Koh Tao to Koh Samui

How to Get From Koh Tao to Koh Samui

1Options
1h 30mFastest
$16From
MaartenAbegailWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Abegail

Koh Samui is the largest island in the Samui archipelago. Chaweng Beach draws the crowds and the Big Buddha temple watches over the north coast. Coconut palms cover most of the rest. The ferry runs the trip from Koh Tao to Koh Samui at $16 (540 THB), and the crossing takes 1h 30m - 3h 30m.

DISTANCE

Distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Koh Tao and Koh Samui are about 68 km (42 miles) apart, crossed directly by sea. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 1h 30m and 3h 30m.

Map of Koh Tao – Koh Samui
Travelling the other way?Koh Samui to Koh Tao→

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travellers to travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui. The journey takes 1h 30m – 3h 30m, and ticket prices start from $16 (540 THB).

Ferryfrom$161h 30m – 3h 30m

Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry

All ferries operating from Koh Tao to Koh Samui depart from Mae Haad Pier. However, they dock at different ports in Koh Samui. Make sure you choose a ferry that docks near your accommodation.

The route is served by Marine Passion*, Songserm and Lomprayah. Ferries run several times a day, with more departures in the high season.

Departure and arrival ports

All ferries heading to Koh Samui depart from Mae Haad Pier on the east side of Koh Tao.

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

We recommend checking the location of your hotel first, so you can choose the pier that is closest to your hotel. The ferries leaving from Koh Tao to Koh Samui arrive at either Bangrak Pier or Nathon Pier.

To help you plan your trip, we have provided an overview of the ferries to Koh Samui, ordered per pier. You can book your ferry tickets through the link below.

Option 1: Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Bangrak Pier, Koh Samui*

1h 30m · $19 (630 THB)
The ferry of Marine Passion arrives at 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 one of the most popular areas to stay in Koh Samui.
Marine Passion*$19
1h 30m
10:00
Tickets

Marine Passion sailings are not always available. Please click the link provided to see current schedules.

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Option 2: Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Nathon Pier, Koh Samui

3h 30m · $16 (540 THB)
Songserm ferries operate on the Koh Tao to Koh Samui route and arrive at Na Thon Pier.
Songserm · High Speed$16
3h 30m
Songserm Pier (Mae Haad Pier) → Nathon Pier Koh Samui
09:30
Tickets
Songserm · High Speed$19
3h 30m
Koh Tao Songserm → Na Thon Koh Samui Songserm
09:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Option 3: Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Maenam Pier

1h 30m – 2h 30m · $17 (570 THB)

Lomprayah also operates a ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui leaving from Lomprayah 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 Chaweng beach area.

Lomprayah · Standard$17
2h 30m
Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office) → Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier)
17:00
Tickets
Lomprayah · Laemsor$17
2h 30m
Mae Haad Koh Tao → Maenam Pier
17:00
Tickets
Lomprayah · Catamaran$19
2h
Mae Haad Koh Tao → Maenam Samui
09:3015:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore
From
To

Tickets sold on Bookaway

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STAY

Our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui

Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Samui for every budget.

Palm Coco Mantra
Budget

Palm Coco Mantra

Located on a hill, Palm Coco Mantra offers amazing sea views from your private balcony and room. The spectacular views continue at the swimming pool which also overlooks the beach. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a drink from a poolside bar.

Definitely try the onsite restaurant serving delicious Western and Thai food. This hotel is the perfect getaway for rest, relaxation and rejuvenation, without having to break the bank!

  • Swimming pool
  • Stunning sea views
  • On-site restaurant & bar
  • Extremely clean and luxurious hotel

Private rooms start from $28 (940 THB) per night. 

Check availability
Three Trees Samui Resort
Mid-Range

Three Trees Samui Resort

Three Trees Samui Resort is located right on Lamai Beach. You can eat, drink and swim only metres from the beach and sparkling ocean. Or you can enjoy the view from your private balcony. The location is perfect!

One of the best things about the resort is that they offer free kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear to explore the waters. The staff are incredible and make you feel right at home.

  • Seconds from the beach
  • Free watersports
  • Amazing staff
  • Private balcony

Private rooms start from $31 (1,040 THB) per night.

Check availability
Baan Boom Boxes
Mid-Range

Baan Boom Boxes

Baan Boom Boxes is an eco-friendly resort offering a unique stay in Koh Samui. If you want to experience a different side of the island, head to this jungle retreat. Every room has its own rooftop balcony offering spectacular views of the island's nature. Some of them even have a bathtub on the roof!

The family who own the resort are conscious of their impact on the environment so the resort uses solar panels and reused materials to create the rooms. It's truly a special place to visit.

  • Eco-friendly
  • Family run and amazing hospitality
  • Surrounded by nature
  • Bathtub on a private rooftop terrace

Private rooms start from $35 (1,180 THB) per night. 

Check availability
Viva Vacation Resort
Treat Yourself

Viva Vacation Resort

Steps away from Lipa Beach, Viva Vacation Resort offers Thai-style villas set within tropical gardens. And the villas are HUGE! Everyone has its own living room, bedroom and some of the biggest bathrooms that have bathrooms which come with a view!

Outside of the luxurious villas, you'll find a gorgeous swimming pool, a fully-stocked bar and a section of the beach for the resort. This is the place to relax!

  • Stunning and huge villages
  • The best bathrooms on the island
  • Beautiful swimming pool
  • Steps from the beach

Villas start from $64 (2,160 THB) per night. 

Check availability
Centara Reserve Samui
Treat Yourself

Centara Reserve Samui

There are several luxury resorts to choose from on Koh Samui, but Centara Reserve Samui is up there with the best. This is the kind of place where you don't have to lift a finger -- some of the villas even come with your own host to help you with anything.

You'll find multiple dreamy beachfront pools, with some of the villas having private pools too. A stay here kind of feels like a dream, it's so beautiful and perfect!

  • An incredible luxury resort
  • Exceptional villas
  • Beachfront pools
  • Some rooms come with a personal host

Deluxe suites start from $230 (7,700 THB) per night. 

Check availability

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is a popular island in the Gulf of Thailand, east of the mainland. As the country's second-largest island, Koh Samui offers a beautiful mix of culture and nature. It's also more developed than its neighbours, but not less appealing.

From the beaches alone, there are over 40 in Koh Samui — all picturesque and white-sand shores. This makes the island a favourite for relaxing, snorkelling and soaking up the sun. Away from the shore, you can immerse yourself in history and culture with a temple visit or munch on fresh seafood at Fisherman's Village.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, roughly 68 kilometres (42 miles) apart. The cheapest fare is $16 (540 THB). The quickest trip takes 1h 30m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?

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

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

The cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is by ferry with ticket costs starting from 540 THB.

About the Authors

Maarten
Maarten

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.

Abegail
AbegailReviewer

Travel Writer

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.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.

Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

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