Flight (direct or via Bangkok)
Fastest option with simple booking and minimal travel hassle
Flight + private transfer
Smooth journey with less effort and comfortable onward transfers
Bus + ferry
Cheapest option but long journey with multiple transfers
Train combinations
No direct train and requires transfers via Bangkok
Quick answer: From Pattaya to Koh Samui you can fly (via U-Tapao), or travel by bus/train + ferry. The flight option is fastest and comfortable, bus + ferry and train + ferry are cheaper but much longer. Book tickets well ahead—especially flights and combined land-sea routes—to lock in good prices and seats.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~900 km by land via Bangkok + Surat Thani; ~400 km by air.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight via U-Tapao ~6-7 h total | Bus + Ferry ~15-20 h | Train + Ferry ~17-23 h
- 💰 Price range: Flight $100-270 pp | Bus + Ferry $30-60 pp | Train + Ferry $25-70 pp
- ✈️ Flight (via U-Tapao Airport): Takes ~1 h (plus transfer from Pattaya)
- 🚍 Bus + Ferry: Common option via Bangkok → Surat Thani → boat to Samui
- 🚆 Train + Ferry: From Pattaya → Bangkok → Surat Thani → ferry to Koh Samui
- 🚕 Private Car + Ferry: Door-to-door, flexible schedule (12-18 h)
Last updated in April 2026
From Pattaya to Koh Samui you can travel by bus, train, private car or plane.
The distance from Pattaya to Koh Samui is about 900 km by land via Bangkok and Surat Thani, or around 400 km by air. The fastest option is a flight from U-Tapao Airport, taking about 6–7 hours in total including transfers.
Budget travelers can take a bus or train to Surat Thani and continue by ferry to Koh Samui. This route takes about 15–23 hours and costs around $25–70 per person. Tickets, ferry transfers and flights can be booked online in advance.
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, known for its beaches and easy ferry connections. From the island you can continue to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao. You can also travel from Pattaya to Koh Phi Phi.
| Transfer modes from Pattaya to Koh Samui: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flight from U-Tapao Airport | 1 hour | $100–270 per person |
| Bus / Van + Ferry | 15–20 hours | $30–60 per person |
| Train + Ferry | 17–23 hours | $25–70 per person |
| Private Car + Ferry | 12–18 hours | $450–700 per car |
How do I get from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
1. BUS / TAXI + FLIGHT from Pattaya to Koh Samui
👉 Bus/taxi + flight via U-Tapao Airport is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: saving time and comfortable island transfer option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–7 hours total (transfer + direct flight)
- ✔️ Cost: $105–270+ per person (transfer + flight combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short transfer + direct flight)
- ✅ Best Option: Transfer to U-Tapao + Bangkok Airways direct flight
- 💡 Tip: Limited direct flights – check schedule carefully in advance
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book transfer and flight online in advance for best availability
The fastest way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui is by flight via U-Tapao Rayong Airport. The total journey takes about 6–7 hours, including the transfer from Pattaya to the airport and the flight to Koh Samui.
U-Tapao Airport is about 40 km south of Pattaya and can be reached by bus, minivan or private taxi in around 1 hour. Airport transfers cost about $5–8 per person by bus or $25–100 per vehicle by private car.
Direct flights from U-Tapao to Koh Samui take about 1 hour 10 minutes and are operated by Bangkok Airways. Flight prices range from $100–270 per person. Book your airport transfer and flight separately using the links below.
2. BUS + FERRY from Pattaya to Koh Samui
👉 Bus + ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani is a cheaper but long way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind long travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~15–20 hours depending on transfers and connections
- ✔️ Cost: $30–65 per person (bus + ferry combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (long bus ride + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus to Surat Thani + minivan/ferry to Koh Samui
- 💡 Tip: Often requires transfer in Bangkok – plan connections carefully
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance, multiple tickets needed
A cheaper way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui is by bus and ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani. The total journey takes about 15–20 hours, depending on the connection, and includes a bus ride followed by a ferry transfer.
The bus from Pattaya to Surat Thani takes about 13 hours and tickets cost around $24–40 per person. You can travel directly or with a transfer in Bangkok. From Surat Thani, continue by ferry to Koh Samui or by a combined minivan and ferry transfer via Don Sak.
Ferry and combined transfer tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Samui cost about $8–25 per person and take 1.5–6 hours, depending on the route. Bus and ferry tickets can be searched and booked online in advance for the best connections.
