How to Get From Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre
Private · Minivan
%2Cpin-s-b%2B8B4513(100%2C9.5)%2F100%2C9.5%2C7%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 20 kilometre (12 miles) distance from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. 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 City Centre 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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre?
There are two ways to travel the 20 km distance from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. You can choose between the private and minivan.
The journey takes between 45m–2h and the quickest way is by private (45m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 130 THB ($4.00).
15-45 minutes
475 THB ($15)
2h
130 THB ($4.00)
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.
Already in Koh Samui?
Onward from Koh Samui
Once you're in Koh Samui, here's where to next — 4 researched onward routes to pick from.
Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre by Taxi or Private Transfer
Metered taxis are not permitted to queue at Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. This means that you’ll either have to use the airport transport services or arrange your transport in advance.
Samui Accom Company (SmackOne) is the official transport service provider that connects Samui Airport to Koh Samui island’s resorts.
From the Arrival Hall Exit B of Samui Airport, there are three drop-off zones:
- Koh Samui Zone 1: Bangrak, Bophut, Chaweng, and Choengmon
- Koh Samui Zone 2: Chaweang Noi and Maenam
- Koh Samui Zone 3: Lamai North, Lamai Center, Bantai, and Bangpor
The transfer time from the airport to the most popular destinations in different zones takes around 15-45 minutes. See here an overview of the fares:
- Zone 1: 475 THB ($15)
- Zone 2: 530 THB ($16)
- Zone 3: 685 THB ($21)
SmackOne counter is located at the arrival hall inside Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. However, we recommend booking online through BookAway because they offer competitive rates and avoid extra bookings once arriving after your flight.
Klook also offers private transfers to take you to the nearest hotels. The driver will be waiting for you with a sign at the arrival hall of Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. Fares are even a bit cheaper with a 3-seater car costing 435 THB ($13), while a 6-seater van starts from 580 THB ($18).
Note that fares still vary depending on the location of your hotel.
Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre by Shared Minivan
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you can also take a shared minivan from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Samui City Centre. These minivans are also operated by SmackOne, and you can buy your tickets at the transport counter at the arrival hall.
The shared minivans also depart from the Arrival Hall Exit B of Samui Airport. For this option, there are only two drop-off zones:
- Koh Samui Zone 1: Big Buddha, Bophut, Chaweng
- Koh Samui Zone 2: Nathon Beach, Four Seasons, Lamai Canter, Silavadee Hotel, Renaissance Hotel, Banyan Tree Hotel, Maenam
Same as the private transfer, rates vary depending on the zone, but rates start from 130 THB ($4.00). Travel time is 2h, depending on your destination.
Minibus Schedules from Samui Airport
Booking Tip
Note that you might have to wait up to 30 minutes before the minivan leaves because it needs a minimum of 5 passengers. During peak season (January), when many travellers are looking to save a few dollars and share a ride, the waiting time will be shorter.
For destinations such as Lamset, Lipa Noi, Taling Ngam, or the Conrad Hotel, the service costs 600 THB ($18) for 1-2 people from Samui Airport.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui for every budget.
BudgetPalm Coco Mantra
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.
Mid-RangeThree Trees Samui Resort
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.
Mid-RangeBaan Boom Boxes
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.
Treat YourselfViva Vacation Resort
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.
Treat YourselfCentara Reserve Samui
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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Samui 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
The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Samui is 20 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
How We Research
Every route on Gecko Routes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally travelled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
Verified
BY TRAVELLERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travellers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Travel Writer
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Reader Comments
No comments yet — be the first to share your experience!
Leave a Comment