The complete Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedule for 2026 — every operator, every departure time, every pier and every price. The Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry is one of the most frequently served crossings in Thailand, with over 20 daily Surat Thani to Koh Samui departures from Donsak Pier. Whether you're arriving at Surat Thani Airport, the train station or the city centre, this guide gives you everything you need to find the right Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry and book your Surat Thani to Koh Samui crossing with confidence. Planning your Surat Thani to Koh Samui journey in advance is strongly recommended in high season.
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Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry — All Operators & Schedules 2026
Three main operators run the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry route — each from a different pier with different departure times, journey times and prices. Here is the complete Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedule for 2026:
Raja Ferry — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Schedule
Raja Ferry operates the most frequent Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry service — approximately 12 daily departures from Donsak Pier. This is the most flexible option on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui route, with departures running from early morning to late evening.
| Departure — Donsak Pier | Arrival — Nathon Pier (Samui) | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00am | 6:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 6:00am | 7:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 7:00am | 8:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 8:00am | 9:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 9:00am | 10:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 10:00am | 11:30am | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 11:00am | 12:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 12:00pm | 1:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 1:00pm | 2:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 2:00pm | 3:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 3:00pm | 4:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
| 9:00pm | 10:30pm | 1h30 | 80 THB |
Pier: Donsak Pier · Journey time: 1h30 · Price: 80 THB adult · Car ferry — vehicles accepted · Most frequent Surat Thani to Koh Samui service · Arrives at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui west coast.
Seatran Ferry — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Schedule
Seatran operates approximately 8 daily departures on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui route from Donsak Pier. Slightly more expensive than Raja at 100 THB but equally reliable. Also a car ferry — vehicles accepted.
| Departure — Donsak Pier | Arrival — Nathon Pier (Samui) | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00am | 7:30am | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 8:00am | 9:30am | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 10:00am | 11:30am | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 12:00pm | 1:30pm | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 2:00pm | 3:30pm | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 4:00pm | 5:30pm | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 6:00pm | 7:30pm | 1h30 | 100 THB |
| 9:00pm | 10:30pm | 1h30 | 100 THB |
Lomprayah — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Schedule
Lomprayah operates the fastest Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry — a high-speed catamaran that reaches Nathon Pier in approximately 1 hour vs 1h30 for car ferries. Fewer daily departures than Raja or Seatran but significantly more comfortable.
| Departure — Donsak Pier | Arrival — Nathon Pier (Samui) | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~8:00am | ~9:00am | 1h | 200 THB |
| ~1:00pm | ~2:00pm | 1h | 200 THB |
| ~5:00pm | ~6:00pm | 1h | 200 THB |
Pier: Donsak Pier · Journey time: 1h (fastest) · Price: 200 THB adult · Passenger only — no vehicles · Air-conditioned catamaran with assigned seats · Best for speed and comfort on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui route.
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Complete Price Comparison — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry 2026
| Operator | Pier | Duration | Adult | Child | Car | Motorbike |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ferry | Donsak | 1h30 | 80 THB | 40 THB | 350–500 THB | 120–150 THB |
| Seatran | Donsak | 1h30 | 100 THB | 50 THB | 400–550 THB | 130–160 THB |
| Lomprayah | Donsak | 1h | 200 THB | 100 THB | N/A | N/A |
Raja Ferry at 80 THB is the cheapest Surat Thani to Koh Samui option. Lomprayah at 200 THB is the most expensive but 30 minutes faster and significantly more comfortable. For most travellers, the 120 THB price difference is worth paying for Lomprayah's speed and comfort. Book any operator via 12Go Asia for real-time pricing.
Getting to Donsak Pier from Surat Thani
All three main Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry operators depart from Donsak Pier — located approximately 70 km east of Surat Thani city. Here's how to get to Donsak Pier from the main arrival points in Surat Thani:
From Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport (URT) is approximately 90 km from Donsak Pier — around 1h15 by shared minivan (150–200 THB per person) or private taxi (800–1,000 THB). The easiest approach for the full Surat Thani to Koh Samui journey is a combined airport transfer + ferry ticket via 12Go Asia — one booking, one QR code, all connections guaranteed.
From Surat Thani Train Station (Phunphin)
Phunphin train station is approximately 1 hour from Donsak Pier by shared minivan (100–150 THB per person). Multiple departures throughout the day. For travellers arriving on the overnight Bangkok train, book the combined train + Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry via 12Go Asia — the transfer to Donsak Pier is coordinated automatically.
From Surat Thani City Centre
Shared minivans from the city centre bus terminal to Donsak Pier cost 80–120 THB (~1h). A private taxi costs 400–600 THB. Multiple departures throughout the day from early morning to evening.
Driving to Donsak Pier
If you're driving to catch the Surat Thani to Koh Samui car ferry, take Route 401 east from Surat Thani city towards Don Sak. The pier is clearly signposted. Parking is available near the pier for long-term storage if you're leaving your vehicle on the mainland.
From Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier: allow 1h30 minimum. From Phunphin train station: allow 1h15. From Surat Thani city: allow 1h15. Always add buffer time in high season when minivans and taxis are in high demand. The Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry does not wait for late arrivals.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui — Step by Step
- Book your Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry in advance — via 12Go Asia. Select your operator, departure time and include your transfer from the airport or train station if needed.
- Get to Donsak Pier — allow sufficient time based on your starting point. Arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before your scheduled Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry departure.
