Speedboat
Fastest and most popular choice
Bus + ferry
Easy transfer with one ticket
Night ferry
Cheapest overnight option
Separate tickets
Usually costs more
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is by a combined bus/minivan + ferry ticket. These transfers are reliable, affordable, and include transport from Surat Thani Town or the airport to the pier before the ferry crossing to Koh Tao.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 160-170 km.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Around 4-5.5 hours, depending on the departure point and ferry.
- 💰 Price: Combined tickets start at about US$25-30 per person.
- 🚍 Transfer: Bus or minivan to the pier, followed by a ferry or high-speed catamaran.
- 🚢 Departure: Most ferries leave from Tapee Pier with several departures every day.
Last updated: April 2026
How to Travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Surat Thani is one of the main transport hubs in southern Thailand and the most common gateway to Koh Tao. The island can only be reached by ferry or speedboat, with departures from Surat Thani Town or via combined transfers from the airport and railway station.
Most travelers choose a combined bus or minivan + ferry ticket, which is the easiest and most convenient option. Depending on your departure point, the journey takes about 2.5-5.5 hours, while the overnight sleeper boat takes around 8 hours. Ticket prices start at approximately US$29 per person.
Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s best diving destinations, known for its clear waters and relaxed atmosphere. After your visit, you can continue by ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
| Transfer modes from Surat Thani to Koh Tao | Travel Time | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Speedboat from Tapee Pier | 2.5–4 hours | $29 per person |
| Bus + Speedboat (from the airport or train station) | 4–5 hours | $30–36 per person |
| Bus + Speedboat (from the Ratchaprapha Dam) | 6–7 hours | $33–46 per person |
| Sleeper Boat | 8 hours | $24–26 per person |
How do you get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
1. Speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
👉 Speedboat is the fastest and most popular way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a direct and quick island transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–4 hours (direct speedboat route)
- ✔️ Cost: around $29 per person (may vary by season)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern speedboats, limited space and schedule)
- ✅ Best Option: Lomprayah speedboat from Tapee Pier to Mae Haad Pier
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance due to limited capacity and schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check luggage limits in advance to avoid extra fees for oversized bags.
The fastest way to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is by speedboat. Most services depart from Tapee Pier and arrive at Mae Haad Pier, the island’s main ferry terminal. The crossing takes about 2.5-4 hours.
Most speedboat services are operated by Lomprayah. As departures are limited each day, it is recommended to search schedules and book your tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and the high tourist season.
BOOK BOAT TICKETS to Koh Tao ➜
Boat tickets start at around US$29 per person. Most operators allow up to 30 kg of checked luggage, while additional baggage may be subject to an extra fee. Always read the latest booking conditions before departure.
2. Surat Thani Train Station / Airport to Koh Tao
👉 Bus/minivan + ferry is a convenient combined option from Surat Thani train station or airport to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers arriving by train or plane who want a seamless transfer to the island
- ✔️ Travel time: ~4–5 hours (including transfer to port and boat ride)
- ✔️ Cost: $30–36 per person (slightly higher from Ratchaprapha Dam)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern minivans/buses + ferry or speedboat)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined ticket with transfer to pier + Lomprayah boat to Koh Tao
- 💡 Tip: Book joint tickets online in advance for smooth connections and guaranteed seats.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Check departure point carefully—options vary between airport, train station, and dam.
If you arrive at Surat Thani Railway Station, Surat Thani Airport, or Ratchaprapha Dam, the easiest option is a combined bus or minivan + ferry ticket. This transfer includes transport to the pier and the ferry crossing to Koh Tao in a single booking.
The total travel time is about 4-5 hours from the railway station or airport, depending on the connection. Most services are operated by Lomprayah, while some routes travel via Don Sak Pier with ferry stops at Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
BOOK COMBINED TICKETS to Koh Tao ➜
Combined tickets cost about US$30-36 per person, while departures from Ratchaprapha Dam may cost slightly more. Booking online in advance is recommended, as you can compare schedules, prices, and departure locations.
