How to get around
Songkhla

For travelers coming from Bangkok or other distant cities, the fastest option is to fly into Hat Yai Airport (code HDY), the busiest airport in the lower south with the most flights in and out. Both low-cost and full-service carriers run direct flights from Bangkok several times a day. The key thing to understand upfront is that this airport sits within Hat Yai district, not Songkhla town with its old town and Samila Beach. If your destination is Songkhla town, you'll need to travel roughly 30 kilometers further, taking about 40 minutes to an hour.

There are several ways to get from the airport into town: shared vans or airport shuttle vans that drop off at various points, metered airport taxis, or simply calling a Grab right from the airport. If you're traveling in a group, chartering a car or pre-booking a transfer is usually more worthwhile and convenient, since it takes you straight to your accommodation in Songkhla town without multiple transfers. Build in extra time for the onward transfer, especially if you have an appointment or a scheduled check-in — and if you're landing late at night, it's worth booking a transfer in advance rather than trying to find a ride on the spot.

The southern train line is another appealing option for travelers who like taking things slow and aren't in a rush. Southbound trains stop at Hat Yai Junction Station, a major railway junction for the lower south, with a choice of special express trains, sleeper cars, and standard seating depending on your budget and comfort preference. The train's advantage is the scenery along the way that flying simply can't offer, and if you choose an overnight sleeper service, you save on a night's accommodation in the bargain — you wake up right in Hat Yai.

The same limitation applies here as with flying: the train stops in Hat Yai and doesn't run directly into Songkhla town. Once you arrive at Hat Yai Junction, you'll need to transfer by van or songthaew into Songkhla town, and there are plenty of onward rides right outside the station. Another point to note is that the train takes much longer than flying — the Bangkok–Hat Yai route takes several hours up to overnight — so it suits travelers who see the journey itself as part of the trip rather than those wanting to arrive quickly. Sleeper tickets sell out fast during long holidays, so book ahead through the State Railway's system or a trusted booking channel.

If you're looking for the cheapest way to reach Songkhla, buses and vans from Bangkok are the answer. Most depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Taling Chan), with a choice of air-conditioned buses in various classes as well as joint-service vans, arriving in Hat Yai and, in some cases, all the way into Songkhla town. Fares are considerably cheaper than airfare, and you can bring more luggage. This suits budget-conscious travelers, students heading home, or anyone who'd rather put their money toward accommodation and food instead of transport.

What you need to prepare for is that the distance from Bangkok to Songkhla is very long — the journey takes a full overnight stretch, with most departures in the late afternoon or evening arriving the next morning. Choose a seat that reclines comfortably and plan to rest on board. Pick a reputable operator with good reviews for punctuality and safety, and check clearly whether the service ends in Hat Yai or goes all the way into Songkhla town, since if it stops in Hat Yai you'll still need an onward transfer, just as with flying or the train. Keep valuables on you and watch your luggage throughout the trip.

Once you reach Hat Yai — whether by plane, train, or bus — the cheapest way into Songkhla town is the regular van and songthaew service running between the two all day. The distance is around 30 kilometers, taking roughly 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. Fares run from tens up to just over 100 baht per person depending on distance and vehicle type, which is very cheap compared to chartering a taxi — a great fit for solo travelers or pairs looking to save.

Worth knowing: these regular services run on fairly fixed schedules and pickup points. Most run frequently during the day, but services thin out and may stop earlier than expected in the evening. If you arrive in Hat Yai late at night, you may need to rely on Grab or a chartered ride instead. Before you travel, ask your accommodation or station staff about pickup points and schedules, since there are several pickup spots around Hat Yai and each route runs a different path. Once you reach Songkhla town, you can then transfer to a local songthaew or motorbike taxi to reach your accommodation. Overall it's much cheaper than calling a private car, in exchange for needing to plan your timing and transfer points carefully.

Once you're in Songkhla town, getting around relies mainly on songthaews, motorbike taxis, and the Grab app, since Songkhla has no skytrain or big-city bus network. In-town songthaews run along main routes connecting key districts with Samila Beach at a low price, while motorbike taxis suit short hops when you want to get somewhere quickly — just find one waiting at a stand or near a market and agree on the price before you hop on. Both are affordable, flexible local options for hopping between spots around town.

For travelers who want convenience and to know the price upfront, Grab works in Songkhla — you see the fare before booking and there's no need to haggle, which is handy when heading back to your hotel at night, carrying something heavy, or just not wanting to negotiate. The catch, compared to Bangkok or Hat Yai, is that there are fewer Grab cars in Songkhla town, so during rush hour or late at night you may wait a while or struggle to find a ride. It's wise to build in extra time, and if you're in an area with motorbike taxi stands or songthaew routes nearby, keep those as a backup. In short, mix and match these three options depending on the situation and you'll get around Songkhla town easily without a private vehicle.

If you want to explore Songkhla independently and plan on heading out of town, renting a car is the most worthwhile and convenient option — especially for crossing Tinsulanonda Bridge to Koh Yo, visiting the Institute for Southern Thai Studies, sampling khao satu and seafood along Songkhla Lake, or reaching beaches and temples scattered outside the town center. These spots are too far to walk and public transport doesn't reach them all. Rental companies operate both at Hat Yai Airport and in town, with many offering airport pickup, at around 900–1,500 baht per day depending on the vehicle, not including fuel. You'll need a driving license and should take out full insurance coverage — photograph the car from all angles before taking it, to document its condition.

Getting around Songkhla's old town — Nang Ngam, Nakhon Nok, and Nakhon Nai roads — is a different matter entirely, since this area is compact and attractive enough to suit walking or cycling far better than driving. Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, coffee shops, and food are all within comfortable walking distance of each other. Many places to stay in the old town lend or rent out bicycles, and cycling in the morning or evening when the sun isn't too strong is ideal, letting you take in details of the neighborhood that you'd miss driving past. One thing to watch for when driving in the old town is that the streets are narrow with limited parking, especially on holidays when it gets crowded — you'll feel more at ease parking the car and walking or cycling around the neighborhood instead.