High-speed ferry
Fastest option taking 1.5–2.5 hours 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 Koh Phangan
Stops add time, direct ferries are faster and easier
Quick answer: Traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is easy, with frequent ferries and high-speed boats operating every day. This is the only transport option between the islands, offering a fast and comfortable journey. Boats depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and arrive at several piers on Koh Samui. Ferry tickets can be searched and booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 60 km by sea from Koh Tao to Koh Samui.
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~1.5–3.5 hours depending on operator and boat type.
- 💰 Price range: US$ 15–24 pp.
- 🚤 Ferry / Speed‑boat: Depart from Mae Haad Pier (Koh Tao) to Maenam or Na Thon (Koh Samui) via operators like Lomprayah, Songserm, Lomlahkkhirin.
Last updated in April 2026.
From Koh Tao to Koh Samui you can travel by ferry or speedboat.
Travel distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is about 60 km by sea. The only way to travel between these islands is by ferry or speedboat, as there are no flights. The journey takes about 1.5–3.5 hours and ferry tickets cost around $15–24 per person. Boats depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and arrive at Na Thon or Maenam Pier on Koh Samui.
Some ferry services stop at Koh Phangan before continuing to Koh Samui. Tickets can be booked online in advance, and it is recommended to read all travel instructions before departure. From Koh Samui you can continue to Krabi or Phuket in southern Thailand.
Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand and an important transport hub with an international airport. After your stay, you can also take a direct flight to Bangkok. Ferry tickets to Koh Samui can be easily searched and booked online in advance.
| Ferry / Boat Options from Koh Tao to Koh Samui: | |
|---|---|
| Available Options | Various boats, ferries, and high-speed ferries |
| Private Transfer Option | Some companies offer a private transfer directly from the hotel to the pier |
| Transfer Cost | About $15-23 per person (prices may vary) |
| Travel Time | About 1.5-3.5 hours |
| Transport Companies | Lomprayah, Marine Passion, Songserm, Phantip 1970, Lomlahkkhirin… |
| Departure from Koh Tao | Mae Haad Koh Tao |
| Arrival in Koh Samui | Maenam Samui or Na Thon Koh Samui |
How do you get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
1. BOAT / FERRY from Koh Tao to Koh Samui
👉 Ferry / speedboat is the only and most practical way to travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: all travelers needing a direct island-to-island transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–3.5 hours (depends on boat type and route)
- ✔️ Cost: $15–24 per person (prices vary by company and season)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (ferries offer more space, speedboats are faster)
- ✅ Best Option: Lomprayah or Songserm for reliable connections
- 💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance due to limited schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at Mae Haad Pier at least 30–60 minutes early and check luggage limits.
The only way to travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is by ferry or speedboat. Companies such as Lomprayah, Marine Passion, Songserm, Lomlahkkhirin, and Phantip 1970 operate regular services, and some also offer hotel transfers. The journey takes about 1.5–3.5 hours, depending on the operator and type of vessel.
Boats depart from Mae Haad Pier and arrive at Na Thon or Maenam Pier on Koh Samui. Ferry tickets cost about $15–24 per person, with prices varying by company and season. When booking online, always check the departure and arrival piers carefully.
Book your ferry tickets online in advance, especially during the tourist season. Arrive at Mae Haad Pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure. Most operators allow up to 20 kg of luggage per passenger, and some services travel via Koh Phangan before continuing to Koh Samui.
| Ferry Company | Departs in Koh Tao | Arrival in Koh Samui | Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomlahkkhirin | 07:00 | 08:30 | From $23.00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 09:30 | 11:20 | From $15.00 |
| Lomprayah | 09:30 | 11:30 | From $20.00 |
| Lomprayah | 15:30 | 17:30 | From $20.00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 09:30 | 14:00 | From $24.00 |
| Songserm | 09:30 | 13:00 | From $17.00 |
❓ FAQ — Travel route from Koh Tao to Koh Samui:
How to book ferry / boat tickets from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
Book ferry tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
Most operators accept mobile e-tickets, although having a printed copy is recommended.
What is the travel time by boat from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
Ferry and speedboat transfers from Koh Tao to Koh Samui take about 1.5–3.5 hours, depending on the operator and boat type.
What is the travel distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
The travel distance between Koh Tao and Koh Samui is about 60 km by ferry or speedboat.
How much does it cost to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
Ferry tickets cost about $15–24 per person. Some operators also offer combined hotel transfer and ferry tickets.
What is the permitted weight of your backpack on the ferry?
Most ferry companies allow up to 20 kg of luggage per passenger. Always check the luggage policy before booking.
How to go from Koh Samui to Surat Thani?
From Koh Samui you can travel by ferry plus bus or minivan to Surat Thani town, the airport, or the railway station. Combined tickets are available online.
From which piers in Koh Tao do ferries to Koh Samui depart?
Ferries depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and arrive at Na Thon or Maenam Pier on Koh Samui.
Is there a flight from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?
No. Koh Tao has no airport, so ferries are the only transport option. From Koh Samui you can take a direct flight to Bangkok.
What is an alternative way to reach Koh Samui?
You can first travel to Koh Phangan and then continue by another ferry to Koh Samui.
Where to stay on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui offers everything from cheap hostels and budget hotels to luxury beach resorts.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
From Koh Samui you can travel via Surat Thani to Phuket or Krabi, or take direct flights to these popular destinations.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Tao to Koh Samui
Traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is easy thanks to frequent ferries and speedboats connecting these popular islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
- Only Transport Option: Ferries and speedboats are the only way to travel between the islands.
- Best Departure: Morning boats are usually less crowded and offer more onward travel options.
- Arrive Early: Reach Mae Haad Pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure for check-in.
- Weather Matters: Sea conditions can be rough during the monsoon season, so minor delays are possible.
- Book Early: Reserve your ferry ticket in advance, especially during holidays and the high season.
- Continue Your Trip: From Koh Samui you can easily continue to Bangkok by direct flight.
Tip: Ferry tickets from Koh Tao to Koh Samui can be searched and booked online in advance.