How to Get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao: Ferry & Transfer Guide
Travelling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is straightforward once you organise your ferry ticket and transport to the departure pier.
Whether you are flying into Samui Airport or spending a few days on the island first, the key is to check where your journey starts, when you need to check in, and which transfers your ticket includes.
This guide covers ferry operators, departure piers, airport and hotel transfers, and what to expect when you arrive on Koh Tao.
How Do You Get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
For most visitors, the journey is by passenger ferry. If you arrive at Samui Airport, you will need to travel by road to the departure pier before boarding.
Koh Tao does not have an airport, so a boat journey is part of the trip. You can find an overview of the island’s travel connections on the Koh Tao Tourism Association website. visitkohtao.org
There are three main ways to arrange your journey.
Travel Option | Best For | What to Check |
Ferry-only ticket | Travellers arranging their own transport to the pier | Departure pier and check-in time |
Airport transfer and ferry | Visitors flying into Samui before continuing to Koh Tao | Airport meeting point and pickup time |
Hotel pickup and ferry | Travellers staying on Koh Samui first | Pickup area, collection time, and included charges |
For first-time visitors, a combined transfer and ferry ticket can make planning easier. However, always check where the service begins and ends.
Ferry Operators to Check
Start by comparing the services available for your travel date. The most convenient option will depend on your starting point on Samui, your arrival time, and whether you need a road transfer.
Lomprayah
Lomprayah lists ferry connections between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, along with options starting from Samui Airport and hotels on the island. Check the booking system for the services available on your chosen date. lomprayah.com
The official Lomprayah timetable is also useful when planning your journey.
Boonsiri High Speed Ferries
You can also check Boonsiri High Speed Ferries for travel options between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Visit the official website to confirm available departures, fares, departure piers, and transfer options for your travel date. boonsiriferry.com
What Should You Compare Before Booking?
Look beyond the ferry departure time. Check:
The exact departure pier
The scheduled arrival time on Koh Tao
The boat type listed for your service
Any stops or boat changes
Whether airport or hotel pickup is included
Luggage allowances and extra charges
Ticket-change and cancellation conditions
The earliest departure is not always the easiest choice. A service with a suitable pickup point may work better than one requiring an early drive across Samui.
Which Pier Do Ferries Leave from on Koh Samui?
Koh Samui has more than one departure pier. Lomprayah’s route listings include Koh Tao connections from Pralarn Pier, Bangrak Pier, and Nathon Pier, although availability depends on the selected date and service. lomprayah.com
Do not book a taxi using only the instruction “take me to the Koh Tao ferry.” Send the driver the exact pier name and location shown on your booking.
Check Your Ticket’s Starting Point
Your booking may begin at:
A ferry pier
Samui Airport
Your hotel
Another designated meeting point
If you have booked an airport or hotel pickup, follow those instructions rather than travelling directly to the pier without notifying the operator.
Also remember that check-in time is earlier than departure time. Use the deadline provided in your booking confirmation.
How Long Does the Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao Take?
The Koh Tao Tourism Association gives an approximate ferry journey time of two hours from Samui to Koh Tao. Use the scheduled arrival time for your booked service as your main planning reference, as journey times can vary. visitkohtao.org
The ferry crossing is only one part of the journey. You also need time for:
Transport from the airport or hotel to the pier
Check-in and boarding
Collecting your luggage after arrival
Travelling to your accommodation on Koh Tao
Keep your arrival day flexible. Checking in, having lunch, and settling into your accommodation are easier to plan than a tour starting immediately after your scheduled ferry arrival.
How Much Does the Ferry Cost?
Check fares for your actual travel date on the Lomprayah website or the Boonsiri High Speed Ferries website.
Enter the correct starting point, passenger numbers, and transfer requirements before comparing the final price.
A ferry-only ticket and a combined transfer ticket may cover different parts of the journey. Compare the total cost of reaching your accommodation, rather than the boat fare alone.
Costs to Include in Your Travel Budget
Ferry ticket
Airport or hotel transfer on Samui
Additional luggage charges, if applicable
Transport from the arrival pier to your Koh Tao hotel
A cheaper ferry ticket may offer less value if reaching its departure pier adds a higher road-transfer cost.
Before paying, check exactly which services are included and whether you need to arrange any remaining transfers separately.
How to Get from Samui Airport to Koh Tao
If you want to fly into Samui and continue to Koh Tao on the same day, check the ferry connections before choosing your flight.
1. Check the Ferry and Pickup Times First
Look at the airport pickup time and ferry check-in deadline, rather than only the boat’s departure time.
Your flight’s landing time is not the time you will be ready to leave the airport. Allow time to leave the aircraft, collect checked luggage, and complete arrival procedures where required.
Give the ferry operator your flight details and ask whether the proposed connection is suitable.
2. Choose a Combined Transfer or Arrange Your Own Car
A combined airport transfer and ferry ticket can reduce the number of separate bookings you need to manage.
Alternatively, you can arrange a car to the pier and book the ferry separately. This gives you flexibility over the vehicle and pickup arrangements, but you will need to coordinate both parts yourself.
For either option, confirm:
The airport meeting point
The pickup time
The departure pier
The ferry check-in deadline
The contact number to use if you are delayed
3. Check What Happens If Your Flight Is Late
Do not assume that an airport transfer and ferry package guarantees your connection if your flight is delayed.
