Working out how to get to Koh Tao? There is no airport, so every route finishes with a ferry. The fastest crossings are from Chumphon (about 1 hour 45 minutes) and from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. This guide covers every route in 2026, with real fares and crossing times.
Koh Tao is a small diving island in the Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The pattern is simple: reach a departure point on the mainland or a nearby island, then take a boat. Your only choice is which direction you come from and whether you value speed or price.
The Short Answer: Which Route Suits You
- Fastest from Bangkok: fly to Koh Samui, then a catamaran north.
- Cheapest from Bangkok: overnight bus or train to Chumphon, then the morning ferry.
- Shortest crossing: Chumphon to Koh Tao, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Already island-hopping: jump straight across from Koh Phangan or Koh Samui.
Whichever you pick, book the ferry leg ahead in high season (December to March, plus the July to August peak). Boats sell out fast.
How to Get to Koh Tao From Bangkok
Most trips start in Bangkok, roughly 600 kilometres north. Three options:
1. Overnight Bus or Train to Chumphon, Then Ferry
The classic backpacker route and best value. Lomprayah and Songserm sell combined bus-and-ferry tickets that leave Bangkok in the evening, reach Chumphon by dawn and connect onto the morning boat: around 1,000 to 1,300 THB, 12 to 15 hours. Or take the overnight second-class sleeper train from Krung Thep Aphiwat station, roughly 600 to 900 THB, then a short shuttle to the pier.
2. Fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani, Then Ferry
To skip a night in transit, fly. Bangkok Airways serves Koh Samui (USM) frequently: about 2,000 THB on a quiet day to 4,000 THB in peak season, then a catamaran north. Surat Thani (URT) is usually cheaper thanks to budget carriers, but the onward leg is longer: a bus to Donsak pier, then the ferry.
3. Straight Through With a Combined Ticket
The most hands-off option is a single through-ticket that bundles every leg. You pay a little more, but your seat is guaranteed on each connection.
From Chumphon: The Shortest Crossing
Chumphon is the closest mainland town and the fastest gateway. The Lomprayah catamaran crosses in about 1 hour 45 minutes; Songserm's express boat takes closer to 3 hours for less. Two or three departures a day, mostly morning and early afternoon, at around 600 to 700 THB one way. It pairs perfectly with the overnight train.
Things to do on Koh Tao
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From Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
Already in the islands? Koh Tao is the next hop north. From Koh Samui, Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery catamarans leave Maenam and Nathon piers: about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, usually via Koh Phangan, for 600 to 700 THB. From Koh Phangan you are even closer, around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes at 500 to 600 THB, which is why so many people add Koh Tao to the end of a Full Moon Party trip.
From Surat Thani
Surat Thani suits budget flights and buses from the south. A bus carries you to Donsak pier, then a ferry continues to Koh Tao, often via Samui or Phangan. Combined tickets are roughly 800 to 1,000 THB and the trip takes 4 to 6 hours. Not the fastest, but reliable and easy to book on arrival.
Ferry Operators and Fares Compared
Three operators handle almost all the traffic: Lomprayah (fastest and most reliable, book ahead in high season), Seatran Discovery (frequent Samui and Phangan hops) and Songserm (cheapest, but slower and choppier in swell). Typical one-way fares and crossing times:
| Route | Crossing time | One-way fare (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Chumphon to Koh Tao | 1h45 - 3h | 600 - 700 THB |
| Koh Phangan to Koh Tao | 1h - 1h30 | 500 - 600 THB |
| Koh Samui to Koh Tao | 1h30 - 2h | 600 - 700 THB |
| Surat Thani to Koh Tao | 4h - 6h | 800 - 1,000 THB |
| Bangkok to Koh Tao (combined) | 12h - 15h | 1,000 - 1,300 THB |
Prices drift a little each year and rise in the December to March high season, so treat these as honest 2026 estimates.
Seasickness and Seasons: What to Expect on the Water
The Gulf is usually calm but has moods. The roughest window is the northeast monsoon, roughly October to December. July to September is smoothest; December to March is busiest.
Weather cancellations are rare but happen in the worst of the monsoon; operators rebook you on the next boat. Build a buffer day into tight itineraries so a delayed ferry never threatens a flight.
Arriving on Koh Tao: Your Onward Transfer
All ferries dock at Mae Haad, the island's small main pier. It feels chaotic as songthaew drivers call out destinations, but it is simpler than it looks. Shared songthaew taxis run to Sairee Beach and Chalok Baan Kao for about 100 to 200 THB per person.
The easiest fix is to sort transport before you land. Through KOHME you can pre-book a private ride or Koh Tao airport transfer and taxi so a driver is waiting as you step off the boat, or line up a scooter. Our complete guide to renting a scooter on Koh Tao covers prices, deposits and the damage-scam warnings. And once settled, food delivery on Koh Tao brings meals from local kitchens straight to your bungalow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Koh Tao have an airport?
No. Koh Tao has no airport, so every route ends with a ferry. The nearest airports are Koh Samui (USM) and Surat Thani (URT), and the closest mainland pier is Chumphon.
What is the fastest way to get to Koh Tao?
The fastest crossing is from Chumphon, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes on a Lomprayah catamaran. From Bangkok, an overnight train or bus to Chumphon plus the morning ferry is the quickest low-cost combination.
How much does the ferry to Koh Tao cost in 2026?
One-way fares in 2026 are about 600-700 THB from Chumphon, 500-600 THB from Koh Phangan and 600-700 THB from Koh Samui. Combined bus-and-ferry tickets from Bangkok run 1,000-1,300 THB.
How do I get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Take a Lomprayah or Seatran Discovery catamaran from Maenam or Nathon pier. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, usually via Koh Phangan, and costs roughly 600-700 THB one way.
Which ferry to Koh Tao is best if I get seasick?
The Gulf can be choppy, especially October to December. A larger catamaran like Lomprayah or Seatran handles swell better than a small express boat. Sit low and central, take tablets 30 minutes before boarding and watch the horizon.
How do I get around Koh Tao after I arrive?
Songthaew taxis meet every ferry at Mae Haad pier, with shared rides to Sairee or Chalok from about 100-200 THB per person. You can also pre-book a private transfer or scooter through KOHME.
The Bottom Line
It comes down to your starting point: from Bangkok, fly to Samui for speed or take the overnight train to Chumphon for value; if you are already island-hopping, hop a catamaran from Samui or Phangan. Book the ferry ahead in high season and sort your onward ride before you dock.
KOHME ties the last part together: transfers, scooter rental, activities and food delivery for Koh Tao in one app built by island locals.
Activities on Koh Tao
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Related Links
- Koh Tao on KOHME - transfers, activities, scooter rental & food
- Koh Tao taxis & transfers - pre-book your ride from the pier
- 25 best things to do on Koh Tao in 2026
- Koh Tao 3-day itinerary - a well-paced first visit
- Food delivery on Koh Tao - the full 2026 guide
Made by locals, for everyone who visits. See you on the boat. Get the KOHME app to book transfers, activities and food in one place.