Ferry
Direct and fastest option with easy connection from mainland to island
Taxi + ferry
Hotel pickup included with smooth transfer and minimal waiting times
Bus + ferry
Cheapest combined ticket with transfer, but takes longer overall
Detour via Surat Thani
Indirect route with extra transfers and longer total travel time
Quick answer: Travelling from Chumphon to Koh Samui offers two main options: direct high-speed ferry or combination land + ferry via Surat Thani. The ferry is faster and simpler, while the land + ferry route is cheaper. You can book tickets from Chumphon to Koh Samui easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 170 km by sea from Chumphon to Koh Samui.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry ~3–4 hours | Land + Ferry ~6–7 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Ferry US$ 33–42 per person | Land + Ferry ~US$ 20–40 per person.
- 🚢 Ferry / Speed-boat: Direct high-speed ferries from Chumphon (Thung Makham Noi Pier) to Koh Samui (Bang Rak or Pralarn Pier).
- 🚍 Land + Ferry: Bus/train/van from Chumphon to Surat Thani + ferry to Koh Samui.
Last updated in April 2026
From Chumphon to Koh Samui you can travel by ferry or via Surat Thani.
The distance from Chumphon to Koh Samui is about 170 km by ferry or around 300 km via Surat Thani. The best option is a direct ferry or speedboat from Thung Makham Pier. The journey takes about 3–4 hours, with tickets costing around $33–42 per person. Combined minivan + ferry tickets from Chumphon town are also available.
You can also travel via Surat Thani by train, bus, minivan or taxi, then continue by ferry to Koh Samui. This option is usually cheaper but takes longer than the direct ferry.
Koh Samui is Thailand’s largest island in the Gulf and a gateway to nearby Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. After your stay, you can also travel to Hua Hin.
| Transfer Mode – Chumphon to Koh Samui: | Travel Time | Travel Distance |
|---|---|---|
| High Speed Ferry, Catamaran or Boat | 3-4 hours | 170 km |
| Train, Van, Car + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 6-7 hours | 300 km |
How do I get from Chumphon to Koh Samui?
1. BOAT / FERRY from Chumphon to Koh Samui
👉 Direct ferry is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chumphon to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Good for: tourists, backpackers and island hoppers
- ✔️ Duration: ~3–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: from $33–42 per person
- ✅ Best option: Direct high-speed ferry or combined minivan + ferry ticket
- 💡 Tip: Combined tickets include transfer from Chumphon Train Station to the ferry terminal.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Morning departures usually have calmer sea conditions and are less likely to be delayed.
Direct ferries and catamarans are the most popular way to travel from Chumphon to Thailand‘s island of Koh Samui. Operators such as Lomprayah and Lomlahkkhirin provide comfortable daily services.
The ferry journey takes about 3–4 hours, while combined minivan + ferry tickets are available for travelers starting from Chumphon Train Station or the town center.
Ferry tickets usually cost about $33–42 per person. Booking online in advance is recommended during the high season, holidays and the Full Moon Party period.
2. TRAIN / VAN / CAR + FERRY to Koh Samui
Another way to travel from Chumphon to Koh Samui is via Surat Thani. First travel by train, tourist minivan or private car to Surat Thani, then continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Samui. This route is a good choice if you also plan to visit Surat Thani or nearby destinations.
1. Train, Minivan or Private Car from Chumphon to Surat Thani
👉 Train is the cheapest way to travel from Chumphon to Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Duration: ~2.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Price: from $3–30 per person (train), $13–21 (minivan)
- ✔️ Comfort: seats and sleeper berths available
- ✅ Best option: Train for budget travelers, private taxi for the fastest door-to-door transfer.
- 💡 Tip: Book train tickets early if you plan to travel overnight or during holidays.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Allow enough time in Surat Thani if you are connecting to a ferry, as most ferry piers are outside the city center.
Thai Railways trains connect Chumphon with Surat Thani in about 2.5–3 hours and are the cheapest transport option. You can choose from seat and sleeper classes. See the Thailand Train Map and Thailand Train Timetable.
