Find The Best Way to Get to Koh Tao in 2025 by Our Local Expert

Travel to Koh Tao will never be easier with an updated guide from our local expert. We’ve got you covered whether you plan to drive, ride, or fly to Koh Tao. Our exclusive tips will help you prepare and make sure you never miss a ferry or a flight on your way here ever again. In this article, we’ll help you with our four best recommendations on how to get to Koh Tao and also cover all the options so you can enjoy your Koh Tao Scuba Diving adventure.

Our 4 Best Routes to Getting to Koh Tao in 2025 – The Only Guide You Need

There are many transportation options available to travel to Koh Tao. However, due to the lack of a direct land connection and a local airport, you cannot drive or fly to Koh Tao directly. Choosing the best route is no easy feat. We have come up with different travel plans for you to choose from. All plans start from Bangkok, but you can always adapt and incorporate it into your itinerary with ease.

1. The Fastest Way to Koh Tao – Fly and save precious time

With correct planning, it will only take a few hours to get a direct flight to Koh Tao from Bangkok. You’ll save lots of layover and waiting time. Here’s our recommended itinerary.

Suvarnabhumi Airport – Samui Airport (4,000 – 5,000 THB per person)

If you do not plan to use a private taxi as a transfer to the pier, you can choose any flight that arrives at Koh Samui airport before 11.40 or earlier. Otherwise, you risk not arriving in time for the ferry to Koh Tao. If you have checked luggage, do not forget to take into account that you’ll need to wait for your luggage for a while before leaving the airport.

*Tips: Most flights use Airbus A319, which takes just about an hour to fly, but some flights use ATR 42/72, a smaller propeller plane that takes more time: an hour and a half.

Samui Airport – Pralarn Pier (170 – 500 THB per person)

You can use a shared public van by SmackOne (170.- THB), which is the cheapest option but may take longer to arrive. Alternatively, you can book a private taxi to Pralarn Pier (500.- THB), which takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on the traffic.

*Tips: You can also book an add-on transfer by Lomprayah (150.- THB) when you book the ferry ticket directly with them. Due to their pick-up schedule, they will advise you to arrive much earlier than our recommendation.

Pralarn Pier, Koh Samui – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao (700 THB per person)

You can arrive around 15-30 minutes before the planned departure time to check in. You should also expect a delay of 10-30 minutes during the peak holiday season. This catamaran features a VIP zone on the second deck, so if you want peace and quiet, you can pay extra for this service. Additionally, if you have a large suitcase, you may be asked to keep it at the bow instead.

*Tips: Expect a delay in arrival time. It normally arrives in Koh Tao around 14.45 to 15.00, not before. Koh Tao is not a final destination, so not everyone will disembark. Be sure to listen to the announcement.

This plan is definitely not the cheapest option but is by far the fastest to get to Koh Tao. With minimal transfer, you can leave Bangkok around 10:00 and arrive in Koh Tao at 15:00. Depending on your choice of transfer on Koh Samui, this option might cost you up to 6,500 THB per person.

2. The Easiest Way to Koh Tao – Direct travel plan (Most Popular)

Another simple route is to book a Lomprayah bus with a ferry to Koh Tao that departs at 21.00 daily. While this option could take up the most time, it is the most straightforward plan. You only book and pay once for a direct trip to Koh Tao. We recommend booking the night bus instead of the morning bus to avoid traffic congestion, which can cause a significant delay. Here’s the itinerary.

Bangkok – Thung Makam Noi Pier, Chumphon

The bus now departs from Bangkok Bus Terminal instead of the original location at Khaosan Road. To get here, you can take a public bus, but we recommend a taxi as it’s more traveler-friendly. The first bus departs at 21.00, so you must arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the departure time to check in.

All buses stop in Chumphon around 03.00 for a 30-minute break, which is ideal if you want to grab a bite or use the toilet. You will arrive in Chumphon no later than 05.00, which gives you a couple of hours before the morning boat leaves.

