Ferry + van (combined ticket)
Popular route with coordinated transfers and easy booking
Ferry + flight (via Krabi)
Less tiring option with shorter travel and fewer transfers
Bus + ferry
Cheapest option with simple routing but longer journey
Separate bookings
Uncoordinated transfers increase risk of delays and missed connections
Quick answer: From Bangkok to Khao Sok you can travel by flight + bus, tourist bus, train + bus, or private car. The fastest option is a direct flight to Surat Thani followed by a bus or minivan, while overnight buses are the cheapest choice. Your ideal option depends on your budget, travel time, and preferred level of comfort.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: about 750 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight + Bus: 8–10 hr | Train + Bus: 12–16 hr | Bus: 14–16 hr | Private Car: 11–15 hr.
- 💰 Price range: Bus: US$20–40 | Train + Bus: US$25–70 | Flight + Bus: US$34–100 | Private Car: US$260–420 (vehicle).
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flight to Surat Thani, then bus or minivan to Khao Sok.
- 🚍 Budget option: Overnight tourist bus from Bangkok.
- 🚕 Private transfer: Door-to-door service, ideal for families or small groups.
Last updated: July 2026
From Koh Lanta to Koh Samui you can travel by bus/van + ferry, van + flight, or private car + ferry.
The travel distance from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui is about 300 km via Surat Thani and Don Sak Pier. The most popular option is a bus or minivan with a ferry, taking about 8-10 hours and costing around $25-40 per person. Ferries arrive at Nathon or Lipa Noi Pier on Koh Samui.
You can also travel by van to Krabi Airport and take a direct flight to Koh Samui. This option costs about $120-150 per person. Private car + ferry transfers are available for travelers seeking maximum comfort. From Koh Samui, you can continue by ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, famous for its beaches and resorts. There is no direct flight or railway from Koh Lanta. You can also travel to Krabi or Phuket.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Lanta to Koh Samui: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus / Van + Ferry | 8-10 hours | $25-40/pp |
| Van + Flight (via Krabi) | 8-10 hours | $120-150/pp |
| Private Car/Taxi + Ferry | 7-10 hours | $190-340 (minivan, car) |
How do I get from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
1. VAN / BUS + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui
👉 Van/bus + ferry is the most popular and budget-friendly way to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: solo travelers and budget travelers looking for a simple combined transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–10 hours (may vary, possible delays)
- ✔️ Cost: $25–40 per person (includes van/bus + ferry)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (minivan/bus + ferry transfer with stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined tickets with companies like Phantip 1970 or Raja Ferry
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket online to avoid separate bookings.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at pickup point at least 30–60 minutes early.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui is by minivan or bus and ferry via Don Sak Pier or Surat Thani. Companies such as Raja Ferry, Phantip 1970, 12Go Transport, Good Luck Lanta Tour, and others operate this route.
The journey takes about 8-10 hours and usually includes a minivan transfer followed by a ferry to Koh Samui. Most operators offer hotel pickup on Koh Lanta, while ferries arrive at Nathon or Lipa Noi Pier.
Combined tickets cost about $25-40 per person and can be booked online in advance. Check departure details carefully and arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
| Operator | Departs in Koh Lanta | Arrival in Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Sapthaweephol | 07:00 | 15:30 |
| Krabi Sea Pearl | 07:30 | 15:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 07:30 | 16:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 07:30 | 16:30 |
| 12Go Transport | 07:30 | 15:30 |
| Good Luck Lanta Tour | 08:20 | 16:30 |
| At Lanta Vacation | 08:00 | 15:15 |
| Thrive Travel | 07:00 | 15:30 |
| Krabi Transport and Travel | 07:00 | 15:30 |
2. VAN / BUS + FLIGHT to Koh Samui (via Krabi)
👉 Van/bus + flight via Krabi is a faster but more expensive alternative to reach Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers seeking more comfort and shorter travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–10 hours (including transfer and airport waiting)
- ✔️ Cost: $110–250 per person (van + flight)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short van transfer + direct flight)
- ✅ Best Option: Minivan to Krabi Airport + Bangkok Airways flight to Koh Samui
- 💡 Tip: Plan connections carefully due to limited flight schedule.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Allow at least 2 hours at the airport before departure.
