How to Get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui: Complete Guide
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui? Surat Thani is a transport hub connecting the islands in the Gulf of Thailand to the mainland. Koh Samui is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand, so your Thailand Itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit.
You cannot get directly to Samui Island from Surat Thani. First, you need to take a bus, taxi, or van to the Donsak Ferry Terminal and then take a ferry to the island.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get to Koh Samui from Surat Thani Airport, the City, or the Train Station.
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Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui transfer + ferry service
The distance between Surat Thani Airport and Donsak Pier is about 90 km. Donsak Pier is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the airport, where ferries depart for Koh Samui and other islands. The ferry ride to Koh Samui takes 1.5 hours.
A taxi from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier costs between 1600-2000 THB (48-60 USD).
Good to know
Currently, no airline offers direct flights between Surat Thani and Samui.
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Koh Samui is to book a bus/van and ferry transfer. The travel time from the airport to Koh Samui is approximately 3.5-4 hours. A combined van or bus + ferry ticket starts from 14 USD.
Surat Thani Town to Koh Samui
Raja Ferry, Phangan Tour 2000, Phantip 1970, and Seatran Ferry offer bus and ferry services from the town/bus terminal to Koh Samui. The bus + ferry operates from 6 AM to 5:30 PM. The total travel time takes about 3-4 hours.
A combined bus + ferry ticket starts from 10 USD.
Check the current bus timetable and buy your tickets with 12Go.
Surat Thani Train Station to Koh Samui
The Surat Thani railway station is located in Phunphin district, about 80 km from Donsak Pier and a 30-minute drive from the city center. There is no train station near 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. 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 combined bus + ferry ticket from the train station to Koh Samui starts from 12 USD.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui by Ferry
The only way to get to the island from Surat Thani is by boat. Three companies operate ferries from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui.
- Seatran Ferry: The journey usually takes 1.5 hours, and the Seatran ferries arrive at the Nathon Pier.
- Raja Ferry & Raja Car Ferry: Raja ferries can also carry passengers and cars. The ferries dock at the Lipa Noi Pier. Get your car + driver ticket here.
- Lomprayah Ferry: Lomprayah operates high-speed catamaran ferries twice a day at 11 AM and 3 PM. The journey time is approximately 45 minutes.
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.
We arrived in Surat Thani from Bangkok by bus and then traveled by Seatran Ferry to Koh Samui.
Book your ferry ticket with 12Go.
How long is the ferry ride from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui?
The ferry ride usually takes 45-90 minutes, depending on the ports, waiting times, sea conditions, and the type of boat chosen.
How much is the ferry ticket to Koh Samui?
The cost of a ferry ticket can vary depending on the company, the type of boat, the port of departure/arrival, and whether you are traveling in high or low season.
Ferry tickets to Koh Samui cost between 6-13 USD per person. We recommend that you book your tickets in advance. A car + driver ticket costs 18 USD.
Where do the ferries arrive on Koh Samui?
Ferries to Koh Samui arrive at Nathon Pier, Lipa Noi Pier, or Maenam Pier.
What should I bring on the boat?
- Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
- Light Raincoat: Packable, lightweight, and waterproof raincoat with hood perfect for travel and hiking.
- Power bank: An essential accessory for anyone who needs reliable power on the go.
- Seasickness pills and personal medication
- Hat and sunglasses
- Snacks
- Extra water
- Earphones
- Cash (Local money or USD)
Where can I buy ferry tickets?
You can easily buy boat tickets at any port, but we recommend booking online with 12Go!
Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry Timetable
Ferries depart every hour from Donsak Pier between 5 AM and 7 PM. Seatran and Lomprayah ferries arrive at the Nathon Pier, while Raja ferries dock at the Lipa Noi Pier. You can buy drinks and food on the ferry.
- 05:00-06:30
- 06:00-07:30
- 07:00-08:30
- 08:00-09:30
- 09:00-10:30
- 10:00-11:30
- 11:00-11:45 *
- 11:00-12:30
- 12:00-13:30
- 13:00-14:30
- 14:00-15:30
- 15:00-15:45 *
- 15:00-16:30
- 16:00-17:30
- 17:00-18:30
- 18:00-19:30
- 19:00-20:30
* Lomprayah Catamaran Ferry. Ferry schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable.
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 Surat Thani 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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