*Tips: There are two bus options: normal and VIP. The main difference is the seating option. We recommend booking the VIP bus for extra comfort. Don’t forget your sleep mask and earplugs, as you might not get enough sleep if you are a light sleeper.

Thung Makam Noi Pier, Chumphon – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

At the pier, you don’t need to check in again since you already have the ferry ticket issued from your departure. You can wait until the line starts to form for the ferry boarding. During the holiday season, there may be a significant delay in the departure time. Most of the time, you’ll arrive around 09.00-09.15 in Koh Tao.

*Tips: The food stall opens at 06.00, but that means there’s not much time to have a proper meal before the boat leaves. If you are hungry, you can buy instant noodles and snacks from the convenience store or onboard.

This route is the cheapest transportation option to Koh Tao, as the main cost is just the Lomprayah Ferry ticket. The normal bus and VIP bus cost 1,250 THB and 1,550 THB, respectively. Plus, you can arrive in Koh Tao in the morning and kick off your holiday here in paradise. Or if you want to explore the ocean, this plan allows you to start PADI Open Water immediately after you arrive.

3. The Most Convenient Way to Koh Tao – Super comfy with the least crowd

This option is perfect for those who want to fly to Koh Tao and spend more time in Bangkok. If you fly to Koh Samui, you have no choice but to leave early in the morning. This option allows you to leave in the evening to Chumphon in time to take a night ferry and sleep all the way to Koh Tao.

Don Mueang Airport – Chumphon Airport

There’s a direct flight from Bangkok to Chumphon on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 17.55 to 19.00 operated by Nok Air for less than 1,000 THB per person if you book in advance (not including check-in luggage).

*Tips: Do not book the Sunday flight as there’s no night ferry to Koh Tao from Chumphon that day.

Chumphon Airport – Pak Nam Chumphon

The drive from the airport to the pier takes 45 to 60 minutes. You must book a transfer at least a day in advance to use this service. The local operator here is Fame Tour. The ticket is 250 THB per person.

*Tips: From this point onward, there is no convenience store near the airport, night ferry pier, or onboard, so please be prepared and get everything you need beforehand.

Pak Nam Chumphon – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

Koh Tao night ferry operators differ depending on the day, but all of their piers are in the same area. If you book the Fame Tour transfer, they can bring you to the pier where you need to be. You should check with Koh Tao night ferry operator and book the ticket in advance, as there are limited spaces. It will be fully booked close to the departure date. Eventually, you will arrive at 04.00 in Koh Tao

*Tips: There are limited power outlets on the ferry unless you use Porntaweesin Night Ferry. You may need to charge your devices beforehand at the pier or have a power bank with you.

This option requires you to book most tickets in advance, but it’s sure to be less crowded and calmer than our other choices. If you don’t want to meet lots of people during your transfer, this is by far the best option for you. It’s also better for light sleepers who plan to start the diving course immediately after you arrive since you get to sleep on a bed throughout the way instead of a bus if you book the bus with a ferry ticket.

4. Multi-city Route to Koh Tao – Make the most of your trip

Are you looking for a way to immerse yourself in Thai culture throughout the trip, even when you are traveling to another province? – This route option is for you. Instead of just directly traveling to Koh Tao, you get to spend time in Surat Thani as a bonus.

Don Mueang Airport – Surat Thani Airport

There are multiple flights per day to Surat Thani Airport. Just make sure you arrive before 19.00 to have enough time for airport transfer and to explore the city. Grab is available here, so you can also book a ride from the airport to any of your preferred destinations if you are not heading to the Koh Tao night ferry directly.

*Tips: Grab taxi is a very reliable mode of transportation in Surat Thani. If you haven’t download the app when you are in Bangkok, don’t forget to do it now so you can travel around at ease.

Surat Thani City Center – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

After you arrive in the area, you can immediately go to the check-in counter to get the ticket. The counter opens for check-in around 19.00. Afterwards, you can roam around Surat Thani night market (San Chao Market). It’s a lively night market filled with food, drinks, and so much more. When your belly is full, you can head back to the ferry. You can board before the departure time to rest. You’ll arrive at Koh Tao in the morning around 06.00 to start the day early with plenty of time to fully explore the island.

