Best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao
We traveled extensively around Thailand for many months, including from Bangkok to Koh Tao and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan & Koh Samui).
After exploring Koh Tao and nearby islands for almost two months, we have an excellent idea of how to travel there best.
There are two main ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao: a 10-hour combo of bus and ferry, and a combination of a 1.5-hour flight to Koh Samui and then a 2-hour boat ride to the island.
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: flight to Koh Samui and a boat to the island
The fastest way to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok is by taking a 1.5-hour direct flight to Koh Samui, followed by a 2-hour ferry or 1.5-hour speedboat ride.
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).
However, 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 in Koh Samui and boat to Koh Tao
Once you arrive at Koh Samui Airport, you can take a taxi to one of the piers for departing boats to Koh Tao. Check all boat departures to Koh Tao.
The closest piers to Koh Samui Airport are the ones at Petcherat Marina, also known as Bang Rak Pier, located just a few kilometers north of the airport (10-minute drive). Otherwise, if your boat departs from another pier like Maenam, it’s more like a half-hour drive.
In any case, we recommend arranging your transport to the pier in advance, so you don’t have to deal with this at the airport, pay higher prices, and potentially miss your boat. We recommend booking the Private Samui Airport Transfer (select your pier).
Money-saving: bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao
The best way to save money while traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao is by taking a bus and ferry combo, which takes between 10 and 12 hours, depending on the company and departure time.
First, you take a bus or van from Bangkok to Chumphon Pier, where you board a ferry to Koh Tao. Then, from the arrival pier (Mae Haad), you can take a shared songthaew (pickup truck taxi) to your hotel. Some boat companies offer a shuttle, but it’s rare.
Departure locations
Buses to Koh Tao 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. On our way to the Gulf of Thailand islands (which Koh Tao is a part of), it was super convenient to board the bus right in Bangkok’s Khao San, where we were staying. 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 Tao might be a great idea.
While you can’t get directly to Koh Tao, you can ride the train to Chumphon and then take a ferry from Chumphon 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.
The train from Bangkok reaches Chumphon in about 7 hours, and from there, it’s only about three hours, and you’re in Koh Tao (taxi/van + ferry). We recommend booking a train station pick-up and ferry combo.
Getting to your hotel on Koh Tao
Since the combo transfer options don’t include a drop-off at your Koh Tao hotel, you must organize the transport yourself. We recommend doing it in advance.
The main arrival pier for ferries and speedboats to Koh Tao is Mae Haad Pier, from where you can take a shared taxi (Songthaew) to your hotel.
The taxi fares in Koh Tao are usually fixed and should be displayed, but you should always confirm the price beforehand. If you want to lower your taxi cost, try to find someone else going in the same direction and share the costs.
Taxi fares in Koh Tao:
- Mae Haad to Sairee Beach: 450 THB
- Mae Haad to Chalok Baan Kao: 450 THB
- Mae Haad to Sai Daeng: 550 THB
- Mae Haad to Tanote Bay: 550 THB
- Mae Haad to Shark Bay (Haad Tien): 450 THB
- Mae Haad to Freedom Beach: 550 THB
Grab (Uber) and other ride-hailing apps are not yet operating in Koh Tao, so your only option is the local taxi or the shared pickup trucks (Songthaew).
That’s why we recommend organizing a pickup with your hotel or transport company.
- Best hotels in Koh Tao?
Closca Hostel (Budget) – Greenery Resort (Mid-range) – Monkey Flower Villas (Luxury)
What we recommend
We recommend contacting your hotel in advance and asking about getting picked up from the pier. It’s always possible that they will be willing to do it for a reasonable price, even more so if more people arrive on the same day.
However, if you’re traveling light and are a skilled motorbike driver, you can rent a scooter right from Mae Haad Pier and ride it to your hotel.
A scooter rental in Koh Tao costs around 250 THB, or about 7 USD daily.
TRAVEL TIP
You may need to leave your passport or pay a deposit of about 3000 THB (around $88) to rent a motorbike. We mainly left the cash deposit, as we don’t like anyone else having our passports.
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Bangkok to Koh Tao Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus journeys from Bangkok to Koh Tao. 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.
Our recommended ferry company
Between the Gulf of Thailand islands of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui, we usually travel with the Lomprayah high-speed ferry, which is more comfortable and, in our opinion, safer than a speedboat.
They also operate a comfortable bus from Bangkok, so that you can book the whole journey with them. Click here to check all their routes.
We prefer the ferry over the speedboat also because there’s more space, not only for us but also for our bags. They usually stack the bags and suitcases in front of the seating area inside the ferry so they’re well protected from the possible water splashing in from waves or potential rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, you can not fly to Koh Tao, since it has no airport, but there is a quick 1.5-hour direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, from where it’s just a 1.5-hour boat ride to the island.
The bus plus ferry option from Bangkok to Koh Tao takes 10 to 12 hours, and by flight and then a boat ride, you can get there in just 4 hours.
The ferry ride from Bangkok to Koh Tao (after the ride to the pier) takes 1 hour and 45 minutes on the high-speed ferry.
Our thoughts on getting to Koh Tao from Bangkok
Even without Koh Tao having an airport, it’s pretty accessible from Bangkok. While the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao can be great, it can also be a bit of a hassle. And it all depends on the way you choose to travel.
Our personal recommendation if you’re on a budget is a VIP bus followed by a ferry. Otherwise, if money is no issue, flying first to Koh Samui and then taking a boat to Koh Tao is the fastest and most comfortable way.
- Best activities in Koh Tao?
1. Koh Nang Yuan Snorkeling Day Trip
2. Open Water Scuba Diving
3. Treasure Hunt
Conclusion: If you are on a budget, the best way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao is by bus and ferry. But the quick flight & speedboat ride combo 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 Tao?
Read: Koh Tao Travel Guide
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Tao $ 39.53–45.85 8h 45m – 19h | |
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| Ferry Bangkok - Koh Tao $ 41.11–49.02 8h 45m – 16h | |
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