Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Surat Thani
Koh Samui
Fri, Sep 18
+ Add return
2 Travelers
Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!
Sort by
Recommended
Filters
Departure time
Transport type
Departure station
Arrival station
Booking Facilities
Price
Arrival time
Operators
 
 
 
 
 

Surat Thani to Koh Samui Destination Reviews

NI
Nir I
The driver was almost two hours late, and stopped on the way to pick up other people. In retrospect, we realized that it was a transfer for several people, but his lateness almost cost us getting to the ferry on time.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Sep 2, 2026
MC
Martijn C
Smooth busride, chaotic boat transfer
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Aug 24, 2026
HF
Haim F
Too many stops, I made a mistake not taking a taxi
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Bus Express, Raja Ferry (ราชา เฟอร์รี่), Aug 18, 2026
CD
Celeste D
Drive from Khao Sok Cheow lan lake pier to Seatran ferry Koh Samui. Friendly driver, good communication beforehand, nice driving and short rest stop for drinks or toilet. I recommend!
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Van Van + Ferry, PL Travel, Aug 10, 2026
LV
Lars V
Pick up was on time and easy to find. Then we were brought to a travel agency downtown Surat Thani where we had to wait for nearly two hours. From there, another driver brought us to the ferry terminal. Both drivers drove way too fast. At the ferry terminal we were informed that our ferry was cancelled so we had to wait for another one and a half hour. Raja ferry operates with very old ferries and turns out Seatran (newer boats, on time service) would have been the better pick.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Bus Express, Raja Ferry (ราชา เฟอร์รี่), Aug 3, 2026
MJ
Michael J
Supposedly the suitcases were too big. They were normal commercially available suitcases with 16 kg. We had to pay extra. There was no receipt either. System to get money out of customers' pockets?
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Ferry, Seatran Ferry (บริษัท ซีทราน เฟอร์รี่ จำกัด), Jul 26, 2026
E
Emmabyrne183
Driver was one hour late collecting us in the morning.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Bus Express, Raja Ferry (ราชา เฟอร์รี่), Jul 20, 2026
MW
Michael W
Fast ride, caught the ferry 1 hour earlier!
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Van Ferry + Van, Nor Phuangphet Transport (Nor Phuangphet Transport), Mar 27, 2026
J
Jessica
I'd like to give a 5-star review. The organisation and communication were excellent, and every staff member we interacted with spoke great English. We genuinely could not fault the service we received today. The whole journey was seamless, even though we were initially unsure about our pickup point. When I sent my location, the team came straight to us. They were extremely helpful, polite, and clearly wanted to work with us to make everything easy. It was honestly the best experience we've had during our time in Thailand.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Van Ferry + Van, Nor Phuangphet Transport (Nor Phuangphet Transport), Mar 15, 2026
RF
Roni F
Everything was clear and easy,the staff was helpful,the ship was clean,it was on time.erfect.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Ferry, Seatran Ferry (บริษัท ซีทราน เฟอร์รี่ จำกัด), Feb 18, 2026
4.5
680 customer reviews
5
68%
4
21%
3
7%
2
4%
1
0%

Surat Thani to Koh Samui Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
BangkokTaxi24
VIP Van 9pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$225.36
  5.0
Van
12Go Transport
Minibus + ferry
05:30
09:30
$11.78
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:00
13:00
$16.23
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:25
09:07
$16.23
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:50
08:53
$16.23
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
07:30
10:30
$10.22
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
08:00
11:30
$8.71
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
08:30
11:30
$10.22
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
09:00
12:30
$8.71
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
09:30
12:30
$10.22
  4.8
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
10:00
11:45
$9.92
  4.2
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
10:30
13:30
$10.22
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
11:00
14:30
$8.71
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
11:30
14:30
$10.22
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
12:00
15:30
$8.71
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
12:30
15:30
$10.22
  4.8
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
13:00
15:45
$9.92
  4.2
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
13:30
16:30
$10.22
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
14:00
17:30
$8.71
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
14:30
17:30
$10.22
  4.8

What is Koh Samui notorious for?

