SD › Bangkok to Koh Samui
Updated: March 18, 2019
By Santorini Dave
See Also
On This Page
- How Do I Get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
- What Airlines Fly to Koh Samui?
- How Do I Get to Koh Samui by Train?
- How Do I Get to Koh Samui by Bus?
- Photos of Getting to Koh Samui
How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
Flying directly to Koh Samui is by far the easiest way of getting to the island. And if you book early the price of an air ticket isn’t that much more than the train-ferry or bus-ferry combination tickets. The beaches are just a short drive from the Koh Samui airport.
You have 4 main choices for getting from Bangkok to Koh Samui:
- The easiest and quickest way to get to Koh Samui from Bangkok is to fly. Flights are cheap if you book early. Bangkok Airlines has 19 flights per day from Bangkok to Koh Samui. Thai Airways has 2 flights per day.
- Fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then ferry across to Koh Samui – This is cheaper than flying directly to Koh Samui but the bus from the airport to the pier and the ferry across to Koh Samui add at least 3 hours to your travel time. Nok Air and Air Asia have 5 flights per day from Bangkok to Surat Thani. It’s easiest to buy your bus/ferry tickets in the Surat Thani airport after you arrive. Bus & ferry information from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
- Train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then ferry to Koh Samui – The overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani is fun and much more enjoyable than the bus. Read this detailed post at Seat61 for complete info on the train ride to Surat Thani.
- Bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then ferry to Koh Samui – The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui. No reservations required, just show up at the bus station and you should be on a bus heading south within the hour. The bus will take you directly to the ferry terminal. Be sure to buy a bus and ferry combo ticket.
Ferry companies that go from Surat Thani to Koh Samui: SeaTran Ferries, Lomprayah Ferries, Raja Ferries.
If your budget allows and there are seats available then flying directly to Koh Samui is what I recommend. There are also direct flights to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Phuket, Krabi, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore (see below). The Koh Samui airport is a beautiful open-air terminal that makes for a pretty cool first impression.
A bus-ferry combination is the least expensive way to get to Koh Samui. Next will be either train-ferry. Then a flight – depending on how early you book the flight, what type of ticket you buy (web fare, flexible, or non-changeable), and whether you fly into Koh Samui directly or Surat Thani on the mainland (and then take a connecting ferry). If you’re paying full fare on an air ticket then the train will be cheaper but a “web deal” or discount flight can be nearly as cheap as the train.
Generally, the overnight train is fun and enjoyable while the bus is a long miserable ride. If you’re trying to decide between bus and train definitely take the train. Though it does involve a little more effort sorting through the booking process. Taking the bus is as easy as getting to the bus station and waiting for the next bus. (More info below.)
Getting from Phuket or Krabi to Koh Samui can be done by bus and then ferry (5 to 10 hours), hired car and then ferry (about 4 to 6 hours), or by a 50 minute flight on Bangkok Airlines. The best and easiest way to get from Phuket and Krabi to Koh Samui is clearly by plane.
What airlines fly to Koh Samui?
Here are the flight Options for Koh Samui:
Bangkok to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has up to 19 direct flights a day from Bangkok to Koh Samui with fares starting at 3200 Baht and a flight time of 1 hour and 15 minutes. Thai Airways has 2 flights per day.Chiang Mai to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has direct flights from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui with fares from $5300 Baht and a flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.Phuket to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has one direct flight daily from Phuket to Koh Samui that takes 50 minutes and costs from 2750 Baht.Krabi to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines flies four times daily from Krabi. The flight takes 55 minutes and fares start at 2750 Baht.Pattaya to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has 2 flights daily from Pattaya to Samui taking 1 hour and 10 minutes and costing from 3690 Baht.Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines flies once daily from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The flight takes 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs from 220 MYR.Malaysia Airlines might also have flights from KL to Samui though their website gives conflicting information about routes and availability.
