How to Get from Krabi to Koh Samui
Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui by flight, van and ferry combo or private transfer. Compare a 50-minute flight with 5 to 6 hour overland trips.
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Contents
Moving from the limestone cliffs of the Andaman Coast to the palm-fringed beaches of the Gulf of Thailand is a classic switch. Krabi offers rock climbing and emerald lagoons, while Koh Samui greets you with boutique resorts and a coastline that feels distinctly different from the west.
The trip crosses the Thai peninsula, so you either fly or combine land and sea. A flight saves most of the day, and a combined van and boat ticket keeps the cost down.
Krabi to Koh Samui by Flight
Bangkok Airways flies between Krabi International Airport (KBV) and Koh Samui Airport (USM) in about 50 minutes.[1] A one-way economy fare from Krabi to Samui costs 2,575 baht including airport tax and ticketing fee.[2] You can have breakfast in Ao Nang and be by the pool in Chaweng for lunch.
Krabi to Koh Samui by Van and Ferry
Most travelers take a combined ticket that covers the road leg across the peninsula and the boat to the island. On booking platforms, van plus speedboat and taxi plus ferry combos cost about $28 to $34 (October 2026), and the whole trip takes about 5 to 6 hours 10 minutes.[3]
The road leg ends at one of the ferry piers near Surat Thani. From Donsak, Raja Ferry sails to Koh Samui every hour from 05:00 to 19:00, and the crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.[4] A speedboat is faster than a large ferry but can be bumpier in choppy seas.
Krabi to Koh Samui by Private Transfer
A private vehicle picks you up at your hotel in Krabi and takes you to the ferry pier. On booking platforms, private transfers start at about $160 (October 2026), and the whole journey including the ferry takes 5 to 6 hours. Options run from Economy and Comfort cars and SUVs for 4 passengers to vans for 9 or 10 passengers and Luxury VIP vans.[3] A private vehicle suits families and groups who want to set their own schedule.
Comparing Your Options
| Option | Price from | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | 2,575 baht[2] | About 50min[1] |
| Van + speedboat or ferry | About $28[3] | 5h-6h 10min |
| Private transfer | About $160[3] | 5h-6h |
Tips for Traveling from Krabi to Koh Samui
- Book ahead in high season: From December to March, flights and popular van departures fill up. Reserve a week or two before.
- Pack for the boat: Space for oversized luggage such as surfboards can be limited in a van, so a private transfer is easier.
- Bring water and snacks: The road across the peninsula has few stops.
- Choose a combined ticket: It handles the timing between van and boat for you.
Timetable
| Flight Krabi - Koh Samui $ 108.36 50m | |
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| Taxi Krabi - Koh Samui $ 159.58โ289.86 5h โ 6h | |
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| Van Krabi - Koh Samui $ 28.13โ34.20 5h โ 6h 10m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Krabi to Koh Samui, including current prices and schedules.
A combined van and speedboat or ferry ticket, from about $28 on booking platforms (October 2026).
Fly with Bangkok Airways. The flight takes about 50 minutes, though you should allow time for check-in and airport transfers.
A flight takes about 50 minutes. Van, taxi and ferry combinations take about 5 to 6 hours.
Combined tickets such as van plus speedboat or taxi plus ferry cover both the road leg to the pier and the crossing to the island.
Most overland routes use Donsak near Surat Thani. Raja Ferry sails from Donsak to Koh Samui every hour from 05:00 to 19:00, and the crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Bangkok Airways: Flight Ticket from Samui to Krabi. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [2] Bangkok Airways: Fly to Samui! (domestic fares). Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Krabi to Koh Samui. Retrieved October 30, 2026.
- [4] 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.