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: Travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is easy with multiple daily ferry/speedboat options. Direct crossings take about 1.5–3 hours and cost roughly US$14–25 per person; combined minivan/taxi + ferry transfers take ~3–6 hours and cost around US$20–25. Booking ahead is wise, especially in peak season. You can book tickets to Koh Tao from Koh Samui easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: Approximately 60 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~1.5–3 hours by direct ferry/speedboat | ~3–6 hours with minivan/taxi + ferry.
- 💰 Price range: US$14–25 for standard boat ticket | ~US$20–25 per person for combined land + ferry transfer.
- 🚢 Boat options: High‑speed catamarans and speedboats (operators include Lomprayah, Songserm) depart from Maenam, Na Thon or Bangrak piers and arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
Last updated in April 2026
From Koh Samui to Koh Tao you can get by ferry, speedboat, catamaran.
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- The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, a tropical paradise in Thailand, spans approximately 60 km when traveled by ferry, although this may vary depending on the departure pier on Koh Samui. Boasting azure waters and pristine beaches, Koh Tao is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. Travelers have only one option to traverse from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, and that is by boat or speed ferry. Ferry journeys typically range from 1.5 to 3 hours, contingent upon the chosen boat and departure point. Optimal for swift travel, ferries departing from Maenam Samui port in the north of Koh Samui reach Koh Tao in as little as 1.5 hours. In contrast, the journey from Lipa Noi port takes approximately 5.5 hours. Most ferries dock at Mae Haad port in the southern region of Koh Tao.
- Ferry and boat tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao are priced around $14-25 per person, with slightly higher fares for private transfers or taxis from your hotel to the pier. To ensure a seamless journey, it is advisable to arrive at the departure port at least 1 hour prior to departure. Booking boat and ferry tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is hassle-free, with most companies accepting e-tickets on your mobile device. Prior to your arrival in Koh Tao, acquaint yourself with the island’s weather conditions by reading this informative article: Weather in Koh Tao.
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- Koh Tao Island (or Ko Tao, located in Surat Thani Province) – is a captivating haven nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, accessible by ferry/boat from multiple ports and nearby islands. Spanning a mere 21 km², Koh Tao beckons travelers with its stunning vistas and myriad of attractions. Whether you’re already exploring Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, a visit to Koh Tao promises unforgettable experiences.
- For breathtaking views, venture to Koh Nang Yuan, a picturesque island and viewpoint situated in the island’s northern region. Transport to and from Koh Tao Island is facilitated by a network of boats and speed ferries, with daily services connecting various destinations in Surat Thani province during the season. Consult the instructions below for guidance on reaching Koh Tao from Koh Samui in southern Thailand. From Koh Tao, you can also journey 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 of the operated boat transfers are operated via the island of Koh Phangan, either with a stop or with a transfer to another boat. Companies that will offer you a ferry and boat transfer to Koh Tao from Koh Samui are, for example, Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry, Songserm, in the case of a combined transfer with private transport, and other companies.
Most transport companies will offer you fast and modern boats, ferries or larger catamarans on the route for more passengers. A minor disadvantage of this transfer option is the fact that sometimes the timetables of boats heading to Koh Tao can be more limited.
Transfer by ferry or fast boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes about 1.5-3 hours, but the travel time may vary a little, depending on the route operated and where you depart from. It also depends whether the ferry or the boats make a stop on the island of Koh Phangan, which is on the route between Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Ferries and boats depart from Maenam Pier, Na Thon Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Koh Samui or Bangrak Seatran Pier and usually arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. You will see information about departure points in Koh Samui and arrival points in Koh Tao when searching for tickets online, so read everything carefully.
Ferry tickets and boats from Koh Samui to Koh Tao range from $14-20, in the case of a private transfer it can be a little more. Boat and ferry tickets to Koh Tao can be easily searched and purchased online well in advance. When booking a ticket, always read all transfer information and instructions and follow the instructions of the transport companies.
Your baggage should be up to 20 kg, but the conditions may change over time and therefore always apply the latest information on the booking sites (you will see this information when booking online). Please arrive at the departure point / port in Koh Samui 60 minutes before the boat 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.
Another and convenient, but usually a little more expensive option of transportation from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a transfer by minivan / taxi and ferry. This option has the advantage that you will be transported to the departure point of the boat/ferry and possibly also to the hotel where you will be accommodated on Koh Tao. The ticket price includes private transportation and a subsequent ferry transfer to Koh Tao.
It is convenient and you will be assured of a comfortable and fast transfer to the port, to the place of departure of the ship. Phantip 1970, Faiz Travel and Tour and Lomprayah, or other ferry companies, offer this private ferry transfer option from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. These companies offer transfers in modern and comfortable minivans, and boats or ferries can also be from other companies.
The advantage of this transfer option is the fact that you can choose your departure point on Koh Samui and your arrival point on Koh Tao. Transportation by minivan and ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes about 3-6 hours, depending on the company and the route operated. Sometimes boats and ferries can also make a stop on Koh Phangan.
BOOK JOIN TICKETS to Koh Tao ➜
The indicated driving time can therefore vary a little and it is good to always count on a certain reserve in time. Transfer by minivan / taxi and ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui costs between $20-25/pp, these prices may change during the year or seasons and are not fixed.
The price includes a private minivan transfer and a ferry transfer to Koh Tao. Again, you can easily search and buy these minivan / taxi + ferry tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao online ahead of time. If this option of transportation is available, use it, you will also have a transfer to the port and then to the hotel on Koh Tao.