Singapore to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has one daily flight from Singapore to Koh Samui (flight time 1 hour and 50 minutes and fares starting at 160 Singapore dollars.)Silk Air (no Singapore Airlines) has 2 daily flight from Singapore to Koh Samui.
Hong Kong to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airlines has 2 flights daily from Hong Kong to Samui. The flight takes 3 hours and 15 minutes and fares start at 2700 HKD.Flights to Surat Thani
Air Asia (from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur) and Nok Air (from Bangkok).Surat Thani is a city on the mainland that is 50 miles and 1.5 hours by ferry from Koh Samui. Flights to Surat Thani are usually cheaper than flights directly to Koh Samui making it an appealing option – especially when the cheapest fares to Koh Samui are sold out.
But getting from Surat Thani to Koh Samui is not as effortless as it may appear. To get to Koh Samui from the Surat Thani airport requires a 90 minutes bus ride to the ferry terminal, a wait of up to 2 hours for the ferry, and then the ferry ride itself. So even with leaving Bangkok on a 10am flight you won’t get you to Samui until 3 or 4 pm at the earliest. And then another 30 or 40 minutes to get to Chaweng or the east side beaches.
If you do fly to Surat Thani be sure to get a flight that lands before 3pm or you’ll miss the last ferry to Koh Samui.
How do I get to Koh Samui by train?
Getting to Koh Samui by train from Bangkok involves taking a train from Bangkok’s Hualamphong station. The train portion takes between 8.5 hours and 12 hours depending on the train. From the Surat Thani train station you board a waiting bus that takes you to the Don Sak ferry terminal and then the 1.5 hour trip over to Samui. The bus and ferry take about 4 hours in total. Overnight sleepers are highly recommended and should be booked at least 5 days in advance – but in high season the sooner the better.
Combination Train/Bus/Ferry tickets are available and make the whole trip pretty effortless – though still long.
Going to Bangkok’s Hualamphong station is the easiest way to book tickets. Or for a small fee get a Thai travel agent to book it for you. (And the travel agent does not have to be located in Bangkok.) If you have to book in advance before arriving in Thailand then use ThailandTrainTicket.com – admittedly this is a bit of pain and involves emailing back and forth a few times. But it gets the job done.
How do I get to Koh Samui by bus?
(If you can, take the train. It’s funner, easier, and less of a hassle.)
With bus travel you can depart Bangkok almost immediately. If you arrive into Bangkok and don’t feel like spending the night or worrying about booking a seat on the train you can go directly to the bus station and be heading towards Koh Samui within an hour or two.
The buses go to Don Sak ferry terminal in Surat Thani. From there a 1.5 hour boat takes you across to Koh Samui (the same ferry used by the train combination ticket).
Buses take 10 to 12 hours for the ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then 2 to 4 more hours (depending on how long you wait for the ferry) to get across to Koh Samui.
There are 2 types of buses that travel from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
The best, cheapest, and most reliable are the public buses that leave from Sai Tai Mai terminal in the south of Bangkok. You can choose between VIP, air conditioned, and non-air-conditioned buses. They leave between 5am and 8pm. The VIP and AC buses have toilets, reserved seating, and are modern and clean.
There are also private buses (closer to a shuttle bus or van than a large public bus) that leave from Khao San Road that are only used by tourists. They are typically small, cramped, and rife with theft. They’ll typical leave only when they’re full or nearly full. The only good thing to say about them is that they are convenient if you’re staying near Khao San Road. Ask at any Khao San travel agency and they’ll sell you a bus/ferry combination ticket to Koh Samui.
Photos of Getting to Koh Samui
The Koh Samui airport is a easy place to fly into and out of.
An airplane coming in over Big Buddha beach on Koh Samui.
Bangkok Airlines owns the Koh Samui airport and is the main carrier for flights to Koh Samui. It’s more expensive to fly directly to Koh Samui but usually worth the expense.
Flying into Koh Samui is a rare pleasure in the airline industry. Fun little trolleys take you to the open air terminal.