3. Sleeper Boat from Surat Thani Town to Koh Tao
👉 Sleeper boat is the cheapest but slow overnight option to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers looking for a unique overnight travel experience
- ✔️ Travel time: ~8 hours (overnight journey)
- ✔️ Cost: $24–27 per person (one of the cheapest options)
- ✔️ Comfort: basic (simple sleeping arrangements, slower travel)
- ✅ Best Option: Ruea Chor Maetapee night boat from Surat Thani Town
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book tickets online in advance as schedules and availability are limited.
A budget-friendly alternative is the overnight sleeper boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao. It departs from Surat Thani Night Boat Pier and arrives at Koh Tao after about 8 hours.
This is the cheapest way to reach the island and is popular with budget travelers looking to save on accommodation. The night boat offers basic sleeping facilities but is less comfortable than a high-speed ferry.
Tickets cost about US$24-27 per person and should be booked online in advance. Arrive at the pier at least 30-60 minutes before departure for check-in.
| Ferry Service | Departs | Arrives |
|---|---|---|
| Lomlahkkhirin | 12:00 | 16:00 |
| Lomlahkkhirin | 15:30 | 18:00 |
| Phantip 1970 (sleeper boat) | 22:00 | 06:00 |
| Lomprayah (Express) | 12:30 (Surat Thani Airport) | 17:45 |
| Lomprayah (Express) | 09:30 (Surat Thani Airport) | 14:15 |
| Lomprayah (Express) | 10:00 (Tapee Pier) | 14:15 |
| Lomprayah (Express) | 13:00 (Tapee Pier) | 17:45 |
| Koh Tao Booking Center (sleeper boat) | 21:30 | 06:00 |
| Fame Tour (sleeper boat) | 21:00 | 05:00 |
| Ruea Chor (night ferry) | 17:00 | 06:00 |
| Ruea Chor (night ferry) | 18:30 | 07:00 |
| Ruea Chor (night ferry) | 19:30 | 07:00 |
| Ruea Chor (night ferry) | 22:00 | 06:00 |
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
How to book ferry and bus tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
Book ferry, speedboat, and combined bus + ferry tickets online via 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
Speedboats take about 2.5-4 hours, bus + speedboat transfers about 4 hours, and sleeper boats about 8 hours.
What is the distance from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
The ferry route from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is approximately 150 km.
How much does it cost to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
Bus + ferry or speedboat tickets cost about $29-46 per person. Sleeper boats cost about $24-27 per person.
Which pier do ferries to Koh Tao depart from?
Most ferries leave from Tapee Pier, while sleeper boats depart from Surat Thani Night Boat Pier.
Where can you travel from Surat Thani?
You can also travel to Koh Samui or visit Koh Phangan. Frequent ferries connect all three islands.
Is there a flight from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
No. Koh Tao has no airport, so the only way to reach the island is by ferry or speedboat.
Are e-tickets accepted on ferries to Koh Tao?
Yes, most operators accept mobile e-tickets, but carrying a printed copy is recommended.
How to book a hotel or resort in Koh Tao?
Koh Tao offers budget hotels, beachfront resorts, and luxury accommodation. Book a hotel in Koh Tao ➜.
Where can you travel after Surat Thani?
Travel by bus, minivan, or taxi to Krabi or Phuket. Read How to go to Krabi from Surat Thani? or plan a trip to Koh Phi Phi.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is easy by ferry, speedboat or a combined bus + ferry transfer. Most services depart from Tapee Pier or include transfers from Surat Thani Airport.
- Fastest Option: High-speed catamarans reach Koh Tao in about 2.5-4 hours.
- Combined Tickets: Bus + ferry tickets from the city or airport are the easiest choice.
- Arrive Early: Be at the pier at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
- Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, water, a light jacket and a waterproof bag.
- Sea Conditions: Crossings can be rough during the monsoon season, so seasickness tablets may help.
- Book Early: Ferry tickets often sell out during holidays and the high season.
Tip: Ferry and bus tickets from Surat Thani to Koh Tao can be searched and booked online in advance.