Bus + Ferry
The cheapest and easiest combined transfer.
Flight + Ferry
Fast connection via Koh Samui, but more expensive.
Taxi + Ferry
More flexibility and private ground transport.
Private transfer
Useful for groups with luggage and flexible plans.
Quick answer: The cheapest and most practical way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao is by bus or minivan + ferry, with the journey taking about 8–10 hours. Flying from Krabi to Koh Samui and continuing by ferry is faster, usually around 4–7 hours, while a private taxi + ferry offers more flexibility and comfort for groups.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: about 300 km by land and sea
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus + ferry 8–10 hours; flight + ferry 4–7 hours
- 💰 Price: Bus + ferry US$26–33 pp; flight + ferry US$100–150 pp
- 🚍 Cheapest: Bus / minivan + ferry
- ✈️ Fastest: Flight from Krabi to Koh Samui + ferry
- 🚕 Flexible: Private taxi / car + ferry
Last updated: October 2026
Which is the best way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚍 Bus + Ferry | 8–10 hrs | US$26–33 pp | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| ✈️ Flight + Ferry | 4–7 hrs | US$100–150 pp | ★★★★★ | Time-saving travelers |
| 🚕 Taxi + Ferry | 7–10 hrs | US$100–140+ | ★★★★★ | Groups & flexibility |
Evaluation: ★★★★★ very good ★★★★☆ good ★★★☆☆ acceptable.
For most travelers traveling from Krabi to Koh Tao, bus + ferry offers the best balance of price and convenience. Flying via Koh Samui is better if you want to save time, while a private transfer is useful for groups that prefer more flexibility.
1. Bus + Ferry from Krabi to Koh Tao
👉 Choose bus + ferry if you want the cheapest and easiest way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Duration: about 7–8.5 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$26–50 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to good
- ✅ Best option: Join-ticket bus + high-speed ferry
- 💡 Tip: Check the departure point in Krabi before booking.
Bus or minivan + ferry is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao. The complete journey takes about 7–8.5 hours, depending on the connection.
You can depart from Ao Nang, Krabi Airport or Ao Nam Mao Pier. The combined tickets are usually arranged as one journey, making the transfer easier.
Several operators serve this route, including Lomprayah, Lanta Super Concord, Future Travel, K and P Travel, Van2Travel, Jarinthon Tour and others. Tickets cost about US$26–50 per person depending on the service.
The ferries and high-speed boats arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao. You can also travel from Ao Nang to Koh Samui by combined van and ferry.
| Bus / Ferry Company | Departure in Krabi | Arrival in Koh Tao |
|---|---|---|
| Lomlahkkhirin | 13:00 | 18:00 |
| Lomprayah | 08:00 | 14:15 |
| Lomprayah | 11:30 | 17:45 |
| Lanta Super Concord | 07:00 | 14:00 |
| Lanta Super Concord | 10:30 | 17:45 |
| Lanta Super Concord | 12:00 | 18:00 |
| Future Travel | 09:45 | 17:45 |
| Future Travel | 15:30 | 05:00 |
| K and P Travel | 07:30 | 14:15 |
| K and P Travel | 10:30 | 16:45 |
| Van2 Travel | 09:00 | 17:45 |
| Van2 Travel | 18:00 | 05:00 |
| Jarinthon Tour | 10:00 | 18:30 |
| Ramon Transport | 10:00 | 17:00 |
| Ramon Transport | 11:30 | 17:30 |
| RTC Transport | 10:45 | 17:30 |
| Udomrat Tour | 10:00 | 17:30 |
| Thubthim Siam | 08:30 | 16:00 |
| Fame Tour | 15:00 | 06:00 |
2. Flight + Ferry from Krabi to Koh Tao via Koh Samui
👉 Choose flight + ferry if you want the fastest way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers with limited time
- ✔️ Duration: about 4–7 hours
- ✔️ Price: about US$100–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: very good
- ✅ Best option: Fly Krabi → Koh Samui, then take a ferry
- 💡 Tip: Allow enough time for the ferry connection on Koh Samui.
The fastest option is to fly from Krabi Airport to Koh Samui and continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Tao. The flight takes about 1 hour, while the complete journey usually takes about 4–7 hours.
Direct flights between Krabi and Koh Samui are operated by Bangkok Airways. Flight prices in the source are around US$85–170, depending on the booking.
