Bus / van + ferry (combined ticket)
Most popular option with smooth transfers and easy booking
Flight (via Phuket/Bangkok)
Fastest option with minimal effort and comfortable overall journey
Train + ferry (via Surat Thani)
Cheap option but requires transfer and longer travel
Expecting direct route
No direct connection, all routes include ferry transfers
Quick answer: You can travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui by bus/van + ferry, train + ferry, private car/taxi + ferry, or flight via Phuket. Bus + ferry is the most popular and best-value option, while a private taxi offers the most comfort. Flying is the fastest choice but requires a stopover.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (land): ~370 km via Donsak / Surat Thani
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus + Ferry 7–8.5 h | Train + Ferry ~11 h | Taxi + Ferry 7–10 h | Flight via Phuket 5–10 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus + Ferry $16–23 pp | Train + Ferry $17–80 pp | Taxi + Ferry $180–500/car | Flight $140–220 pp
- 🚍 Bus / Van + Ferry: Most popular and affordable
- 🚆 Train + Ferry: Cheap but slower
- 🚕 Private Car / Taxi + Ferry: Most comfortable
- ✈️ Flight (via Phuket): Fastest option
Last updated in April 2026
From Hat Yai to Koh Samui you can travel by bus/van + ferry, train + ferry, taxi + ferry or flight.
The distance from Hat Yai to Koh Samui is about 370 km via Donsak Pier. The most popular option is a bus/van + ferry, taking 7–8.5 hours and costing about $16–23 per person. You can also travel by train + ferry via Surat Thani, private taxi + ferry, or take a flight via Phuket.
Flights via Phuket are the fastest option, taking about 5–10 hours and costing $140–220 per person. Train + ferry journeys take about 11 hours and cost $17–80 per person. Book tickets and flights online in advance, especially during the high season.
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand. From Koh Samui you can continue by ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. Direct flights to Koh Samui are also available from Bangkok and Phuket.
| Transfer modes from Hat Yai to Koh Samui: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/Van + Ferry | 7–8.5 hours | $16–23 per person |
| Train + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 11 hours | $17–80 per person |
| Taxi + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 7–10 hours | $180–500 per car |
| Flight (via Phuket) | 5–10 hours | $140–220 per person |
How do I get from Hat Yai to Koh Samui?
1. BUS/VAN + FERRY from Hat Yai to Koh Samui
👉 Bus/van + ferry via Surat Thani is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers and those looking for a simple combined transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–8.5 hours (including bus and ferry transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $16–23 per person (combined ticket for bus and ferry)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (bus/minivan + ferry, possible delays)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined ticket with companies like Phantip 1970 or Lomprayah via Surat Thani
- 💡 Tip: Book combined bus and ferry ticket online in advance.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Use e-ticket with QR code on your phone.
Traveling by bus or minivan and ferry via Surat Thani or Donsak Pier is the most popular and cheapest way to get from Hat Yai to Koh Samui. You can book one combined ticket that includes both the bus and ferry.
Companies such as Nakhonborrikarn, Phantip 1970 and KST Travel operate this route, with ferry services provided by Seatran Ferry, Raja Ferry or Lomprayah. Buses usually depart from Hat Yai Bus Terminal.
The journey takes about 7–8.5 hours and costs around $16–23 per person. Most operators accept mobile e-tickets, so printing is not required. Book your combined ticket online in advance.
| Operator | Departure in Hat Yai | Arrival in Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Nakhonborrikarn | 08:00 | 16:30 |
| Nakhonborrikarn | 10:15 | 18:45 |
| Phantip 1970 | 08:30 | 15:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 10:15 | 18:45 |
| KST Travel | 08:00 | 16:15 |
| KST Travel | 10:15 | 18:30 |
2. TRAIN + FERRY from Hat Yai to Koh Samui
👉 Train + ferry via Surat Thani is a cheap and flexible way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer train travel and flexible connections
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–11 hours (train + ferry or bus + ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $16–65 per person total (train + transfer to Koh Samui)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train seats + ferry, relatively comfortable)
- ✅ Best Option: Train to Surat Thani + combined bus and ferry transfer to Koh Samui
- 💡 Tip: Book train and ferry tickets online in advance together.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose transfer from station to ferry for convenience.
Traveling by train and ferry via Surat Thani is another affordable way to get from Hat Yai to Koh Samui. First take a train to Surat Thani, then continue by ferry or bus + ferry via Donsak Pier.
