beforehand to prevent disputes.
Remain aware of your personal belongings, especially in open-air vehicles.
Keep bags secure and close to your person.

Airport/station taxi arrangements: Minivans/taxis available at TDX/PHS.
At Sukhothai Bus Terminal, songthaews and tuk-tuks are available outside.
Drivers usually approach arriving passengers.
Confirm fare and destination to avoid issues.

Accessibility Note

Accessibility infrastructure in Sukhothai is generally limited. Many sections involve uneven ground, steps, or unpaved surfaces, which can challenge travelers with mobility impairments.

Hiring a private car with a driver gives the most flexibility for travelers with mobility challenges.

Local Transportation