3. TRAIN + FERRY from Pattaya to Koh Samui
👉 Train + ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani is a scenic but longer way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: train lovers and budget travelers with more time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~17–23 hours depending on transfers and connections
- ✔️ Cost: $25–80+ per person (train + ferry combined)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to high (seats or sleeper trains + ferry)
- ✅ Best Option: Train to Bangkok + sleeper train to Surat Thani + ferry
- 💡 Tip: Limited trains from Pattaya – check timetable carefully
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance, multiple tickets required
You can also travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui by train and ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani. This route takes about 17–23 hours and is ideal for travelers who prefer overnight train travel.
Trains run from Pattaya to Bangkok, where you change to a train for Surat Thani. Sleeper and seat classes are available, and you can check the Thailand Railway Map before your trip. Train tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani can be booked online in advance.
From Surat Thani, continue by ferry or a combined minivan and ferry to Koh Samui. Ferry transfers take about 1.5–2 hours and tickets are available online.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS in Thailand ➜
4. TAXI + FERRY from Pattaya to Koh Samui
👉 Private taxi + ferry is a flexible but expensive way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy, and flexible long-distance travel option
- ✔️ Travel time: ~12–17 hours depending on route and ferry connection
- ✔️ Cost: $480–700 per car (taxi + ferry combined price)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car + ferry transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Glassflower or Van2Travel private transfers
- 💡 Tip: Suitable for groups – split total cost per passengers
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and confirm ferry connection details
A private taxi and ferry is the most comfortable land transfer from Pattaya to Koh Samui. The journey takes about 12–17 hours and includes a private car to the mainland ferry terminal, followed by a ferry to Koh Samui.
Private transfers cost about $480–700 per vehicle. Modern cars, SUVs and minivans are available, making this option suitable for families and small groups.
The main advantage is a door-to-door service with flexible departure and arrival points. You can search and book your private taxi and ferry transfer online.
BOOK TAXI + FERRY to Koh Samui ➜
❓ FAQ – Travel route from Pattaya to Koh Samui
How to book tickets from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
Book tickets and flights online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. You can also book separate routes via Bangkok.
What is the travel time from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
Travel takes about 6–7 hours by flight, 15–20 hours by bus + ferry, 17–23 hours by train + ferry, or 12–17 hours by private taxi + ferry.
How far is Koh Samui from Pattaya?
The distance is about 900 km by land via Bangkok and Surat Thani, or about 400 km by air from U-Tapao Airport.
How much does it cost to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
Prices range from $25–70 by train + ferry, $30–60 by bus + ferry, $100–270 by flight, or $450–700 per private car.
What is the fastest way to get to Koh Samui?
The fastest option is a transfer to U-Tapao Airport followed by a direct flight to Koh Samui. Flights from Bangkok are another convenient alternative.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Pattaya to Koh Samui?
The cheapest option is usually the train to Surat Thani followed by a ferry to Koh Samui.
How do I travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
Travel by ferry or speedboat from Surat Thani. See Surat Thani to Koh Samui – Ferry Schedule.
Can I travel by private taxi from Pattaya?
Yes. Private cars and taxis are available to Bangkok, Surat Thani or as part of a taxi + ferry transfer to Koh Samui.
How do I get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Travel by ferry or speedboat in about 2–2.5 hours. See Koh Samui to Koh Tao – Ferry Schedule.
How can I travel from Koh Samui to Phuket or Krabi?
Travel by ferry + bus, ferry + taxi or direct flight. See Koh Samui to Phuket or Koh Samui to Krabi.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
Popular routes include Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Surat Thani.
When is the best time to visit Koh Samui?
The best weather is usually from December to February, while the shoulder season offers fewer crowds and lower prices.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Pattaya to Koh Samui
Traveling from Pattaya to Koh Samui is possible by flight, bus + ferry, train + ferry or private taxi. The fastest option is a flight via U-Tapao Airport, while land routes travel via Bangkok and Surat Thani.
- Fastest Option: Fly from U-Tapao Airport to Koh Samui in about 6–7 hours including transfers.
- Cheapest Option: Train + ferry via Bangkok and Surat Thani offers the lowest travel costs.
- Bus + Ferry: Combined tickets make transfers easier and reduce waiting time.
- Book Early: Flights and ferry connections are limited during holidays and high season.
- Private Transfer: Taxi + ferry is the most comfortable option for families and groups.
- Island Connections: From Koh Samui you can easily continue by ferry to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
Tip: Flights, buses, trains, ferries and private transfers from Pattaya to Koh Samui can be searched and booked online in advance.