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Koh Samui's palm-fringed Gulf coast and Phuket's Andaman beaches sit on opposite sides of the southern peninsula, so the trip crosses the whole country. You can cover it in about 1 hour by air or take a full day over land and sea.
Most travellers fly. If you travel as a group or want to go door to door, a private transfer with a ferry crossing is the alternative.
Koh Samui to Phuket by Flight
Bangkok Airways flies direct between Koh Samui (USM) and Phuket (HKT) in about 1 hour.[1] A one-way economy fare from Samui to Phuket is 2,800 baht including airport tax.[2] Seats per flight are limited, so book early. Samui Airport lies 2 to 5 km from Chaweng, a 10 to 15 minute ride.[1]
Phuket International Airport is 32 to 40 km from Phuket Town and Patong, and the transfer takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.[3]
Koh Samui to Phuket by Private Transfer
A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Samui and drops you at your resort in Phuket. The trip combines a ferry crossing from Samui to the mainland at Donsak with a long drive across Surat Thani and Phang Nga provinces and over the Sarasin Bridge. On booking platforms it takes from about 8 hours, and prices run from about $206 to about $390 depending on the vehicle (October 2026).[4]
The vehicle range goes from economy cars and comfort SUVs to 9 and 10 seat vans and luxury vans. For 2 people a car is enough, and families or groups get the best value in a van.
Raja Ferry runs the Donsak to Samui (Lipa Noi) crossing hourly from 05:00 to 19:00, and the crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (Bangkok Airways, direct) | 2,800 baht[2] | About 1 hour[1] | High |
| Private transfer | About $206 - $390[4] | From about 8 hours | Standard to premium |
Tips for Traveling from Koh Samui to Phuket
- Book in advance: The direct flights have limited seats, so book early.[2]
- Check ferry inclusion: When you book a private transfer, confirm whether the ferry ticket for the vehicle and passengers is included.
- Luggage: On Bangkok Airways flights the checked baggage allowance is 20 kg.[1] In a van, make sure the vehicle fits your group and all suitcases.
- Motion sickness: The ferry crossing can be choppy in the rainy season. Keep motion sickness tablets handy if you are sensitive to the sea.
- Arrival: Phuket is a big island. Have your hotel address in Thai ready for the driver.
Timetable
| Flight Koh Samui - Phuket $ 191.26–207.10 4h 55m – 9h 45m | |
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| Taxi Koh Samui - Phuket $ 205.77–390.82 8h | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Koh Samui to Phuket, including current prices and schedules.
The direct Bangkok Airways flight is usually the cheapest, at 2,800 baht one way including airport tax. For groups of 4 or more, a private transfer can work out cheaper per person.
The direct Bangkok Airways flight, which takes about 1 hour in the air.
About 1 hour by direct flight. A private transfer with the ferry takes from about 8 hours door to door.
Yes, private transfers have space for luggage, but how much depends on the vehicle. A 10 seat van holds far more bags than an economy car.
Not on a scheduled service. The ferries from Donsak run during the day, so most travellers leave in the morning or early afternoon and arrive in Phuket by evening.
A comfort car is a standard sedan or small SUV for up to 3 passengers. A Luxury VIP Van has a more spacious interior and suits larger groups.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Bangkok Airways: Flight Ticket from Phuket to Samui. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] Bangkok Airways: Fly to Samui! (domestic fares). Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [3] Bangkok Airways: Flight Ticket from Pattaya to Phuket. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable Koh Samui - Phuket. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
- [5] Raja Ferry Port PLC: Sailing schedule. 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.