Have you been dreaming of visiting the beautiful island of Koh Tao but aren’t quite sure how to get here? Don’t worry; you’re not alone! As a resident of Turtle Island, I’m here to guide you through the best options for making your way here. Let’s dive into the different ways you can travel to Koh Tao, from budget-friendly options to more luxurious routes.

Lomprayah: All-in-One Ticket from Bangkok or Phuket

One of the most convenient ways to get to Koh Tao is by using Lomprayah’s combined bus and ferry service. This option allows you to travel from as far as Bangkok or Phuket with just one ticket, covering both the bus journey and the ferry ride.

From Bangkok:

Bus: Lomprayah buses depart from Khao San Road in Bangkok in the morning and evening, offering a comfortable overnight journey especially with the VIP bus option.
Ferry: After reaching Chumphon early in the morning, you’ll transfer to a high-speed catamaran that will whisk you away to Koh Tao.

Estimated Cost: 1,250 THB
Estimated travel time: 10 hours

From Phuket:

Bus: Buses leave from various points in Phuket and head towards Surat Thani.
Ferry: At Surat Thani, you’ll board the ferry that will take you directly to Koh Tao.

Estimated Cost: 1,600 THB
Estimated travel time: 9 hours

This seamless service is perfect for those who want a hassle-free travel experience. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!

Lomprayah also has routes from throughout southern Thailand including Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Railay Beach and Krabi.

Flying to Surat Thani or Chumphon and Using Lomprayah Transports

If you’re coming from further afield and prefer flying, you can opt to fly to either Surat Thani or Chumphon. These airports are well-connected and offer budget-friendly flights from many parts of Thailand and beyond. You can easily get to Koh Tao from these airports.

From Surat Thani:

Bus: Upon arrival at Surat Thani Airport, you can catch a Lomprayah bus to the Donsak Pier.
Ferry: From Donsak Pier, board the Lomprayah ferry to Koh Tao.

Estimated cost: Flight cost + 1,100 THB
Estimated travel time from airport: 4 hours

From Chumphon:

Bus: Take a Lomprayah bus from Chumphon Airport to the pier.
Ferry: Hop on the Lomprayah ferry for a direct ride to Koh Tao.

Estimated cost: Flight cost + 750 THB
Estimated travel time from airport: 3 hours

Flying to these airports and then using Lomprayah transports is a great way to save time and money while still enjoying a comfortable journey.

Night Ferries from Surat Thani or Chumphon

For the night owls, night ferries from Surat Thani or Chumphon offer an alternative travel experience. You’ll need to get a bus or train to these cities first.

From Surat Thani:

Bus: Travel to Surat Thani by bus from various parts of Thailand.
Night Ferry: Board the night ferry, which typically departs in the evening and arrives at Koh Tao early in the morning. The ferry offers basic sleeping arrangements, so you can rest during the journey.

From Chumphon:

Bus/Train: Get to Chumphon by bus or train.
Night Ferry: Similar to Surat Thani, the night ferry from Chumphon departs in the evening and provides overnight accommodation.

Our tips: Night ferries are an excellent way to maximize your time on the island, as you travel while you sleep. The accommodation is very basic, they usually have showers and a toilet but take your own loo roll, and a towel. The beds are bunk beds and the upper bunk is often very close to the ceiling, so request a lower bunk if you’re taller than average.

Estimated cost: 800 THB
Estimated travel time: 8 hours from the pier

Train to Chumphon and Lomprayah Ferry

For those who love a bit of train travel, you can take a train from Bangkok to Chumphon and then transfer to the Lomprayah ferry.

Train:

Bangkok to Chumphon: Board an overnight train from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. If you’re travelling alone be aware that the VIP option will mean sharing a room with one other traveller. The train network in Thailand isn’t the best, so expect a bumpy ride.

Ferry:

Chumphon to Koh Tao: Once you arrive in Chumphon, take a short bus ride to the pier and catch the Lomprayah ferry to Koh Tao.

This option combines the scenic beauty of a train ride with the convenience of a high-speed ferry, making it an adventurous yet comfortable way to reach Koh Tao. If you take the sleeper train, you also benefit from a cheap way to travel and don’t waste any time of your adventure.

Estimated cost: 1,850 THB from Bangkok as an example
Estimated travel time: 13 hours

Flight to Samui and Seatran, Songserm or Lomprayah Ferry

For those who prefer a bit more luxury, flying to Koh Samui and then taking a ferry is a fantastic option. Keep in mind that this route is more expensive, but it’s also very convenient.

Flight:

Bangkok to Koh Samui: Numerous flights operate daily from Bangkok to Koh Samui making it a good option to transfer at Bangkok from a long haul flight. Just check when you book as there are 2 airports in Bangkok. Flight time is about 1 hour.
Other routes: While small, Samui airport is an international airport and has direct routes from some of the regions biggest airports including Singapore Changi and Hong Kong.

Ferry:

Koh Samui to Koh Tao: Upon arrival in Samui, you can take a taxi to one of the piers (allow up to 45 minutes for travel). From there, you have several ferry options, including Seatran, Songserm, and Lomprayah.

Flying to Samui and then taking a ferry offers a seamless travel experience, perfect for those who value comfort and convenience.

Estimated cost: 500-800 THB for the ferry, flights from Bangkok can be 1,500-4,000 THB depending on availability.
Estimated travel time: 13 hours

Top tip: Check the pier you’re leaving from and make sure you allow enough time to get there after your flight.

Booking Tips and Final Advice

Whichever option you choose, make sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure availability. If you’re ever in doubt, visit one of the many travel agents available. They take their commissions from the operators, so you’ll pay the same price but benefit from their local knowledge and expertise.

Koh Tao is a stunning destination, and getting here can be part of the adventure. Choose the option that best fits your budget and travel style, and you’ll be enjoying the beautiful beaches and vibrant underwater world of Koh Tao in no time. Safe travels and see you on the island!