A faster but more expensive option is to travel by minivan to Krabi Airport and then take a direct flight to Koh Samui. As Koh Lanta has no airport, Krabi is the nearest departure point for flights.
The journey takes about 8-10 hours, including the transfer and airport waiting time. Minivans from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport take about 2.5-3.5 hours and cost around $10-14 per person. Private cars are also available.
Direct flights from Krabi to Koh Samui are operated by Bangkok Airways and cost about $100-240 per person. Due to the higher price and limited flight schedule, this option is best for travelers who prefer speed and comfort over budget.
Minivan tickets and flights can be booked online in advance. For most budget travelers, the bus or minivan combined with a ferry remains the better value.
3. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui
👉 Private taxi/car + ferry is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers wanting door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–10 hours (may vary by route)
- ✔️ Cost: $190–340 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car, SUV or minivan + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Bangkok Taxi24, Van2Travel, or Happy EV Taxi
- 💡 Tip: Book your private transfer online and choose pickup/drop-off points.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Great for groups—split the cost for better value and comfort.
A private car with a driver and ferry is the most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui. The transfer is operated via Don Sak Pier and includes the ferry from the mainland to Koh Samui.
Companies such as Bangkok Taxi24, Happy EV Taxi, and Van2Travel offer modern cars, SUVs, and minivans. The journey takes about 7-10 hours, with flexible pickup on Koh Lanta and drop-off anywhere on Koh Samui.
BOOK TAXI / CAR to Koh Samui ➜
Private transfers cost about $190-340 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Many services also include direct hotel drop-off, making this the best option for families or small groups.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui
How to book tickets from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
Book bus + ferry, private transfers, or flights via 12Go ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
Travel takes about 8-10 hours by bus + ferry, 8-10 hours via Krabi flight, or 7-10 hours by private car and ferry.
How far is Koh Samui from Koh Lanta?
The travel distance is approximately 300 km via Surat Thani and Don Sak Pier.
How much does it cost to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
Expect to pay $25-40 by bus + ferry, $120-150 via Krabi flight, or $190-330 per car for a private transfer.
What is the best way to get from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
The fastest option is a minivan to Krabi Airport followed by a direct flight to Koh Samui. The bus + ferry route offers the best value.
Is there a train from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
No. Koh Lanta has no railway, so travel is by road, ferry, or flight via Krabi.
Is there a direct flight from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui?
No. Koh Lanta has no airport. The nearest airport is in Krabi, about 3 hours away by minivan.
Where to stay on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui offers budget hostels, hotels, bungalows, and luxury resorts. Book accommodation in Koh Samui ➜.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
Take a ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, or travel via Surat Thani.
How to travel from Koh Samui to Phuket?
Travel by ferry + van via Surat Thani or take a direct flight. See this travel guide.
Which islands are worth visiting in Thailand?
Explore Thailand’s top islands in the Gulf of Thailand and Phang Nga Bay. Read The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Lanta to Koh Samui
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Koh Samui is possible by bus/van + ferry, van + flight via Krabi, or private car + ferry. The bus and ferry combination is the most popular and affordable option.
- Best Value: Bus or minivan + ferry offers the best balance of price and travel time.
- Fastest Option: Travel via Krabi Airport and take a direct flight to Koh Samui.
- Travel Time: The journey takes about 8-10 hours, depending on connections and ferry schedules.
- Pack Smart: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and protect your luggage during ferry crossings.
- Weather: Check weather conditions before departure, as ferries may be delayed during rough seas.
- Private Transfer: A private car + ferry is the most comfortable option for families and small groups.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends and the high tourist season.
Tip: Book your combined bus, ferry, or flight tickets in advance to secure the best schedules and smoother transfers.