Overview Compare Flight Bus + Ferry Train + Ferry To Stay
How to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok
The distance from Koh Samui to Bangkok is 765 km (575 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Koh Samui to Bangkok: by flight (1hr 15m), by bus + ferry (12.5-17.5 hours), or by train + ferry (15.5-19.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 1,080 THB ($30.00) to 2,000 THB ($55.00).
Flying is the only direct option for this route. The journey only takes a little over 1 hour, but it’s also the most expensive option at 2,000 THB ($55.00).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
Tickets for a combined bus and ferry ride start at 1,135 THB ($31.50) and the journey takes 12.5-17.5 hours. If you’re willing to spend a few more dollars, you can book a quicker option to travel from Koh Samui to Bangkok in just 12.5 hours.
The journey by train takes between 15.5 to 19.5 hours but offers the advantage of getting a good night of sleep in the sleeper train. Note that this option requires several transfers, but it is the cheapest option with combined fares from 1,080 THB ($30.00). We suggest taking sleeper trains over sleeper buses as trains are more comfortable than buses.
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight
When you’ve had your fill of Koh Samui and want or need to head back to Bangkok, the fastest option is to book a direct flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok.
All flights are run by Bangkok Airways, which offers several flights daily. A one-way flight from Koh Samui to Bangkok starts at 2,000 THB ($55.00).
All flights depart from Koh Samui Airport (USM) and arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. This airport is about 30 km from the Bangkok centre and you can take a bus, taxi, or train to go to the city.
For detailed info on this airport, check out our article about Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
If you don’t want to pay for an expensive flight, a combined bus and ferry ride from Koh Samui to Bangkok is a good alternative. It requires more time to travel, but it is also a lot cheaper at 1,150 THB ($32.00).
The three companies that operate from Koh Samui to Bangkok are Montanatip Tour, Krungsiam Tour, and Lomprayah. There are 3 departures daily at 08:00, 14:00, and 15:00.
The whole journey will take 12.5-17.5 hours, so be sure to plan ahead and choose which schedule is best for you.
Departure Station
The first part of the journey is a ferry ride from Nathon Pier 3, which is a 30-minute drive from the centre of Koh Samui. You can ask your hotel to book a ride for you to the pier.
Lomprayah, one of the other operators on this route, offers hotel pick-up service and will directly bring you to the pier.
The ferries will bring you to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani, where you will board a bus that will take you to Bangkok.
Bus schedules from Koh Samui to Bangkok
Since this is long-distance travel, make sure to book night buses so that you won’t lose all of your valuable daytime. Travelling during the night will allow you to rest for tomorrow’s adventure in Bangkok.
Arrival Station
Krungsiam Tour buses will bring you to Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). From there, you can take a 20-30 minute taxi to Bangkok city centre.
Meanwhile, buses by Lomprayah and Montanatip Tour will complete the journey at Khaosan Road, a famous street for backpackers. From there, you can get to Bangkok city centre in just 5 minutes.
Koh Samui to Bangkok by Train + Ferry
The advantage of taking a train compared to a bus is that sleeper trains are more comfortable and you can get a good night of rest. By taking the night train, you won’t waste a complete day travelling.
The nearest train station from Koh Samui is in Surat Thani. To reach the Surat Thani train station, you will first have to take a combined ferry and bus/van from Koh Samui. The earliest schedule is 5:00 in the morning and the latest is 17:00 in the evening.
Step 1: Koh Samui to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Bus
The combined ferry and bus journey from Koh Samui to Surat Thani takes at least 2 hours and fares start at 350 THB ($9.50).
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry departs from either Nathon Pier or Lipa Noi Pier. If you are coming from the centre of Koh Samui, it will take you about 35 minutes to reach either pier. You will arrive at Donsak Pier in Surat Thani, where a bus or minivan will take you to Surat Thani Train Station.
There are multiple schedules per day, so it’s better to check the schedule below to book the best time for your trip.
Ferry + Bus Schedule from Koh Samui to Surat Thani Train Station
When booking a ferry and bus or minivan ticket, make sure that the schedule you booked is aligned with your train booking.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From Surat Thani train station, you will have to take the train to Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. There are multiple departures daily from morning until evening.
For a comfortable journey, we recommend tickets for a 2nd class A/C sleeper berth which starts at 730 THB ($20.00). Travel time is about 13.5-14.5 hours.
Here are our recommended trains:
Train Schedule from Surat Thani to Bangkok
The quoted prices are for 2nd class sleeper berths. However, if you want the most comfortable experience, you can also book a 1st class berth for 1,340 THB ($37.00).
For more info, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
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.
