Dreaming of turquoise water, coral reefs, and chilled island life? Before diving into it all, you’ll need to know how to get to Koh Tao. Whether you want to visit for world-class scuba diving, chilled beaches, rock climbing, or snorkelling the coral reefs — you’re in the right place.

This guide walks you through the most common ways to reach Koh Tao from the main entry points in Thailand: Koh Samui (ferries), from Phuket (bus + ferry), from Bangkok (train + ferry or bus + ferry), and from Chumphon/Surat Thani (Lomprayah fast ferries). I’ll also drop handy tips for luggage, timings, and where to check timetables. Let’s go!

How to get to Koh Tao: Quick Travel Note

Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand and doesn’t have an airport — so you’ll travel by ferry boat for the final leg. Most visitors get to Koh Tao through Koh Samui, Chumphon, Surat Thani, or take combination bus+ferry trips from Phuket and Bangkok. Boats range from fast catamarans and speedboats to slower ferries — pick the balance of speed vs price that works for you. For up-to-date ferry times and bookings, check Lomprayah and 12Go Asia.

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A group of fish making their own way to Koh Tao.

1) Best, fastest, and easiest: Fly to Koh Samui, then ferry to Koh Tao

If you want the smoothest, shortest journey to Koh Tao, fly into Koh Samui (USM) and hop on a Lomprayah ferry to Koh Tao. 

Flights into Samui Airport are usually operated by Bangkok Airways and can range in price depending on your starting destination and the season. From Bangkok flights are usually between 2,200 and 6,000 Thai Baht, where as from Phuket they start at around 3,000 Thai Baht. The flight time is around about 1 hour from both destinations and if booking direct with Bangkok Airways the fare usually includes 20kg of checked baggage – but make sure to double check before booking!

Ferries from Samui (Mae Nam, Bangrak, or Na Thon piers depending on the operator) to Koh Tao take about 2.5 – 3.25 hours on high-speed catamarans. Smaller speedboats can be even quicker at around 1.5 hours, making this the most convenient option if you’re short on time or carrying dive gear.  Book direct with Lomprayah or via 12Go Asia for ferry or island hopping options.

Tip: Some airports and hotels sell combined transfers with pickups anywhere on Samui (taxi/mini-van to pier + ferry). If you’re planning on diving in Koh Tao and carrying scuba diving kit, book the transfer option so the operators know you’re coming.

2) From Phuket: Bus (or minivan) + ferry

There are no direct flights from Phuket to Koh Tao, so the typical route is a bus/minivan from Phuket to the major east coast piers (usually Donsak or Surat Thani area) and then a high-speed ferry to Koh Tao. Several operators run these combined tickets year-round (however we recommend 12Go Asia or Easy Day Phuket Tours) and prices start from around 1,800 Thai Baht — it’s a long day but it’s reliable and budget-friendly. Expect a bus trip time of 4-6 hours hours then a ferry crossing that usually takes around 2.5-3 hours; many companies bundle the whole trip to minimize transfers. Book a combined bus+ferry ticket to simplify logistics.

The other option is to fly into Koh Samui from Phuket then get a Lomprayah ferry to Koh Tao – see the section above!

Tip: Night buses + early ferries are a popular combo. If you want to avoid travel fatigue, look for daytime departures with comfortable minivans and scheduled ferry times.

3) From Bangkok: Train + ferry or Bus + ferry (classic backpacker route)

Want the classic sleepy-sleeper-train-to-the-coast vibe? Take the overnight train from Bangkok to Chumphon, then transfer to a ferry (Lomprayah) the next morning. The prices vary depending on the seat class of your ticket. For a normal train seat ticket prices start at around 2,000 Thai Baht, however we recommend paying 200 Thai Baht to upgrade your ticket to a second class sleeper train which gives you access to a lie-flat bed so you can arrive to the ferry terminal well rested (AC and fan options are available)! Trains typically depart in the evening and arrive in Chumphon early morning — perfect for catching the first morning ferry to Koh Tao. Just note that there will be a bus to take you from the train station to the pier as they are not particularly close together!