The waiting lounge in the Koh Samui airport.
Bangkok International Airport is a beautiful airport. If you have the choice between flying from here (Suvarnabhumi) or Don Muang then choose Suvarnabhumi.
Firefly Airlines also fly to Koh Samui – though schedule changes often.
Mini buses at the Koh Samui airport. Taxis also available – just walk out the airport doors.
Air Asia does not fly from the international airport but leaves from Don Muang airport in Bangkok. If you’re flying into Bangkok International be sure you have enough time (plan for 90 minutes) to get from BKK to DMK. Air Asia flies to Surat Thani airport not to Koh Samui directly.
Like Air Asia, Nok Air has flights from Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport (not the large international airport) to Surat Thani (near Koh Samui).
If you go via Surat Thani then you’ll need to get a bus to the ferry port (Don Sak pier) and then a ferry to Koh Samui. You can buy bus and ferry combo tickets from inside the airport terminal (Phantip Travel). Walk out the doors and the buses are waiting to take you to the pier.
The Lomprayah ferries are usually the high speed catamaran style boats. Faster but rougher during rough seas.
SeaTrans is the main ferry company that goes from Surat Thani to Koh Samui bu there are others: Raja Ferries (pictured above) and Lomprayah.
One of the SeaTran ferries that goes to Koh Samui.
A SeaTran ferry from Don Sak Pier near Surat Thani to Koh Samui
The Bangkok train station.
Hua Lamphong train station in Bangkok. Taxi is the easiest way to get here.
Inside the Bangkok train station.
Tickets for day-of travel are to the left.
The advanced tickets are to the right.
At some train stations you just wait by the track without any A/C. Not a big deal but be prepared. Oh, and trains can be late. Very late.
The night train leaving Bangkok for Koh Samui.
A night train arriving at Surat Thani train station. From here you take a bus to Don Sak ferry pier (60 minutes) and then a ferry to Koh Samui (90 minutes).
A bus similar to this will take you from the train station to the Don Sak pier.
A 2-berth First Class sleeper on a train to Surat Thani.
The sleepers during the day are seats. You can see the top bunks folded up to the roof in this picture.
A second class sleeper on a the train to Surat Thani.
There are usually 2 toilets on each car. Often it’s one squat toilet and one western toilet.
There are sinks on each train car too.
Typical menu at the train restaurant car.
Breakfast on the train.
If you drink your soup with a straw you’ll get lots of laughs from the staff.
I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on 
Hi Dave! Your info are very much helpful thanks! I have one question though. At what time does the bus leave for Koh Samui? If I buy the combo of bus and ferry combo. We arrive at 4pm at the Suvarnabhumi airport. Is it possible for us to catch the bus/ferry at that time?
Yes, you should be fine. Go straight to the bus station. Buses leave often heading south to the Koh Samui ferry. I don’t think you should have to wait more than an hour or two.
Hi Dave- thank you for the helpful article! I will be traveling to Koh Samui soon and was wondering if you might have any insight based on your experience for handicapped travelers? I am headed to Koh Samui from Chiang Mai and flights are surprisingly expensive. So I am hoping to fly into Surat Thani then to take the ferry as you suggest to save some money. However I am not able to carry my own (small) suitcase due to a physical handicap. Do you have any idea if the bus and ferry services help passengers with their luggage, especially from the bus to the ferry?
Will there be a dedicated employee that will help you with your luggage? No, probably not, so I can’t guarantee it. But as long as you’re not planning on a tight schedule (some of the afternoon flights make for a tight connection with the last ferry to Koh Samui) then I’m pretty confident that someone will be able to help you with your bag. But just to be clear, the bus doesn’t drop you right at the ferry – it is a 3 or 4 minute walk out to the pier. I’m hopeful it would work out, but can’t guarantee it.
I want to go to Bangkok from Koh Samui by ferry and flight from Surat Thani. What gap should I keep between Surat Thani drop point of ferry to flight time. Is 3 hours enough to make the connection?
