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Overview | Bus | Train | Flight
How To Get From Bangkok to Koh Tao?
The island of Koh Tao is a very popular diving destination in the southeast of Thailand. It’s known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license and offers beautiful underwater scenery.
When traveling the 415km distance from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you have 3 options. The quickest but also most expensive option is to catch a flight to Koh Samui and continue by ferry to Koh Tao ($150). Other options are booking a 9-hour bus and ferry ticket ($35) or travelling by train from Bangkok to Koh Tao via Surat Thani ($60).
Traveling by plane is clearly the fastest option, but flights are quite expensive and you will still need to take a shuttle bus from Koh Samui airport to the port and ferry to Koh Tao.
A cheaper option is to book a combined ticket for an overnight bus and connecting ferry. The bus leaves from Bangkok at 21:00 and includes a ferry transfer from Chumphon to Koh Tao.
If you don’t want to spend your night on a bus, you can also book a sleeper train to Surat Thani. This will cost a little more than the bus, but you will likely feel more rested when you arrive in Koh Tao, thanks to the sleeper beds on the train. Below we have provided links to the websites where you can book combined train and ferry tickets.
| Transport mode | Duration | Costs | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Ferry | 3h 35min | 4,500 THB ($147) | Check flights |
| Bus + Ferry | 9 hours | 1,100 THB ($36) | Check bus tickets |
| Train + Bus + Ferry | 14 hours | 1,800 THB ($59) | Check train tickets |
View itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Tao
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus
Duration: 9 hours
Costs: 1,100 THB ($36)
The combined bus and ferry ride from Bangkok to Koh Tao is the most popular way to travel this route, because it’s a cheap and efficient way to travel to Koh Tao.
We recommend booking a night bus so you can catch up on sleep and be well-rested before you arrive. Keep in mind that not all buses along this route offer sleeper beds and you may have to sleep in a reclined chair.
We have listed the trusted transport companies that offer combined bus and ferry tickets from Bangkok to Koh Tao below.
| Ferry Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah | 06:00-14:45 21:00-05:45 | 8h 45m | 1,150 THB ($38) |
| Songserm | 18:00-07:45 | 14h 45m | 940 THB ($31) |
| Paradive Travel | 19:00-09:30 | 14h 30m | 1,300 THB ($42.50) |
Songserm and Lomprayah buses both depart from Khao San Road, which is the most popular area to stay in Bangkok. The other buses will depart from the Southern Bus Terminal.
The buses travel to Chumphon first and will bring you directly to the pier. From there, you will be transferred to a ferry that docks at Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
You may have to book another transfer to your hotel. Better yet, ask your hotel if they offer free pick-up service.
Check Combined Bus and Ferry Tickets
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train
Duration: 14 hours
Costs: 1,800 THB ($59)
Traveling by a combined train, bus and ferry ride is not the fastest or cheapest way to go from Bangkok to Koh Tao. However, when you book a sleeper train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, you will have some added comfort and can catch up on some sleep.
Upon arrival in Surat Thani, you can hop on the bus to get to the pier and then catch the ferry to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.
You can also travel this journey during the day, but we recommend to book a night train instead as this will save you a lot of time!
| Operator | Train No. | Schedule | Duration | 2nd Class A/C Sleeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Railways | #167 #85 | 08:30-09:30 19:30-09:30 | 15h 14h | 1,800 THB ($59 |
| Thai Railways + Lomprayah | #85 | 19:30-14:15 | 18h 45m | 2,450 THB ($80) (1st Class Sleeper) |
We advise you to book your tickets in advance as train route sells out quickly. Booking a combined train, bus and ferry ride online, will save you a lot of time and stress!
A combined ticket costs 1,800 THB ($59) and includes a second class sleeper berth on the train. The entire journey takes about 14 hours.
Check Combined Train, Bus and Ferry Tickets
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Flight
Duration: 3h 35min
Costs: 4,500 THB ($147)
A plane is the fastest way to go from Bangkok to Koh Tao, although Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport. You will fly to Koh Samui first and then proceed with a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.
Step 1: Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight
Duration: 1h 05min
Costs: 3,500 THB ($115)
There are multiple flights departing from Bangkok to Koh Samui every day. All flights are operated by Bangkok Airway and ticket prices start at 3,500 THB ($115).
For more information, you can read how to go from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Other Flight Options
You also have the option to fly to Chumphon or Surat Thani and take a ferry from there to Koh Tao.
However, flying through Koh Samui is a better option as Koh Samui is closer to Koh Tao. Another advantage is that you can book a direct transfer (incl. shuttle bus to the port) from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao.
Step 2: Koh Samui to Koh Tao by Van and Ferry
Duration: 2h 30min
Costs: 750 THB ($24.50)
We suggest booking a combined van and ferry ride with Seatran Discovery. It’s convenient and eliminates the need to arrange for a separate transfer from the airport to the ferry pier.
The van transfer and ferry ride costs 750 THB (€21) and the journey takes about 2.5 hours.
| Operator | Schedule | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seatran Discovery | 13:00-15:30 16:30-19:00 | 2h 30m | 750 THB ($24.50) |
Once you reach Koh Tao, you may have to arrange your transfer to your hotel by yourself. Better yet, ask your hotel to pick you up, although they may charge an additional fee for this service.
You can use the button below to book the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.