Koh Samui, a tropical island paradise known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife, is located off the east coast of Thailand. Traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui involves a combination of overland and sea travel, but there are several options to suit different schedules and budgets. This guide covers all transportation options for getting from Phuket to Koh Samui, including travel times, costs, and convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Phuket to Koh Samui:
- By Bus and Ferry: The most affordable and commonly used option.
- By Flight: The fastest and most convenient choice.
- By Private Car and Ferry: A flexible and comfortable option.
- By Speedboat and Ferry: For a more adventurous sea journey.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui.
Timetable
| Flight Phuket - Koh Samui ฿ 1,964–4,570 55m – 10h 43m | |
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| Bus Phuket - Koh Samui ฿ 684–1,300 6h 45m – 10h 30m | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Koh Samui ฿ 6,950–37,260 6h – 10h | |
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| Ferry Phuket - Koh Samui ฿ 672–1,092 7h 30m – 10h | |
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| Van Phuket - Koh Samui ฿ 700–1,650 6h – 10h | |
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By Bus and Ferry: The Most Affordable Option
Taking a bus and ferry combination is one of the most popular and affordable ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui. Buses depart from Phuket and take you to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where you’ll board a ferry to Koh Samui.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Buses and minivans depart from Phuket Bus Terminal or pick up passengers from central tourist areas like Patong or Phuket Town.
- Arrival Points: Ferries arrive at Nathon Pier or Lipa Noi Pier on Koh Samui.
- Duration: The entire journey takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.
- Price Range: Tickets cost between 600 to 1,200 THB (~$18 to $35 USD), depending on the service provider and type of bus.
- Bus and Ferry Operators: Popular operators include Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, and Phantip Travel.
Pros:
- The most affordable option for traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui.
- Buses and ferries are comfortable, with air-conditioning and rest stops along the way.
- Multiple daily departures from Phuket.
Cons:
- The journey is long, taking up to 8 hours.
- Travel time can vary depending on road and sea conditions.
Onboard Experience:
Buses offer comfortable seating with air-conditioning, while the ferry offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of the sea. Ferries often have cafes on board where you can buy refreshments.
Booking Tip:
It’s recommended to book your bus and ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Use our online search form to compare schedules and secure your tickets.
By Flight: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Flying is by far the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui. Direct flights operate between Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Samui International Airport (USM), making this option ideal for travelers who want to save time.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Flights depart from Phuket International Airport (HKT).
- Arrival Point: Flights arrive at Samui International Airport (USM) on Koh Samui.
- Flight Duration: The flight takes about 55 minutes.
- Price Range: Tickets typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 THB (~$90 to $180 USD), depending on the airline and season.
- Airlines: Bangkok Airways is the primary airline operating direct flights between Phuket and Koh Samui.
Pros:
- The fastest option, with a flight time under 1 hour.
- Ideal for travelers with limited time or those looking for maximum convenience.
- Direct access to Koh Samui without the need for ferry transfers.
Cons:
- More expensive than bus or ferry options.
- Limited to flights operated by Bangkok Airways, which can be costly during peak seasons.
Onboard Experience:
Bangkok Airways offers a premium service with comfortable seating and complimentary snacks on board. Samui International Airport is conveniently located near popular tourist areas on the island.
Booking Tip:
Flights between Phuket and Koh Samui can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel periods, so it’s best to book your tickets early. Use our online search form to compare flight prices and book your seats.
By Private Car and Ferry: The Flexible and Comfortable Option
For travelers seeking more flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi to Donsak Pier and then taking the ferry to Koh Samui is a comfortable and convenient option. This method allows you to travel at your own pace, with door-to-door service from your hotel in Phuket.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Hire a private car or taxi from Phuket to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani.
- Duration: The drive takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- Price Range: Private cars or taxis cost between 3,500 to 6,000 THB (~$100 to $180 USD), depending on the vehicle and service provider.
- Step 2: Take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui.
- Duration: The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours.
- Price: Ferry tickets cost between 300 to 500 THB (~$9 to $15 USD).
Pros:
- Flexible and private, ideal for families or groups with luggage.
- Door-to-door service, allowing you to travel at your own pace.
- More comfortable than taking a public bus or minivan.
Cons:
- More expensive than other options.
- Travel time may vary depending on traffic and ferry schedules.
Onboard Experience:
Private cars or taxis offer a comfortable and flexible journey, and ferries to Koh Samui provide indoor and outdoor seating, with plenty of space for luggage. The ferry ride offers scenic views of the surrounding islands.
Booking Tip:
It’s best to arrange private car services and ferry tickets in advance, especially during holidays. Use our online search form to book your private transfer and ferry tickets.
By Speedboat and Ferry: An Adventurous Sea Journey
For travelers who prefer sea travel and want to avoid long bus rides, combining a speedboat from Phuket to Surat Thani and a ferry to Koh Samui is an adventurous option. Speedboats are faster than traditional ferries, offering a more exciting sea journey.
Key Details:
- Step 1: Take a speedboat from Phuket to Surat Thani.
- Duration: The speedboat ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Price Range: Tickets cost between 1,200 to 2,000 THB (~$35 to $60 USD).
- Step 2: Take a ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui.
- Duration: The ferry ride takes about 1.5 hours.
- Price: Ferry tickets cost between 300 to 500 THB (~$9 to $15 USD).
Pros:
- Faster than taking the bus and ferry combination.
- A thrilling and adventurous ride across the Andaman Sea.
- Great for travelers who enjoy sea travel.
Cons:
- More expensive than traditional bus and ferry services.
- Speedboats can be bumpy during rough sea conditions.
Onboard Experience:
Speedboats offer a fast-paced ride across the sea, with comfortable seating and luggage storage. Ferries from Surat Thani to Koh Samui provide a more relaxed and scenic ride, with cafes and refreshments available on board.
Booking Tip:
Speedboats can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book your tickets early, especially during peak seasons. Use our online search form to find and book your speedboat and ferry journey.
Final Tips for Traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui
- Best Time to Travel: The best time to visit Koh Samui is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is ideal for beach activities and sea travel is calm.
- Prepare for a Long Journey: If taking the bus or ferry, be prepared for a long journey, and bring snacks, water, and entertainment to stay comfortable.
- Book Early: Whether you’re taking a flight, bus, or private car, it’s always a good idea to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Use our online search form at the top of this page to compare all travel options and book your trip from Phuket to Koh Samui.
