How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand in 2024

Are you wondering how long it takes to get to Thailand from where you are in the world? This guide has got you covered.

Thailand is a dream destination for many and with good reason. It boasts beautiful beaches, tropical climate, delicious food and a fascinating culture, amongst many other things.

For many travellers, the journey to Thailand takes time, but it’s so worth it. The article covers average flight durations from different parts of the world, including Europe, USA, Canada, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia.

I’ve been fortunate to be able to easily visit Thailand from Manchester, UK where I live. The flight times are not perfect, but they are good enough for those like me who travel while working full-time and have limited PTO.

Read on to find out how long it would take you to get to Thailand from wherever you are in the world.

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Flights Times to Thailand from Different Regions

This article covers flights that get you from your starting point to the first port in Thailand, most likely Bangkok or Phuket. Additional domestic flights will add extra time to your journey.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Thailand from the UK

The only direct flight to Thailand from the UK is London to Bangkok that takes about 12 hours one way. This route departs from Heathrow.

Indirect flights from London and other major cities such as Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham, take on average about 15 – 16 hours one-way. If you have an extended stopover at the intermediate airport, the trip will take even longer.

Some airlines such as Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa offer flights with two stopovers along the way, which increases the overall journey duration to about 18 hours.

I’ve mainly travelled to Thailand via Middle Eastern hubs such as Qatar. I do enjoy having a stop half-way through the journey to stretch my legs.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Thailand from Europe

The flight durations from European cities to Thailand vary only slightly. Here are the journey times you can expect from major European airports.

Paris, France

Direct flights from Paris to Bangkok take about 11 hours. Indirect options with one stopover, either to the Thai capital or destinations like Phuket, range from 15 to 18 hours, depending on the airline and stopover duration. There are also two-stop options available, taking 20 hours one way.

Frankfurt, Germany

Direct flights between Frankfurt and Bangkok take just under 11 hours. Expect travel times of 15-18 hours to the Thai capital or other popular destinations with one stopover. Two-stop options extend journey times to 21 hours.

Rome, Italy

There are no direct flights between Rome and Thailand. One-stop flights to various Thai destinations typically take between 15 and 16 hours, though longer flights with extended stopovers are available. Two-stop flights usually last between 19 and 20 hours.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

It takes 11.5 hours to travel directly from Amsterdam to Bangkok. Indirect journeys to various Thai destinations average between 13 and 16 hours one-way, depending on the route. Two-stopover journeys take about 20 hours.

Dublin, Ireland

Travelling from Dublin to Thailand takes, on average, between 13 and 16 hours one way, including a stopover, as there are no direct flights between the Irish capital and the Land of Smiles. Two-stopover options will take longer.

You will find that flights from most European capital cities fall within the same timeframe as the examples above.

How Long Does It Take to Fly to Thailand from the US

The U.S. is vast, and it’s impossible to cover every possible flight route. Here is how long it takes to get to Thailand from some of the biggest American cities.

New York

There are no direct flights between New York and Thailand. Flights with one layover typically take between 21 and 23 hours one way. Options with two layovers can take up to 34 hours.

Boston

Similarly to New York, there are no direct flights between Boston and Thailand. Flights with one layover normally take from 20 to 22 hours one way. Journeys with two layovers can range from 25 to 38 hours, depending on the airline.

Chicago

Flights from Chicago to Thailand with only one layover usually take between 21 and 24 hours. Journeys that include two layovers take between 25 and 30 hours one way. There are no direct flights from Chicago to Thailand.

Seattle

There are no direct flights between Seattle and Thailand. Flights with a single layover in Asia take about 19 hours. However, flying via the Middle East extends the journey to nearly 24 hours. Flights with two layovers range from 25 to 28 hours.

Houston

There are no direct flights between Houston and Thailand. Flights with one layover take, on average, 24 hours, although some airlines may offer longer durations. With two layovers, the journey time can vary between 27 and 36 hours.

Los Angeles

Currently, there are no direct flights between Los Angeles and Thailand. Flights with one layover take between 19 and 21 hours one way. Traveling with two layovers, the journey time increases to between 25 and 27 hours on average.

San Francisco

The average flight duration between San Francisco and Thailand, including a layover, ranges from 19 to 21 hours. Alternatives with additional layovers take about 25 hours one way. Direct flights between the two are not available.

How Long is a Flight to Thailand from Canada

There are no direct flights between Thailand and Canada. Here are the average flight times from major Canadian cities to various Thai destinations.

Toronto

Flights with one layover between Toronto and popular Thai destinations normally range betwen 22 to 26 hours. Flights with two layovers can vary between 25 and 35 hours one way, depending on the airline and route.

