Getting to
Koh Samui
By Ferry
The complete guide to ferries, buses and transfers to Koh Samui — every route, every price, every operator. Book instantly with 12Go Asia.
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4 Ways to Get to Koh Samui
Choose the best option based on your budget, starting point and available time.
Bangkok Airways operates direct flights to Koh Samui Airport (USM) from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi. The fastest option.
The most popular budget option. Bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani pier, then ferry to Koh Samui. Book as a combined ticket.
Scenic overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then ferry to Koh Samui. Book with a sleeper berth for comfort.
Already in Surat Thani? Take a bus or taxi to Donsak pier then the Raja Ferry or Seatran to Koh Samui. Multiple daily departures.
All Ferry & Transport Routes — 2026
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Koh Samui Ferry Schedule 2026 — Key Routes
Approximate schedules — always verify on 12Go Asia for real-time departures.
| Route | Operator | Departure | Duration | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donsak → Nathon (Samui) | Raja Ferry | Every 2h (5am-11pm) | 2h00 | 250 THB | Book → |
| Donsak → Ban Don (Samui) | Seatran Ferry | 6am, 8am, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm | 1h30 | 280 THB | Book → |
| Koh Samui → Koh Phangan | Lomprayah | 8am, 9:30am, 12:30pm, 3pm, 5pm | 30 min | 200 THB | Book → |
| Koh Samui → Koh Tao | Lomprayah | 8am, 1pm | 2h00 | 400 THB | Book → |
| Koh Samui → Surat Thani | Seatran | 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, 3pm | 1h30 | 250 THB | Book → |
| Bangkok → Koh Samui (bus+ferry) | Various | 6pm, 7pm, 8pm (overnight) | 10-12h | From 600 THB | Book → |
Island Hopping — Day Trips & Stays
Koh Samui is the perfect base for exploring the Gulf of Thailand islands.
Full Moon Party, yoga retreats and quiet northern beaches. Very different vibe from Samui.
World-class diving and snorkeling. One of the cheapest dive certification spots on the planet.
Marine national park — 42 islands, emerald lagoons, kayaking. Day trip only, no overnight stays.
Three tiny islands connected by white sand bars. The most photogenic spot in the Gulf.
Ferry Tips — What Locals Know
December-January and Full Moon Party weekends sell out weeks in advance. Always book on 12Go at least 3-5 days ahead during these periods.
Koh Samui's east coast gets rough seas during monsoon season. Some ferries are cancelled. Check weather and book flexible tickets.
The Bangkok-Samui overnight bus + ferry departs at 7-8pm and arrives at 7-9am. You save one night of accommodation costs.
If you're bringing a vehicle from the mainland, Raja Ferry from Donsak is the only car ferry to Koh Samui. Book well in advance.
Thai ferry departures are often strict. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure — especially for the Lomprayah catamarans which leave on time.
The crossing from the mainland can be rough, especially in low season. Have Dramamine or ginger tablets ready — pharmacies at the pier are expensive.
Ferry to Koh Samui — FAQ
The main ferry route to Koh Samui departs from Donsak pier near Surat Thani on the mainland. Raja Ferry and Seatran both operate this route with multiple daily departures. The crossing takes approximately 1h30-2h. You can book the complete journey from Bangkok (bus + ferry combo) on 12Go Asia as a single ticket.
The ferry from Donsak pier (Surat Thani province) to Koh Samui takes approximately 1h30 with Seatran and 2 hours with Raja Ferry. There are departures every 1-2 hours throughout the day from approximately 5am to 11pm. Prices range from 250-280 THB per person.
Yes — Raja Ferry from Donsak pier is the main car ferry to Koh Samui. You can bring cars, motorcycles and large vehicles. Seatran is a passenger-only service. Book your vehicle space in advance during peak season as car spots are limited.
The cheapest option is the overnight bus + ferry combination from Bangkok, starting from around 600 THB (~16€). This departs Bangkok at around 7-8pm and arrives in Koh Samui the next morning. Book as a combined ticket on 12Go Asia. The overnight train + ferry is similarly priced from around 500 THB.
Koh Phangan is only 30 minutes by Lomprayah catamaran from Koh Samui's Big Buddha pier. There are 5-8 daily departures in each direction, with prices starting around 200 THB. It's an easy day trip or overnight from Samui, especially popular during Full Moon Party weekends.
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Koh Samui?
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