Bus + ferry (combined ticket)
Best balance of price, simplicity and smooth connections
Private car + ferry
Door-to-door journey with flexible schedule and minimal hassle
Bus + ferry
Cheapest option with one ticket and easy transfer process
Separate tickets
More planning needed and risk of missed ferry connections
Quick answer: Travelling from Phuket to Koh Samui offers several smart options—either a direct flight, a combined bus/van + ferry transfer, or a private car/taxi + ferry for door‑to‑door ease. You can book your tickets or a private car to Koh Samui in advance online to lock in your preferred schedule and connection.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 350 km by land/sea via Surat Thani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Van + Ferry ~7–10 hours | Direct Flight ~1 hour (plus transfers) | Taxi + Ferry ~6–8 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Van + Ferry ~US$20–40 per person | Flight ~US$90–250 per person.
- ✈️ Flight: Direct from Phuket Airport to Koh Samui (~1 h) via Bangkok Airways; fastest but priciest.
- 🚍 Bus/Van + Ferry: Minivan or bus from Phuket to Don Sak/Surat Thani then ferry to Koh Samui.
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi + Ferry: Door‑to‑door transfer: car/van from Phuket to pier + ferry to Koh Samui.
Last updated in April 2026
From Phuket to Koh Samui you can travel by bus, ferry, private car or flight.
Travel from Phuket to Koh Samui covers about 350 km. You can travel by direct flight, bus or minivan with a ferry, or by private car and ferry via Surat Thani or Donsak Pier. The most popular option is the combined bus + ferry transfer, taking about 7–10 hours and costing around $20–40 per person.
The fastest option is a direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui, operated by Bangkok Airways. The flight takes about 1 hour and costs around $90–250 per person. Combined tickets from Phuket or Phuket Airport to Koh Samui are also available online.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island, famous for its beaches, resorts and boat trips. From here you can continue by ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or travel to Krabi.
| Transfer Mode – Phuket to Koh Samui | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van + Ferry | 7-10 hours | $20-40/pp |
| Direct Flight | 1 hour | $90-250/pp |
| Private Taxi / Car + Ferry | 6-8 hours | $200-450 |
How do I get from Phuket to Koh Samui?
1. BUS + FERRY from Phuket to Koh Samui
👉 Bus/minivan + ferry is the cheapest and most common way from Phuket to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers who prefer a combined ticket option
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~7–10 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $20–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus or minivan + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Use a combined transfer via Don Sak Pier with bus and ferry included
- 💡 Tip: Book early and check departure times, as many connections run mainly in the morning.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui is by bus or minivan + ferry via Surat Thani or Don Sak Pier. The journey takes about 7–10 hours and usually includes 2–3 transport steps.
Combined transfers are operated by Lomprayah, Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery and other companies. You can also travel separately by bus to Surat Thani and then take a ferry to Koh Samui.
Most services depart from Phuket Bus Terminal, Patong, Kata, Karon or selected hotels and travel via Don Sak Pier. Combined tickets cost about $20–40 per person and can be booked online in advance.
| Bus Operator | Departs in Phuket | Arrival in Koh Samui | Join Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| 465 Surat Thani | 06:00 | 16:00 | From $21.00 |
| 465 Surat Thani | 07:30 | 17:30 | From $21.00 |
| 465 Surat Thani | 08:30 | 18:30 | From $21.00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 06:30 | 15:30 | From $28.00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 08:00 | 16:30 | From $26.00 |
| 12GO Transport | 08:00 | 15:30 | From $21.00 |
| Seatran Discovery | 09:00 | 16:15 | From $24.00 |
| Raja Ferry | 07:30 | 15:30 | From $21.00 |
| Lomprayah | 09:00 | 15:45 | From $39.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 06:30 | 15:45 | From $26.00 |
| Call Me Taxi | 08:45 | 15:30 | From $41.00 |
2. DIRECT FLIGHT from Phuket to Koh Samui
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Phuket to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want the quickest and easiest transfer
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~4–5 hours (including airport transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: about $90–250 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with minimal hassle)
- ✅ Best Option: Take a direct flight from Phuket Airport to Koh Samui Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book early due to limited flight availability and higher demand on this route.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui is by direct flight. Flights operate from Phuket International Airport to Koh Samui Airport and take about 1 hour.
Direct flights are operated by Bangkok Airways and cost around $90–250 per person. Including airport transfers and check-in, the total journey takes about 4–5 hours.
There are only a few direct flights each day, so booking in advance is recommended. Despite the higher price, flying is still the quickest way to reach Koh Samui.
