Thailand Bangkok

How to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 835 kilometers (519 miles) from Koh Tao to Bangkok. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: December 1, 2024

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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.

What are the 5 ways to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok?

There are 5 ways to travel the 835 kilometers (519 miles) from Koh Tao to Bangkok. You can choose between the bus + ferry, minivan + ferry, train via Chumphon, flight + ferry and train via Surat Thani. The journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes to 20 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight + ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train via Chumphon with tickets starting at 949 THB ($28.50).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train via Chumphon

9h 40m - 17h 30m

From 949 THB ($28.50)

Bus + Ferry

10h - 20h 30m

From 1,107 THB ($33.50)

Book Tickets

Train via Surat Thani

14-16h

From 1,137 THB ($34)

Minivan + Ferry

16h

From 1,679 THB ($51)

Book Tickets

Flight + Ferry

2h 45m - 4h 45m

From 2,963 THB ($89)

Where to stay in Bangkok?

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

Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Chumphon

Duration: 9h 40m - 17h 30m

Costs: 949 THB ($28.50)

Duration: 9h 40m - 17h 30m

Costs: 949 THB ($28.50)

When travelling by train from Koh Tao to Bangkok, you have two options: you can go via Chumphon or Surat Thani, which are about 180 km from each other.

Surat Thani is the more popular transport hub when visiting Thailand’s southern islands. But for this route, we recommend travelling via Chumphon for a faster and cheaper journey.

Step 1: Koh Tao to Chumphon Train Station by Ferry + Van

Duration: 2h 45m - 9h

Costs: 723 THB ($22)

Duration: 2h 45m - 9h

Costs: 723 THB ($22)

Fame Tours & Services operates a combined van + ferry ride from Koh Tao to Chumphon Train Station. Fares start from 723 THB ($22), and you can expect to reach Chumphon in 2h 45m - 9h.

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Chumphon Train Station

21:00

06:00

Fame Tours & Services

From 723 THB ($22)

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Chumphon Train Station

10:15

2h 45m

13:00

14:45

2h 45m

17:30

Lomprayah

898 THB ($27)

Get Your Tickets

The ferry departs from Mae Haad in Koh Tao and docks at Thung Makham Noi Pier. From there, a bus or a minivan will directly transfer you to Chumphon Train Station.

Step 2: Chumphon to Bangkok by Train

Duration: 6h 55m - 8h 20m

Costs: 226 THB ($6.80)

Duration: 6h 55m - 8h 20m

Costs: 226 THB ($6.80)

We recommend that you take a night train from Chumphon to Bangkok. This way, you will be well-rested once you arrive in the capital city.

Considering the ferry and bus schedule, you will have a couple of hours to have dinner and enjoy a quiet evening near the railway station before continuing your journey to Bangkok.

Chumphon

Third Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

01:27

7h 38m

09:05

02:32

8h 18m

10:50

21:20

7h 50m

05:10

22:19

7h 51m

06:10

23:18

7h 47m

07:05

23:56

7h 34m

07:30

Thai Railway

From 226 THB ($6.80)

Chumphon

Second Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

01:27

7h 38m

09:05

21:20

7h 50m

05:10

23:56

7h 34m

07:30

Thai Railway

349 THB ($10.50)

Chumphon

Second Class Seat

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

20:51

6h 54m

03:45

Thai Railway

502 THB ($15.10)

Get Your Tickets

Chumphon

Second Class Sleeper

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

21:20

7h 50m

05:10

Thai Railway

765 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Aside from the 2nd class berth (A/C) tickets, you can also choose the more comfortable first-class train tickets for 1,402 THB ($42)

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

Koh Tao to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry

Duration: 10h - 20h 30m

Costs: 1,107 THB ($33.50)

Duration: 10h - 20h 30m

Costs: 1,107 THB ($33.50)

If you choose to travel by bus, it’s best to book a combined bus and ferry ticket. This option will save you the hassle of arranging a second transfer.

Lompraya is the only company offering bus and ferry transfers from Koh Tao to Bangkok. It has a departure once a day at 10:15. Fare starts at 1,107 THB ($33.50) and the journey takes about 10 hours to 20 hours 30 minutes.

Departure and arrival stations

The first part of the trip is boarding a ferry departing from Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. The pier is just 3 km from the centre of Koh Tao or a 10-minute drive.

The ferry will dock at Thung Makham Noi in Chumphon, where a bus or a minivan will take you to Hua Hin.

From Hua Hin, you will head to Bangkok. The bus usually drops off passengers near Khao San Road. You can ask the driver to drop you off at another stop along the way, but note that not all drivers will oblige.

Bus schedules from Koh Tao to Bangkok

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Express

Khao San Lomprayah

10:15

10h 15m

20:30

14:45

10h

00:45

Lomprayah

1,107 THB ($33.50)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

VIP

Khao San Lomprayah

10:15

10h 15m

20:30

14:45

10h

00:45

Lomprayah

1,373 THB ($41.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao Booking Center Office

Standard

Bangkok Khao San

21:00

16h

13:00

Koh Tao Booking Center

1,729 THB ($52)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao Booking Center Office

Standard

Southern Bus Terminal

21:00

20h 30m

17:30

Koh Tao Booking Center

2,161 THB ($65)

Get Your Tickets

Be aware that many ferries from Koh Tao head to Surat Thani. The ferry ticket that is included in this ticket brings you to Chumphon. Surat Thani is further south and not recommended if you want to continue the journey by bus.

Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Surat Thani

Duration: 14-16h

Costs: 1,137 THB ($34)

Duration: 14-16h

Costs: 1,137 THB ($34)

In case the schedules of ferries and buses bound for Chumphon do not match your itinerary, you can also take the train from Surat Thani. But this option is more expensive than when you travel via Chumphon.

We give a step-by-step guide below.

Step 1: Koh Tao to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Van

Duration: 4h 30m

Costs: 884 THB ($26.50)

Duration: 4h 30m

Costs: 884 THB ($26.50)

The ferry departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and completes its journey at Surat Thani Train Station.

Check out the schedule below:

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Catamaran

Surat Thani Train Station

09:30

4h 30m

14:00

Lomprayah

884 THB ($26.50)

Get Your Tickets

Be sure to check the train schedule that aligns with your arrival time in Surat Thani.

Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train

Duration: 9h 20m - 11h 30m

Costs: 253 THB ($7.60)

Duration: 9h 20m - 11h 30m

Costs: 253 THB ($7.60)

Upon arriving at Surat Thani Train Station, you will still have a few hours to grab dinner or explore the surrounding area before boarding a night train to Bangkok. The earliest train that departs from Surat Thani to Bangkok leaves at 10:25 and the latest is 23:14.

The train’s last stop is at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, which is 15-30 minutes away from Bangkok city centre.

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 253 THB ($7.60)

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

23:28

11h 22m

10:50

Thai Railway

416 THB ($12.50)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Seat

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:25

9h 20m

03:45

Thai Railway

615 THB ($18.50)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Second Class Sleeper

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

18:32

10h 38m

05:10

Thai Railway

851 THB ($25.50)

Get Your Tickets

For an overview of train options and more details, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.

Koh Tao to Bangkok by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 16h

Costs: 1,679 THB ($51)

Duration: 16h

Costs: 1,679 THB ($51)

Fame Tours & Services offers a combined ferry and minivan ride from Koh Tao to Bangkok.

Ticket prices start from 1,679 THB ($51) and travel time is around 16 hours.

Minivan options from Koh Tao to Bangkok

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Sleeping

Khao San Road Fame Tour

21:00

16h

13:00

Fame Tours & Services

1,679 THB ($51)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao to Bangkok by Flight + Ferry

Duration: 2h 45m - 4h 45m

Costs: 2,963 THB ($89)

Duration: 2h 45m - 4h 45m

Costs: 2,963 THB ($89)

Taking a flight from Koh Tao to Bangkok is the quickest option, but it’s also the most expensive. Koh Tao does not have an airport, so you’ll first need to head to Koh Samui.

To arrange your transport to Koh Samui Airport (USM), you need to book a ferry and van ticket. Flight tickets must be bought separately.

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

Step 1: Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry + Taxi

Duration: 1h 30m - 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

Duration: 1h 30m - 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

Lomprayah and Songserm offer several ferry trips from Koh Tao to Koh Samui daily.

The first part of the journey is boarding a ferry that departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao to take you to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui. The whole trip takes 1h 30m - 3h 30m.

Check Ferry Tickets

Upon reaching Nathon Pier, you take a taxi or book a Grab taxi to Koh Samui Airport (USM). Fares start at 360 THB ($10.80), and it will take about 35 minutes to reach the airport.

Be sure to book your ferry accordingly and leave some extra time for check-in at the airport.

Songserm Pier (Mae Haad Pier)

High Speed

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

Songserm

535 THB ($16.10)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)

Standard

Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier)

17:00

2h 30m

19:30

Lomprayah

559 THB ($16.80)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Laemsor

Maenam Pier

17:00

2h 30m

19:30

Lomprayah

569 THB ($17.10)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Catamaran

Maenam Samui

09:30

11:30

15:30

17:30

Lomprayah

618 THB ($18.60)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Tao Songserm

High Speed

Na Thon Koh Samui Songserm

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

Songserm

648 THB ($19.50)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Speedboat

Maenam Pier

07:00

1h 30m

08:30

Lomprayah

821 THB ($24.50)

Get Your Tickets

Show 1 more operator(s)

Step 2: Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 2,500 THB ($75)

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 2,500 THB ($75)

Bangkok Airways is the only carrier operating flights from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and you can choose from multiple flight options daily. One-way ticket prices start at 2,500 THB ($75) and the flight takes just over 1 hour.

The earliest flight departing from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Bangkok leaves at 08:00 with the last flight at 19:40. All direct flights land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport.

For the best flight deals, check out Skyscanner:

For more information, you can read our page on how to go from Koh Samui to Bangkok.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Best 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:

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Tao to Bangkok

What is the distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok?

The distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok is 835 kilometers (519 miles).

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

The fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by flight + ferry and takes 2 hours 45 minutes.

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

The cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by train via Chumphon with ticket costs starting from 949 THB ($28.50).

Rounding it up

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

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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.