Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Surat Thani
Koh Samui
Sun, Jul 26
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2 Travelers
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Surat Thani to Koh Samui Destination Reviews

NG
Natalia G
The company at the starting point did not provide information for the whole trip, only the first segment (from Ban Ta Khun to Surat Thani), which we did in a van. When we arrived at Surat Thani city the driver of the van dropped us at an unknown spot and when I asked with the translator "how do we go to Don Sak Pier" he took us to a kind of song thew, and we did the next segment this way. When we arrived at Don Sak the driver asked for money and we were confused as we had paid for the whole trip in advance. Seatran stuff kindly assisted us. They called the agency and asked for someone to come and buy us the ferry ticket. Someone showed in and bought the tickets. Nonetheless the tuk-tuk person insisted we had to pay him and I negotitated and paid him 240 Bht. It was a very stressful and uncomfortable experience. Beware that the agency at the starting point must provide full information for the different segments of the trip, the voucher did not provide such information, only the starting point.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Bus Bus + Bus + Ferry, 465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport (465 Surat Thani-Phuket Transport ), Jul 21, 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
AA
Amy A
Phan-tas-tip! Very well organised at the Phantip office in Surat Thani. Office was 9 min from our hostel so much better than travelling to the airport for pick up. Saved time and money. Staff are very welcoming. They offered hotel transfer in Kho samui for 150bhat pp which is cheaper than anything we could find online and significantly cheaper than a grab or local taxi. We got a sticker to say we were going tomato samui so we got on the right coach. We got another sticker to say ‘hotel transfer in Kho samui’ to show the driver when we landed on the island where to take us. Comfortable double decker coach with leather seat and air con and below deck luggage space to Donsak ferry terminal. Dropped off and walked on as a passenger. Ferry has leather seats inside. Clean toilets and a shop onboard. Phantip mini bus waiting for us under sheltered walkway as soon as we walked off the ferry. ~1hour comfortable leather seats and air con small mini bus dropped off right outside our hostel. 10/10 service
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Feb 10, 2026
SR
Sam R
Bus broke down, everything else was good
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Feb 9, 2026
CG
Carl G
Very nice expérience !!
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Jan 28, 2026
TF
Tom F
Very friendly!
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Ferry, Seatran Ferry (บริษัท ซีทราน เฟอร์รี่ จำกัด), Jan 22, 2026
N
Norbert
Everything was running smoothly
Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Jan 21, 2026
4.5
650 customer reviews
5
68%
4
21%
3
7%
2
4%
1
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Surat Thani to Koh Samui Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
BangkokTaxi24
VIP Van 9pax
Any time
+3h 30m
$221.76
  5.0
Van
12Go Transport
Minibus + ferry
05:30
09:30
$11.59
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:00
13:00
$15.97
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:25
09:07
$15.97
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
06:50
08:53
$15.97
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
07:30
10:30
$10.05
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
08:00
11:30
$8.57
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
08:30
11:30
$10.05
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
09:00
12:30
$8.57
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
09:30
12:30
$10.05
  4.8
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
10:00
11:45
$9.76
  4.2
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
10:30
13:30
$10.05
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
11:00
14:30
$8.57
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
11:30
14:30
$10.05
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
12:00
15:30
$8.57
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
12:30
15:30
$10.05
  4.8
Ferry
Lomprayah
Express
13:00
15:45
$9.76
  4.2
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
13:30
16:30
$10.05
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
14:00
17:30
$8.57
  4.1
Ferry
Seatran Ferry
Ferry
14:30
17:30
$10.05
  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+Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 634.23. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a bus+ferry as a bus+ferry ticket costs as low as USD 11.24.

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 Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970): travelling by bus+ferry expect to pay as low as USD 11.24 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a taxi+Train - a one-way taxi+Train ticket can cost as much as USD 634.23.

