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Koh Tao is the Gulf's diving island: clear water, reef right off the beach and a pace that slows as soon as the boat leaves the mainland. The way there from Bangkok is well worn. You cross the mainland by bus or train to the coast, and a catamaran or ferry takes you over the water.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus and Boat
Lomprayah sells one ticket for the whole journey. From Bangkok (Pinklao), the overnight bus and ferry leaves at 21:00 and arrives at 08:15 for 850 baht. The bus and catamaran leaves at 21:30 and arrives at 08:30 for 1,250 baht, or 1,550 baht with a VIP bus. If you prefer to travel by day, the bus and catamaran from Khao San Road leaves at 06:00 and arrives at 15:00.[1]
The overnight options save a hotel night and put you on the island for breakfast. The daytime departure gets you there for the afternoon.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train and Boat
Trains run from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Chumphon, the mainland gateway to Koh Tao. Special Express DRC 43 leaves at 07:30 and arrives at 14:05. Rapid 171 leaves at 15:10 and arrives at 22:27, and Special Express 37 leaves at 16:10 and arrives at 23:26.[2] From the Chumphon train station, Lomprayah runs a bus or van and catamaran combination at 06:00 that arrives on Koh Tao at 08:30 for 900 baht, plus a second departure at 12:00 that arrives at 15:00.[1] After an evening train, you take the 06:00 connection the next morning.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Departure and arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Bus and ferry (Pinklao) | 850 baht | 21:00 to 08:15 |
| Bus and catamaran (Pinklao) | 1,250 baht (VIP 1,550 baht) | 21:30 to 08:30 |
| Bus and catamaran (Khao San Road) | Varies | 06:00 to 15:00 |
Tips for Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao
- Pay the island charge: Koh Tao collects 20 baht per tourist at the pier on arrival, and the municipality desk issues a receipt.[3]
- Pack a layer: Air conditioning on buses and boats runs cold overnight.
- Keep valuables with you: Carry passport, electronics and cash in a daypack at your seat.
- Arrange your pick-up: The pier is busy on arrival, and many dive schools and resorts offer a free pick-up, so ask when you book.
Timetable
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Tao $ 36.88โ42.78 8h 45m โ 19h | |
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| Ferry Bangkok - Koh Tao $ 38.36โ45.73 8h 45m โ 16h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Bangkok to Koh Tao, including current prices and schedules.
Lomprayah's overnight bus and ferry from Pinklao costs 850 baht. The bus and catamaran costs 1,250 baht, or 1,550 baht with a VIP bus.
The overnight bus and ferry from Pinklao leaves at 21:00 and arrives at 08:15. The bus and catamaran leaves at 21:30 and arrives at 08:30, and by day the Khao San Road departure at 06:00 arrives at 15:00.
The overnight services take about 11 hours, from 21:00 to 08:15. The daytime service from Khao San Road takes about 9 hours, from 06:00 to 15:00.
Yes. Lomprayah leaves Pinklao at 21:00 or 21:30 and arrives at Koh Tao at 08:15 or 08:30, which saves a hotel night.
Yes. Take a train to Chumphon, for example Special Express DRC 43 from 07:30 to 14:05, then the Lomprayah bus or van and catamaran from the train station. The 06:00 departure reaches Koh Tao at 08:30.
Yes. Koh Tao collects 20 baht per tourist at the pier on arrival, and you get a receipt from the municipality desk.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Lomprayah High Speed Ferries: Timetable Lomprayah 2026 (update 25/08/69, PDF). Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [2] State Railway of Thailand: SRT Timetable Matrix 2026: Southern Line outbound. Retrieved November 3, 2026.
- [3] UNDP BIOFIN: Ordinance on tourist user charges for Koh Tao Island (24 June 2022). Retrieved October 21, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.