If the ferry and bus pick up are on time, then 3 hours is plenty. Of course no guarantee that will be the case. But, personally I would feel fine booking the flight with a 3 hour connection time.
Hi Dave,
For our honeymoon we’re staying in a hotel in Lamai beach. I will fly from Bangkok to Koh samui in September. I want to know if I take Bangkok Airways I will get directly to Koh Samui and then I just have to take a cab from the airport to Lamai right?
Thanks in advance
Vanessa
Yes, Bangkok Air flights go directly to Koh Samui airport. I would enquire about a hotel pickup from the airport (ask if it’s included in your hotel rate). Transportation from the airport to the beaches is not cheap. (But it is easy to arrange on the spot.)
Hi Dave
Great page I just wanted to check something with your good self.
1. We arrive on a Monday and intend to travel to Koh Samui by train (on your recommedation) on Thursday evening. Will this be enough time to buy a 2nd class ac sleeper train?
2 I have worked out the costs one way for two people at 1500bht wth the 2nd class ac on the sleeper/express night train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, do you now how much extra it costs for the transfers/ferry journey?
I.e Do you know how much would a combination ticket be?
3. I’m sure this is a silly question but I guess I can buy a return ticket for the 30th June (from Koh Samui to Bangkok, including all the transfers/ferry/train etc) at the same time I buy my initial ticket at the station?
Mr Singh
You might be able to get tickets for that Thursday but you might not. I’d say a 60% chance you’d be able to get the seats/sleeper that you want. Price with combo ticket will be about another 150 baht for one-way, one person. And yes, you can buy return ticket at the same time.
Hi bro. We are landing at bkk at 7.30 am on 9th may. And we want to go to Koh Phangan the same day. Would you suggest a flight from BKK to Koh Samui or DMK to Surat Thani. We are on a light budget trip. Is the last ferry from surat thani to Koh Samui at 3 p.m.?
Pls advice. Thanks, Justin
Last ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Pha Ngan changes all the time but yes, I’d assume a last departure in the mid/late afternoon. And you’ll need to get to the ferry port from the airport (assume about an hour journey time). If there’s a flight that works then DMK to Surat Than and then ferry to KPN should be the cheapest by a good margin.
Hi Dave,
My wife and myself intend to vacation in Koh Samui and need advice on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Samui. From what i have found online, it says that Air Asia offers a plane/bus/ferry combo to Koh Samui via Don Mueng Airport but we are confused as to whether the Air Asia ticket is all inclusive or do we have to incur any additional costs in getting there. Also Air Asia mentions the destination in Koh Samui under the title of Lipa Noi Pier whereas all other websites show that the ferries operate from Donsak Pier. Please provide some insight into helping us resolve our confusion.
Thanks in advance and looking forward to your help.
Joel & Sarah
Yes, Air Asia uses Raja Ferries which dock at Lipa Noi on Koh Samui (slightly less convenient than Nathon pier but not a large difference). I’m not sure what ticket you’re looking at, so can’t say for sure, but with most tickets there is a small extra charge for the ferry transfer to Koh Samui.
Hi Dave, my grandson and I arrive in BKK at approx 20.00 hours on October 16 on different flights from the UK, we need to get from there to Koh Samui, by October 18, that’s when our hotel is booked from. I have looked briefly at flying, but he is on a very limited budget. So that could be out of the question. Which other way would you suggest train or bus, bearing in mind that I am 70 and he is 24, we are travelling to meet his sister who is on the end of a gap year, she has no idea that he will be there. What would be the cheapest and comfortable any suggestions please, bearing in mind that we have to make the return journey on the October 28 as we accompany my grand daughter home to the UK.
Any suggestions please.
