Bus / van + ferry (combined ticket)
Most popular option with easy transfers and simple booking
Private taxi + ferry
Door-to-door transfer with flexible timing and minimal hassle
Public bus + ferry
Cheapest option but requires transfer at Ban Phe pier
Expecting direct route
All routes require ferry from mainland Ban Phe pier
Quick answer: From Bangkok to Koh Samet you can travel by bus or minivan to Ban Phe + ferry, a private taxi/car + ferry, or combine train/taxi + ferry. The bus/minivan route is affordable and well used, the taxi offers direct convenience, and all options end with a boat ride to the island.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~210 km via Rayong/Ban Phe.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus/Minivan + Ferry ~3.5–5 h | Private Car/Taxi + Ferry ~2.5–4 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Minivan + Ferry approx US$10–15 per person | Taxi/Car + Ferry approx US$70–380 per car
- 🚍 Bus/Minivan + Ferry: Most popular budget-friendly option via Ban Phe pier.
- 🚕 Taxi/Private Car + Ferry: Door-to-door convenience, ideal for groups or heavy luggage.
- 🚆 Train + Taxi + Ferry: Possible but slower (around 7 h) and involves multiple transfers.
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Koh Samet you can travel by bus / van / taxi + ferry.
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Samet is about 210 km via Rayong and Ban Phe Pier. The most popular option is bus or minivan + ferry, taking about 3.5–5 hours and costing around $10–15 per person. There are no direct flights to Koh Samet.
You can also travel by private taxi + ferry, the fastest and most comfortable option, with prices from about $100 per vehicle. Book bus, ferry, taxi, or combined tickets online and see more travel information about Rayong or check the Weather in Rayong before your trip.
Koh Samet is one of Thailand’s most popular island destinations, known for its white-sand beaches and clear water. You can travel there by bus or minivan + ferry, private taxi + ferry, or train + ferry via Rayong. It is also easy to reach Rayong from Bangkok Airport or combine your trip with a visit to Pattaya.
| Transfer modes – Bangkok to Koh Samet | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van + Ferry | 3.5–5 hours | $10–15 per person |
| Private Car / Taxi + Ferry | 2.5–4 hours | $70–380 per vehicle |
| Train + Taxi + Ferry | 7 hours | $12–50 per person |
How do you get from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
1. VAN / BUS + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
👉 Bus/minivan + ferry via Rayong is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and simple transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3.5–5 hours (bus + boat)
- ✔️ Cost: $10–15 per person (combined ticket)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (bus/minivan + ferry)
- ✅ Best Option: KKP Transport, PN Group, Tara Tour, Tawan Tour
- 💡 Tip: Departures from Ekkamai or Mochit, arrive ~60 min early
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance – one ticket covers whole journey
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet is by bus or minivan and ferry via Rayong and Ban Phe Pier. This combined transfer takes about 3.5–5 hours and is available every day.
Buses and minivans depart from Ekkamai or Mochit New Van Terminal in Bangkok, followed by a ferry to Nadan Pier on Koh Samet. One combined ticket covers both the bus transfer and the ferry from Rayong to Koh Samet.
Combined tickets cost about $10–15 per person and can be booked online in advance. For a smooth transfer, arrive at the departure point at least 60 minutes before departure.
BOOK JOIN TICKETS to Koh Samet ➜
| Operator | Departs in Bangkok | Arrival in Koh Samet |
|---|---|---|
| KKP Transport | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| KKP Transport | 08:30 | 12:00 |
| KKP Transport | 09:30 | 13:00 |
| KKP Transport | 10:30 | 14:00 |
| KKP Transport | 12:00 | 15:30 |
| Phittinin Trans. | 08:00 | 12:00 |
| Phittinin Trans. | 09:00 | 13:00 |
| Phittinin Trans. | 10:00 | 14:00 |
| Phittinin Trans. | 12:00 | 16:00 |
| Nuantip | 07:00 | 11:50 |
| Nuantip | 08:30 | 12:50 |
| Nuantip | 09:30 | 13:50 |
| Nuantip | 10:30 | 14:50 |
| Nuantip | 11:00 | 15:50 |
| Nuantip | 12:00 | 16:50 |
| PN Group | 07:00 | 11:50 |
| PN Group | 09:00 | 13:20 |
| PN Group | 11:00 | 15:50 |
| PP Koh Samed | 11:00 | 14:45 |
2. PRIVATE TAXI + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Samet
👉 Private taxi + ferry via Rayong is the most comfortable and fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, flexibility, and hotel/airport pickup
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–4 hours depending on departure point
- ✔️ Cost: $70–380 per car (varies by vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private cars, SUVs, or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Glassflower, Kim Transfers, Bangkok Taxi 24, Firstplan Transport
- 💡 Tip: Fastest option is from Suvarnabhumi Airport
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and check luggage limits
A private car or taxi with a ferry is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet. The journey via Rayong and Ban Phe Pier takes about 2.5–4 hours, depending on your departure location.
