Ferry + van (combined ticket)
Most popular option with smooth transfers and easy booking
Seatran Ferry
Reliable service with larger boats and comfortable seating
Raja Ferry
Cheapest option with basic boats and simple service
Separate tickets
Transfers may not align and increase delay risk
Quick answer: Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is easy and well organized. Most travelers choose a combined bus or van + ferry ticket, offering the best balance of price and convenience. Speedboats are a faster alternative, while private transfers provide the most comfortable door-to-door journey.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: ~40 km from Raja Ferry port, ~100 km from Tapee Pier
- ⏱️ Travel time: Boat/ferry only ~1.5–2 h | Bus/van + ferry ~2.5–6 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Van + Ferry ~$8–25 per person | Taxi + Ferry ~$80–380
- 🚢 Ferry / Speedboat: Departs from Tapee Pier, Don Sak, Raja, Lomprayah piers
- 🚌 Bus / Van + Ferry: Common combo, includes land transfer to pier
- 🚕 Taxi / Private Car + Ferry: Most comfortable and expensive option of transfer
Last updated in April 2026
From Surat Thani to Koh Samui you can travel by ferry, speedboat or bus/van + ferry.
Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is easy, with regular ferries, speedboats and combined bus/van + ferry transfers. Most travelers choose a combined ticket from Surat Thani Airport, Train Station or Town, while direct ferries depart from Tapee Pier and Don Sak piers.
Travel time depends on your departure point. Direct ferries take about 1.5–2 hours, while combined transfers from Surat Thani Airport, Train Station or Town usually take 3–6 hours. Ticket prices start at about $8–25 per person, depending on the operator and transfer type.
BOOK FERRY TICKETS with 12go.asia ➜
Popular operators include Raja Ferry, Lomprayah and Seatran. Ferries arrive at Na Thon, Lipa Noi or Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui. Book tickets online in advance, especially during the high season, and check the weather on Koh Samui, as ferry schedules may change in poor weather.
| Transfer modes – Surat Thani to Koh Samui: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van + Ferry from Surat Thani | 2.5–6 hours | $10–25 per person |
| Ferry / Boat from Tapee Pier / Don Sak | 1.5–2 hours | $8–18 per person |
| Taxi + Ferry via Don Sak Pier | 3–4 hours | $80–380 per car + ferry |
How do you get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
1. FERRY / BOAT from Surat Thani / Don Sak to K.Samui
👉 Ferry or speedboat is the most common and practical way to travel from Surat Thani / Don Sak to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: affordable and simple island transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~30–60 minutes depending on departure pier
- ✔️ Cost: $8–18 per person (boat only, more with transfer)
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (standard ferries or faster speedboats)
- ✅ Best Option: Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, or Seatran Ferry with combined transfers
- 💡 Tip: From Surat Thani city, choose bus/minivan + ferry ticket
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check arrival pier and luggage allowance (~20 kg)
The most popular way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is by direct ferry or speedboat from Tapee Pier Lomprayah or the Don Sak piers — Lomprayah Pier and Raja Ferry Pier. If you start in Surat Thani Town, a combined bus + ferry ticket is usually the easiest option.
Lomprayah, Raja Ferry and Seatran Ferry operate regular daily services. Ferries arrive at Na Thon, Maenam, Bo Phut or Lipa Noi, and some combined tickets also include hotel transfers on Koh Samui.
Book ferry tickets online in advance, especially during the high season. Check luggage limits before departure, as most operators allow baggage up to about 20 kg.
2. BUS / VAN + FERRY from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
👉 Bus/minivan + ferry is a convenient all-in-one transfer from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: easy transfer with port connection included
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–6 hours depending on route and schedule
- ✔️ Cost: $12–25 per person (combined ticket)
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern vans or buses + ferry)
- ✅ Best Option: Lomprayah, Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery
- 💡 Tip: Departures available from airport, train station, or town
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance – one ticket covers entire journey
A combined bus or minivan + ferry transfer is the easiest way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. Companies such as Lomprayah, Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Phangan Tour 2000, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport and 12GO Transport provide a single ticket that includes transport to the ferry pier.
Minivans and buses depart from Surat Thani Airport, Train Station, Bus Terminal, Town and other pickup points. Ferries arrive at Na Thon, Maenam, Bo Phut or Lipa Noi, and some services also include hotel transfers on Koh Samui.
Combined tickets cost about $12–25 per person and can be booked online in advance. This is the most popular and convenient option for most travelers visiting Koh Samui.
3. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
👉 Private car/taxi + ferry is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy, and door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–4 hours depending on route and traffic
- ✔️ Cost: $80–370 per car (price varies by vehicle type)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs, or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Firstplan Transport Services, Bangkok Taxi24, Kim Transfers Thailand
- 💡 Tip: Ideal for groups – price per person can be lower
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book online in advance and check what’s included (ferry, pickup, drop-off)
A private taxi + ferry is the most comfortable way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. Companies such as Firstplan Transport Services, Bangkok Taxi24 and Kim Transfers Thailand offer door-to-door transfers via Tapee Pier, Lomprayah Pier or Raja Ferry Pier.
Private transfers use modern cars, SUVs and spacious minivans, making them ideal for families or groups. The journey takes about 3–4 hours, and you can choose your pickup point in Surat Thani and your drop-off location anywhere on Koh Samui.
Prices range from about $80–370 per vehicle, depending on the car type and number of passengers. Ferry transport is usually included, and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
BOOK TAXI + FERRY to Koh Samui ➜
| Ferry Service | Departure in Surat Thani | Arrival in Koh Samui |
|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | 10:00 | 11:45 |
| Lomprayah | 13:00 | 15:45 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 12:00 | 14:00 |
| Phantip 1970 | 06:30 | 09:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 09:00 | 12:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 11:00 | 15:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 13:30 | 18:30 |
| Phantip 1970 | 16:00 | 19:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 06:00 | 09:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 07:00 | 11:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 08:30 | 12:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 10:00 | 14:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 11:00 | 14:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 14:00 | 18:30 |
| Raja Ferry | 15:00 | 19:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 05:30 | 10:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 06:30 | 09:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 08:00 | 12:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 09:30 | 14:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 11:30 | 15:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 13:30 | 17:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 15:00 | 19:30 |
| 12GO Transport | 16:00 | 19:30 |
| Seatran | 06:30 | 09:30 |
| Seatran | 07:30 | 12:45 |
| Seatran | 09:30 | 13:00 |
| Seatran | 10:30 | 15:45 |
| Seatran | 12:30 | 16:00 |
| Seatran | 16:00 | 19:00 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 06:30 | 09:30 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 09:00 | 12:00 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 12:30 | 15:30 |
| Phangan Tour 2000 | 15:45 | 18:45 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
How do you book tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
Book ferry or bus + ferry tickets on 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. You can also book many other ferry routes in Thailand.
How long does the journey take?
Direct ferries take about 1.5–2 hours. Bus + ferry transfers take about 2.5–6 hours, while private taxi + ferry takes about 3–4 hours.
What is the travel distance?
The ferry distance is about 40 km from Raja Ferry Pier and about 100 km from Tapee Pier.
How much does the trip cost?
Ferry or bus + ferry tickets cost about $10–25/pp. Private taxi + ferry costs about $80–380/car.
Where can you depart from?
You can depart from Surat Thani Town, Airport, Train Station, Bus Terminal or directly from Tapee Pier.
What is another popular route from Surat Thani?
You can also travel to Koh Phangan by ferry or bus + ferry. See How to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan?.
Is there a train to Don Sak Pier?
No. There is no railway to Don Sak piers. Travel by bus, minivan or taxi instead.
Are there flights from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
No. Travelers normally use ferries or combined bus + ferry transfers to reach Koh Samui.
Can you use an e-ticket?
Yes. Most operators accept mobile e-tickets. Always check the booking instructions before departure.
Where can you stay on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui offers hotels, beach resorts and villas. Book accommodation on Koh Samui.
How do you travel from Koh Samui to Bangkok?
The fastest option is a direct flight. You can also return via Surat Thani. See Koh Samui to Bangkok.
How do you return to Surat Thani?
Travel by ferry or speedboat on the same route. See Koh Samui to Surat Thani.
Where can you travel from Koh Samui?
Regular ferries connect Koh Samui with Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Koh Samui
Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is easy thanks to frequent ferry and combined bus + ferry services. You can depart from the town, airport, train station or one of the nearby ferry piers.
- Best Option: Combined bus + ferry tickets are the easiest choice for most travelers.
- Departure Points: Ferries leave from Tapee Pier, Raja Ferry Pier and Lomprayah Pier in Don Sak.
- Weather: Check the weather on Koh Samui before traveling, especially during the rainy season.
- Arrive Early: Reach the departure pier at least 30 minutes before boarding.
- Luggage: Most ferry companies allow one larger bag, but baggage rules may vary.
- Book Early: Ferries to Koh Samui are very popular during holidays and the high season.
Tip: Ferry and bus + ferry tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Samui can be searched and booked online in advance.