Surat Thani to Koh Tao
If you’re dreaming of a getaway to the gorgeous islands of Thailand, but aren’t sure how to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao, we can help!
The distance from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is around 200 kilometers. Since Koh Tao is an island, the only way to get there is by taking a ferry from Surat Thani or Chumphon.
There are a few departure points from Surat Thani town, so you can choose one depending on where you’re located and what are your travel plans. You can choose to depart from the Surat Thani Train Station, Surat Thani Airport, Ratchaprapha Dam Van Station, Surat Thani Night Boat Port, or Tapee Pier.
Below, we will look into all these options and schedules in detail. Read on and you’ll be in the island paradise in no time!
Surat Thani to Koh Tao from Surat Thani Train Station
- Price: 1,000 – 1,100 THB
- Transport type: van + ferry
- Company: Lomprayah
- Travel time: 4h 45m
- AC: yes
If you wish to depart directly from the train station, there are two daily departures by Lomprayah. The company offers a comfortable and efficient service from Surat Thani Train Station for just 1,000 -1,100 THB. The combined bus and ferry journey takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes and is equipped with air conditioning for your comfort.
| Surat Thani Train Station | Mae Haad Pier Koh Tao | Company |
| 9:30 | 14:15 | Lomprayah |
| 11:00 | 16:00 | Lomprayah |
After being driven from Surat Thani, you will reach the speedboat port and set off towards Koh Phangan before transferring to another boat bound for Koh Tao. It’s important to note that these boats are usually packed out with passengers so make sure to book the ticket beforehand! In Koh Tao, the ferry arrives at the Mae Haad Pier.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao from Surat Thani Airport
- Price: 1,100 – 1,200 THB
- Transport type: bus + ferry
- Companies: Lomprayah, Phantip 1970, Koh Tao Booking Center
- Travel time: 4h 45m – 14 hours
- AC: yes
You can easily get from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao with Lomprayah, which offers a direct combo bus and ferry service for 1,100 THB. The total journey time is around 4h 45m and features air-conditioned transport, making it the most comfortable ― and cost-effective ― way to travel. Note, that the actual arrival time may vary, it will depend on how busy the roads are and how choppy the waters are.
Once you arrive at the Surat Thani Airport, head to the international arrival building’s exit #2 and look for their booth. It is important to note that if your flight is delayed, you must inform the company in advance or you will need to purchase new tickets. The Lomprayah journey begins with a speedboat trip over to Koh Phangan before transitioning into a regular ferry service that takes you right into Koh Tao.
Alternatively, there are also longer trips that involve a night boat, provided by Phantip 1970 and Koh Tao Booking Center.
Below, you will find the detailed schedule:
| Surat Thani Airport | Koh Tao | Company |
| 9:30 | 14:15 | Lomprayah |
| 11:00 | 16:00 | Lomprayah |
| 12:30 | 17:45 | Lomprayah |
| 14:00 | 18:00 | Lomprayah |
| 16:00 | 06:00 | Phantip 1970 |
| 17:30 | 06:00 | Phantip 1970 |
| 18:30 | 06:00 | Phantip 1970 |
| 19:00 | 06:00 | Koh Tao Booking Center |
| 19:30 | 06:00 | Phantip 1970 |
Surat Thani to Koh Tao from Surat Thani Night Boat Port
- Price: 900 THB
- Transport type: ferry
- Company: local ferry operators
- Travel time: 7-8 hours
- AC: no
Traveling to Koh Tao on a night boat is an experience like no other! Although it’s not for everyone, night travel is still very popular on this route, and you’ll now see why.
If you arrive at Surat Thani in the afternoon, you can conveniently take an overnight ferry crossing that goes directly to Koh Tao. There are a few local companies that take tourists to the islands overnight.
| Surat Thani Night Boat Pier | Night Boat Pier | Company |
| 21:00 | 05:00 | Local company |
| 21:30 | 06:00 | Local company |
| 22:00 | 06:00 | Local company |
Night Boat Port is located right next to the night market. There are lots of street food and restaurants at the pier, so you can dine and have drinks before boarding the ferry.
The advantage of this night ferry is that you can depart at night without spending a night in Surat Thani, and you’ll be at Koh Tao early morning.
Priced at 900 THB, this is also the cheapest travel option to Koh Tao.
There are also toilets onboard, and while there is no air conditioning, there are many fans on the ceiling.
Unfortunately, the comfort of the beds leaves a lot to be desired. They are all lined up against each other, so you’ll have a stranger sleeping right next to you.
Tip: bring some mosquito spray with you, there may be many insects looking to feed on such a “buffet”.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao from Tapee Pier
- Price: 900 – 1,000 THB
- Transport type: van + ferry
- Company: Lomprayah
- Travel time: 4-5 hours
- AC: yes
Taking the Lomprayah route from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is an excellent choice. The trip will begin with a bus departing from Tapee Pier and traveling to Donsak Pier, where afterward you will board a Lomprayah speed boat to reach your destination (Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao).
When selecting this option, you can rest assured knowing that the van and ferry are air-conditioned, the price per ticket is 900 THB, and traveling time is estimated at four-five hours. Moreover, Lomprayah is reliable and trustworthy in providing transport services to visitors seeking to explore Thailand’s many natural wonders.
There are two departures per day:
| Surat Thani Tapee Pier | Mae Haad Pier Koh Tao | Company |
| 10:00 | 14:15 | Lomprayah |
| 12:00 | 16:00 | Lomprayah |
| 13:00 | 17:45 | Lomprayah |
| 15:30 | 18:00 | Lomprayah |
FAQs about Travel to Koh Tao
What Is The Best Way To Get To Koh Tao?
There is no direct answer to this because it depends on where you start the travel. We recommend the Lomprayah van + ferry combo trip from the Tapee Pier because it’s affordable, guarantees all connections, and last little less than 5 hours.
Is Koh Tao Worth Visiting?
Yes, Koh Tao is absolutely worth visiting! The tropical island situated in the Gulf of Thailand is not only beautiful and picturesque. There is an abundance of activities to enjoy while on vacation. Whether it be snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, Thai massage or simply relaxing on the beach – there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Absolute must-sees: Mango Bay, May Bay beach, Pepe boulders beach, Paradise View Point.
Where else can you find accommodations nestled within rocky cliffs with infinity pools looking out onto the coastline? Not to mention all the incredible cuisine available too! From savory markets and curried noodles to succulent seafood dishes – it’s a paradise for foodies. All in all, a trip to Koh Tao will surely leave you with lifelong memories and an appreciation for Thailand’s culture that you won’t soon forget.