*Tips: Sea Crest Ferry, Chor Maetapee, and Ko Jaroen all have large private bunk beds with power outlets, with the exception of ST4289, which is a smaller ferry and not recommended for those who are easily seasick.

While this travel plan is very vague as there are many options to choose from. You can expect to spend around 2,000 THB in total per person for the whole trip from Bangkok to Koh Tao. This is not the cheapest way but definitely worth the trip as you get to explore another city along the way.

Ferry to Koh Tao from Major Cities – The most common day route

Lomprayah Ferry is the most popular and fastest direct way to get to Koh Tao. This Koh Tao ferry offers daily departures from various locations. The main locations include Chumphon, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, and Bangkok. It provides a convenient way to travel to Koh Tao, with large modern boats full of amenities.

Get to Koh Tao from Chumphon

Lomprayah offers two daily departures from Thung Makham Noi Pier, Chumphon. You need to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the departure time. The trip can take up to 120 minutes. Please expect a significant delay during national holidays in Thailand.

Get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui, and Koh Phangan

The daily departures from Koh Samui include three different piers you can choose from, but all of them will stop at Thong Sala pier in Koh Phangan along the way. If you are traveling through Koh Tao, you can choose the pier that’s closest to you.

Koh Tao from Pralarn Pier, Koh Samui

Pralarn Pier (or commonly known as Mae Nam Pier) is a Lomprayah private pier with a large seating capacity and convenient stores selling food and beverages for hungry travelers. All ferries from Chumphon and Koh Tao stop here, so expect large crowds around departure and arrival times.

Koh Tao from Nathon Pier, Koh Samui

Nathon Pier is a shared pier for most routes from Surat Thani on the west side of the island in a completely opposite direction from Samui International Airport (USM). This pier is recommended for those traveling in from Surat Thani or staying in the nearby area. The location of this pier makes the trip to get to Koh Tao longer than others.

Koh Tao from Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui

Bangrak Pier is a private speed boat pier that departs only to Koh Phangan. This means you will change to the catamaran arriving from Nathon Pier instead of going directly to Koh Tao. While Bangrak Pier is the closest to the airport, it is not recommended because of its connecting ferry schedule. That is unless you want to save some fee on airport transfer by going to Bangrak pier instead of Pralarn Pier, which is further away but also departs later. (Updated: There is a new direct trip at 15.30)

Koh Tao from Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

Thong Sala Pier is the main pier in Koh Phangan. It serves as the main boarding point for the Lomprayah Ferry and some other companies. As all transfers to Koh Tao from Koh Phangan depart from elsewhere, you can expect a slight delay in the morning schedule and even more delay in the afternoon due to the bottleneck of the pier at Koh Phangan.

Get to Koh Tao from Surat Thani

There are two piers with multiple pick-up points in Surat Thani. Each has its own perks, and you can choose what suits you best. Here’s the main departure point.

Koh Tao From Surat Thani Train Station, Surat Thani

If you board the train to Surat Thani, you can simply book a lomprayah ticket to Koh Tao that includes a transfer from the train station to Tapee Pier. Before booking the ticket with this transfer, consider the possibility of a train delay.

Koh Tao From Surat Thani Airport (URT), Surat Thani

With daily flights all day long, you can fly to Surat Thani Airport before taking a same-day transfer to Koh Tao. If so, you can book a Lomprayah ticket that includes airport transfer for your maximum convenience. All transfers take you to Tapee Pier for departure, so expect a longer transfer time before you eventually arrive Koh Tao.

Koh Tao From Tapee Pier, Surat Thani

Tapee Pier is much closer to Surat Thani city center. It’s more convenient for those looking for shorter transfers, but please also note that the ferry will still make a stop at another pier before heading to Koh Tao, except for the afternoon direct speedboat.

