How to Get to Koh Samui: All Options
Wondering how to get to Koh Samui? Koh Samui is the most popular and largest of the three islands in the Gulf of Thailand (the other two being Koh Tao and Koh Phangan). It is the only island in the Gulf that has an airport. In our opinion, every trip to Thailand should include a visit to this paradise island.
There are only two ways to get to Samui by boat or by plane. In this ultimate guide, you’ll find all the ways to get to Koh Samui from different parts of Thailand, such as Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, and Surat Thani.
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How to Get to Koh Samui by Flight
The easiest and fastest way to get to Koh Samui is by plane. Most people fly from Bangkok, Singapore, Phuket, or Chiang Mai. Bangkok Airways operates direct flights to Koh Samui International Airport (airport code USM).
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
The flight usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes from Bangkok. Airfares range from 67 to 145 USD (excluding luggage) per person one way. In high season, flight tickets can be even more expensive. Although this is the most expensive option to get to Samui, you can save time and avoid the hassle of arranging various transfers.
A budget option is to fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to the island.
The airport is located in the northeast part of the island, about a 20-minute drive from Chaweng Beach. Book a private transfer from Samui Airport to your hotel.
How to Get to Koh Samui by Train + Ferry
You cannot get to Samui by train. First, you have to take the train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Then, from the train station, you must travel to the Donsak Ferry Terminal and take a ferry to the island.
Trains depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station (Bang Sue Grand Station). Travel time is approximately 9-11 hours. There are 9 direct trains daily from Bangkok to Surat Thani between 07:30 and 22:50.
Due to the long journey, we recommend taking the night train. The second class offers open carriages with seats that can be converted into beds for the night. One advantage of traveling by sleeper train is that you can save on the cost of overnight accommodation.
TIP
As the journey is long, bring enough water and snacks.
Train Timetable & Price
- 07:30-16:20
- 15:10-01:11
- 16:10-01:49
- 16:50-02:20 *
- 17:30-04:06
- 18:50-04:58 *
- 19:50-06:23 *
- 20:30-07:16
- 22:50-07:50
* You can also buy first-class train tickets on these trains. Train schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable.
The cheapest train tickets start from 7 USD per person. But if you want to take a sleeper train, second-class train tickets start from 25 USD.
We suggest you book a 1st class A/C sleeper train for a comfortable journey. If you book a first-class carriage, you can travel in your own two-person cabin with a washbasin.
First-class train tickets start from 47 USD. Train tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend booking online with 12Go!
Surat Thani Train Station to Donsak Pier
Once you arrive at the train station, you can take a minivan or bus to Donsak Pier. Whichever transport you choose, both will drop you off directly at the port. There is no train station near Donsak Pier. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
From the port, you can take a ferry to the island. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. The bus + ferry ticket from Surat Thani Train Station to Samui starts from 12 USD.
How to Get to Koh Samui by Ferry
You can get to the island from several ports, below you will find the most popular options:
- Donsak Pier: Donsak Pier connects the islands in the Gulf of Thailand to the mainland. Three companies operate ferries from Donsak Pier to Samui, like Seatran Ferry, Lomprayah Ferry, and Raja Ferry/Raja Car Ferry. The ferry ride usually takes 45-90 minutes. Raja ferries can also carry passengers and cars. The ferries dock at the Lipa Noi Pier. Get your car + driver ticket here.
- Chumphon Pier: The Lomprayah VIP bus from Bangkok takes you directly to Chumphon Pier. The ferry ride from Chumphon to Maenam Samui takes about 4-4.5 hours. The ferry stops first at Koh Tao, then Koh Phangan, and finally at Koh Samui Island.
- Tapee Pier: Alternatively, a speedboat departs from Tapee Pier Lomprayah to Maenam Pier once a day at noon. The journey takes about 2 hours, and the ferry ticket costs 20 USD.
Alternatively, you can reach it by ferry or speedboat from Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Recommended post → Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Where do the ferries arrive on Koh Samui?
Ferries arrive at Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, Maenam Pier, or Bangrak Pier (close to Chaweng Beach).
How to Get to Koh Samui from Bangkok
The distance between Koh Samui and Bangkok is approximately 765 km. The fastest but most expensive way to get to the island is by plane. Alternatively, you can take a train or bus to Surat Thani and then a ferry to Samui.
We arrived in Surat Thani from Bangkok by bus and then traveled by Seatran Ferry to Koh Samui.
Read the full post → Bangkok to Koh Samui
How to Get to Koh Samui from Phuket
There are currently 6 daily direct flights to Samui Airport, taking 55 minutes. Phuket does not have a train station. We recommend booking a bus or van + ferry ticket to Samui. The total travel time is approximately 8-9 hours, and combined tickets start from 18 USD.
Get your combined tickets through 12Go or Bookaway.
How to Get to Koh Samui from Surat Thani
Currently, no airline offers direct flights between Surat Thani and Samui. The only way to get to the island from Surat Thani is by boat. First, you need to take a bus, taxi, or van to the Donsak Ferry Terminal and then take a ferry to the island.
We have a detailed post on how to get from Surat Thani Airport, Train Station, or the City Center to Donsak Pier and ferry to Samui.
Read the full post → Surat Thani to Koh Samui
How to Get to Koh Samui from Krabi
There is currently only 1 daily direct flight to Samui Airport at 13:45, and the journey time is 45 minutes. Krabi does not have a train station. So the best way to get to Koh Samui is to book a van/bus + ferry ticket. The total travel time is about 5-6 hours, and combined tickets start from 15 USD.
Get your tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.
How to Book Your Ticket to Koh Samui?
One of the best ways to book tickets is through 12Go. Here, you can compare the prices and travel times of different travel modes and choose the most suitable departure and arrival station/city for your trip. On 12Go, you can easily buy flight, bus, train, or ferry tickets and even book a taxi or a combined shuttle + boat ticket.
Bookaway is another online platform we like to use, similar to 12Go. We usually book hotel and airport transfers here.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
There are many luxury hotels and resorts on the island, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Koh Samui
- Luxury: Melia Koh Samui or Banyan Tree Samui
- Mid-Range: The Lamai Samui
- Budget: So KohKoon Beach Resort
Recommended post → Best Areas & Hotels in Koh Samui
FAQ about Koh Samui
Top tours
Discover Koh Samui’s top attractions on a guided half-day tour.
Take a relaxing sailing cruise on a luxury yacht to the limestone islands of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park. Enjoy snorkeling, visit the Emerald Lake, and admire the beautiful sunset.
Book this excellent tour via Viator or GetYourGuide.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Samui is during the dry season, from December to March.
Getting Around
The best way to explore the island is to rent a scooter or car. Alternatively, you can join an organized tour that includes transport.
We hope our post on how to get to Koh Samui will help you plan your next trip to Thailand. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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