Ferry + van (combo ticket)
Best balance of price, speed, easy transfers via Surat Thani
Ferry + taxi
Fastest option, around 8–10 hours, direct transfer to Khao Lak
Ferry + bus
Cheapest option, longer journey, multiple transfers along the route
Direct transport
No direct route, always requires ferry and land transfers
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak is by ferry to Surat Thani, followed by a bus, minivan or private transfer. The journey takes about 7-10 hours, depending on connections. You can book tickets from Koh Tao to Khao Lak online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 230 km via Surat Thani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry + Bus/Van ~8–14 hours | Ferry + Private Car ~7–12 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Ferry + Bus/Van US$ 35–65 per person | Ferry + Private Car US$ 115–190 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Ferry + Bus/Van: Ferry/boat from Koh Tao to Surat Thani + bus/minivan to Khao Lak.
- 🚕 Ferry + Private Car: Ferry/boat from Koh Tao to Surat Thani + private car/taxi to Khao Lak.
- 🛏️ Sleeper Boat + Bus: Alternate slower option with overnight boat + bus.
Last updated in April 2026
How to get from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
The best way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak is by ferry to Surat Thani, followed by a bus or minivan via Khao Sok National Park. The journey covers about 230 km, takes approximately 8-14 hours, and costs around $35-65 per person. You can also travel by private transfer from Surat Thani to Khao Lak.
A faster and more comfortable option is a ferry + private taxi via Surat Thani. This transfer takes about 7-12 hours and costs around $115-190 per vehicle. Tickets for ferries, buses and private transfers can be booked online in advance. From Khao Lak you can also continue to Koh Yao Yai.
Khao Lak is a popular beach destination in Phang Nga province, known for long sandy beaches and easy access to nearby national parks. Before your visit, check the weather conditions. From Koh Tao you can also travel by ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Tao to Khao Lak: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Bus/Van | 8–13 hours | $35–65 per person |
| Ferry + Taxi/Car | 7–12 hours | $115–190 per car |
| Sleeper Boat + Bus | 14–15 hours | $35–52 per person |
How to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
1. BOAT + VAN / BUS from Koh Tao to Khao Lak
👉 Boat + van/bus via Surat Thani is the cheapest and most common way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers looking for a widely available transfer option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8–13 hours (boat + bus transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–65 per person (combined or separate tickets)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (ferry + bus or minivan)
- ✅ Best Option: Ferry to Surat Thani + minivan or bus to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance for better coordination.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive early at departure points to avoid delays.
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak is by ferry to Surat Thani, followed by a bus or minivan to Khao Lak. The total journey takes about 8-13 hours.
Ferries depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao, while buses continue from Surat Thani Bus Terminal or Talad Kaset 2. Combined transport costs around $35-65 per person, depending on the operator.
You can book a combined ticket or separate ferry and bus tickets online in advance. It is recommended to arrive at the departure point at least 30 minutes before departure.
2. BOAT + TAXI / CAR from Koh Tao to Khao Lak
👉 Boat + private taxi/car via Surat Thani is a faster and more comfortable way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~7–12 hours (boat + private car transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $80–200 per person (higher cost with private transport)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (ferry + private modern car)
- ✅ Best Option: Ferry to Surat Thani + private taxi directly to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book boat and car online in advance for smooth transfer.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups to split costs and travel comfortably.
A ferry + private taxi is the most comfortable transport option in Thailand from Koh Tao to Khao Lak. Travel first by ferry to Surat Thani, then continue by a private car with a driver. The total journey takes about 7-12 hours.
Private transfers from Surat Thani to Khao Lak take about 3-4 hours and, including the ferry, cost around $115-190 per vehicle. Various companies operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans for individuals and groups.
This option offers maximum comfort and flexible pickup and drop-off locations. Ferry tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
3 SLEEPER BOAT + BUS from Koh Tao to Khao Lak
👉 Sleeper boat + bus via Surat Thani is the slowest but a unique overnight way to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers looking for a low-cost overnight travel experience
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–15 hours (sleeper boat + bus transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–52 per person (combined ticket)
- ✔️ Comfort: low to medium (basic sleeper boat + bus)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper boat to Surat Thani + connecting bus directly to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket online for easier transfer.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Expect basic conditions and plan essentials for overnight travel.
A sleeper boat + bus via Surat Thani is the slowest transport option from Koh Tao to Khao Lak. You first travel overnight by sleeper boat to Surat Thani and then continue by bus to Khao Lak. The total journey takes about 14-15 hours.
BOOK JOIN TICKET to Khao Lak ➜
Combined sleeper boat and bus tickets cost about $35-52 per person. Companies such as Fame Tour, Phantip 1970, Traans Baan Ton and Koh Tao Booking Center operate these services, with some also providing connecting buses from Surat Thani directly to Khao Lak. You can easily book a combined ticket online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak
How to book tickets from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
Book ferry, bus, minivan and private transfers online at 12go.asia ➜. You can also book routes via Surat Thani.
How long does it take to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
Ferry + bus takes about 8-14 hours, ferry + private taxi 7-12 hours, and sleeper boat + bus about 14-15 hours.
What is the distance from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
The travel distance is about 230 km via Surat Thani and Khao Sok National Park.
How much does it cost to travel from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
Ferry + bus costs about $35-65 per person, while ferry + private taxi costs around $115-190 per vehicle.
Is there a train from Surat Thani to Khao Lak?
No. Khao Lak has no railway station, so you must travel by bus, minivan or private taxi.
Are there flights from Koh Tao to Khao Lak?
No. Khao Lak has no airport. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport.
Can you travel by private taxi from Surat Thani?
Yes. Private taxis are available from Surat Thani town, airport or railway station via Khao Sok National Park.
Where to stay in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak offers hotels, resorts and guesthouses near the beach. Book here: Book your accommodation in Khao Lak ➜.
Where can you travel from Khao Lak?
Popular destinations include Phuket, Koh Yao Yai, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
How can you travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
You can travel to Bangkok from Koh Tao by ferry + train, ferry + bus or via Koh Samui with a direct flight.
BOOK a TOUR / ACTIVITY in Thailand ➜
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Tao to Khao Lak
Traveling from Koh Tao to Khao Lak requires a ferry to Surat Thani, followed by a bus, minivan or private taxi to Khao Lak.
- Best Option: Ferry + minivan via Surat Thani offers the best balance of price and travel time.
- Combined Tickets: Booking a ferry and bus together makes transfers easier and saves time.
- Book Early: Ferries and connecting buses can sell out during holidays and the high season.
- Travel Light: Smaller luggage makes ferry boarding and transfers more convenient.
- Private Transfer: A private taxi from Surat Thani is the most comfortable choice for families or groups.
- Weather: Ferry schedules may change during the monsoon season, so always check departure times.
Tip: Ferry, bus, minivan and private transfer tickets from Koh Tao to Khao Lak can be searched and booked online in advance.