How to Go from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Koh Tao to Koh Samui
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If you’re island hopping in the Gulf of Thailand, chances are you’ll find yourself figuring out how to get from Koh Tao to Koh Samui at some point. These two islands are wildly different in vibe but perfectly complement each other on a backpacking route. Koh Tao is small, laid-back, and all about diving, beaches, and a slower pace. Koh Samui, on the other hand, is bigger, busier, and offers a mix of beach parties, chilled-out corners, and a few creature comforts that might feel like a luxury after a few days off-grid.  Here’s our guide on going from Koh Tao to Koh Samui.

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Traveling between the two is pretty common — whether you’re wrapping up your time underwater in Koh Tao (it’s a great dive center and it’s where I –  Sarah – learned to dive) or heading to Koh Samui to catch a flight, restock supplies, or just explore a new island. It’s a well-trodden route, with multiple ferries running daily and ticket options to suit most budgets. The journey is straightforward, scenic, and stress-free once you know what to expect.

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Get your pick of the best times and prices by prebooking your boat from Koh Tao to Koh Samui. Pick departures from 07:00 until 17:00. Include transfers on Koh Samui to get you to your hotel.

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Where is Koh Tao, and Where is Koh Samui?

Koh Tao and Koh Samui are both located in the Gulf of Thailand, sitting off the country’s eastern coastline. Koh Samui is the larger and more developed of the two, and it’s part of Surat Thani province. It’s a major transport hub in the region, with its own airport and regular ferry connections to nearby islands. Koh Tao is a much smaller island to the north of Samui, known for its diving scene and relaxed atmosphere.

The two islands are roughly 65 kilometers apart, which doesn’t sound like much — and it isn’t — but since the journey is done entirely by boat, the travel time usually comes in at around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the service you choose. This route is part of the classic backpacker loop through the Thai islands, so you’ll find it easy to connect between them with minimal planning.

How to Travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

The only way to travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is by ferry or fastboat— there’s no bridge, no road, and definitely no flights between the two. While there is an airport on Koh Samui, there isn’t one on Koh Tao. But don’t worry, it’s easy, affordable, and there are several ferry operators running the route daily. This journey is a backpacker staple, so the infrastructure is well set up for travelers moving between islands.

You’ll depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao, and depending on the ferry company you choose, you’ll arrive at either Nathon Pier or Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui. Most travelers go with one of the larger ferry operators for convenience, comfort, and timing. There’s no need to overthink it — pick a time that suits you and a pier that works for your onward travel plans.

You can pay a bit more to get there a bit quicker, and you can also pre-book a transfer to your hotel on Koh Samui.  Both islands are great places to rent a motorbike, and you can read more about that in my guide to transport in Thailand.

Ferries & Fastboats from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

When you’re planning the ferry ride from Koh Tao to Koh Samui, you’ll mainly choose between Lomprayah, Lomlahkkhirin, and Songserm—each offering slightly different timings, prices, and comfort levels.  To be fair, you probably won’t notice much difference between them.

•  Lomprayah High Speed Ferries operates high-speed catamarans from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao to Mae Nam Pier on Koh Samui. These cross in about 1 hour 30 minutes—the fastest option—with roughly three sailings daily and an average ticket price around US $17–18. Check the timetable here.

•  Lomlahkkhirin also runs direct high-speed ferries (same route) with similar travel time (1h 30m) but slightly fewer sailings per week—roughly 7 sailings weekly and similar fares. Their scheduled times are here.

•  Songserm offers a slower ferry route to Nathon Pier, taking around 3 hours 30 minutes and operating less frequently (about 7 times a week) at roughly the same price range ($17–19). Fancy this trip? Book it here.

In total, you’ll find approximately 28–30 departures per week between Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Operators generally maintain reliable schedules year-round, although timings can shift slightly in high season. Lomprayah’s service often includes minibus ferry combinations if your Samui hotel or onward transport connects at Nathon Pier.

