How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand?

So you’re ready to plan an epic vacation to Thailand – but how long does it take to get to Thailand?

Depending on where you’re coming from, it can be a very long flight to Thailand, often taking more than 24 hours of travel to get there from the United States!


I’ve been full-time solo traveling for more than two years now and have made the trip to Thailand twice – once from Los Angeles International Airport and once from London. My flight from Los Angeles to Bangkok, with a layover in Korea, took over 20 hours. My flight from London to Chiang Mai was a few hours shorter.


Flights from the US involve one or two stopovers. There are no direct flights from the US to Thailand. There are direct flights from some cities in Europe, Australia, and Asia, but even those will take 11+ hours.


Good news: Every traveler I’ve talked to agrees the long journey to Thailand is more than worthwhile, and many are itching to go back! 


Trust me, the moment you step off that plane, you’ll forget all about those hours spent in transit. 


So, fasten your seatbelt, prepare for takeoff, and brace yourself for a bit of a long haul to the Land of Smiles!

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand from the US?

Wearing my red raincoat during monsoon season in Chiang Mai, standing on the stairs of a Naga staircase at a temple in Chiang Mai.

Note: Flight times vary depending on the length of your layover and whether you have one stopover or two. Flight times below include layover time.

Atlanta to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Atlanta is 22-25 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available. 

Boston to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Boston is 20-24 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

Chicago to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Chicago is 21-24 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

Denver to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Denver is 23-24 hours with one stop and 23-28 hours with two stops. Nonstop flights are not available, and one-stop flights are limited. Most flights from Denver to Thailand route first through larger airports like Seattle or LA, then on to Seoul or Taipei or Europe.

Houston to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Houston is 22-28 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

Los Angeles to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from LAX is 19-23 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

Miami to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Miami is 22-24 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

New York to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from NYC is 20-24 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

San Francisco to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from San Francisco is 19-25 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

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How Long is a Flight to Thailand from Europe?

Me standing in front of a giant gold reclining Buddha statue in Thailand, wearing a sarong tied around my waist. How long does it take to get to Thailand? A long time, but it's worth it!

Note: Flight times vary depending on the length of your layover, and how many stopovers you have (if any). Flight times below include layover time, when applicable.

Amsterdam to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Amsterdam is 11.5 hours for nonstop flights and 13-17 hours for one-stop fights. 

Dublin to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Dublin is 14-17 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

Frankfurt to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Frankfurt is just under 11 hours for nonstop flights and 13-15 hours for one-stop fights. 

London to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from London is 11.5 hours for nonstop flights and 13 hours for one-stop fights. 

Paris to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Paris is just over 11 hours for nonstop flights and 13-17 hours for one-stop fights. 

How Long is a Flight to Thailand from Canada?

The flight time to Thailand from Canada is 18-23 hours with one layover. Nonstop flights are not available.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

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How Long is a Flight to Thailand from Australia?

Underwater photo of me scuba diving near Phuket, Thailand. I'm showing the "hang loose" sign, wearing a black wet suit.

The flight time to Thailand from Sydney is just under 10 hours for nonstop flights and 12+ hours for one-stop flights. 


Flight times are similar from Melbourne to Thailand.


Brisbane and Perth do not have nonstop flights – one-stop flights are 10-15 hours.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand from Asia?

There is no beach in Chiang Mai, but there are beautiful beaches in the south of Thailand! Me sitting on a rock overlooking a beautiful beach and water in Thailand.

Note: Flight times vary depending on the length of your layover (if any). Flight times below include layover time, when applicable. 

How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand from Cambodia?

The flight time to Thailand from Cambodia is just over 1 hour for nonstop flights. 
You can also travel from Cambodia to Thailand by land. Many travelers choose the direct bus from Bangkok to Siem Reap, which costs about $35-43 USD and takes about 9 hours.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand from Laos?

The flight time to Thailand from Laos is just over 1.5-2 hours for nonstop flights. 


You can also travel from Laos to Thailand by land. Many backpackers choose the direct bus from Bangkok to Vientiane, which takes 9-11 hours. There’s also a direct bus from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang that takes 19-22 hours.

How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand from Vietnam?

The flight time to Thailand from Vietnam is just under 2 hours for nonstop flights. 

India to Bangkok Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from New Delhi, India is 4.5 hours for nonstop flights. 

Hong Kong to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Hong Kong is 2.5 hours for nonstop flights. 

Malaysia to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Malaysia is just over 2 hours for nonstop flights. 

Singapore to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Singapore is just over 2 hours for nonstop flights. 

Tel Aviv to Thailand Flight Time

The flight time to Thailand from Tel Aviv is just under 9 hours for nonstop flights and 11-15 hours for one-stop flights. 

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

Where to Stay in Thailand

These are my top picks for where to stay in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

👉 My favorite hotel in Bangkok: Tamni – A super comfortable hotel with air conditioning and a rooftop, close to the subway station and within walking distance of Chinatown.

👉 My favorite hotel in Chiang MaiPOR Thapae Gate – I love the location and the breakfast, but the most amazing part is that the staff really cares about you.

👉 My favorite hotel in Phuket: Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel – The location right in the center of Phuket Town is perfect for exploring, and the rooms are extremely comfortable.

Airports in Thailand

Air Asia's check-in counter at an airport in Thailand, with a sign indicating that monks get priority. Flight times to Thailand are long, but so worth it!