Michael Flynn
The easiest (in terms of booking) and cheapest is the bus. You just go to main bus terminal in Bangkok and you’ll be on a bus heading south within 90 minutes, no need to pre-book. Train is more expensive and much more comfortable if you get a sleeper but pre-booking form outside the country is a pain. October is low season so it’s possible if you go straight to the train station on the 16th you might be able to get a sleeper for that night or the next, but no guarantee. Flying is, of course, the fastest and most convenient, but will cost the most. The cheapest flight I can find from Bangkok to Koh Samui is $115 on Bangkok Airways. An alternative is to fly to Surat Thani (cheapest flight for your dates is $44 on Thai Airways) but you still have to get a bus/ferry ticket from there to Koh Samui (cost is about $20).
Is Bangkok Airlines safe?
Sam
Yes.
Koh Samui to BKK
Hi Dave, we are flying out of BKK at 1950hrs with Emirates, international flight, which probably means checkin 2 hrs prior. Would there be enough time if we arrived at BKK from Koh Samui at 1710hrs with Bangkok airlines?
Sig
There are no guarantees but that sounds like plenty of time to me. (i.e. I would be comfortable buying those flights for myself.)
Hello Dave,
My husband is wheelchair user, and i would like to ask if you observe that a wheelchair user can board into air plane at Koh Samui airport?
Thanks!
Mary
I don’t know, but can say this: the airport doesn’t have any boarding bridges, you take a ladder down to the tarmac and from there board a trolley to get to the terminal. The terminal is open air and completely flat. For details about wheelchair access email Bangkok Air (Koh Samui office) at usmtopg@bangkokair.com.
Hello Dave
We are flying to Samui from BKK at the beginning of August, flights are about £385 for 2 to travel on Skyscanner. Just wondering is it worth booking the tickets at this price or would they be cheaper booked at the booking desk at BKK airport?
Many thanks
Richard Hogarth
You should definitely book in advance but that seems to be a lot. I think they’ll be cheaper if you book directly on the Bangkok Airways website.
You have really paid a lot
Hi Dave, I travelled from Bangkok to Koh phagan by train/bus/ferry and didn’t enjoy the train part. I was wondering if you know what the ferry from Koh Samui to Bangkok is like thanks.
John Mcshane
There are no ferries from Koh Samui to Bangkok. There are high speed Lomprayah ferries from Koh Samui to Chumphon than go via Koh Phangan and Koh Toa. They are fine but it can be a long boat ride. Conversely, you can fly to Koh Samui and then ferry to Koh Phangan. Two ferries a day leave from Mae Nam to Koh Phangan and take 20 minutes. Four ferries a day leave from Big Buddha Beach to Koh Phangan and take 1 hour (but they’re about 2/3 the price).
Hi Dave,
I’m looking at either a train/ferry combo or a flight and ferry. Just wondering how you would recommend getting to Chaweng from the ferry dock once I get to Koh Samui?
This site is making my planning so much easier. Much appreciated.
Thanks,
Matty
There will be many taxis and Songthaews (basically pickup trucks with seats in the back) waiting at the pier when a ferry arrives. Taxis from Nathon Pier to Chaweng will cost anywhere from 500 baht to 1000 baht depending on the time of day and how many taxis are waiting. Songthaew from Nathon to Chaweng will be about 60 baht.
Hi Dave,
I’m going from Samui to Bangkok and I don’t know which ticket buy. Should I take combination ticket with ferry/bus/plane at Air Asia or only take ticket for plane and separately buy ticket for ferry/bus one day before departure? What is your proposal.
Tnx for help and best regards,
I would get the combination ticket – cheaper and easier.
Hi Dave,
You’re so kind to answer everyone’s questions!
I was wondering what the ferry/catamarans are like in Thailand?
I would like to take a ferry from Ko Samui to Krabi or Phuket but I have a bad neck and am a bit worried about it being too turbulent. My partner really wants to go via boat not plane and I’m trying to oblige but I want to make sure that it’s physically possible.
Any suggestions, even a more expensive boat company that’s more comfortable would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks so much and kind regards,
Natalie ?
