¡We’re so close!

How to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok

There are several ways to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok.  Here we explain some of the most common options; you can choose the option that best suits your plans in terms of budget and available time.

As you know, we are situated on an island, so you will need to combine more than one type of transportation, but you will be getting closer and closer!

Plane + Ferry

From Bangkok to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways and from Koh Samui, a boat to Koh Tao. Both Lomprayah Catamarán and Seatran have various daily trips to Koh Tao. However, the last departure is at 13.30h on Seatran and 17:00h for the Lomprayah ferry, so if your flight arrives later than this, you will have to spend the night on Koh Samui.

Bangkok Airways has between 11 and 13 daily flights, so it is not complicated to book a flight that arrives before 1pm.

If you want to stay longer on Koh Samui, we can recommend accommodation near the centre of the island, close to the airport or the ferry piers.

From Bangkok to Surat Thani with Airasia and link with the ferry: It is a combination that offers various timetable options depending on which flight you take.

Train

Journey Bangkok to Chumphon with Thai Railways, then take the Lomprayah ferry all the way to Koh Tao.

First Class– It is not too expensive. Maximum 2 passengers per private cabin, including a big bed (upper or lower deck).

The total price from Bangkok to Chumphon is approximately 1.200 Baht per person.

Second Class – You will travel in a train wagon consisting of 35 beds, (upper or lower deck), with fan or Air Con. Prices range from 400 to 700 Baht per person.

Third Class – Only for those adventurers who prefer travelling like the locals.

VIP Bus

This is probably the preferred option for travellers in terms of budget.

Buses depart from Khao San Road in Bangkok and arrive at Chumphon, where they link directly to the boats going to Koh Tao (Joint ticket).

The main companies that travel to Koh Tao are Lomprayah and Seatran. They offer comfortable and safe buses that depart daily at 21.00h from Bangkok, changing at Chumphon, where boats depart at 7.00am, arriving on Koh Tao around 9.00am.

Tickets can be purchased in any travel agency in Bangkok, and include both the bus and boat journeys.

Additionally, Lomprayah runs an extra ferry in the afternoon, departing at 13.00h and arriving at 15.00h.

Your journey from this point to your final destination will take 2 hours.

From Koh Samui

There are several boats travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, stopping on Koh Phangan.

Lomprayah has daily departures at 7.00am, 12.30pm o 17.00h from its private pier in Maenam, a 30-40 minute taxi journey from the airport.

Seatran departs daily at 8.00am, 10.00am and 13.30h from the Bangrak pier, which is close to the airport (5-10 min by taxi).

Both companies have offices at the Koh Samui airport, where you can buy your boat tickets.
Songserm departs from Nathon every day at 11.00 am arriving at 14.45h.

From Koh Phangan

All ferries leaving Koh Samui stop on Koh Phangan to pick up travellers on their way to Koh Tao.

Lomprayah  offers two daily departures, at 8.30am and at 13.00h.

Seatran also offers two daily departures, the first is at 8.30am and in the afternoon it leaves 14.00h.

From Surat Thani

Surat Thani is the other main port that connects to Koh Tao.

Both ferry companies offer this daily trip departing from Surat Thani at 8.00am, arriving at Koh Tao around 14.00h.

The night boat is a very good option, since you are saving a nights accommodation and you spend the journey sleeping.

It departs every night at 23.00h and arrives on Koh Tao the next day at 6.30am.

From the other coast

If you are travelling from Phuket, Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi you can purchase a mini bus + ferry combo in any travel agency. Price: 1.400 Baht approx.