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

  • Van+Ferry price: USD 11.18 - USD 13.42. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Surat Thani Town Raja Van until 17:30 Surat Thani Airport
  • Bus+Ferry price: USD 11.24 - USD 24.04. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:00 Surat Thani Bus Raja Ferry until 08:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • taxi+Bus+Ferry price: USD 13.42. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 07:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer until 13:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer
  • Ferry+Van price: USD 13.60 - USD 28.83. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Surat Thani Train Station until 19:30 Surat Thani Clock Tower
  • Bus tickets - USD 14.04 to USD 20.34;
  • Bus+taxi+Ferry price: USD 15.38. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani until 15:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • taxi+Ferry price: USD 15.38. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 08:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer until 08:00 Surat Thani Town Transfer
  • Bus+Ferry+Van price: USD 15.97 - USD 24.60. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office until 08:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • Ferry tickets - USD 17.74 to USD 22.21.
  • Bus+Ferry+taxi price: USD 17.89. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 09:30 Surat Thani Airport until 16:00 Surat Thani Airport
  • Van+Ferry+taxi price: USD 17.89. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Surat Thani Town Seatran until 14:30 Surat Thani Town Seatran
  • Bus+Van price: USD 20.28 - USD 20.67. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:00 Surat Thani Bus Raja Ferry until 06:30 Surat Thani Town Raja
  • taxi+Ferry+Van price: USD 22.77. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 07:00 Ratchaprapha Dam until 12:30 Ratchaprapha Dam
  • Van price : USD 26.76;
  • Bus+taxi price: USD 48.70. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office until 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office
  • taxi+Van price: USD 55.88. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 07:30 Surat Thani Airport until 07:30 Surat Thani Airport
  • flight price: USD 207.95 - USD 211.41. From Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 10:50 Surat Thani Airport until 11:45 Surat Thani Airport
  • taxi+Train price: USD 634.23. 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 166.61 to USD 302.63.

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.

  • 59 by Bus+Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:00 Surat Thani Bus Raja Ferry until 08:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • 29 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office until 08:30 Phantip Travel Surat Thani
  • 21 by Ferry+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Surat Thani Train Station until 19:30 Surat Thani Clock Tower
  • Buses start plying the route from 06:30 - you can also take a bus as late as 10:30. There are 14 available bus trips every day.
  • 10 by Bus+taxi from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office until 05:30 Suratthani Town Seatran office
  • 10 by Bus+Van from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 06:00 Surat Thani Bus Raja Ferry until 06:30 Surat Thani Town Raja
  • Ferries leave from Surat Thani for Koh Samui 5 times a day.
  • Vans from Surat Thani to Koh Samui depart during the day - there are approximately 2 departures a day.
  • 1 by taxi+Train from Surat Thani to Koh Samui starting from 05:00 Surat Thani Train Station until 05:00 Surat Thani Train Station

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 166.61.

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:

  • 17% chosen Bus+Ferry
  • 14% chosen Van+Ferry
  • 10% users voted for a ferry ticket.
  • 9% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 9% chosen taxi+Van
  • 9% chosen Van+Ferry+taxi
  • 5% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 5% chosen Bus+Ferry+Van
  • 5% chosen Bus+Van
  • 5% chosen taxi+Ferry
  • 5% chosen taxi+Ferry+Van
  • 3% chosen Ferry+Van
  • 1% Other

Facts about the transport from Surat Thani to Koh Samui

Cheapest Transport$12
Fastest Transport1h 45m
Earliest Departure5:00 AM
Latest Departure7:30 PM
Departures per day151
Distance88 kilometers
Transport Companies12Go Transport, Bangkok Airways, BangkokTaxi24, Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Easyride Services, Gosafe Transport, Lomlahkkhirin, Lomprayah, Pattana Tour, Phangan Tour 2000, Phantip 1970, Phantip Group Booking, PP Service, Raja Ferry, Samui Tour, Seatran Discovery, Seatran Ferry, Thai Vietjet, Than Car Service, Udomrat Tour, Van2Travel