Thailand Koh Samui

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 765 kilometre (475 miles) distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Koh Samui as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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Why visit Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand, east of the mainland. As the country’s second-largest island, Koh Samui offers a beautiful mix of culture and nature. It’s also more developed than its neighbours, but not less appealing.

From the beaches alone, there are over 40 in Koh Samui — all picturesque and white-sand shores. This makes the island a favourite for relaxing, snorkelling and soaking up the sun. Away from the shore, you can immerse yourself in history and culture with a temple visit or munch on fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Village.

What are the 3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

There are 3 ways to travel the 765 kilometre (475 miles) distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui. You can choose between the bus + ferry, train + ferry and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 10 minutes to 19 hours and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + ferry with tickets starting at 627 THB ($19.80).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train + Ferry

13-19h

From 627 THB ($19.80)

Bus + Ferry

10h 30m - 18h 30m

From 880 THB ($28)

Book Tickets

Flight

1h 10m

From 2,000 THB ($63)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui at the bottom of this page.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Train + Ferry

Duration: 13-19h

Costs: 627 THB ($19.80)

Duration: 13-19h

Costs: 627 THB ($19.80)

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui via train and ferry takes the longest. Travel time is 13 to 19 hours.

This option usually requires multiple transfers, as you’ll need to take a train, bus, and ferry.

The first step is to take a train ride from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani, followed by a bus + ferry ride to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.

You’ll find the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani by Train

Duration: 8h 50m - 11h

Costs: 247 THB ($7.80)

Duration: 8h 50m - 11h

Costs: 247 THB ($7.80)

The first part of the journey is boarding the train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. This train station is just 15 minutes away from the city centre by taxi.

Trains to Surat Thani Railway Station are available daily from 07:50 until 22:05. We recommend booking a second-class sleeper train with air conditioning for a more comfortable journey.

Travel time is around 8h 50m - 11h with fares starting from 247 THB ($7.80).

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Surat Thani Train Station

15:10

10h 1m

01:11

16:10

9h 39m

01:49

17:30

10h 36m

04:06

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

20:30

10h 46m

07:16

Thai Railway

From 247 THB ($7.80)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Surat Thani Train Station

15:10

10h 1m

01:11

16:10

9h 39m

01:49

17:30

10h 36m

04:06

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

20:30

10h 46m

07:16

Thai Railway

405 THB ($12.80)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Surat Thani Train Station

17:30

10h 36m

04:06

Thai Railway

576 THB ($18.20)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat

Surat Thani Train Station

07:30

8h 50m

16:20

22:50

07:50

Thai Railway

602 THB ($19)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

15:10

10h 1m

01:11

16:10

9h 39m

01:49

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

Thai Railway

829 THB ($26)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

16:50

9h 30m

02:20

Thai Railways

1,149 THB ($36.50)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

First Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

16:50

9h 30m

02:20

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

Thai Railways

1,526 THB ($48)

Show 2 more operator(s)

We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

You can buy your tickets at the train station, but we highly advise booking in advance because tickets sell out fast.

Step 2: Surat Thani Railway Station to Nathon Pier by Bus + Ferry

Duration: 4-8h

Costs: 380 THB ($12)

Duration: 4-8h

Costs: 380 THB ($12)

From Surat Thani Railway Station, the next part of your journey is to travel to Nathon Pier by bus and ferry.

Lomprayah is the only company that operates on this route, and it offers only one departure daily. The bus will take you to Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where you will board a ferry to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.

Fare starts at 380 THB ($12) and the journey takes around 4-8h.

Suratthani Train Station

High Speed

Lipa Noi Pier (Raja Ferry Port)

