How to get from Koh Samui to Bangkok

Why visit Bangkok?

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!

Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.

There are 3 ways to travel the 765 kilometers (475 miles) from Koh Samui to Bangkok. You can choose between the bus + ferry, train + ferry and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 19 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + ferry with tickets starting at 661 THB ($19.80).

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.

The combined ferry and bus journey from Koh Samui to Surat Thani takes around 3h 30m - 5h 45m and fares start at 401 THB ($12).

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.

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.

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 eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.

Surat Thani Train Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

23:28

11h 22m

10:50

Thai Railway

From 260 THB ($7.80)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

260 THB ($7.80)

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

23:28

11h 22m

10:50

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

307 THB ($9.20)

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

354 THB ($10.60)

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

Check on BookAway

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

Thai Railway

424 THB ($12.70)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

424 THB ($12.70)

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

20:55

10h 35m

07:30

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

474 THB ($14.20)

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

521 THB ($15.60)

22:50

10h 15m

09:05

Check on BookAway

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Sleeper

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

22:24

9h 46m

08:10

Thai Railways

968 THB ($29)

Compare prices

• 24/7 customer support

968 THB ($29)

19:31

10h 39m

06:10

20:23

10h 42m

07:05

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

1,208 THB ($36)

22:24

9h 46m

08:10

Check on BookAway

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 915 THB ($27.50).

The nine companies that operate from Koh Samui to Bangkok are Nara Travel, Montanatip Tour & Travel, Jarinthon Tour (2553), Krungsiam, Travel Plus, Khao San Nara Travel, Raja Ferry, Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel and Lomprayah. The whole journey will take 12 hours 30 minutes to 19 hours 30 minutes, 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.

Maenam Samui

VIP

Khao San Lomprayah

08:00

12h 30m

20:30

12:30

12h 15m

00:45

Lomprayah

From 1,586 THB ($47.50)

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• 24/7 customer support

1,586 THB ($47.50)

08:00

12h 30m

20:30

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

1,586 THB ($47.50)

12:30

12h 15m

00:45

Check on BookAway

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 airfare from Koh Samui to Bangkok starts from 2,000 THB ($60).

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).

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