Koh Samui is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and wellness retreats. Popular beaches include Chaweng and Lamai, where you can enjoy water activities and beach bars. The island is also home to the Big Buddha Temple and Ang Thong National Marine Park, ideal for day trips. Nightlife is centered around Chaweng and Bophut, offering a range of bars and nightclubs.

Transportation is mainly via rental scooters or taxis, with scooter rentals costing around 150-300 THB per day ($4-8). Dining options range from local street food, like pad Thai and green curry, to international restaurants. Expect to pay 60-150 THB ($2-4) for street food and 200-500 THB ($5-14) at restaurants.

Tap water is not safe to drink, so bottled water is recommended. Always check the weather as the rainy season typically runs from October to December.

Can a tourist work in Koh Samui?

Tourists cannot work in Koh Samui legally without the appropriate work visa or permit. Thailand requires foreigners to obtain a work permit and a Non-Immigrant Visa if they wish to work. Engaging in work without proper authorization can lead to fines, deportation, or being blacklisted from re-entering the country.

For those interested in working legally, securing a job offer from a Thai employer and applying for the necessary visa and permit before arriving is advisable. Additionally, the employer typically assists with the application process for the work permit.

Where do rich people hang out in Koh Samui?

Chaweng Beach is a popular area, featuring upscale beach clubs and high-end resorts. Visitors often frequent Ark Bar Beach Club for its lively atmosphere and beachfront location. Bophut's Fisherman's Village offers trendy restaurants and bars, such as Coco Tam's, known for its cocktails and beachfront seating. For a luxurious dining experience, the Tree Tops Sky Dining & Bar provides a scenic view and gourmet menu.

Nikki Beach Club is another notable spot, famous for its exclusive events and poolside parties. In terms of wellness, high-end spas like Tamarind Springs provide relaxing treatments in a serene environment. Transportation to these areas is convenient via taxi or private car hire, with typical costs around 400-800 THB ($11-$22) depending on the distance. Bottled water is recommended, as local authorities advise against drinking tap water.

How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

When you want to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

  • Flight
  • Bus
  • Ferry
  • Train
  • Van
  • Taxi

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Ferry. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A taxi ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 608.48. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a ferry+van as a ferry+van ticket costs as low as USD 17.88.

How far is Surat Thani from Koh Samui?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. Your trip will be a total of 55 miles (88 km). The flying distance is 55 miles (88 km).

How long does it take to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?

The travel time from Surat Thani to Koh Samui can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 2 to 10 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui?

The cost of the trip from Surat Thani to Koh Samui varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is 12Go Transport: travelling by ferry+van expect to pay as low as USD 17.88 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi - a one-way taxi ticket can cost as much as USD 608.48.

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Surat Thani to Koh Samui:

  • Van+Ferry price: USD 11.36 - USD 13.64. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Surat Thani Town Raja Van until 17:30 Surat Thani Airport
  • taxi+Bus+Ferry price: USD 13.64. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 07:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer until 13:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer
  • Bus tickets - USD 14.27 to USD 20.67;
  • Bus+taxi+Ferry price: USD 15.63. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani until 15:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • Ferry+Van price: USD 17.88 - USD 46.24. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Khao Sok van station until 17:00 Khao Sok Bus Stop
  • Ferry tickets - USD 18.03 to USD 18.03.
  • Bus+Ferry+taxi price: USD 18.18. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:30 Surat Thani Airport until 16:00 Surat Thani Airport
  • Van+Ferry+taxi price: USD 18.18. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Surat Thani Town Seatran until 14:30 Surat Thani Town Seatran
  • Bus+Ferry price: USD 19.47 - USD 37.74. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:00 Khao Sok van station until 10:20 Khao Sok Minivan Office
  • Van price : USD 20.40 - USD 42.28;
  • Bus+Ferry+Van price: USD 22.54 - USD 27.04. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:00 Surat Thani Phanom Khao Sok Minivan Office until 09:00 Surat Thani Phanom Khao Sok Minivan Office
  • Train+Van price: USD 22.57. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 10:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer until 10:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer
  • taxi+Ferry+Van price: USD 23.14. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 07:00 Ratchaprapha Dam until 12:30 Ratchaprapha Dam
  • Bus+Van price: USD 23.44 - USD 42.28. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Khao Sok van station until 09:00 Khao Sok van station
  • taxi+Van price: USD 23.68. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer until 09:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 49.91. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office until 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office
  • taxi+Ferry price: USD 94.17 - USD 208.39. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 00:00 Surat Thani train station until 00:00 Surat Thani train station
  • flight price: USD 211.33 - USD 214.85. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 10:50 Surat Thani Airport until 11:45 Surat Thani Airport
  • taxi+Train price: USD 644.54. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:00 Surat Thani Train Station until 05:00 Surat Thani Train Station