There are no ferries from Koh Samui to Krabi/Phuket as they are on opposite sides of the country. You take a short ferry from Koh Samui to Surat Thani and then bus or taxi from there to Krabi/Phuket. Or fly – which is the best and fastest option.
Hi Dave,
I’m still reading all the information that you have allowed us to read and I have been impressed of how many helpful things have you shared with us. I am planning a vacation with my boyfriend in August, next year. Because an opportunity to fly with Qatar Airways we will land in Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and then I will want to arrive in Koh Samui as it is best place in Thailand for August. I am still looking for a flight deal directly to Koh Samui but for now seems to be impossible because I found as the same price as I bought the plane from Bucharest Romania to Bangkok. How should I manage the situation? I really want to go to Koh Samui. Which will be the best option for me? To fly to Surat Thani with Nok Air that has nice prices but it only flies from Don Mueang airport and I will need an extra bus ticket to arrive there. (by the way – how much is the ticket if you know) Or to fly from the international airport directly to Surat thani with Thai Airways and will be a little bit more expensive but won’t need that bus ticket to arrive to another airport. I’m so confused and I am trying to find the best deal honestly because for me is an unique opportunity and I want to enjoy it.
Hope you will find time to answer me.
Thanks a lot.
Kindest regards from Romania.
Denisa
Since you are arriving at the International Airport it’s much much easier to fly from there than to transfer to Don Muang airport – and worth the added expense.
Hi,
We are planning on going to Koh samui with Bangkok Airlines directly after flying into BKK.
How much time would you suggest between flights?
thx.
It can take an hour or more to get through Thai immigration. I would maybe be OK with 2 hours, but 3 to be safe.
Hey Dave,
Planning on taking a Ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui which I believe is about one hour, do you know how long it will take from Koh Samui Ferry station to Koh Samui Airport with the view of flying back home on the same day.
Also how long do you need to be at the Airport before your domestic flight?
Be sure to get the ferry that goes to Mae Nam and from there it’s about 20 minutes by taxi to the Koh Samui airport. I would try to be at the airport about 75 minutes before your departure.
Dear,
If I land on Surat Thani Airport by AirAsia and start looking for bus/ferry combo ticket for 2 person on the way to Koh Samui at the end of December. What is the chance that I would be able to manage the Bus/ferry combo ticket without prior booking?
Rahat
I would guess that you would have an 80% or 90% chance of getting a ticket. It’s more likely that there won’t be room on the bus than there won’t be room on the ferry.
I have already bought ticket on Air Asia from Don Mueang to Surat Thani Airport. I live outside Thailand. What is the easiest and credible way to book Transport (bus and ferry) from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui Nathon Pier? I will reach Surat Thani via AirAsia at around 11 pm.
Rahat
You can book directly with Air Asia – but you’ll have to wait until the next morning to catch a ferry as there are not any past 5 or 6pm.
Hello Dave,
Quite a helpful advice. Would you kindly tell me how can I book bus/ferry combo ticket from Surat Thani to KohSamui through online? Or can I do it physically in Bangkok in one day advance?
Yes, no problem buying ticket one day before (for bus, train needs to be booked farther in advance). You can buy at travel agent or go directly to Bangkok bus station to buy combo ticket.
Hey Dave! Thanks for all the info. I have one question about the bus. I know how thrilled you are about the train and the bus/ferry combo ticket but since I’m on a budget and I’m staying with friends in Bangkok who live closer to the bus station than to Kao San Road I figured the best to do is to catch the bus at the bus station and then figure out a ferry once I get to Surat Thani. Do you think this is doable? I’ve heard bad stories about the hassle between the bus terminal and ferry terminal. Is this sort of in the same place or do I need to get another bus from the bus terminal to the ferry terminal? Thanks in advance!
You can buy combo bus/ferry tickets at the Bangkok bus station – and that’s how I would do it. They’ll get you directly to the ferry port in Surat Thani.