05:30

09:30

07:00

4h 30m

11:30

10:00

4h 30m

14:30

11:00

5h 30m

16:30

13:00

5h 30m

18:30

15:00

5h 30m

20:30

16:00

5h 30m

21:30

Raja Ferry

380 THB ($12)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Lipa Noi Koh Samui

05:30

09:30

07:00

4h 30m

11:30

08:00

4h 30m

12:30

10:00

4h 30m

14:30

11:00

4h 30m

15:30

13:00

4h 30m

17:30

15:00

4h 30m

19:30

16:00

4h 30m

20:30

Raja Ferry

380 THB ($12)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Nathon Raja office

05:30

10:30

08:00

5h 30m

13:30

11:00

5h 30m

16:30

13:00

5h 30m

18:30

Raja Ferry

380 THB ($12)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Koh Samui Transfer

05:30

13:30

07:00

15:00

08:00

15:00

10:00

18:00

11:00

18:00

Raja Ferry

602 THB ($19)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Chaweng Walking Street

05:30

7h 30m

13:00

07:00

7h 30m

14:30

08:00

6h 30m

14:30

10:00

7h 30m

17:30

11:00

6h 30m

17:30

Raja Ferry

602 THB ($19)

Get Your Tickets

You can check with your hotel if they offer pick-up services from Nathon Pier.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Bus + Ferry

Duration: 10h 30m - 18h 30m

Costs: 880 THB ($28)

Duration: 10h 30m - 18h 30m

Costs: 880 THB ($28)

If you want to travel this distance by land, a combined bus and ferry trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui is the easiest way to go. Fares start from 880 THB ($28) for the bus journey that takes around 10 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes.

There are several bus companies operating the Bangkok to Koh Samui route.

All buses depart in the evening with the earliest bus departure at 17:00 and the last bus departure at 21:00.

Departure stations in Bangkok

There are several departure points for buses in Bangkok. Montanatip Tour and Lomprayah buses depart from Khao San Road, the most popular street with backpackers in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Thai Sriram buses are available at Mochit Terminal, which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Bangkok centre. Krungsiam Tour buses depart from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Terminal) which is accessible by metro or taxi.

Arrival stations in Koh Samui

Buses from Bangkok will drop you off either at Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani or Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon.

From these piers, you will be transferred to a ferry bound for Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.

Bus schedules from Bangkok to Koh Samui

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

Standard

Lipa Noi Pier

19:00

15h

10:00

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

880 THB ($28)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Na Thon Pier Seatran Ferry

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

931 THB ($29.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Raja Ferry Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

931 THB ($29.50)

Get Your Tickets

S O T Khao San Office

Standard

Na Thon Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

SOT Travel

953 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 32 Seats

Lipa Noi Koh Samui

18:50

14h 40m

09:30

Krungsiam

969 THB ($30.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 32 Seats

Na Thon Koh Samui

18:50

14h 40m

09:30

Krungsiam

969 THB ($30.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phra Athit Road Bangkok Travel Plus

Express

Na Thon Seatran Ferry Pier

18:50

14h 10m

09:00

Travel Plus

969 THB ($30.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khaosan Nara Travel Office (2nd floor)

Express

Lipa Noi Pier

19:00

16h

11:00

Khao San Nara Travel

1,026 THB ($32.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Lipa Noi Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Raja Ferry

1,048 THB ($33)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Lipa Noi Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Raja Ferry

1,048 THB ($33)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Standard

Lipa Noi Beach

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Nara Travel

1,061 THB ($33.50)

Get Your Tickets

Starbucks Baan Chart

VIP

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

19:00

15h 30m

10:30

Paradive Travel

1,130 THB ($35.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 24 Seats

Lipa Noi Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Krungsiam

1,130 THB ($35.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 24 Seats

Na Thon Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Krungsiam

1,130 THB ($35.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phra Athit Road Bangkok Travel Plus

VIP 32 Seats

Na Thon Seatran Ferry Pier

18:45

14h 10m

08:55

Travel Plus

1,156 THB ($36.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

VIP

Na Thon Pier Seatran Ferry

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

1,222 THB ($38.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

VIP

Raja Ferry Koh Samui

19:00

14h 30m

09:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

1,222 THB ($38.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Lomprayah

Express

Maenam Pier

06:00

10h 30m

16:30

21:00

14h 30m

11:30

Lomprayah

1,251 THB ($39.50)

Get Your Tickets

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

VIP

Lipa Noi Pier

19:00

15h

10:00

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

1,266 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Koh Samui Transfer

19:00

18h 30m

13:30

Raja Ferry

1,273 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Chaweng Walking Street

19:00

18h

13:00

Raja Ferry

1,273 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Koh Samui Transfer

19:00

18h 30m

13:30

Raja Ferry

1,273 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Chaweng Walking Street

