Thailand Koh Samui

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Travel the 70 kilometers (43 miles) distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui with the best available transport option. We provide you with the details on duration, cost, and comfort — and where to get your tickets.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: May 28, 2024

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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.

How to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?

The ferry is the only suitable way for travelers to cross the distance of 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Koh Tao to Koh Samui. The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes, and ticket prices start from 535 THB ($16.10).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Ferry

1h 30m - 3h 30m

From 535 THB ($16.10)

Where to stay in Koh Samui?

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

Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry

Duration: 1h 30m - 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

Duration: 1h 30m - 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

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.

Due to the pandemic, the number of ferry companies operating between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is limited. The last time we checked (June 2022), the route is only served by Marine Passion*, Songserm and Lomprayah. Both are good choices, but they each offer only one ferry trip daily.

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*

Duration: 1h 30m

Costs: 625 THB ($18.80)

Duration: 1h 30m

Costs: 625 THB ($18.80)

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.

Mae Haad

Bangrak Pier

10:00

1h30m

11:30

Marine Passion*

625 THB ($18.80)

Get Your Tickets

The last time we checked (October 2024), Marine Passion was not available. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.

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

Duration: 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

Duration: 3h 30m

Costs: 535 THB ($16.10)

Songserm ferries operate on the Koh Tao to Koh Samui route and arrive at Na Thon Pier.

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

Koh Tao Songserm

High Speed

Na Thon Koh Samui Songserm

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

Songserm

642 THB ($19.30)

Get Your Tickets

Option 3: Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Maenam Pier

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 559 THB ($16.80)

Duration: 1h 30m - 2h 30m

Costs: 559 THB ($16.80)

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.

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

565 THB ($17)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Catamaran

Maenam Samui

09:30

11:30

15:30

17:30

Lomprayah

615 THB ($18.50)

Get Your Tickets

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Speedboat

Maenam Pier

07:00

1h 30m

08:30

Lomprayah

815 THB ($24.50)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Koh Samui

Palm Coco Mantra - Budget Friendly

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 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Three Trees Samui Resort - Mid Range

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 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Baan Boom Boxes - Mid Range

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 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Viva Vacation Resort - Treating Yourself

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 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Centara Reserve Samui - Treating Yourself

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 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Tao to Koh Samui

What is the distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?

The distance from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is 70 kilometers (43 miles).

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

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

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 535 THB ($16.10).

Rounding it up

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