How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Koh Samui, Thailand’s second-largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and lively nightlife. Located 80 km (50 miles) east of Surat Thani, Koh Samui is accessible by ferry, speedboat, or flight. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.

Overview of Travel Options

Here are the main ways to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui:

• By Ferry + Bus/Van: The most affordable and popular option.
• By Speedboat + Bus/Van: A faster alternative.
• By Flight: The quickest but most expensive choice.
• By Private Car + Ferry: The most comfortable and flexible way.

Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.

Timetable

By Ferry + Bus/Van: The Most Affordable and Popular Option

Taking a ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is the most popular and budget-friendly option. Since Surat Thani is on the mainland, you will need to take a bus or van from the city or airport to the ferry terminal before boarding a ferry to Koh Samui.

Step 1: Take a Bus/Van from Surat Thani to the Ferry Terminal

• Departure Points:
  • Surat Thani Airport (URT) – Direct transfer available.
  • Surat Thani Train Station – Minivans available.
  • Surat Thani City Center – Buses depart from various locations.
• Arrival Points:
  • Donsak Pier (Main ferry terminal for Koh Samui, ~1.5 hours from Surat Thani).
• Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Price: 150–300 THB (~$5–$10 USD).

Step 2: Take a Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui

• Departure Points:
  • Donsak Pier (Surat Thani mainland).
• Arrival Points:
  • Nathon Pier (Koh Samui, main pier for ferries).
  • Lipa Noi Pier (alternative for some ferries).
• Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Price: 200–350 THB (~$6–$12 USD).
• Ferry Operators:
  • Raja Ferry (cheapest, allows vehicles).
  • Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran (faster, more comfortable).
  • Seatran Ferry (mid-range, good reliability).
• Frequency: Departures every hour from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Total Duration: 3 to 4 hours.

Total Price: 350–600 THB (~$10–$20 USD).

Pros:

• Most affordable and widely used option.
• Frequent departures throughout the day.

Cons:

• Takes longer than a speedboat.
• Can be crowded during peak seasons.

Booking Tip:

For the best balance of comfort and speed, book with Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran. Use our online search form to check schedules and secure your tickets.

By Speedboat + Bus/Van: A Faster Alternative

If you prefer a quicker journey, taking a speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is an option.

Step 1: Take a Bus/Van from Surat Thani to the Speedboat Pier

• Departure Points:
  • Surat Thani Airport, Train Station, or City Center.
• Arrival Point:
  • Tapee Pier (for speedboats, closer than Donsak Pier).
• Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 2: Take a Speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

• Departure Point: Tapee Pier, Surat Thani.
• Arrival Point: Maenam Pier, Koh Samui.
• Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Price: 600–1,200 THB (~$20–$40 USD).
• Speedboat Operators:
  • Lomprayah High-Speed Ferry.

Total Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours.

Total Price: 800–1,500 THB (~$25–$45 USD).

Pros:

• Faster than ferries.
• More comfortable for travelers prone to seasickness.

Cons:

• More expensive than ferries.
• Limited departures per day.

Booking Tip:

Book morning departures for the smoothest sea conditions. Use our online search form to check speedboat schedules.

By Flight: The Quickest but Most Expensive Choice

For travelers who prefer speed and convenience, taking a direct flight from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is the fastest option.

Key Details:

• Departure Airport: Surat Thani International Airport (URT).
• Arrival Airport: Samui International Airport (USM).
• Duration: 50 minutes.
• Price: 3,000–5,500 THB (~$90–$180 USD).
• Airlines:
  • Bangkok Airways (exclusive carrier for Samui Airport).
• Frequency: Limited flights per day.

Pros:

• Fastest travel option (under 1 hour).
• No need for additional boat transfers.

Cons:

• Expensive compared to ferries and speedboats.
• Limited availability (Bangkok Airways monopoly).

Booking Tip:

Book at least a month in advance for the best fares. Use our online search form to check flight schedules.

By Private Car + Ferry: The Most Comfortable and Flexible Way

For travelers who prefer door-to-door service, hiring a private car or taxi from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is the most comfortable option.

Key Details:

• Departure Point: Pickup from your hotel or airport in Surat Thani.
• Arrival Point: Drop-off at your hotel in Koh Samui.
• Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours, including ferry transfer.
• Price: 2,500–4,000 THB (~$75–$130 USD), including ferry ticket.
• Taxi & Private Car Services:
  • Grab (ride-hailing app, slightly cheaper than taxis).
  • Private transfers via ferry companies.

Pros:

• Door-to-door service, no need for multiple transfers.
• More comfortable than public transport.
• Flexible departure time.

Cons:

• More expensive than other options.
• Traffic congestion may increase travel time.

Booking Tip:

For the best rates, book your private car in advance using our online search form.

Final Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

• Best Option for Budget Travelers: Ferry + Bus (~350 THB, 3.5+ hours).
• Best Option for Speed: Flight (~50 minutes, from 3,000 THB).
• Best Option for Comfort: Private Car + Ferry (~2,500+ THB, 4+ hours, door-to-door service).
• Book Early for Holidays: Ferries and flights sell out quickly during peak seasons.