19:00

18h

13:00

Raja Ferry

1,273 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Lomprayah

VIP

Maenam Pier

06:00

10h 30m

16:30

Lomprayah

1,510 THB ($47.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Lomprayah

VIP

Maenam Samui

21:00

14h 30m

11:30

Lomprayah

1,510 THB ($47.50)

Get Your Tickets

Show 20 more operator(s)

You can buy combined bus and ferry tickets online and at the bus terminal, but we recommend booking your ticket in advance with BookAway. These bus trips from Bangkok to Koh Samui tend to sell out, especially during the peak season.

Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight

Duration: 1h 10m

Costs: 2,000 THB ($63)

Duration: 1h 10m

Costs: 2,000 THB ($63)

In about 1 hour 10 minutes, you can reach Koh Samui from Bangkok by flight. Taking a flight not only saves you time, but also the hassle of having to arrange different transfers. The only downside to this option is that the tickets can get quite expensive.

Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are solely operated by Bangkok Airways. They offer multiple flights daily with one-way fares starting at 2,000 THB ($63).

Be sure to book a flight in advance as this route is very popular and prices often rise to over 3,000 THB ($95).

Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.

In Koh Samui, the airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. When you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.

To learn more information about this, you can read our page on Koh Samui Airport.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Best places to stay in Koh Samui

Palm Coco Mantra - Budget Friendly

Located on a hill, Palm Coco Mantra offers amazing sea views from your private balcony and room. The spectacular views continue at the swimming pool which also overlooks the beach. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from a poolside bar.

Definitely try the onsite restaurant serving delicious Western and Thai food. This hotel is the perfect getaway for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, without having to break the bank!

Swimming pool
Stunning sea views
On-site restaurant & bar
Extremely clean and luxurious hotel

Private rooms start from $28 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Three Trees Samui Resort - Mid Range

Three Trees Samui Resort is located right on Lamai Beach. You can eat, drink and swim only metres from the beach and sparkling ocean. Or you can enjoy the view from your private balcony. The location is perfect!

One of the best things about the resort is that they offer free kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear to explore the waters. The staff are incredible and make you feel right at home.

Seconds from the beach
Free watersports
Amazing staff
Private balcony

Private rooms start from $31 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Baan Boom Boxes - Mid Range

Baan Boom Boxes is an eco-friendly resort offering a unique stay in Koh Samui. If you want to experience a different side of the island, head to this jungle retreat. Every room has its own rooftop balcony offering spectacular views of the island’s nature. Some of them even have a bathtub on the roof!

The family who own the resort are conscious of their impact on the environment so the resort uses solar panels and reused materials to create the rooms. It’s truly a special place to visit.

Eco-friendly
Family run and amazing hospitality
Surrounded by nature
Bathtub on a private rooftop terrace

Private rooms start from $35 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Viva Vacation Resort - Treating Yourself

Steps away from Lipa Beach, Viva Vacation Resort offers Thai-style villas set within tropical gardens. And the villas are HUGE! Everyone has its own living room, bedroom and some of the biggest bathrooms that have bathrooms which come with a view!

Outside of the luxurious villas, you’ll find a gorgeous swimming pool, a fully-stocked bar and a section of the beach for the resort. This is the place to relax!

Stunning and huge villages
The best bathrooms on the island
Beautiful swimming pool
Steps from the beach

Villas start from $64 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Centara Reserve Samui - Treating Yourself

There are several luxury resorts to choose from on Koh Samui, but Centara Reserve Samui is up there with the best. This is the kind of place where you don’t have to lift a finger — some of the villas even come with your own host to help you with anything.

You’ll find multiple dreamy beachfront pools, with some of the villas having private pools too. A stay here kind of feels like a dream, it’s so beautiful and perfect!

An incredible luxury resort
Exceptional villas
Beachfront pools
Some rooms come with a personal host

Deluxe suites start from $230 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Koh Samui

What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

The distance from Bangkok to Koh Samui is 765 kilometre (475 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by flight and takes 1 hour 10 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui is by train + ferry with ticket costs starting from 627 THB ($19.80).

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abegail

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.