High-speed ferry
Fastest option taking 20–45 minutes with frequent daily departures
Catamaran ferry
Stable ride with more space and comfortable seating onboard
Standard ferry
Cheapest option, slower crossing with basic seating
Indirect via mainland
Unnecessary detour with transfers and much longer travel time
Quick answer: Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is easy, with frequent ferries and speedboats operating throughout the day. The crossing takes only 20–60 minutes, making it a fast and convenient transfer. Ferry tickets from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui can be booked online in advance, allowing you to choose your preferred departure time.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 15 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~20‑50 minutes by ferry/speed‑boat.
- 💰 Price range: US$ 7‑22 pp.
- 🚤 Ferry / Speed‑boat: From Thong Sala Pier (Koh Phangan) to Bangrak Pier, Maenam, Na Thon or Lipa Noi (Koh Samui) via companies such as Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Songserm.
Last updated in October 2026
Koh Phangan to Koh Samui: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry / Speedboat | 20–60 min | $7–22/person | ★★★★★ | Fast island transfer |
| Van / Taxi + Ferry | 1.5–2 h | $10–15/person | ★★★★☆ | Hotel transfers |
| Standard Ferry | 30–60 min | $7–16/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is easy by ferry or speedboat from Thong Sala Pier. The crossing usually takes about 20–60 minutes and tickets cost around $7–22 per person, while combined van or taxi + ferry transfers take about 1.5–2 hours.
How to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
1. FERRY / SPEEDBOAT from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
👉 Ferry / speedboat is the only and fastest way to travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: all travelers needing a quick island-to-island transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~20–60 minutes (longer for some combined transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: $7–22 per person (depends on boat type and company)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (speedboats are faster, ferries offer more space)
- ✅ Best Option: Lomprayah or Seatran Discovery for reliable and frequent departures
- 💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance and check your arrival pier in Koh Samui.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at Thong Sala Pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
Traveling by ferry or speedboat is the only way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. Services are operated by Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Songserm, Phantip 1970, Marine Passion, Echo Travel and other companies using both ferries and speedboats.
Boats depart from Thong Sala Koh Phangan and arrive at Bangrak Pier, Maenam Pier, Na Thon or Lipa Noi on Koh Samui. Check the departure and arrival piers carefully when booking your ticket.
The crossing takes about 20–60 minutes and tickets cost around $7–22 per person. Ferry tickets can be booked online in advance, and it is recommended to arrive at Thong Sala Pier at least 30 minutes before departure.
2. VAN/TAXI + FERRY from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
👉 Van/taxi + ferry is a convenient door-to-door transfer from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a hassle-free transfer including hotel pickup or drop-off
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours (longer than ferry alone due to transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: $10–15 per person (includes ferry and land transport)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (combined minivan/taxi and ferry journey)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined tickets with companies like Seatran Discovery or Phantip 1970
- 💡 Tip: Book your ticket online in advance and check if hotel transfer is included.
- 🌏 Extra tip: This option saves time by avoiding the need to arrange separate transport on Koh Samui.
You can also choose a combined minivan/taxi and ferry transfer from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui. This option includes the ferry crossing and often a transfer from the pier to your hotel on Koh Samui.
Combined transfers are offered by Phantip 1970, Songserm and Seatran Discovery. When booking online, check whether hotel pickup or drop-off is included in your ticket.
BOOK JOIN TICKETS to Koh Samui ➜
The journey takes about 1.5–2 hours and costs around $10–15 per person. Combined tickets can be booked online in advance and are ideal if you need transport to your accommodation.
| Ferry Company | Departs in Koh Phangan | Arrival in Koh Samui | Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomlahkkhirin | 08:05 | 08:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 10:30 | 11:00 | From $8.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 15:00 | 15:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 16:00 | 16:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 18:00 | 18:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 19:00 | 19:30 | From $7.00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 12:00 | 14:00 | From $15.00 |
| Songserm | 12:00 | 13:00 | From $7.00 |
| Songserm | 15:00 | 15:20 | From $16.00 |
| Songserm | 17:30 | 17:50 | From $10.00 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center | 01:00 | 01:20 | From $22.00 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center | 02:00 | 02:20 | From $22.00 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center | 03:00 | 03:20 | From $22.00 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center | 04:00 | 04:20 | From $22.00 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center | 05:00 | 05:20 | From $22.00 |
| Echo Travel | 17:30 | 17:50 | From $17.00 |
| Echo Travel | 19:30 | 19:50 | From $17.00 |
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 08:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomprayah | 11:00 | 11:30 | From $10.00 |
| Lomprayah | 12:30 | 13:00 | From $10.00 |
| Lomprayah | 17:00 | 17:30 | From $10.00 |
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Koh Samui ➜
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
How long is the ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui?
Speedboats take about 20–30 minutes, while ferries usually take 30–45 minutes. Raja Ferry to Lipa Noi takes around 1.5 hours.
How much does the ferry cost?
Ferry and speedboat tickets cost approximately $7–22 per person, depending on the operator and boat type.
What is the distance between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui?
The islands are only about 15 km apart, making this one of the shortest ferry routes in Thailand.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket?
Most companies accept mobile e-tickets, but some may request a printed copy. Always check the booking conditions before departure.
Which ferry companies operate this route?
Popular operators include Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Songserm and Marine Passion.
Where do ferries arrive on Koh Samui?
Depending on the operator, ferries arrive at Bangrak Pier, Maenam Pier, Na Thon or Lipa Noi.
How can I travel back to Koh Phangan?
Return ferries and speedboats operate daily from Koh Samui. See the schedule for Koh Samui to Koh Phangan.
Where should I stay on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui offers everything from budget hostels and cheap hotels to luxury resorts across the island.
BOOK your HOTEL in Koh Samui ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Phangan to Koh Samui
Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is easy and fast. Ferries and speedboats operate throughout the day, making this one of Thailand’s busiest island routes.
- Fast Crossing: Speedboats take about 20–30 minutes, while ferries usually need 30–45 minutes.
- Departure Pier: Almost all boats leave from Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan.
- Book Ahead: Reserve tickets early during Full Moon Parties, weekends and holidays.
- Arrive Early: Be at the pier at least 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Sea Conditions: Crossings may be rough during the rainy season, so check the weather forecast.
- Airport Connection: Koh Samui Airport is a short transfer from several arrival piers, making onward travel easy.
Tip: Ferry tickets from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui can be searched and booked online in advance.
From Koh Phangan to Koh Samui you can travel by ferry or speedboat.
Travel distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is only about 15 km. The only way to travel between these islands is by ferry or speedboat. The crossing takes about 20–60 minutes, while Raja Ferry to Lipa Noi takes about 1.5 hours. Tickets cost around $7–22 per person. Boats depart from Thong Sala Pier and arrive at Bangrak Pier, Maenam Pier or Lipa Noi on Koh Samui. From Koh Samui you can continue by ferry to Surat Thani, travel to Krabi or visit Phuket.
Koh Phangan has no airport, while Koh Samui has an international airport with domestic and international flights. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and relaxed atmosphere. Read the travel guide below and book your ferry tickets online in advance.