- Check in at the operator counter — Raja Ferry, Seatran and Lomprayah have separate counters at Donsak Pier. Show your QR code or booking confirmation.
- Board the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry — car ferries have indoor seating and open deck areas. The rear open deck is popular for views and fresh air. Lomprayah catamarans have assigned seats in an air-conditioned cabin.
- Cross to Koh Samui — 1h (Lomprayah) or 1h30 (car ferry). Small snack bar on board.
- Arrive at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui — taxis, songthaews and scooter rental available immediately outside the pier exit.
Seasonal Schedule Variations
The Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedule varies slightly by season. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
High Season (December–February, July–August)
All operators run their maximum Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedules. Raja Ferry operates up to 15 daily departures. Lomprayah may add extra sailings. Book in advance — especially Lomprayah which sells out first. Car ferry spaces for vehicles fill up days ahead on Raja and Seatran.
Shoulder Season (March–June, September–November)
Standard Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedules apply. Buying tickets at the pier on the day is possible in this period, but booking via 12Go Asia 24–48 hours ahead is still recommended for guaranteed timing and pricing.
Monsoon Season (October–November)
The northeast monsoon can occasionally cause Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry cancellations or delays — particularly for the slower car ferries. Lomprayah cancels less frequently than car ferries in rough conditions. Always check the current weather forecast before travelling and build in flexibility if possible.
In severe weather, the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry service may be suspended — particularly on the Lomprayah catamaran which is more vulnerable to rough seas than the heavier car ferries. If your ferry is cancelled, 12Go Asia will notify you and offer rebooking options. Buy travel insurance that covers ferry cancellations — especially if travelling in October or November.
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On Arrival — Nathon Pier, Koh Samui
All Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferries arrive at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. Nathon is the island's main commercial pier — less touristy than Chaweng but well-served by taxis and songthaews.
| Destination from Nathon | Transport | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chaweng Beach | Taxi / Songthaew | 300–500 THB | 25–35 min |
| Bophut Beach | Taxi | 250–350 THB | 20–25 min |
| Lamai Beach | Taxi | 400–550 THB | 35–45 min |
| Maenam Beach | Taxi | 200–300 THB | 15–20 min |
| Koh Samui Airport | Taxi | 400–550 THB | 35–45 min |
| Scooter rental (per day) | Tonton Samui Rental | 150–300 THB | — |
Insider Tips — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry
- Check the live schedule on 12Go Asia before travelling — the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry schedule changes seasonally and 12Go shows real-time departure times for all operators.
- Lomprayah is worth the premium — 200 THB vs 80 THB for Raja Ferry is a small difference for a 30-minute time saving and significantly more comfort on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui crossing.
- Take the open deck on car ferries — on Raja and Seatran Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferries, head straight to the rear open deck. Better air, better views and the most popular spot among regulars.
- Bring cash for the pier — have 100–200 THB cash for songthaews and snacks at Donsak Pier before the Surat Thani to Koh Samui crossing.
- Don't miss the last Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry — the last Raja Ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui is typically around 10–11pm. Missing it means a night in Surat Thani.
- Pre-book your onward transport from Nathon Pier — arrange your scooter rental or car rental to be waiting at Nathon Pier when your Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry arrives.
FAQ — Surat Thani to Koh Samui Ferry Schedule
How many ferries run from Surat Thani to Koh Samui per day?
Combined across all operators, approximately 20+ ferry departures daily run from Donsak Pier on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui route. Raja Ferry alone operates up to 12 departures. Lomprayah runs 2–3 daily departures on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui route. The frequency makes this one of the most served ferry routes in Thailand.
What time is the first Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry?
The first Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry departs Donsak Pier at approximately 5:00am with Raja Ferry — arriving at Nathon Pier, Koh Samui around 6:30am. Lomprayah's first catamaran departure is typically around 8:00am, arriving at approximately 9:00am.
What time is the last Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry?
The last Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry is typically a Raja Ferry departure at approximately 9–11pm, arriving at Nathon Pier around 10:30pm–12:30am. Lomprayah's last departure is typically around 5pm. Always verify the last departure time via 12Go Asia before travelling as schedules change seasonally.
How long is the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry crossing?
The Lomprayah catamaran takes approximately 1 hour on the Surat Thani to Koh Samui crossing. Raja Ferry and Seatran car ferries take approximately 1h30. Both depart from Donsak Pier and arrive at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast.
Do I need to book the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry in advance?
In high season (December–February, July–August), yes — book the Surat Thani to Koh Samui Lomprayah at least 48 hours ahead as it sells out regularly. Raja Ferry has more capacity and last-minute tickets are usually available, but booking via 12Go Asia is always recommended to guarantee your preferred departure time and avoid queuing at the counter.
Which is better — Raja Ferry or Lomprayah for Surat Thani to Koh Samui?
Lomprayah is faster (1h vs 1h30), more comfortable (air-conditioned catamaran vs open car ferry) and more reliable in rough weather. Raja Ferry is cheaper (80 THB vs 200 THB), more frequent and can carry vehicles. For most passengers without vehicles, Lomprayah is the better Surat Thani to Koh Samui choice. For those bringing a car or motorbike, Raja Ferry is the only practical option.
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Some links in this article are affiliate links. InsideSamui.com earns a commission if you book through our 12Go Asia links, at no extra cost to you. Ferry schedules are indicative for 2026 — always verify real-time departure times on 12Go Asia before travelling.