You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 169.32 to USD 608.48.

How many trips per day are there between Surat Thani and Koh Samui?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

  • 40 by Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Khao Sok van station until 17:00 Khao Sok Bus Stop
  • 11 by Bus+Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:00 Khao Sok van station until 10:20 Khao Sok Minivan Office
  • Vans from Surat Thani to Koh Samui depart during the day - there are approximately 7 departures a day.
  • 4 by Bus+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Khao Sok van station until 09:00 Khao Sok van station
  • 2 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:00 Surat Thani Phanom Khao Sok Minivan Office until 09:00 Surat Thani Phanom Khao Sok Minivan Office
  • 2 by Train+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 10:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer until 10:30 Khao Sok Hotel Transfer
  • Taxis are a good option to consider for this route, too. Book a cab to take you from Surat Thani to Koh Samui any time of the day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

Buses

Taking a bus from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is cheaper than flying. Quite often, a long-distance bus is the cheapest transportation option. Buses normally make bathroom and/or lunch stops along the way.

Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:

  • If possible, make sure to choose higher-class buses for a more comfortable travel experience. Such buses often have an air conditioning system, soft reclining seats, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, etc.
  • As with plane tickets, buses are better booked in advance so that you can secure a good seat.
  • While booking a bus, keep in mind that delays are possible. Yet it still pays to get to the bus station at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Taxi

Catching a cab is the easiest way to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. It allows you to tailor-make your trip, plan all the detours and see all the places you want. You can choose the type and the size of your car as well to be as comfortable as you'd like to.

Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 169.32.

Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.

Ferries

Travelling by ferry is one of the most scenic ways to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui as it combines transportation and sightseeing to some extent.

However, with these upsides in mind, you should still understand ferry travel is not for everyone. If you’re prone to seasickness it may be an unpleasant experience. As a rule, a ferry journey isn’t the cheapest way to travel During the high season ferry tickets might be hard to get, so you should always book in advance when possible.

Things to remember: ferry rides are dependent on weather conditions.

Vans

A shared van is another means of transport for traveling from Surat Thani to Koh Samui. As far as travel time is concerned, it’s basically equal to a taxi ride, while price-wise it’s way more affordable. The majority of tourists book a van online in advance.

Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Surat Thani to Koh Samui.

Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..

The most popular transport from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Surat Thani to Koh Samui? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

  • 13% chosen Van+Ferry
  • 12% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 12% chosen Van+Ferry+taxi
  • 11% users voted for a ferry ticket.
  • 11% chosen Ferry+Van
  • 7% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 7% chosen Bus+Ferry
  • 7% chosen Bus+Ferry+Van
  • 7% chosen Bus+Van
  • 7% chosen taxi+Ferry+Van
  • 1% Other

Facts about the transport from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Cheapest Transport$12
Fastest Transport1h 45m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure5:30 PM
Departures per day78
Distance88 kilometers
Transport Companies12Go Transport, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport, A and T Travel, Bangkok Airways, BangkokTaxi24, Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Call Me Taxi, Easyride Services, Future Travel and Service, Holiday Travel Agency, Jarinthon Tour, Khaosok Evergreen House, Kim Transfers Thailand, Lomprayah, Nara Travel, Nor Phuangphet Transport, Phantip 1970, Phantip Group Booking, PL Travel, PP Service, Raja Ferry, Samui Tour, Seatran Ferry, Songserm, Songserm Express, Thai Vietjet, Than Car Service, TransBaanTon, Udomrat Tour, Van2Travel