How to Get to Koh Tao in 2026: The Ultimate Guide by Local Experts

Step 1: Don Mueng (DMK) / Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) – Samui Airport (USM)

Estimated Cost: 4,000 – 5,000 THB per person (including luggage and on-board meals)
You need to be strategic here. If you want to have more time on your first day exploring the island, you must choose a flight that arrives at Koh Samui airport (USM) before 12:00 PM. If you land later than this, you risk missing the connecting ferry to Koh Tao and will either have to wait for the late afternoon transfer or even be stuck on Samui for a night.

Also, if you are bringing your own scuba gear and have checked luggage, remember to account for the baggage claim wait time. The airport is not big as there are usually only up to 2 flights arriving at the same time, but you never know how long the baggage claim is going to take. So better be prepared!

*Local Tip: Bangkok Airways dominates this route. Most flights use the Airbus A319 (Jet), which takes about an hour. However, some time slots use the ATR 72 (Propeller plane), which takes about 1.5 hours. Check the aircraft type if you are in a rush!

Step 2: Samui Airport – Bangrak Pier

Estimated Cost: 140 – 350 THB per person
Once you land on Koh Samui, you need to get to the pier for your transfer to Koh Tao. You have two main choices:

• Shared Van: Operated by SmackOne (approx. 140 THB). It’s cheap but waits for the van to fill up.
• Private Taxi: (approx. 350 THB). This takes only 10-15 minutes to Bangrak Pier and is much faster if you do not want to wait.

*Local Tip: You can book an “Add-on Transfer” (100 THB per person) directly with Lomprayah when you buy your ferry ticket. However, their pickup schedule is rigid (departing at 12.00 sharp). If your planned flight is very close to the ferry departing time, a private taxi is safer.

Step 3: Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

Estimated Cost: 700 THB per person
Arrive at least 15 minutes before departure to check-in. Bangrak Pier is the closest pier by Lomprayah to the airport. This means it usually takes only 10-15 minutes, or even faster if you are on a motorbike.

This route is a direct Catamaran ride that takes about 2 hours. Note that if you have large suitcases, the crew may ask you to store them at the bow (front) of the Catamaran. If you want a peaceful and quiet ride, you can opt for the VIP and VVIP rooms on the upper deck of the catamaran. The seating charge starts at 200 THB per person. This is collected on board by cash.

*Local Tip: Expect “Thai Time.” The boat scheduled for 14:00 usually arrives in Koh Tao between 14:15 and 14:30. It’s always expected. Don’t panic, just enjoy the ocean view.

Step 1: Bangkok (Night Transfer) – Thung Makam Noi Pier, Chumphon

You have two departure points in Bangkok:

1. Bangkok Bus Terminal (Pinklao) (21:00): A bit further out, but more organized. We recommend getting a taxi to the terminal
2. Khaosan Road (21:30): The legendary backpacker hub. Great vibe, but crowded. It can be hard to find a proper waiting area here, but the vibe is definitely unbeatable!

The bus drives through the night, stopping once in Chumphon around 03:00 AM for a 30-minute break (food/toilet). You will arrive at the pier around 05:00 AM.

*Local Tip: Splurge on the VIP Bus. The seats recline further, and you get more legroom with a personal electrical socket. Sleeping mask and eye plug help since it can be busy on the road. Also, the air conditioning on these buses is freezing, bring a hoodie or a blanket!

Step 2: Thung Makam Noi Pier, Chumphon – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

Once you arrive at the pier, you just wait for the catamaran to depart. No need to check in again if you have your sticker. The pier has a coffee shop, but food options are limited until the stall opens at 06:00. Grab some instant noodles from the convenience store if you are hungry.

The high-speed catamaran departs at 07.00, and arrives Koh Tao around 08.45 – 09.00 at Mae Haad Pier. During your time on board the catamaran, you can grab more snacks, beverages, and enjoy the scenic view of the Gulf of Thailand.

*Local Tip: Grab your own snacks and meal from any 7-11 before boarding the bus. This will save you more time and money than waiting in the queue at Lomprayah convenience store. Plus, you get to choose from a large variety, also!

Step 1: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) – Chumphon Airport (CJM)

Nok Air operates this route daily. The flight takes about 1 hour and costs less than 1,000 THB if you book in advance. The schedule is an evening flight at 17:55 – 19:00.