The journey takes about 8–11 hours, including 4.5–5 hours by train and 2.5–6 hours by ferry or bus + ferry. Trains depart from Hat Yai Railway Station and arrive at Surat Thani Railway Station. See the Thailand Railway Map.
Train tickets cost about $4–40 per person, while the transfer from Surat Thani to Koh Samui costs $12–25 per person. A combined bus + ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is the most convenient option. Book both tickets online in advance.
3. TAXI + FERRY from Hat Yai to Koh Samui
👉 Private taxi + ferry is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want comfort, privacy, and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–10 hours (including ferry transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $180–500 per car (depending on vehicle type and group size)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private vehicle + organized ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car with driver + ferry with companies like Kim Transfers Thailand or Bangkok Taxi24
- 💡 Tip: Book private taxi and ferry transfer online in advance early.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose larger vehicle and split cost with group.
A private car or taxi with a driver is the most comfortable way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui. The price usually includes the ferry transfer, and some companies also provide hotel drop-off on the island.
Companies such as Kim Transfers Thailand, Easyride Services, Bangkok Taxi24 and Van2Travel operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans. The journey takes about 7–10 hours.
Prices range from $180–500 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Minivans are ideal for groups, as the cost can be shared. Book your private transfer online in advance.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Koh Samui ➜
4. FLIGHT from Hat Yai to Koh Samui (via Phuket)
👉 Flight via Phuket is a fast and comfortable way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui, but more expensive.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer flying and may want to visit Phuket
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5–10 hours (including transfer in Phuket)
- ✔️ Cost: $140–330 per person (two flights, prices vary by season)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flights, but limited schedules)
- ✅ Best Option: Bangkok Airways flights via Phuket with short connections
- 💡 Tip: Book both flights online in advance for better prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Consider separate tickets for more flexible options.
Flying via Phuket is the fastest way to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui, although there are no direct flights. This option is ideal if you also plan to visit Phuket.
Flights depart from Hat Yai International Airport to Phuket and continue to Koh Samui. The journey takes about 5–10 hours, depending on the connection. Read more about Phuket to Koh Samui.
Flights usually cost $140–220 per person, depending on the season and availability. Book flights online in advance, as schedules are limited and early booking often offers the best fares.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui
How to book tickets or flights from Hat Yai to Koh Samui?
Book bus, train, ferry tickets and flights online at 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Both platforms also offer many other routes across Thailand.
What is the travel time from Hat Yai to Koh Samui?
Bus + ferry takes 7–8.5 hours, train + ferry about 11 hours, taxi + ferry 7–10 hours, and flights via Phuket about 5–10 hours.
How far is Koh Samui from Hat Yai?
The distance from Hat Yai to Koh Samui is about 370 km via Donsak Pier.
How much does it cost to travel from Hat Yai to Koh Samui?
Bus + ferry costs $16–23, train + ferry $17–80, taxi + ferry $180–500 per vehicle, and flights via Phuket $140–220 per person.
What is the cheapest way to get to Koh Samui?
The cheapest option is usually a bus + ferry or train + ferry via Surat Thani.
Can you travel by train to Koh Samui?
Yes. Take a train to Surat Thani, then continue by bus or van and ferry to Koh Samui.
What is the best transport option?
Flying via Phuket is the fastest option, while the bus + ferry offers the best value for most travelers.
Can you travel via Koh Lanta?
Yes. Travel to Koh Lanta first, then continue by bus + ferry via Surat Thani or Donsak Pier.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
Travel by ferry to nearby islands or visit Bangkok, Phuket, or Surat Thani.
Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
Discover the country’s top islands in The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Hat Yai to Koh Samui
Traveling from Hat Yai to Koh Samui is easy by bus/van + ferry, train + ferry, private taxi + ferry, or flight via Phuket. Combined bus and ferry tickets are the most popular choice.
- Best Option: Bus/van + ferry offers the best balance of price, comfort and travel time.
- Fastest Transfer: Flights via Phuket are the quickest but also the most expensive.
- Train Route: Take a train to Surat Thani, then continue by bus and ferry to Koh Samui.
- Book Early: Ferry connections and flights can sell out during weekends and holidays.
- Arrival Piers: Check your ferry arrival pier to choose the easiest transfer to your hotel.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, sunscreen and a light jacket for air-conditioned transport.
Tip: Bus, train, ferry and flight tickets from Hat Yai to Koh Samui can be searched and booked online in advance.