Best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui
We traveled extensively around Thailand for many months, including from Bangkok to Koh Samui and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan & Koh Tao).
After exploring Bangkok multiple times, we also stayed for about a month in Koh Samui, so we have an excellent idea of how to travel there best.
There are two main ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui: a direct flight of 1 hour and 15 minutes or a bus/van plus a ferry combination taking between 12 and 15 hours.
The best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
Fastest: fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui
The fastest way to reach Koh Samui from Bangkok is by taking a direct flight operated by Bangkok Airways, taking between 1 hour and 5 minutes and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Bangkok Airways is the only company flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui, with prices starting at 100 USD, double the starting price we usually pay in Thailand for domestic flights per person (with a checked bag).
If you want to get there the fastest and in the most comfortable way possible, it’s worth the money.
In Thailand, our carrier of choice for domestic flights is AirAsia. We almost always fly with them, as they provide excellent value for money. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely that they, or any other airline, will fly into Koh Samui anytime soon (many, many years) or ever.
Departure from Bangkok
Flights to Koh Samui depart from both Bangkok airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). We prefer flying domestically from DMK because we usually stay closer to it. However, BKK is also a great option, as it’s easy to get to from most other popular spots in the capital.
You can get a taxi or Grab to the airport, or prebook a Private Bangkok Airport Transfer online to make sure you arrive on time.
| Flight Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 88.38–215.83 1h 10m – 1d 3h 10m | |
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| Flight Don Mueang Airport - Koh Samui $ 168.87–181.84 1h 35m | |
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Arrival at Koh Samui Airport
Once you arrive at Koh Samui Airport, you can take one of the expensive taxis with set prices or walk outside the airport for a few hundred meters to call a Grab (Uber).
Unfortunately, Bangkok Airways owns the Koh Samui Airport and completely restricts any ride-hailing apps from picking up passengers from the airport.
So, if you want to save money and hassle, getting a hotel to pick you up for a reasonable price is worth trying. Otherwise, if you’re traveling as a group or family, it’s worth booking a Private Samui Airport Transfer online.
There are many reasons we stand behind Grab and similar apps. As frequent travelers, we love the convenience such apps give us, especially because we can always pay by card, set the exact pickup and drop off point, and in case something goes wrong, there is support we can contact.
- Best hotels in Koh Samui?
BangPo Resort (Budget) – Moon Cottage (Mid-range) – Magic Suites (Luxury)
Money-saving: bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Samui
The best way to save money while traveling from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by taking a bus and ferry combo, which takes between 12 and 15 hours, depending on your destination on the island.
First, you take a bus or van from Bangkok to Chumphon Pier, where you board a ferry to Koh Samui. From the arrival pier, usually Na Thon Pier, you can take a shared songthaew (pickup truck taxi) or book a Grab to your hotel.
However, we highly recommend booking the Bangkok to Koh Samui transfer, which includes the bus/van journey, the ferry ride over, and drop-off at your hotel.
Keep in mind: while Koh Samui is smaller than Phuket, it’s still Thailand’s second biggest island. So, from the usual ferry piers of Na Thon and Lipa Noi, it’s another 35-minute drive to Chaweng (one of the main areas).
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 35.67–48.26 10h 30m – 15h 30m | |
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TRAVEL TIP
It’s worth comparing the price and time of a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui with the bus and ferry combo.
If you have a slightly bigger budget and don’t want to spend lots of time on a bus, then a ferry, and another van/taxi, the flight might be a great choice for you.
Departure locations
Buses to Koh Samui depart from different terminals in Bangkok, so it’s worth checking out all the options, depending on where you stay in the capital.
The most common departure points are the Southern Bus Terminal and Khao San Road. It was super convenient when we stayed in Khao San to board the bus there and not have to travel elsewhere in Bangkok. Check all options here.
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More comfortable: overnight train from Bangkok
Depending on your Thailand travel plans, taking the train from Bangkok for a big chunk of the journey to Koh Samui might be a great idea.
While you can’t get directly to Koh Samui, you can ride the train to Surat Thani and then take a ferry from Tapee or Don Sak pier to the island. The great thing about taking the train is that you can take the first leg of the journey on a sleeper train.
Duration
- The train from Bangkok reaches Surat Thani in 9 to 10 hours, and from there, it’s only about three hours, and you’re in Koh Samui.
- Alternatively, you can get to Chumphon Train Station in about six and a half hours by train from Bangkok, and then to the island in 5 and a half hours.
For both, you can book a train station pick-up and ferry combo.
Most flexible: driving a car from Bangkok to Koh Samui
Another option is booking a car in Bangkok and driving to Koh Samui.
While this might not be your first thought when planning your trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui, it’s a great way to travel if your budget is higher or if you’re traveling as a family or group.
When you set off from Bangkok, your first destination is the Don Sak pier, where you take the car ferry across to Koh Samui. From the pier in Koh Samui, it’s an easy drive on the nice roads to your hotel.
We’ve never done this personally, as we had limited time to get to the south every time we went. But we know many others who did and also stopped at other destinations, like Khao Sok National Park, along the way.
Before embarking on this journey, make sure to read our article “Driving in Thailand as a Tourist,” which details everything you need to know.
The easiest way to get around Thailand?
Rent a car! Thailand is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
We recommend using DiscoverCars, where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.
Bangkok to Koh Samui Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus journeys from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season.
- Always check flight prices, as sometimes paying just a bit extra is worth saving a couple of hours of travel.
- Bring some snacks onboard, as stops are limited and may not always have the best choice.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there is a quick 1.5-hour direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, which will get you to the island the fastest way possible.
The bus plus ferry option from Bangkok to Koh Samui takes 12 to 15 hours, and the direct flight just an hour and a half.
The ferry ride from Bangkok to Koh Samui (after the ride to the pier) takes 4 hours on the high-speed ferry.
Our thoughts on getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui can be great, but it can also be a bit of a hassle. And it all depends on the way you choose to travel.
We highly recommend booking a combo transfer, which includes a drop-off at your Koh Samui hotel. The price is actually very reasonable given the convenience and comfort.
When we have the choice, we always book the combo transfer and avoid the expensive taxi rides to our hotel.
- Best activities in Koh Samui?
1. Ang Thong Marine Park Day Trip
2. Koh Nang Yuan and Snorkeling Trip
3. Muay Thai Class for Beginners
Conclusion: If you are on a budget, the best way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by bus and ferry. But the quick flight is super convenient if you have a bigger budget!
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Koh Samui?
Read: Koh Samui Travel Guide
| Flight Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 88.38–215.83 1h 10m – 1d 3h 10m | |
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| Bus Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 35.67–48.26 10h 30m – 15h 30m | |
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| Taxi Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 361.63–731.29 11h 20m – 12h | |
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| Ferry Bangkok - Koh Samui $ 55.34 10h 30m – 14h 30m | |
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| Flight Don Mueang Airport - Koh Samui $ 168.87–181.84 1h 35m | |
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