How to Get From Koh Tao to Bangkok
Train via Chumphon · Train via Surat Thani · Flight + Ferry · Bus + Ferry · Minivan + Ferry
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 835 kilometre (519 miles) distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Bangkok 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 5 ways to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
There are five ways to travel the 835 km distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok. You can choose between the train, train via Surat Thani, flight, bus, and minivan.
The journey takes between 2h 45m–16h and the quickest way is by flight (2h 45m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 929 THB ($29).
9h 40m - 17h 30m
929 THB ($29)
14-16h
1,113 THB ($34)
2h 45m - 4h 45m
2,900 THB ($89)
10h - 20h 30m
1,084 THB ($34)
16h
1,644 THB ($51)
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.
Already in Bangkok?
Onward from Bangkok
Once you're in Bangkok, here's where to next — 18 researched onward routes to pick from.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Chumphon
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
Booking Tip
Step 2: Chumphon to Bangkok by Train
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.
Ready to book your train?
Booking Tip
Aside from the 2nd class berth (A/C) tickets, you can also choose the more comfortable first-class train tickets for 1,402 THB ($43)
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 Train via Surat Thani
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
The ferry departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and completes its journey at Surat Thani Train Station.
Check out the schedule below:
Ready to book your minivan?
Booking Tip
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
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.
Ready to book your train?
Booking Tip
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.
For an overview of train options and more details, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Flight + Ferry
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.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry + Taxi
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.
Upon reaching Nathon Pier, you take a taxi or book a Grab taxi to Koh Samui Airport (USM). Fares start at 360 THB ($11), 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.
Ready to book your ferry?
Step 2: Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight
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 ($77) 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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
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 1,084 THB ($34) and the journey takes about 10h - 20h 30m.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 + Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Booking Tip
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Minivan + Ferry
Fame Tours & Services offers a combined ferry and minivan ride from Koh Tao to Bangkok.
Minivan options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Our favourite places 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.
Treat YourselfdusitD2 Samyan
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.
Treat YourselfThe One Smart Living
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.
Mid-RangeNaga Residence
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.
Mid-RangePhranakorn-Nornlen
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.
BudgetGreenery Hostel
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.
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok is 835 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
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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.
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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.
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