Bangkok, Thailand has two international airports, and the majority of international flights arrive via this capital city. 


Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok is the primary international gateway to Thailand, with flights arriving from all over the world. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is a smaller international airport, which serves as a gateway for budget airlines and provides service to and from the region.


While Don Muang is located closer to Bangkok’s city center, Suvarnabhumi is easier to get to via public transportation.


Other popular airports in Thailand include Chiang Mai International Airport and Phuket International Airport which serves as a hub for budget airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air.

U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport is another great option for those looking to spend time in a bikini and visit the beach towns around Pattaya and Rayong, while Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport connects visitors to remote areas of Northern Thailand. 

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Tips for a Long Flight

Me wearing my backpacks on my back and front in front of a back SUV, smiling at the camera.

I know first-hand how daunting long flights are, and I’ve taken quite a few of them, including two flights to Thailand.


Don’t worry – with these tips for how to survive a long flight, you’ll be able to make your trip that much more enjoyable! 


1. Bring an extra set of headphones and a charger for your device in case the airlines do not provide them. I never travel without a battery pack.


2. Make sure you have plenty of entertainment ready for offline use: books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, etc.


3. Pack snacks to eat on the plane and stay hydrated throughout the flight.


4. Wear comfortable clothes so that you don’t get too hot or cold during the flight.


5. Bring a supportive neck pillow. I am obsessed with my Trtl which holds my neck up while I sleep.


6. Invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out any distracting sounds from passengers or aircraft. I also use an eye mask to block out the light when I’m ready to sleep.


7. Plan ahead and book window seats if you would like somewhere to lean your head during the flight or aisle seats if you need more legroom and prefer having easy access to restrooms during long flights. I’ve gotten stuck in the middle seat for a long flight before and it is not pleasant!

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How Long is the Flight to Thailand FAQs

Sitting at a cafe in Chiang Mai looking over the railing at a water-filled rice paddy.

What Airlines Fly to Thailand?

Many different airlines fly to Thailand including British Airways, Thai Airways, KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Kuwait Airways, China Airlines, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines.

How long should my international layover be?

For international layovers, it’s generally recommended that you have at least two to three hours for your layover. While it’s possible to have a shorter layover, this allows plenty of time for flight delays, getting through immigration, and for your checked luggage to make it to your connecting flight. 

How many hours is it from USA to Thailand?

The flight time from the USA to Thailand ranges from 20-28 hours, depending on which route you take and how long your layovers are. There are no direct flights from the USA to Thailand.

How long does it take to fly direct to Thailand?

Direct flights to Thailand from Europe are about 11-12 hours, depending on which route you take. There are no direct flights from the USA to Thailand.

How many days does it take to get to Thailand from USA?

Total travel time to get to Thailand from the USA is over 24 hours, including time spent traveling to/from the airport and layover time.

Can you fly direct to Thailand from the US?

No, there are no direct flights from the US to Thailand. Flights from the US to Thailand have at least one stop.

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How Long Does it Take to Get to Thailand – Key Takeaways

  • Flights from the United States to Thailand take 20-28 hours, depending on the departure city and layovers. There are no direct flights to Thailand from the US.
  • Direct flights from Europe to Thailand are available and take about 11-12 hours.
  • Flights from Vietnam and Cambodia are about 1 hour long, but it’s also possible to get to Thailand via land.
  • Flights from Australia to Thailand are 10-15 hours. Direct flights from some cities are available.
  • Common layover cities for flights to Thailand are Seoul, Istanbul, Doha, Taipei, London, and Tokyo.

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✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

Wrap Up: Flight Time to Thailand

Picture of me facing an ancient temple in Ayuthaya, Thailand.

So, how long does it take to get to Thailand?


Travelers are looking at long flights of well over 20 hours from the US to Thailand – and there are no direct flights from here.

Flights from Europe and Australia are about half the time, and it’s usually a pretty quick flight from different cities in Asia to Thailand.

The journey to Thailand is long, but it’s worth it! Be sure to have Thailand’s ride-share app downloaded before you arrive so that you can get around easily.


And it’s sometimes possible to find cheap flights! You can find great deals on airfare and save money on your trip with this flight search engine.

✈️ Search for cheap flights to Thailand here.

📝 Thailand Travel Planning Guide 🇹🇭🌟

Before you embark on your unforgettable journey to Thailand here are the essential tips every traveler should know:

🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Thailand?

✅ 100% YES! — My #1 Safety Tip for all travelers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend and use SafetyWing – it’s cheap and comprehensive.

💧Can you drink the water in Thailand?

🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Thailand (but using tap water to brush your teeth is usually fine). I recommend this reusable water bottle! It works great, turning tap water into safe-to-drink water that tastes good.

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Thailand?

Yes — Renting a car in Thailand is one of the best ways to see the countryside! I recommend Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local companies, so you get the best rates.

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Thailand accommodations?

My go-to for Thailand hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use HostelWorld. Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!

✈️ What’s the best site to book Thailand flights?

For finding cheap Thailand flights, I recommend CheapOAir.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Thailand?

🙅🏻‍♀️ Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need visas for stays of up to 30 days in Thailand.

💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Thai baht, and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate).

🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Thailand is a breeze! Grab is safe and cheap in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Bangkok has a modern metro. It’s easy to use local transport such as songthaews, too.

📶 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: Thailand has reliable internet connectivity. SIM cards are easy to find and cheap.