Montreal

Getting from Montreal to places like Bangkok and Phuket with one layover takes between 21 and 23 hours. Additional stopovers can easily extend journey times up to 30 hours.

Ottawa

The shortest flight time with just one layover between Ottawa and Thailand is about 26 hours. However, travelling from the Canadian capital to the Land of Smiles may require two or three layovers, with journey times ranging from 24 to 33 hours depending on the route.

Vancouver

The journey from Vancouver to Thailand takes between 18 and 21 hours with a single layover. Multi-layover flights average 22 to 23 hours.

How Long is a Flight to Thailand from Central and Latin America

Getting from this part of the world to Thailand is no easy feat, as direct flights are non-existent. Below are some of the more common routes to the Land of Smiles.

Mexico City, Mexico

The quickest flights between Mexico and Bangkok with just one layover in Europe take between 23 and 27 hours. To get to other parts of Thailand, two layovers are necessary, and the journey can take up to 35 hours one way.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

There is a small number of flights with one stop in Europe, which are not particularly convenient and can take over 30 hours one way. Flights with two and three stopovers are common and also exceed 30 hours.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

The flight duration between Sao Paulo and Thailand is between 25 and 28 hours, including one stopover either in the Middle East or Europe. Flights with two stopovers take more than 30 hours one way. There are no direct flights between Sao Paulo and Thailand.

Lima, Peru

Dutch airline KLM operates a route with one layover in Amsterdam from Lima to Bangkok that takes about 26 hours. However, journeys with two layovers are more common, starting from 27 hours one way.

Santiago, Chile

ng in journey times of over 30 hours. Some two-layover journeys, especially those operated by Iberia and Qatar Airways, can take just under 30 hours.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand from Australia and New Zealand

Here are the flight durations from the biggest cities in Australia and New Zealand.

Sydney, Australia

Direct flights from Sydney to Bangkok take about nine and a half hours. There are also direct flights to Phuket that take nine hours. Options with one layover range between 12 and 14 hours one way.

Melbourne, Australia

Direct flights between Melbourne and Bangkok take about nine hours one way. Flights with a single layover to various Thai destinations take between 13 and 15 hours.

Brisbane, Australia

There are no direct flights between Brisbane and Bangkok. Flights with one layover range from 14 to 16 hours. Options with two layovers can take up to 23 hours one way.

Perth, Australia

Direct flights from Perth to Bangkok take between six and a half and seven hours one way. Flights with one layover to destinations like Bangkok or Phuket range from nine to 12 hours, although some options may take longer due to extended layovers.

Auckland, New Zealand

Flights from Auckland to Thailand typically take between 14 and 15 hours one way, including one layover. Two-layover options range from 16 to 24 hours one way. There are no direct flights between Auckland and Thailand.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand from the Middle East

Many places in the Middle East have excellent connections with Thailand. Here are some of the options available to travellers.

Dubai, UAE

Direct flights connect Dubai to Bangkok and Phuket, taking about six hours one way. To reach other destinations, a layover may be necessary, extending the flight duration to between eight and twelve hours.

Doha, Qatar

You can catch direct flights from Doha to Bangkok or Phuket, with a flight duration of around six and a half hours. For other parts of Thailand, the flight duration, including a stopover, ranges from eight to twelve hours.

Tel Aviv, Israel

Direct flights between Tel Aviv and Bangkok take about 11 hours one way. For other Thai destinations, a layover is necessary, and you should expect the journey to last between 10 and 16 hours on average.

How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand from Asia

One article can’t cover all the flight options available between Thailand and other parts of Asia. Here are the flight durations for some of the most popular routes.

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, Cambodia

Direct flights to Bangkok are just over an hour long. For other parts of Thailand, you’ll likely need a stopover in Bangkok, with journeys taking four to six hours on average.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Direct flights to Thailand take about two hours one-way. Direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phuket also take about two hours. Reaching other destinations typically involves a stopover in Bangkok, extending the travel time to five to six hours.

Jakarta and Bali, Indonesia

Direct flights connect Bangkok with Jakarta and Bali, taking between three and a half and four and a half hours on average. Flights to other parts of Thailand require a layover and take five to seven hours, depending on the duration at the intermediate airport.

Singapore

Numerous direct flights connect Singapore with various Thai destinations, including Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi, with an average flight time of about two hours.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Direct flights are available to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Flights to Bangkok and Phuket take about two hours, while those to Chiang Mai take about three hours.

Hong Kong

Direct flights to Bangkok take three hours, and to Phuket just under four hours. Other destinations may require a stopover, extending the journey to five to six hours.