Tourist minivans take about 3–4 hours, while private taxis from Bangkok Taxi 24, Ramon Transport, Axara Travel, Fame Tour and Glassflower offer the fastest and most comfortable transfer. You can also book private transport online.
2. Ferry or Speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
👉 Ferry is the easiest way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
- ✔️ Price: from $8–18 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard ferries and high-speed catamarans
- ✅ Best option: Combined minivan + ferry ticket for the easiest connection.
- 💡 Tip: High-speed ferries are faster but usually sell out first during the high season.
- 🌏 Extra tip: If you continue to Chaweng, Lamai or other beaches, check whether your ferry ticket includes a hotel transfer.
Daily ferries, catamarans and speedboats operate from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. Major operators include Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, Seatran and Phantip 1970, with departures from Tapee Pier – Laem Thuat and Raja Ferry Port.
The ferry crossing takes about 1.5–2 hours, and tickets cost around $8–18 per person. You can also book combined minivan + ferry tickets for a seamless transfer to Koh Samui.
❓ FAQ — Travel from Chumphon to Koh Samui:
How do I book tickets from Chumphon to Koh Samui?
How long does it take to get to Koh Samui?
Direct ferry or speedboat services take about 3–4 hours. Traveling via Surat Thani usually takes around 6–7 hours.
What is the travel distance?
The direct ferry route covers about 170 km. If you travel via Surat Thani, the total distance is approximately 300 km.
How much does the trip cost?
Direct ferry tickets usually cost about $33–42 per person. Combined routes via Surat Thani can be slightly cheaper.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is to travel by train to Surat Thani and continue by ferry. Prices start at about $12–15 per person.
How can I travel to Surat Thani?
You can travel by Thai Railways train, tourist bus, minivan or private taxi. The train is usually the best-value option.
Which pier do ferries depart from?
Most ferries and high-speed catamarans depart from Thung Makham Pier, located a short distance from Chumphon town.
Can I fly from Chumphon to Koh Samui?
No, there are no direct flights from Chumphon. If you want to fly to the island, you can use flights from Bangkok.
Where can I book accommodation on Koh Samui?
You can choose from budget guesthouses, beachfront resorts or luxury hotels. Browse options here: Book accommodation in Koh Samui.
Which other Thai islands are worth visiting?
Besides Koh Samui, you can also visit Koh Phangan, Koh Tao or Koh Lanta. Read more in this guide to the best islands in Thailand.
| Company | Departs in Chumphon | Arrival in Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | 07:00 | 11:20 |
| Lomprayah | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| Lomprayah | 06:00 (Train station) | 11:30 |
| Lomprayah | 12:00 (Train station) | 17:30 |
| Lomprayah | 08:50 (Airport) | 17:30 |
| Company | Departs in Koh Samui | Arrival in Chumphon |
|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 11:45 |
| Lomprayah | 12:30 | 16:30 |
| Lomprayah | 12:30 | 17:30 (Train station) |
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 12:45 (Train station) |
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 13:00 (Airport) |
| Lomprayah | 12:30 | 18:00 (Airport) |
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chumphon to Koh Samui
Traveling from Chumphon to Koh Samui is straightforward, with direct ferries and combined transfers available throughout the year. A little planning will help you enjoy a smooth journey.
- Direct Ferry: The fastest option is a direct ferry or speedboat from Chumphon to Koh Samui.
- Morning Departures: Early ferries usually offer calmer sea conditions and fewer delays.
- Combined Tickets: Combined bus + ferry tickets simplify transfers and save time.
- Travel Light: Smaller luggage makes boarding and changing between vehicles much easier.
- Arrival Pier: Check whether your ferry arrives at Nathon or Bangrak Pier before arranging hotel transport.
- Bad Weather: During the monsoon season, ferry schedules may occasionally change due to sea conditions.
Tip: Ferry and combined transfer tickets from Chumphon to Koh Samui can be booked online in advance.