How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Samui: All Options
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui? The distance between Koh Samui and Bangkok is approximately 765 km. Getting to Koh Samui may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are 4 ways to get there.
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 Koh Samui.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Koh Samui, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much the combined ticket costs.
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Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight
The easiest and fastest way to get to Koh Samui is by plane. There are two international airports in Bangkok, Don Mueang Airport (airport code DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (airport code BKK).
Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are operated only by Bangkok Airways.
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Koh Samui.
There are currently only 3 daily flights to Samui from Don Mueang Airport. However, there are several daily flights departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Samui International Airport (airport code USM).
Although this is the most expensive option to get to Koh Samui, you can save time and avoid the hassle of arranging various transfers.
Flight Time, Price, and Schedule from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Samui
The flight usually takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airfares range from 67 to 145 USD (excluding luggage) per person one way. In high season, flight tickets can be even more expensive.
Flights depart several times a day between 06:00 and 19:35. Flight schedules can change, so always check before you travel.
- 06:00-07:10
- 06:10-07:45
- 07:00-08:10
- 07:30-08:40
- 08:05-09:20
- 09:00-10:35
- 09:20-10:35
- 10:15-11:50
- 10:25-12:00
- 11:25-12:35
- 11:55-13:05
- 13:45-14:55
- 14:25-15:35
- 14:30-15:40
- 15:15-16:25
- 15:50-17:25
- 16:00-17:35
- 18:40-19:50
- 19:35-20:45
In Koh Samui, 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.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight and Ferry
A budget option is to fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take the ferry to the island. AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air operate several daily flights from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Surat Thani International Airport (URT).
The flight takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the cheapest plane tickets start from 35 USD per person one way.
Good to know
Currently, no airline offers direct flights between Surat Thani and Koh Samui.
Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui transfer + ferry
Donsak Pier is about a 1.5-hour drive from Surat Thani Airport, where ferries depart for Koh Samui. The ferry ride from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Seatran ferries arrive at the Nathon Pier, while Raja ferries dock at the Lipa Noi Pier. You can buy drinks and food on the ferry. The total travel time from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui is approximately 3.5-4 hours.
A combined van or bus + ferry ticket starts from 14 USD.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Bus and Ferry
One of the best and most popular ways to travel to Koh Samui is by bus + ferry. Most buses depart from the famous Khao San Road, which is a convenient option if you are in the area. Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, Montanatip, and Krung Siam Tour offer bus and ferry services.
Other popular bus and ferry ticket routes
Bangkok to Koh Samui by VIP Bus
We recommend you travel by VIP bus. These buses are modern, air-conditioned, and have comfortable reclining seats, luggage compartments, and toilets. The disadvantage of the VIP bus is that it is more expensive. Bus + ferry tickets start from 43 USD.
Lomprayah VIP buses depart from Bangkok at 6 AM and 9 PM. The bus takes you directly to Chumphon Pier, and the journey time is about 6-7 hours, depending on traffic. After you arrive at the port, you will continue your journey by high-speed catamaran.
The ferry ride from Chumphon to Koh Samui takes about 4-4.5 hours. The ferry stops first at Koh Tao, then Koh Phangan, and finally at Koh Samui Island.
The total travel time will take around 10-12 hours to arrive at Koh Samui.
You can also get to Koh Samui from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). You will first arrive at Surat Thani Bus Terminal, where you will transfer to another van heading for Donsak Pier and then take a ferry to the island. The journey will take between 14-16 hours.
The combined bus and ferry tickets start from 28 USD.
We traveled to Koh Samui by bus and Seatran ferry. On the bus, we were given a blanket, mineral water, and some snacks. We found traveling by bus in Thailand easy, comfortable, and safe.
Bangkok to Koh Samui by Train + Ferry
You cannot get to Koh 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 Koh Samui. This is the cheapest way to get to Koh Samui.
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.
Bangkok to Koh Samui 1st class Train
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 private two-person cabin with a washbasin.
First-class train tickets start from 47 USD. Train tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend booking days in advance.
You can easily buy tickets at the train station, but we recommend booking online with 12Go!
Surat Thani Train Station to Donsak Pier
Once you arrive at the train station in Surat Thani, you can take a minivan or bus to Donsak Pier. Whichever transport you choose, both will drop you off directly at the port. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions.
From the port, you can take a ferry to Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 hours. The bus + ferry ticket from Surat Thani Train Station to Koh Samui starts from 12 USD.
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
There are many luxury hotels and resorts in Koh Samui, 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
We stayed at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Koh Samui, which was a good base for exploring the island’s attractions.
We hope our post on how to get from Bangkok 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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