From Koh Samui, ferries and speedboats to Koh Tao take about 1.5–5.5 hours. Operators include Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry and Songserm, with tickets around US$14–23 per person.
For current connections, check the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry schedule before booking.
3. Taxi + Ferry from Krabi to Koh Tao via Surat Thani
👉 Choose a private taxi + ferry if you want more flexibility and a direct private transfer from Krabi.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Duration: about 7–10 hours
- ✔️ Price: around US$100–140+ depending on the transfer
- ✔️ Comfort: very good
- ✅ Best option: Private car to Surat Thani + ferry
- 💡 Tip: Check whether the transfer includes the pier connection.
A private car can take you from Krabi to Surat Thani, where you continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Tao. The road journey from Krabi to Surat Thani takes about 2.5–4 hours.
Private car prices from Krabi to Surat Thani are around US$70–130 per vehicle. This option can be useful for groups that want more privacy and flexibility.
From Surat Thani, ferries and boats to Koh Tao take about 3.5–7 hours. Operators include Lomprayah, Songserm and Phantip 1970, with tickets around US$25–33 per person.
You can travel from Surat Thani town or use a minivan transfer to Don Sak Pier. There are also slower overnight boats available on some services.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Krabi to Koh Tao
Choose your transport according to your budget, available time and preferred level of comfort. Remember that every route to Koh Tao includes a ferry or boat connection.
- Best option: Bus + ferry for the lowest price and simple booking.
- Fastest option: Flight from Krabi to Koh Samui + ferry.
- For groups: Private taxi + ferry can be more flexible.
- Ferry arrival: Most combined services arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
- Before booking: Check the ferry departure time and connection carefully.
Tip: Check the weather in Koh Tao before your trip, especially if your journey includes a longer ferry crossing.
❓ FAQ: Traveling from Krabi to Koh Tao
How long does it take to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao?
Bus + ferry takes about 7–8.5 hours, flight + ferry about 4–7 hours, and taxi + ferry about 7–11 hours.
How can I book tickets from Krabi to Koh Tao?
What is the distance from Krabi to Koh Tao?
The route is about 300 km by land and sea. The exact distance depends on the transport combination.
How much does it cost to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao?
Bus + ferry costs about US$26–50 per person, flight + ferry about US$100–150, and taxi + ferry around US$100–140 or more.
Is there a train from Krabi to Surat Thani?
No. There is no direct railway connection between Krabi and Surat Thani.
What is the best way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao?
Bus + ferry is the best choice for budget travelers, while flight + ferry via Koh Samui is the fastest option.
Is there a direct flight from Krabi to Koh Tao?
No. Koh Tao has no airport, so you must continue by ferry or speedboat.
Where can I book a hotel or resort on Koh Tao?
Koh Tao offers hotels, resorts, guesthouses and hostels. You can book accommodation in Koh Tao online.
Where can I travel from Koh Tao by ferry?
From Koh Tao you can travel by ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or Surat Thani, as well as Chumphon.
What are the most popular islands in Thailand?
Popular islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. See the guide to the 13 best islands in Thailand.
🧭 Summary: Organizing your journey from Krabi to Koh Tao
For most travelers, bus + ferry is the simplest and most affordable way to reach Koh Tao from Krabi. It takes longer than flying but avoids the higher cost of a flight to Koh Samui.
Flight + ferry via Koh Samui is the best choice if you want to save time. A private taxi + ferry is more suitable for groups that prefer flexibility and private transport.
Before traveling, check the weather and best time to visit Koh Tao, especially when planning a ferry journey. Once on the island, you can continue to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or mainland Thailand.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Krabi / Ao Nang in southern Thailand
If you’re planning your next trip from Krabi, here are other popular routes by bus, van, ferry, taxi or flight:
These are some of the most popular travel routes from Krabi for visitors exploring Southern Thailand.
From Krabi to Koh Tao by bus, ferry, flight or private transfer
Krabi and Koh Tao are about 300 km apart by land and sea. There is no direct flight to Koh Tao, so you need to combine a bus or car with a ferry, or fly to Koh Samui and continue by boat.
Bus or minivan + ferry is the cheapest and most popular option, taking about 7–8.5 hours. A flight from Krabi to Koh Samui takes about 1 hour, followed by a ferry to Koh Tao.
Koh Tao is a popular island for beaches, diving and snorkeling. Before traveling, check the Koh Tao travel guide and weather and best time to visit Koh Tao. From Koh Tao, you can continue to Bangkok or Koh Phangan.