Ferry (Lomprayah)
Fastest catamaran with shortest travel time available
Lomlahkkhirin / Seatran
Comfortable seating with less crowded boat experience
Songserm ferry
Lower ticket price but longer travel time overall
Slow ferry via stops
Multiple stops significantly increase total journey duration
Quick answer: Traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is simple thanks to frequent daily ferries and speedboats. Direct crossings take about 1.5–3 hours, while ferry tickets usually cost US$14–25 per person. Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during the high season.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: Approximately 60 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: About 1.5–3 hours by direct ferry or speedboat.
- 💰 Ticket price: Around US$14–25 per person.
- 🚢 Ferry route: Departures from Maenam, Na Thon or Bangrak piers, arriving at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
Last updated in April 2026
From Koh Samui to Koh Tao you can travel by ferry, speedboat or catamaran.
The only way to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry or speedboat. The sea route is about 60 km, takes 1.5–3 hours, and is one of the most popular island connections in Thailand.
Ferry tickets cost about US$14–25 per person. Most operators accept mobile e-tickets, and it is recommended to arrive at the pier 30–60 minutes before departure. Before traveling, you can also check the weather in Koh Tao.
Koh Tao is famous for diving and snorkeling and is easy to reach from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. Nearby Koh Nang Yuan is another popular attraction, and after your visit you can continue to Bangkok.
| FERRY TRANSFER – Koh Samui to Koh Tao: | |
|---|---|
| Available Options | Various boats, ferries, catamarans, and high-speed ferries |
| Private Transfer Option | Some companies offer a private transfer directly from the hotel to the pier |
| Ferry / Catamaran from Maenam Samui | About $14-24 per person (prices may vary by season) |
| Transport Companies | Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry, Songserm |
| Departure Ports | Maenam Samui, Na Thon Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Koh Samui, Bangrak Pier |
How do you get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
1. BOAT / FERRY from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
👉 Ferry / speedboat is the only and most practical way to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Best for: all travelers heading between islands
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $14–20 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern ferries, speedboats, or catamarans)
- ✅ Best Option: Services with companies like Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, or Songserm
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and check departure piers carefully.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Often via Koh Phangan.
The only way to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry, speedboat or catamaran. Most services are operated by Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry and Songserm, with some boats stopping at Koh Phangan.
The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours, depending on the departure pier, ferry operator and route.
Ferries depart from Maenam, Na Thon, Lipa Noi and Bangrak piers and usually arrive at Mae Haad Pier. Ferry tickets cost about US$14–20, while combined transfers with hotel pickup are slightly more expensive.
Book ferry tickets online in advance, especially during the high season. Most operators allow luggage up to 20 kg, and passengers should arrive at the departure pier about 60 minutes before departure.
| Ferry Company | Departure in Koh Samui | Arrival in Koh Tao | Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 09:30 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 11:00 | 13:30 | From $16.00 |
| Lomprayah | 11:30 | 14:15 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 12:15 | 14:15 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 12:30 | 14:00 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 14:30 | 16:00 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 16:00 | 17:30 | From $20.00 |
| Songserm | 10:30 | 14:15 | From $20.00 |
| Songserm | 11:30 | 14:15 | From $14.00 |
2. VAN / CAR + FERRY from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
👉 Van / car + ferry is a convenient door-to-door transfer from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers wanting easy transfer with hotel pickup
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–6 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $20–25 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (minivan/taxi + ferry combination)
- ✅ Best Option: Combo transfers with companies like Lomprayah, Phantip 1970, or Faiz Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance and confirm pickup/drop-off details.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Includes transfer to the pier.
A convenient alternative is a combined minivan or taxi and ferry transfer. This option includes transport to the departure pier on Koh Samui and, with some companies, a transfer to your hotel on Koh Tao.
Combined transfers are offered by Phantip 1970, Faiz Travel and Tour, Lomprayah and other operators. Travel time is about 3–6 hours, depending on the route, ferry connection and possible stop at Koh Phangan.
BOOK JOIN TICKETS to Koh Tao ➜
Combined tickets cost around US$20–25 per person and include both the road transfer and ferry. It is recommended to book online in advance, especially during the high season, to secure your preferred departure time.
❓ FAQ + Info – Travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
How to book ferry tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Book ferry tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. Mobile e-tickets are accepted by most operators.
How long is the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Direct ferries take about 1.5–3 hours, while some routes may take up to 5.5 hours.
What is the distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
The ferry route between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is approximately 60 km.
How much does the ferry cost?
Ferry tickets usually cost US$14–24 per person. Combined van and ferry tickets start from about US$20–30.
What is the luggage allowance?
Most ferry companies allow one bag weighing up to 20 kg.
How to travel from Koh Tao to Surat Thani?
Travel by ferry to Surat Thani takes about 4.5–6 hours. See: Koh Tao to Surat Thani.
Which piers do ferries depart from?
Ferries leave from Maenam, Na Thon, Lipa Noi and Bangrak piers. Maenam offers the fastest crossings.
Which ferry companies operate this route?
Main operators include Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry and Songserm.
Can I travel from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao?
Yes. You can book a combined airport transfer and ferry ticket to Koh Tao.
Is there an airport on Koh Tao?
No. The nearest airports are on Koh Samui and in Chumphon.
Can I visit Koh Phangan before Koh Tao?
Yes. Many travelers stop on Koh Phangan before continuing by ferry to Koh Tao.
Where to book accommodation on Koh Tao?
Find hotels, resorts and guesthouses here: Book accommodation on Koh Tao.
How to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The fastest option is a ferry to Koh Samui followed by a direct flight. Read: How to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok.
Is Thailand good for solo travel?
Yes. Thailand is one of the best destinations for solo travelers. Read: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Traveling by ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is the fastest and most popular way to reach this famous diving island.
- Departure Piers: Most ferries leave from Maenam, Bangrak, Na Thon or Lipa Noi piers.
- Morning Departures: Early ferries usually offer calmer seas and a more comfortable journey.
- Arrive Early: Be at the pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure for check-in.
- Luggage: Keep passports, valuables and electronics in your carry-on bag.
- Arrival: Ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, with easy access to hotels and resorts on Koh Tao.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during the high season and busy diving months.
Tip: Ferry tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao can be booked online before departure to secure your preferred sailing.