Koh Tao From Donsak Pier, Surat Thani

If you have your own car or a rental car, you may need a space to park for several days. Donsak Pier is what you are looking for. This is further away from the main city center, but it’s the main transferring hub for most routes departing from Surat Thani, including those operated by Lomprayah. There may be a slight delay in each departing schedule as the catamaran first departs from Tapee Pier before arriving here, which is the second destination before Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and eventually Koh Tao.

Night Ferry to Koh Tao – sleep through your trip

Another option is to take a night ferry to Koh Tao. The Night Ferry departs from various locations in the evening and arrives in Koh Tao the next day. This is a great way to maximize your time on the island and avoid the hassle of daytime travel. However, it’s important to note that the Night Ferry may not be available everyday. Make sure to check the monthly schedule before you book your trip to avoid disappointment.

Koh Tao From Pak Nam (Chumphon Night Ferry)

With daily night ferries to Koh Tao (except for Sunday) and a bunk bed for all travelers, this is by far the most used option for locals to travel to and from Koh Tao. All ferries leave around the same time, at 21.00, and arrive very early in the morning, between 04.00 and 05.00 the next day. The arrival time varies slightly depending on the weather at the time of travel. If you choose this night ferry option, be sure to check with your hotel for the early pick up as private taxis are limited this time in the early morning.

All night ferry companies charge 500 THB per person for the bed, including personal luggage. They also have options to transport vehicles. If you are on your southern motorbike route, you can check with the company on the latest fare to also bring your bike on board. You can call each company to reserve the ticket. They will normally asked you to confirm the booking via Line application.

Koh Tao From Surat Thani City (Surat Thani Night Ferry)

Another prime location for night ferry travelers is Surat Thani. The main pier for the night ferry is directly across from the night market, allowing travelers to grab a nice dinner and enjoy the local market while waiting for the ferry to leave. All key ferries depart from the same pier at 22.00 and arrive at Koh Tao at 05.30-06.00, depending on the weather conditions. Except for Ko Jaroen Night Ferry, which leaves from its private pier on the opposite side.

The schedule for Surat Thani night ferries changes every month. We recommend you check here for the latest schedule. Depending on the date, there’s a daily departure. These are the operators from the main Surat Thani night ferry pier.

• Sea Crest Ferry
• Chor Maetapee
• ST4289

 
Meanwhile, the Ko Jaroen Night Ferry typically has a fixed schedule from its private pier. It leaves Surat Thani for Koh Tao every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 21.30 and returns every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 21.00.

Similarly to the Chumphon Night Ferry, these night boats can transport large goods and vehicles. If you are interested, you can check with them for more information. Regardless, all tickets from Surat Thani are 600 THB per person.

Lomprayah Bus and Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao – a direct route to paradise

If you’re coming from Bangkok, you can book a bus with a ferry ticket from Lomprayah. This ticket includes a bus ride from Bangkok to Chumphon, where you’ll then take the morning catamaran to Koh Tao. This option is perfect for travelers who want to avoid booking many tickets. There are two options for buses. The main difference is the seating. VIP bus features an adjustable sofa seat, while the seat on the regular bus is more similar to economy class seating on a plane. This is the easiest way to get to Koh Tao since you don’t have to make any stopovers.

Private Transfer – hassle-free travel

Those who prefer a private experience can also choose a private transfer to get to Koh Tao. Anyone who decides to drive can park at almost any pier in Chumphon. There’s a 50-100 THB parking fee per night per vehicle. Otherwise, hiring a private car or van from Bangkok would only take 6-8 hours, depending on the traffic.

We Can Help You Get to Koh Tao – message us

How to Get to Koh Tao is simple with this 2025 travel guide by our local expert. Choose the fastest, most convenient, or culturally immersive routes to our diving paradise. We cover everything from Bangkok itineraries to ferry connections from Koh Samui, Surat Thani, and Chumphon. With insider tips on avoiding delays and booking the best transfers, this guide ensures a hassle-free start to your adventure. For instant help, contact us on WhatsApp or Line — we’ll handle the planning so you can focus on preparing for scuba diving Koh Tao.