Thailand Koh Tao

How to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Travel the 60 kilometre (37 miles) distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao with the best transport options available. We’ll guide you through the duration, cost, and comfort of each option — and show you where to book your tickets.

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

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Why visit Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is also a popular diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license, the island offers beautiful underwater scenery with gorgeous coral gardens and tons of fish.

It may be just 1/10 the size of its neighbour Koh Samui, but that doesn’t mean there is less to see in Koh Tao. Here, you’ll find beautiful bays, beaches and viewpoints — all just a motorbike ride away. And the best part? You can enjoy all these at a more laidback and slow pace.

How to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 60 kilometre (37 miles) from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. The journey takes around 1 to 2 hours, and ticket prices start from 355 THB ($11.30).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

1-2h

From 355 THB ($11.30)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Koh Tao?

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

Koh Phangan to Koh Tao by Ferry

Duration: 1-2h

Costs: 355 THB ($11.30)

Duration: 1-2h

Costs: 355 THB ($11.30)

There are two companies that operate trips from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao: Lomprayah and Songserm. These companies offer rides by speedboat or catamaran that will take you to the island in just 1 to 2 hours.

Seatran Discovery and Songserm ferry companies used to have 2-hour trips for much cheaper prices for this route but their schedule is not yet updated since the pandemic (last check May 2022).

We give you an overview below to serve as a reference when booking your ferry ride.

Departure and arrival stations

All ferries depart from the Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. This pier is located in Ban Tai, on the east side of Koh Phangan.

All ferries heading to Koh Tao arrive at Mae Haad Pier on the east coast, close to many accommodations.

Ferry Schedule from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office

Laemsor

Mae Haad Koh Tao

12:00

1h 30m

13:30

Lomprayah

355 THB ($11.30)

Get Your Tickets

Lomprayah Ticket Office, Thong Sala pier

Standard

Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)

12:00

1h 30m

13:30

Lomprayah

396 THB ($12.60)

Get Your Tickets

Thong Sala Pier (Songserm)

High Speed

Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)

12:30

14:30

Songserm

428 THB ($13.60)

Get Your Tickets

Thong Sala Koh Phangan

High Speed

Koh Tao Songserm

12:30

1h 45m

14:15

Songserm

428 THB ($13.60)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office

Speedboat

Mae Haad Koh Tao

08:30

09:30

15:00

16:00

Lomprayah

From 500 THB ($15.90)

Koh Phangan Lomprayah Office

Catamaran

Mae Haad Koh Tao

13:00

1h 15m

14:15

16:45

17:45

Lomprayah

500 THB ($15.90)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Phangan

Catamaran

Koh Tao

13:00

14:00

Lomprayah

600 THB ($19.10)

Get Your Tickets

Show 2 more operator(s)

There are only a couple of trips per day, so be sure be book early.

If you require a transfer to and from any of the piers, you can ask your hotel for assistance.

Best places to stay in Koh Tao

The Stamp Hotel - Budget Friendly

Located not far from Sairee Beach. The Stamp Hotel is simple, clean and provides everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The staff are the star of this hotel, helping you with recommendations and hiring scooters.

All rooms come with a patio or balcony for you to sit back and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds the hotel. This is a great budget option in Koh Tao!

Super clean rooms
Amazing staff
Good location
Great value for money

Private rooms start from $24 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Budchui Village2 - Mid Range

Budchui Village2 is located just 500m from Sairee Beach and offers a beautiful swimming pool. The stunning mountain views, lush greenery and tranquillity will make for a perfect escape from the busy streets of Koh Tao.

Staff are very helpful and will assist in booking tours, onward travel plans and renting motorcycles or bicycles.

Swimming pool
Close to the beach
Stunning mountain views
Friendly and helpful staff

Private room starts at $31 per night.

Check Available Rooms

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel - Mid Range

Located in the Chalok Baan Kao area this hostel is surrounded by nature, lush scenery and tranquillity. The hostel has a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a great rooftop terrace for guests to soak in all the sights.

There is also a common area for socializing with a TV, books and a shared computer. Thinking about getting your PADI in Koh Tao, the hostel is also a dive centre. The rooms are spacious and clean with private balconies.

Swimming pool
Dive centre
On-site restaurant and bar
Extremely clean

Private room starts at $36 per night.

Check Available Rooms

View Point Resort - Treating Yourself

View Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in the whole of Koh Tao. The views are exceptional, the rooms are perfectly designed for an island getaway and they even have a private beach area.

The lagoon-style swimming pool overlooks the sea below, or opt for one of the stunning villas which have their own private swimming pool. Life cannot get much better than this!

Beautiful swimming pools
Exceptional views
Private beach
Delicious complimentary breakfast

Villas start from $86 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao. 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 Koh Phangan to Koh Tao

What is the distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?

The distance from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is 60 kilometre (37 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?

The fastest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is by ferry and takes 1 hour.

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao?

The cheapest way to get from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 355 THB ($11.30).

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.