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How to Get from Koh Samui to Pattaya

Koh Samui to Pattaya by Bangkok Airways via U-Tapao airport, or a long road and ferry trip. Fares, times and tips.

Thailand Koh SamuiPattaya

Last updated: November 2, 2026

How to Get from Koh Samui to Pattaya

Photo: PattayaPatrol / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Contents

From the palm-lined beaches of Koh Samui to the high-energy seafront of Pattaya, this is a trip from island calm to city buzz. Your choice is between a short flight and a very long road trip.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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Koh Samui to Pattaya by Plane

Bangkok Airways flies between Koh Samui (USM) and U-Tapao airport (UTP) near Pattaya. One-way economy fares between U-Tapao and Samui are listed at THB 2,250, including airport tax and ticketing fee.[1]

U-Tapao is about 40 to 45 km from Pattaya, a drive of 45 to 70 minutes. Reach the city by taxi, airport shuttle van or ride-hailing.[2]

Samui's airport is open-air, with thatched-roof terminals set in a tropical garden, so the trip starts in style.

Koh Samui to Pattaya by Road and Ferry

On booking platforms, a private car from Koh Samui to Pattaya starts at THB 13,500 (November 2026) and takes from about 13 hours, including the ferry crossing.[3]

The crossing from Donsak pier to Samui takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, with Raja Ferry sailing every hour between 04:00 and 19:00.[4]

Comparing Your Options

ModeDurationPrice
Flight (Bangkok Airways, Samui to U-Tapao)Short flight plus 45-70 min to PattayaTHB 2,250 one way[1]
Private car and ferryFrom about 13hFrom THB 13,500[3]

Tips for Traveling from Koh Samui to Pattaya

  • Book early in high season: Few flights serve this route.
  • Arrange your airport transfer: U-Tapao is outside Pattaya, so book a taxi or shuttle in advance.
  • Choose the road only with a group: A private car makes sense for a large group with heavy luggage, such as dive gear.

Timetable

Koh Samui - Pattaya More info / Tickets
Flight Koh Samui - Pattaya $ 132.05 1h 20m
  • →  Economy 11:10
Taxi Koh Samui - Pattaya $ 399.70–547.73 13h 15m
  • →  Luxury VIP Van
  • →  Luxury SUV
  • →  Comfort Car

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Koh Samui to Pattaya?

Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Samui to Pattaya, including current prices and schedules.

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Pattaya?

The flight. Bangkok Airways lists one-way economy fares between U-Tapao and Samui at THB 2,250, much less than a private car.

What is the fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Pattaya?

Fly to U-Tapao with Bangkok Airways and drive 45 to 70 minutes to Pattaya.

How long does the road trip take?

From about 13 hours, including the ferry.

Which airport do I use for Pattaya?

U-Tapao (UTP), about 40 to 45 km from the city.

How much is a private car?

On booking platforms, from THB 13,500 (November 2026).

Sources and background

Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.

  1. [1] Bangkok Airways: Fly to Samui: fares. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
  2. [2] Bangkok Airways: Phuket to Pattaya flights (U-Tapao). Retrieved October 26, 2026.
  3. [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Koh Samui - Pattaya. Retrieved November 2, 2026.
  4. [4] Raja Ferry Port PLC: Sailing schedule. Retrieved October 31, 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.