*Warning: Do not book the Sunday flight for this specific itinerary, as there is no Sunday night ferry connection to Koh Tao.

Step 2: Chumphon Airport (CJM) – Pak Nam Chumphon

Chumphon airport is small and far from town (45-60 min drive). You must book a transfer in advance. Fame Tour is the reliable local operator (250 THB). They will pick you up and drop you right at the Night Ferry pier you need to be at for that day. The night ferry operator changes daily and has limited spaces; you should book the ticket in advance.

*Local Tip: There is no convenience store near the Chumphon airport, night ferry pier, or onboard, so be prepared and get everything you need beforehand.

Step 3: The Night Ferry – Koh Tao

You will board the night ferry around 22:00 or 23:00. You get a bunk bed (with A/C on the newer boat). The boat travels slowly while you sleep and arrives at Koh Tao around 04:00 – 05:00 AM.

*Local Tip: Power outlets are rare on the older boats (except Porntaweesin). Bring a fully charged power bank.

Step 1: Bangkok – Surat Thani (Fly or Train)

You can fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT) very cheaply from Don Mueang. Alternatively, take the overnight train from Bangkok station. The train is a classic Thai experience if you have more time to spare.

*Local Tip: Grab is a very reliable taxi app, just like Uber, in Surat Thani. If you haven’t downloaded the app when you are in Bangkok, don’t forget to do it now so you can travel around at ease.

Step 2: Surat Thani City Center – Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao (Explore & Ferry)

If you arrive in the evening, head to the San Chao Night Market. It is lively, full of amazing street food, and very cheap. Afterward, take the Night Ferry from the city pier (Bandon Pier). These boats are similar to the Chumphon night boats, with bunk beds and A/C. You depart late at night and arrive on Koh Tao at 06:00 AM.

*Local Tip: 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.

Koh Tao From Pinklao Station, Bangkok

This is the new departure for Lomprayah transfer from Bangkok. The area is larger to accommodate more tourists waiting to board the bus to Chumphon, and then Koh Tao. There is still the usual departure from Khao San Road, but at a different time. If you are looking for a spacious and less crowded departure point, this is what you are looking for.

Koh Tao From Khao San Road, Bangkok

The original departing route for Bangkok – Koh Tao transfer by Lomprayah. It’s been more than a decade for tourists stopping by for a quick meal, then heading on to the bus for the transfer to Koh Tao. There are more options here from Khao San, but it comes with the disadvantage of space. You will have fewer places to wait and hang around, unless you opt to dine and drink while waiting for your boarding time.

Koh Tao from Pralarn Pier, Koh Samui

Pralarn Pier (or commonly known as Mae Nam Pier) is the main pier on Lomprayah’s pier with a large seating capacity and convenience 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 Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui

Bangrak Pier is a smaller pier nearest to Samui International Airport. Most routes from here go only to Koh Phangan, either by catamaran or speedboat. This means some schedules to Koh Tao from here include a connection to another ferry on Koh Phangan. Be aware when choosing your schedule for only the direct route!

Fortunately, starting in 2026, there are more direct options from Bangrak Pier to Koh Tao without the need for a connection on Koh Phangan.

Koh Tao from Nathon Pier, Koh Samui

Nathon Pier is a shared pier for most routes from Surat Thani. It’s 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 typically longer than others. The evening transfer may be delayed by up to 30 minutes from the arrival time.

Koh Tao from Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan

Just finished the Full Moon Party? Hop on a boat to recover in Koh Tao. Thong Sala Pier is the main pier in Koh Phangan. Don’t forget to check in your booked ticket at the Lomprayah ticket office first. It’s not at the pier but the block before the entrance!

Koh Tao From Surat Thani Train Station, Surat Thani

If you board the train to Surat Thani, you can simply book a Lomprayah ticket that already includes a transfer from the train station to Tapee Pier. Before booking the ticket with this transfer, you must 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. You can also book a Lomprayah ticket that includes an 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 on Koh Tao.

Koh Tao From Tapee Pier, Surat Thani

Tapee Pier is much closer to the city center. It’s more convenient for those looking for shorter transfers, but please also note that you will take a bus to another pier before heading to Koh Tao, except for the speed boat transfer that will leave directly from Tapee Pier.

Koh Tao From Donsak Pier, Surat Thani

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