You can start from your hotel in Bangkok or from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports. The transfer includes a ferry to Nadan Pier, with private cars, SUVs, and minivans available.
BOOK TAXI + BOAT to Koh Samet ➜
Private transfers cost about $70–380 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type. Minivans are a good choice for groups, and you can easily book your transfer online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Glassflower | 03:00 | From $174.00 |
| Kim Transfers | 03:00 | From $111.00 |
| Smile on Transport | 03:00 | From $135.00 |
| Easyride Services | 03:30 | From $142.00 |
| Thailand Travel Taxi | 03:00 | From $70.00 |
| Easyride Services | 04:00 | From $170.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 04:00 | From $150.00 |
3. TRAIN + TAXI + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Samet
👉 Train + taxi + ferry is a less practical but interesting alternative from Bangkok to Koh Samet.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to include a train experience
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–7 hours with transfers
- ✔️ Cost: $5–20+ per person (train + taxi + boat)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (train + local transfer + boat)
- ✅ Best Option: Train to Ban Plu Ta Luang + taxi to Ban Phe + ferry
- 💡 Tip: Limited train schedule – plan connections carefully
- 🌏 Extra tip: Better choose bus + ferry for faster and easier transfer
You can also travel partly by train from Bangkok to Ban Plu Ta Luang Station. From there, continue by local transport to Ban Phe Pier and then by ferry to Koh Samet.
The train departs from Phaya Thai Railway Station and takes about 4 hours. See the Thai Railway Map before your trip.
After arriving, take a taxi or local transport to Ban Phe, then continue by ferry to Koh Samet. The ferry takes about 15–40 minutes and costs around $2–7 per person.
Although this route is possible, the bus or minivan + ferry combination is faster, easier, and recommended for most travelers.
❓ FAQ + Info – Travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet
How can you book tickets or a taxi from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
Book buses, minivans, ferries, combined tickets, and private taxis online via 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
Travel takes about 3.5–5 hours by bus or minivan with ferry, or 2.5–4 hours by private taxi and ferry.
How far is Koh Samet from Bangkok?
The route from Bangkok to Koh Samet is about 210 km via Ban Phe Pier, followed by a short ferry ride.
How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
Combined bus or minivan and ferry tickets cost about $10–15 per person, while private taxis start at around $70.
What is the nearest airport to Koh Samet?
U-Tapao International Airport is the closest airport, located near Rayong and Ban Phe Pier.
What is the best way to get to Koh Samet?
The best option is a combined minivan or bus and ferry ticket, offering the fastest and most affordable transfer.
What is a combined ticket?
A combined ticket includes both the bus or minivan transfer to Ban Phe Pier and the ferry to Koh Samet.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is a combined bus or minivan and ferry ticket, with prices starting from about $10 per person.
Are there direct flights to Koh Samet?
No. Koh Samet has no airport, so all visitors must travel by road to Ban Phe Pier and continue by ferry.
Can you travel by train?
Yes, but only with a train, taxi, and ferry combination. You can also stop in Pattaya.
Where should you stay in Koh Samet?
Koh Samet offers budget guesthouses, hotels, beachfront resorts, and bungalows. Book accommodation ➜
How do you travel back to Bangkok?
Take the ferry to Ban Phe Pier, then continue to Bangkok by bus, minivan, or taxi. See this guide.
Which are the best islands in Thailand?
Discover Thailand’s top beach destinations in The Best Islands in Thailand.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Koh Samet
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Samet requires a road transfer to Ban Phe Pier followed by a ferry. Combined bus and ferry tickets are the most popular option.
- Bus + Ferry: The cheapest and most popular way to reach Koh Samet from Bangkok.
- Travel Time: The journey takes about 3.5–5 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.
- Ferry Options: Choose between regular ferries or faster speedboats from Ban Phe Pier.
- Book Online: Combined tickets help coordinate bus and ferry connections and save time.
- Weekend Travel: Ferries can be busy on Fridays, weekends, and Thai public holidays.
- Pack Light: Light luggage makes transfers between the bus, pier, and ferry much easier.
- Bring Cash: Carry some Thai Baht for local transport, food, and small purchases.
Tip: Combined bus, minivan, ferry, and private taxi tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samet can be searched and booked online in advance.