There are also bus + ferry day combinations if you prefer to stay on the road. Depending on your travel itinerary there are two options when choosing this route to get to Koh Tao, the day bus + night ferry vs night bus + day ferry. Tickets start at 1,250 Thai Baht making it the cheaper option and you can upgrade your ticket to a VIP service (300 Thai Baht) which will give you access to a fully reclining seat. Booking joint train + ferry tickets in advance is smart — they coordinate the timing and reduce stress and can be booked through Island Travel Koh Tao or 12Go Asia.

Tip: When you arrive in Chumphon, many operators run shuttle vans to the pier (Tung Makham Noi Pier is a common one for Lomprayah services).

4) From Chumphon or Surat Thani: Lomprayah ferries

If you’re already on the mainland near Chumphon or Surat Thani, Lomprayah runs fast ferry services to Koh Tao (and onward to Koh Phangan/Koh Samui). These are popular with divers and travellers connecting from Bangkok by train or from southern Thailand. Ferries often leave early morning and mid-afternoon — check exact pier pick-up points and transfer times when you book through Lomprayah.

A wide smooth stretch of sand marks Sairee Beach on Koh Tao’s western coast.
A wide smooth stretch of sand marks Sairee Beach on Koh Tao’s western coast.

For real-time schedules and bookings, I always recommend checking both the operator and travel tour sites:

Practical travel tips (because travel days are the best days to be savvy)

  • Book ahead during high season. December–March (and parts of July) are busy — boats fill fast.
  • Time your transfers. If you’re arriving late at night on the mainland, consider an overnight stay so you don’t risk missing the ferry. Trains from Bangkok often arrive very early (think 4-6am!).
  • Pack smart for scuba diving. If you’re bringing scuba kit, label everything and check the operator’s luggage policy. Many dive shops rent gear if you want to travel lighter — check our scuba diving page for fun diving packages and course info.
  • Motion sickness? Fast ferries are speedy but choppier. Bring travel tablets or stick to a seat near the center of the boat to minimize motion.
  • Tickets & combined transfers. Consider a combined transfer ticket (bus/minivan + ferry) — it saves swapping vehicles and worrying about pier transfers. Operators like Lomprayah and booking platforms such as 12Go do these combos.

Once you land in Koh Tao — quick island cheat-sheet

  • The main ferry port is Mae Haad (Mae Haad Pier) — taxis and motorbike rentals are waiting to whisk you to your resort. If you are staying with Goodtime (which you should) then it is an easy 5 minute walk from the pier. Just turn right and keep walking until you greet our smiley faces at the Goodtime office!
  • If you’re here for scuba diving (yes please), check in with us at Goodtime Adventures for courses, fun dives, and day trip packages — we run everything from Fun Dives, Rock Climbing to Private snorkelling Trips and Open Water courses. See these pages to reserve your spot.
  • Staying overnight? We’ve got comfy rooms and a beachfront cafe & bar to revive you after travel — check out our beachside accommodation availability for your stay!

Final pep talk

Getting to Koh Tao is straightforward and part of the journey’s charm — whether you choose the quick ferry hop from Koh Samui, the overnight train from Bangkok, or the bus+ferry from Phuket. Book your ferry with Lomprayah or compare options with 12Go Asia to lock in the best times for your trip. Once you arrive, trade your travel hat for a dive mask: Koh Tao’s turquoise water and vibrant marine life are why people keep coming back for scuba diving adventures. 

Want help booking a combined train + ferry schedule or choosing the right dive course when you arrive? Hit our contact page and we’ll help you sort the rest — we pride ourselves on making your arrival as easy as stepping off the boat. See you underwater! 🐠🪼

All booked?

Then check out our Koh Tao amenities blog so you know what to expect when you get to Koh Tao!