Quick Notes on routes and times:

  • Earliest departure: 07:00 with Lomlahkkhirin
  • Latest daily departure: 16:30 with Lomprayah
  • Fastest option: Lomlahkkhirin speedboat or Lomprayah catamaran (~1h 30m)
  • Cheapest fares: Lomprayah Express as low as ~$9–12 USD
  • Longest route: Songserm (~3.5 hours) to Nathon Pier or Maenam, usually via Phangan

How to Book a Ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Booking a ferry is simple and flexible—you can choose online, in person, or through your guesthouse.

If you prefer to plan, 12Go Asia is our preferred platform where you can compare operators like Lomprayah, Lomlahkkhirin, and Songserm, see real-time schedules and prices (around US $17–$24), and pay by card.

Booking in person is another solid option: if you’re staying in hostels or guesthouses, local travel shops often sell ferry tickets at similar rates. It’s common to book the day before, or even on the morning of, unless you’re traveling during peak season or near events like Full Moon Parties, when ferries can sell out quickly.

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You can also book directly through operator websites like lomprayah.com, which sometimes extend ticket availability closer to sailing time than 12Go—but the difference is often minimal.

Many operators offer combination tickets, bundling land transfers with your ferry ticket—handy if you’re heading to or from hotels, airports, or bus terminals. Prices range from about US $18–$25, depending on the included transfers with 12Go.

Booking Tips:

  • Compare departure times, arrival piers (Mae Nam or Bangrak), and operator policies before picking.
  • If you’re prone to seasickness or traveling with lots of luggage, check the refund or change policies.
  • Print or save your ticket and arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure for check-in.

What to Expect on the Ferry Ride

The ferry ride from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is usually smooth, but sea conditions can vary—especially during the rainy season. On calm days, it’s a relaxing trip with beautiful views of the Gulf. Ferries like Lomprayah have small snack bars. Fast boats can be a bit bumpy, especially if you’re sitting up front, so take motion sickness tablets if you’re prone. You’ll store your large luggage separately when boarding, and reclaim it at your destination. Arriving at Koh Samui’s pier is usually straightforward, with taxis, motorbike rentals, and transfers ready to take you to your next stop.

Popular Routes in Thailand

Want to know more about different forms of transport in Thailand? Our guide to Thailand transport is here. And here’s how to travel some of the popular routes around Thailand, your options, and how we did it.

FAQs about Traveling from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Got questions about the trip? Here are some of the most common things folks want to know before making the trip from Koh Tao to Koh Samui. If there’s something we didn’t cover, feel free to ask in the comments or drop us a message.

How long does the ferry take?

Most ferries take between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the operator and sea conditions. Slower ferries (like Songserm) can take up to 3.5 hours if they stop at other islands.

Is there a flight option between Koh Tao and Koh Samui?

Nope. Koh Tao doesn’t have an airport. The only way to travel between the two islands is by boat.

Can I take a ferry with luggage?

Yes. All ferries allow you to bring luggage. Large bags are stored below deck, and you can carry a small backpack or daypack onboard.

What’s the best time of day to travel?

Morning departures tend to be calmer in terms of weather and sea conditions. They’re also ideal if you want to arrive on Koh Samui with plenty of daylight to explore or check into your next spot.

Travel Tips for Exploring Thailand

Final Words on Getting from Koh Tao to Koh Samui

Making your way from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is one of the easiest hops in the Gulf of Thailand. With multiple ferry operators, flexible departure times, and straightforward booking options, it’s a trip that doesn’t need to be stressful. Whether you’re heading to Samui for the flights, the nightlife, or just a change of pace, the journey itself is simple and scenic. My biggest tips? Book ahead if you’re traveling in high season, aim for a morning ferry if you can, and keep motion sickness meds handy just in case. Once you arrive, it’s a breeze to find local transport to wherever you’re staying. Koh Samui offers a good mix of convenience and beach time, so it’s a solid next stop after the laid-back vibe of Koh Tao. Keep your travel plans loose, your sunscreen handy, and enjoy the island life — it’s exactly why you’re here.

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AUTHOR

Sarah Carter
Sarah Carter is an avid reader, writer and traveller. She loves hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring the world through food. She left a successful career in IT security and compliance in both the UK and US to travel the world with husband and partner in adventure, Nigel.

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