Ask the operator about missed pickups, ticket changes, and later departures before booking.
If your flight arrives too late for the last available ferry, an overnight stay on Samui followed by a departure the next day can make the journey easier to organise.
How to Get from Your Samui Hotel to the Ferry Pier
If you are already staying on Koh Samui, you can ask your hotel to arrange transport, book a private car, or choose a ferry ticket with hotel pickup where available.
Provide your hotel’s full name and location when booking.
Confirm These Details Before Travel
Whether pickup is at the hotel entrance or another meeting point
What time you need to be ready
Whether your hotel is within the pickup area
Whether additional charges apply
Whether the vehicle has enough space for your group and luggage
If you are travelling with children or several large suitcases, mention this in advance.
For independently arranged transport, work backwards from the required ferry check-in time. Ask your hotel or transfer provider how much time to allow for reaching the specific pier.
What Happens When You Arrive on Koh Tao?
Mae Haad is Koh Tao’s main arrival area and port town. It is a practical place to organise your onward journey after getting off the ferry. visitkohtao.org
Before travelling, send your accommodation:
Your ferry operator
Your travel date
Your scheduled arrival time
Your booking details, if requested
Ask whether pier pickup is available and confirm the meeting point. If it is not included, arrange onward transport and confirm the price before setting off.
Keep your accommodation’s name and location saved on your phone so you can show them to the driver.
Where to Stay for a Convenient Arrival
Staying near Mae Haad can simplify your arrival and departure arrangements, especially if you prefer to settle into your accommodation soon after the ferry journey.
Koh Tao Montra Resort is a beachfront property near Mae Haad Pier. It is an option for travellers looking for a convenient base close to the island’s arrival area. Contact the resort before travelling to confirm pickup arrangements and the conditions that apply to your booking. www.kohtaomontra.com
When choosing accommodation elsewhere on the island, check how you will get there with your luggage and whether a transfer needs to be arranged in advance.
What to Bring for the Ferry Journey
Keep important items in a small bag that you can access easily.
Travel Essentials
Passport or identification used for your booking
A saved copy of your ticket or booking confirmation
Ferry operator and accommodation contact details
A charged phone and power bank
Drinking water
A light layer
A waterproof pouch for important belongings
Save your booking confirmation before leaving your accommodation so you can open it without relying on a mobile connection.
If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before travelling. If you plan to take medication, ask a pharmacist or doctor which option is suitable for you and follow the instructions provided.
What If Your Ferry Is Delayed or Changed?
Ferry schedules can change. The Koh Tao Tourism Association recommends reconfirming travel arrangements ahead of the journey to help avoid disruption. visitkohtao.org
Check messages from your operator before leaving for the pickup point or pier.
If your service changes:
Contact the operator to confirm the revised arrangements.
Check whether your road transfer also needs to change.
Inform your accommodation of your new arrival time.
Update any activities booked for that day.
For the return journey, allow a suitable buffer before a flight from Samui. If the flight is important and difficult to change, consider returning to Samui the day before you fly.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
A few simple checks can prevent unnecessary travel problems.
Going to the Wrong Pier
Use the exact pier name on your ticket. Different services may depart from different parts of Samui.
Confusing Pickup Time with Ferry Departure Time
If your ticket includes a road transfer, the pickup will happen before the boat departs. Follow the pickup instructions in your confirmation.
Assuming Every Transfer Is Included
A ticket that includes transport on Samui does not automatically include transport to your hotel on Koh Tao.
Booking a Tight Flight Connection
Leave time for airport procedures, road travel, ferry check-in, and possible delays.
Planning an Activity Immediately After Arrival
Keep your first few hours on Koh Tao flexible so a change in arrival time does not disrupt the rest of your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao Without Returning to the Mainland?
Yes. Choose a ferry connection from Koh Samui to Koh Tao that is available for your travel date.
Do You Need to Change Boats on Koh Phangan?
This depends on your booked service. A stop to collect or drop off passengers does not automatically mean you need to change boats. Check the itinerary with the operator.
Can You Fly into Samui and Reach Koh Tao on the Same Day?
Yes, if your flight arrival, transfer pickup, and ferry check-in times allow it. Confirm the connection with the operator before booking a tight itinerary.
Should You Book Ferry Tickets in Advance?
Booking ahead is sensible when your dates are fixed, particularly if you are connecting from a flight, travelling with family, or need an airport or hotel pickup.
Can You Check Both Lomprayah and Boonsiri?
Yes. Use the official Lomprayah and Boonsiri High Speed Ferries websites to compare the options available for your travel date. Check departure points and included transfers as well as fares.
Does a Ferry Ticket Include Transport to Your Koh Tao Hotel?
Not necessarily. Check whether the booking ends at the arrival pier or includes an onward hotel transfer.
What Should You Do If You Miss Your Ferry?
Contact the operator as soon as possible to ask about available options and ticket-change conditions. If there is no suitable departure remaining, arrange accommodation on Samui and confirm travel for the following day.
Final Thoughts
The easiest way to plan your Koh Samui to Koh Tao journey is to organise the full route, from your airport or hotel pickup to your accommodation on Koh Tao.
Compare available services through Lomprayah and Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, then confirm the departure pier, check-in time, and included transfers.
With enough time between connections and your arrival details shared with your accommodation, you can start your Koh Tao stay at a relaxed pace.
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