Beijing and Shanghai, China

Direct flights from Beijing to Bangkok and Phuket take five and a half and six and a half hours, respectively. Flights to other destinations involve layovers and take between eight and ten hours. Flights from Shanghai are slightly shorter.

Tokyo, Japan

Direct flights between Tokyo and Bangkok take about seven hours. Reaching other Thai destinations requires a layover, extending the journey to 10 to 12 hours.

Seoul, South Korea

Direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket take six hours and just under seven hours, respectively. For other destinations, a layover is required, resulting in journey times of eight to 12 hours.

Mumbai, India

Direct flights to Bangkok and Phuket are typically four hours long. Journeys with a layover can extend up to 10 hours.

Istanbul, Türkiye

Direct flights to Bangkok take nine hours. For all other destinations, a layover is necessary, usually taking between 12 and 14 hours.

Main Airports in Thailand

The main airports in Thailand are Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airports in Bangkok, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport.

There are also smaller airports like Samui International Airport, which receive fewer international flights. However, you might still be able to go to destinations directly depending on where you’re travelling from.

Chances are, if you are travelling from outside East Asia, you will first arrive at Suvarnabhumi or Phuket International Airport. From there, you can take a domestic flight to your final destination.

Top Airlines Flying to Thailand

Since Thailand is such a popular destination, many airlines offer flights to the Land of Smiles. The top airlines that travel to Bangkok, Phuket, and other destinations with international airports include:

Singapore Airlines
Cathay Pacific
Air China
Korean Air
KLM
Air France
Lufthansa
Qatar Airways
Etihad
Emirates

I normally start my research with Skyscanner and then book directly with my chosen airline.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Thailand

If you are travelling to Thailand from Europe, the Americas, or Oceania, flights will never be particularly ‘cheap’, simply because of the long distance involved. Unsurprisingly, flying from neighbouring countries is more affordable.

Nevertheless, there are a few strategies you can use to secure a better deal on flights to Thailand, no matter where you are travelling from.

Firstly, consider visiting Thailand in the shoulder or even low season. The peak tourist season in Thailand is between December and February, with the country becoming particularly busy around Christmas and New Year.

The wet season, from June to October, is when flight prices are typically 20-30% cheaper than during the high season. You might not be lucky with the weather, but it’s a risk worth taking for some.

Also, be sure to book your flight well in advance, as prices are generally lower then. You may occasionally find a last-minute deal when airlines need to sell off remaining seats, but this is a risk, especially during the high season.

Last but not least, consider indirect flights instead of direct ones. I’ve found that travelling from the UK via hubs like Doha or Dubai often offers better value than direct flights from London.

You’re in Thailand: What Next?

You’ve made it! There is so much to see, and do in Thailand that one trip never feels enough. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Explore the concrete jungle of Bangkok – a vibrant city where modernity and traditional ways of life collide in a fascinating way. These one-day and two-day itineraries will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
Gorge on delicious street food that Thailand is famous for.
Discover the beauty and the laidback lifestyle of the Thai islands, from popular Phuket to the more off-the-beaten track Koh Lanta.
Visit historic temples to experience Thailand’s Buddhist side.
Bargain-hunt at local markets.
Go on jungle adventure in the Northern Thailand.
Experience the magic of a traditional Thai massage.
And more!

Final Thoughts

Hope you’ve found this guide helpful. For more information on travel in the Land of Smiles, check out these guides to Thailand travel costs and local transportation.

If you’re wondering about the local climate, check out this guide to winter in Thailand.

Trying to choose between the Thai capital and a beach break for your next trip? This Bangkok vs Phuket comparison will help you decide which one is right for you.

FAQs: How Long Does It Take to Get to Thailand?

Can you fly straight to Thailand?

This depends on where you begin your journey. You can fly directly to Thailand from many Asian cities. Direct flights are also available from Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Additionally, some major European cities offer direct connections to Thailand.

Why are Thailand flights so expensive?

There are many factors that contribute to the pricing of flights to Thailand and other destinations. Flight prices are primarily influenced by supply and demand. When many people want to travel at the same time, prices can easily skyrocket to manage demand. Other factors such as jet fuel costs, taxes, and the availability of aircraft and staff also influence the costs of air travel.

Can I drive to Thailand from UK?

In theory, yes, you can drive to Thailand from the UK. However, in practice, this might be challenging. Driving to Thailand from the UK would take weeks of travel and require you to cross countries that may not necessarily be tourist-friendly. It could turn out to be a great adventure, but extensive research and preparation are essential before you attempt such a journey.

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