Best ways to get from Phuket to Koh Samui
We traveled extensively around Thailand for many months, including from Phuket to Koh Samui and other islands in the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan & Koh Tao).
Plus, we 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 Phuket to Koh Samui: a direct flight of 55 minutes or a bus/van plus a ferry combination taking between 6 and 7 hours, depending on your departing location in Phuket and final destination on Koh Samui.
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 Phuket to Koh Samui
The fastest way to reach Koh Samui from Phuket is by taking a 55-minute direct flight operated by Bangkok Airways (the only carrier flying into Koh Samui).
The Phuket to Koh Samui flights start at 100 USD, double the starting price we usually pay in Thailand for domestic flights per person (with a checked bag).
It’s worth checking the flight times and prices to see if one fits your itinerary, since direct flights from Phuket to Koh Samui don’t go every day (it depends on the month).
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 Phuket
Flights to Koh Samui depart from the Phuket International Airport, a 30-45-minute drive from Phuket Old Town. In busy times, the drive duration to Phuket Airport from any part of the island will double, so make sure to account for that before leaving the island.
You can get a taxi or Grab to the Phuket Airport, or prebook a Private Phuket Airport Transfer online to make sure you arrive on time.
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 Phuket to Koh Samui
The best way to save money while traveling from Phuket to Koh Samui is by taking a bus and ferry combo, which takes between 6 and 7 hours, depending on your destination on the island.
First, you take a bus or van from Phuket to Don Sak pier in Surat Thani, 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 Phuket 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 Phuket - Koh Samui $ 21.63–41.11 6h 45m – 10h 30m | |
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TRAVEL TIP
It’s worth comparing the price and time of a flight from Phuket 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 in a van, then a ferry and another van/taxi, the flight might be a great choice for you.
Departure locations
Buses to Koh Samui (Surat Thani) usually depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, a 15-minute drive north of Phuket Old Town.
However, since you likely won’t stay in Phuket Old Town, but rather at one of the beach areas, we recommend booking a transfer that includes a hotel pick-up. Check all pick-up options.
- Read our Phuket Areas & Hotel Guide to learn about the absolute best places to stay on the island.
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Most flexible: driving a car from Phuket to Koh Samui
Another option is booking a car in Phuket and driving to Koh Samui.
While this might not be your first thought when planning your trip from Phuket 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 Phuket, 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.
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.
Phuket to Koh Samui Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus journeys from Phuket 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 55-minute direct flight from Phuket to Koh Samui, which will get you to the island the fastest way possible.
The bus plus ferry option from Phuket to Koh Samui takes 6 to 7 hours, and the direct flight is just 55 minutes.
The ferry ride from Phuket to Koh Samui (after the ride to the pier) is 45 minutes on the fast ferry and 1.5 hours on the regular ferry.
While beaches in Koh Samui are better than those in Krabi, we think Phuket beaches are better than those in Koh Samui.
Our thoughts on getting to Koh Samui from Phuket
The journey from Phuket 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 at least a drop-off at your Koh Samui hotel and possibly even a pickup from your Phuket hotel. The great thing is that these door-to-door options aren’t priced too high for their 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 Phuket 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
| Bus Phuket - Koh Samui $ 21.63–41.11 6h 45m – 10h 30m | |
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| Flight Phuket - Koh Samui $ 62.12–144.52 55m – 10h 43m | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Koh Samui $ 219.78–1,178.29 6h – 10h | |
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| Ferry Phuket - Koh Samui $ 21.25–34.53 7h 30m – 10h | |
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| Van Phuket - Koh Samui $ 22.14–52.18 6h – 10h | |
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Find a list of over 75 travel guides to Thailand’s South, Central, and North.
Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
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