❓ FAQ + INFO – Travel route from Koh Samui to Koh Tao:
1. How to book ferry/boat tickets to Koh Tao from Koh Samui?
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- You can book and buy ferry tickets to Koh Tao from Koh Samui on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
- companies usually accept e-tickets on your mobile phone, for sure it is better to print them
2. What is the travel time by ferry / boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
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- Travel by boat/ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao takes about 1.5-5.5 hours (depending on the boat type).
- The fastest way of transport is from the port of Maenam Samui (in the north of Koh Samui) and the slowest way is from the port of Lipa Noi (in the south of the island).
3. What is the travel distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
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- Travel distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by ferry/boat is about 60 km (from Maenam Samui pier).
4. How much does it cost to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
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- Traveling by boat or ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao costs about $14-24/pp, prices may vary according to the season in Thailand. Some companies also offer private transfer from the hotel to the pier, this way of transport – van/bus+ferry costs about $30/pp.
5. What is the permitted weight of your backpack on the ferry?
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- Usually a backpack weighing up to 20 kg is accepted, you will see this information before you book ferry tickets online.
6. How to travel from Koh Tao to Surat Thani?
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- If you want to go from Koh Tao to Surat Thani, the only option will be a ferry/boat transfer again. There are several boats on the route every day and the journey takes about 4.5-6 hours. Transfer by boat to Surat Thani costs about $22-35/pp, you can book tickets online.
7. From which piers in Koh Samui ferries to Koh Tao depart?
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- Ferries, boats and catamarans to Koh Tao from Koh Samui depart from these piers: Maenam Samui, Na Thon Koh Samui, Lipa Noi Koh Samui, Bangrak Seatran Pier. Maenam Samui – from this pier it is the most fastest way of transport to Koh Tao.
8. Which ferry companies operate on the route to Koh Tao from Koh Samui?
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- There are these companies from Koh Samui to Koh Tao: Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry Port, Songserm.
9. How to get directly from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao?
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- If you want to go to Koh Tao directly from Koh Samui Airport, you can search and book join tickets (van/bus+ferry ticket). Transfer from the Koh Samui Airport to the pier and ferry to Koh Tao, so it has 2 steps. E.g. Seatran Discovery offers this option of transfer in Koh Samui.
10. Is there an airport on Koh Tao?
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- No, there is no airport on Koh Tao, the closest airport is in Chumphon or on Koh Samui.
11. What is an alternative way how to get to Koh Tao?
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- Another option is a boat trip to the island of Koh Phangan. You can stay there for a few days and then continue again by ferry/boat to Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is located just about 10 km north of Koh Samui and it is a nice place to visit.
12. Where to stay on Koh Tao, how to book hotel or resort?
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- Koh Tao offers a number of nice modern cheaper but also luxury beach resorts but also bungalows. There are also cheaper accommodation options, simple hotels/guest houses. Choose and book from these best deals with up to 60% discount > Book your resort / hotel on Koh Tao ➜.
13. How to go and travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
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- There are several ways to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok. The fastest option is to take a ferry back to Koh Samui Island and from there you can take a direct flight to Bangkok. Another option is to take a ferry/boat to Chumphon and then take a train or tourist sleeper bus. It is also possible to take a boat + bus to Surat Thani and there are also trains or buses. There are also direct flights between Surat Thani and Bangkok.
14. How to travel solo in Thailand?
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- Embark on a solo adventure in Thailand by researching destinations, ensuring personal safety, trying local experiences, connecting with fellow travelers, and savoring the diverse landscapes and attractions the country has to offer. Traveling on your own in Thailand is very popular by travelers. Read this article: Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Samui to Koh Tao
These practical tips focus on the popular sea crossing from Koh Samui to Koh Tao — a route heavily used by divers and island-hoppers, where ferry choice, timing and pier logistics directly affect comfort and arrival experience.
1. Select the Right Departure Pier on Koh Samui
Ferries to Koh Tao usually depart from Bangrak or Maenam piers. Choosing a departure point closer to your accommodation reduces transfer time and lowers the risk of delays caused by island traffic.
2. Consider Sea Conditions When Choosing Vessel Type
High-speed catamarans are faster but can be uncomfortable in choppy conditions, while slower ferries offer more stability. Travelers sensitive to motion often prefer departures earlier in the day.
3. Plan Around Dive School Schedules
Morning sailings often fill with dive students heading to Koh Tao. Booking early and arriving at the pier ahead of schedule improves seat choice and avoids last-minute boarding pressure.
4. Keep Essential Items With You During Boarding
Luggage is typically loaded separately, sometimes stacked tightly. Keep passports, electronics and fragile items in a small carry-on to ensure easy access and protection.
5. Expect Open-Sea Conditions Near Koh Tao
The final approach to Koh Tao is more exposed to wind and waves than the waters around Koh Samui. Secure loose items and stay seated as the ferry docks at Mae Haad Pier.
6. Arrival on Koh Tao — Allow Time to Organize Transport
Songthaews gather at the pier, but pricing varies by beach and resort area. Knowing your accommodation location in advance helps you negotiate quickly and start your stay smoothly.
Tip: Ferry or speedboat tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao can be searched and booked online in advance, helping you secure preferred departure times and seats — especially important during dive season and peak holiday periods.