Thailand Koh Tao

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Travel the 68 kilometre (42 miles) distance from Koh Samui 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 Samui to Koh Tao?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to cross the distance of 68 kilometre (42 miles) from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes, and ticket prices start from 484 THB ($15.40).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

1h 30m - 6h 15m

From 484 THB ($15.40)

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 Samui to Koh Tao by Ferry

Duration: 1h 30m - 6h 15m

Costs: 484 THB ($15.40)

Duration: 1h 30m - 6h 15m

Costs: 484 THB ($15.40)

Songserm, Lomprayah, Phantip 1970 and SmackOne are the ferry companies operating on this route. There are several departures a day from various ports in Koh Samui. Travel time is around 1 hour 30 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes and ferry prices start from 484 THB ($15.40).

Departure port

Being the more popular and bigger island, Koh Samui has many piers spread around the island.

We recommend first checking the location of your hotel, so you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. Even if your ferry includes hotel pick-up, it will save you travel time to get to the port.

The ferries leaving from Koh Samui to Koh Tao depart from Bangrak Pier or Nathon Pier. Keep on reading to find the ferry schedules for each departure port.

Arrival port

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

Once you reach Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao, you will need to arrange your own transportation. You can also ask your hotel if they offer pick-up service from the pier.

Check out our Ultimate Koh Tao Travel Guide to find out how to get around in Koh Tao.

Ferry schedule from Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Petcherat Marina Bangrak

Speedboat

Koh Tao Songserm

11:30

2h 45m

14:15

Songserm

730 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

The ferry of Marine Passion departs from Marine Passion Koh Samui office next to Bangrak Pier. This pier is located in the north of Koh Samui. This port is only about 10 km from Chaweng Beach, which is for that reason also the most popular port to leave from in Koh Samui.

Ferry schedule from Maenam Sam, Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier)

Standard

Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)

11:00

2h 30m

13:30

Lomprayah

528 THB ($16.80)

Get Your Tickets

Maenam Pier

Laemsor

Mae Haad Koh Tao

11:00

2h 30m

13:30

Lomprayah

535 THB ($17)

Get Your Tickets

Maenam Samui

Catamaran

Mae Haad Koh Tao

08:00

1h 30m

09:30

Lomprayah

582 THB ($18.50)

Get Your Tickets

Maenam Pier

Catamaran

Mae Haad Koh Tao

12:30

1h 30m

14:00

Lomprayah

582 THB ($18.50)

Get Your Tickets

Maenam Pier

Speedboat

Mae Haad Koh Tao

14:30

1h 30m

16:00

Lomprayah

654 THB ($21)

Get Your Tickets

Lomprayah operates a ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui leaving from Lompraya office at Maenam Samui pier. This pier is also located in the north of Koh Samui, but more on the western side. This is a bit further than Bangrak if you stay around the Chaweng beach area.

If you stay on the west side of the island, it’s a great option that gets you to Koh Phangan fast.

Other departure stations

Na Thon Koh Samui Songserm

High Speed

Koh Tao Songserm

10:30

3h 45m

14:15

Songserm

484 THB ($15.40)

Get Your Tickets

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

High Speed

Songserm Pier (Mae Haad Pier)

10:30

14:30

Songserm

506 THB ($16.10)

Get Your Tickets

Na Thon Koh Samui

Catamaran

Mae Haad Koh Tao

12:15

14:15

16:00

1h 30m

17:30

Lomprayah

582 THB ($18.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Samui Transfer

Express

Koh Tao Songserm

08:15

6h 15m

14:30

Phantip 1970

799 THB ($25.50)

Get Your Tickets

Samui Airport (USM)

Standard

Koh Tao Pier

09:30

13:30

10:30

3h 30m

14:00

11:00

15:00

13:00

17:00

13:00

3h 30m

16:30

SmackOne

From 915 THB ($29)

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 Samui 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 Samui to Koh Tao

What is the distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is 68 kilometre (42 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.

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

The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 484 THB ($15.40).

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.