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How to Get from Koh Tao to Phuket

Travel from Koh Tao to Phuket with a Lomprayah catamaran and bus arriving 18:30, or take the overnight sleeper ferry.

Thailand Phuket

Last updated: November 11, 2026

How to Get from Koh Tao to Phuket
Contents

Trading the granite shores of Koh Tao for the long white beaches of Phuket takes you across the Thai peninsula, from the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea. Koh Tao is known for its dive community, while Phuket offers everything from Patong's nightlife to the old shophouses of Phuket Town.

Train, Bus, Flight and Ferry tickets

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There is no direct boat or flight, so the trip combines a boat and a bus. You can compare and book tickets on GoAsia.cc.

Koh Tao to Phuket by Boat and Bus

The daytime option starts with Lomprayah's catamaran from Koh Tao at 09:30, followed by a bus or van across the peninsula. It arrives in Phuket at 18:30.[1] On booking platforms the ticket costs about $48 (November 2026).[2]

Koh Tao to Phuket by Night Ferry

A sleeper ferry also makes the trip. You sleep on a mattress in a shared cabin, and the ticket costs about $39 on booking platforms (November 2026). The journey takes from about 16 hours.[2]

Tips for Traveling from Koh Tao to Phuket

  • Book in Advance: Around the Full Moon Party and in peak season these services fill up, so book early on GoAsia.cc.
  • Prepare for the Aircon: Buses and boats in Thailand run strong air conditioning. Keep a light jacket or sarong in your hand luggage.
  • Seasickness: If you are prone to motion sickness on the overnight boat, bring medication.
  • Arrival in Phuket: Phuket is a large island, so you will need a taxi, Grab or shared songthaew to reach your beach or hotel.

Timetable

Koh Tao - Phuket More info / Tickets
Bus Koh Tao - Phuket $ 47.37 9h
  • →  Express 09:30
Ferry Koh Tao - Phuket $ 38.49 16h
  • →  Sleeper Ferry 21:00
  • →  Ferry 21:00

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I book tickets from Koh Tao to Phuket?

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

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Phuket?

The sleeper ferry is cheaper than the daytime boat and bus, at about $39 on booking platforms (November 2026).

What is the fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Phuket?

The daytime catamaran and bus combination is the fastest. It leaves at 09:30 and arrives in Phuket at 18:30.

How long does it take to get from Koh Tao to Phuket?

The daytime boat and bus takes about 9 hours and the sleeper ferry from about 16 hours.

Where do I board the ferry in Koh Tao?

Boats leave from Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao's main transport hub. Arrive 30 to 60 minutes before departure to check in.

Sources and background

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

  1. [1] Lomprayah High Speed Ferries: Timetable Lomprayah 2026. Retrieved November 11, 2026.
  2. [2] 12Go: 12Go Timetable: Koh Tao to Phuket. Retrieved November 11, 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.