3. TAXI + FERRY from Phuket to Koh Samui
👉 Private taxi/car + ferry is the most comfortable but most expensive way from Phuket to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups or travelers who want a smooth door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Total travel time: ~6–10 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $200–450 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private vehicle + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Book a private car with ferry included via Don Sak Pier or Surat Thani
- 💡 Tip: Choose pickup from your hotel or airport and split the cost between passengers.
A private car with driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui. The journey includes a road transfer via Surat Thani or Don Sak Pier, followed by a ferry to the island.
Private transfers take about 6–10 hours and cost around $200–450 per vehicle. You can choose your pickup point in Phuket, including Phuket Airport, and your destination on Koh Samui.
Private transfers are ideal for families or groups looking for a direct and flexible journey. Compare vehicles and book online in advance.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Koh Samui ➜
| Taxi Operator | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Than Car Service | 06:00 | From $260.00 |
| Glassflower | 08:00 | From $315.00 / Luxury SUV 4pax |
| Glassflower | 08:00 | From $335.00 / Luxury VIP Van 9pax |
| Glassflower | 08:00 | From $265.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Van2Travel | 10:00 | From $325.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 8:00 | From $380.00 / Van 10pax |
| Firstplan Transport | 8:00 | From $300.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 7:00 | From $289.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 7:00 | From $300.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 7:00 | From $325.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Kanokwan Travel | 7:00 | From $340.00 / Van 9pax |
| GB Limousine | 6:00 | From $297.00 / VIP Van 9pax |
| GB Limousine | 6:00 | From $267.00 / Economy 3pax |
| GB Limousine | 6:00 | From $390.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 6:00 | From $230.00 / Economy 3pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 6:00 | From $290.00 / SUV 4pax |
| AEC 168 Transport | 6:00 | From $340.00 / Van 9pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 8:00 | From $296.00 / VIP Van 9pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 8:00 | From $250.00 / Economy 3pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 8:00 | From $270.00 / Comfort 3pax |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 8:00 | From $278.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Easyride Services | 6:00 | From $285.00 / Economy 2pax |
| Easyride Services | 6:00 | From $320.00 / SUV 4pax |
| Easyride Services | 6:00 | From $460.00 / Van 8pax |
BOOK your HOTEL in Koh Samui ➜
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Phuket to Koh Samui
How to book tickets or flights from Phuket to Koh Samui?
What is the travel time from Phuket to Koh Samui?
Travel takes about 1 hour by direct flight, 7–10 hours by bus + ferry, or 6–10 hours by private car + ferry.
What is the distance from Phuket to Koh Samui?
The travel distance is approximately 350 km by land via Surat Thani and Don Sak Pier.
How much does it cost to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui?
Bus + ferry costs about $20–40 per person, flights $90–250 per person, and private transfers $200–450 per vehicle.
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Koh Samui?
The fastest option is a direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui, operated by Bangkok Airways. The flight takes about 1 hour.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Koh Samui?
The cheapest option is a combined bus and ferry transfer via Surat Thani, with tickets starting from about $20 per person.
How many transport options are available?
You can travel by direct flight, bus + ferry, or private car + ferry.
Can you travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
Yes. Ferries and catamarans operate daily to Koh Phangan, with travel times of 30 minutes to 2.5 hours.
Can you travel by train from Phuket to Koh Samui?
No. Phuket has no railway station, so train travel is not available on this route.
Can you travel via Krabi?
Yes. You can travel from Phuket to Krabi and continue to Koh Samui by bus, ferry or flight.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
How to get from Phuket Airport to Koh Samui?
You can travel by combined van, bus and ferry via Surat Thani. The journey takes about 7–8 hours and tickets start at around $33 per person.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Phuket:
If you’re planning your next trip from Phuket, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, ferry, or flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Phuket for visitors exploring Southern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Phuket to Koh Samui
Traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui is possible by direct flight or by bus/minivan and ferry via Surat Thani. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.
- Fastest Option: Take a direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui. The flight takes about 1 hour.
- Budget Travel: Bus or minivan with a ferry via Surat Thani is the cheapest and most popular option.
- Ferry Transfer: Ferries from Surat Thani operate daily and are included in most combined tickets.
- Book Early: Flights and combined bus + ferry tickets can sell out during holidays and peak season.
- Weather: Ferry schedules may change during bad weather, so always check the latest updates.
- Travel Time: Combined bus and ferry transfers take about 7–10 hours, while flights take around 1 hour.
Tip: Bus, ferry and flight tickets from Phuket to Koh Samui can be booked online in advance for the best schedules and prices.