A beautiful view from within central Koh Tao-mobile

How to get from
Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Koh Samui to Koh Tao Trip Overview

Distance62 km (38.8 miles)
Price range$15-$30
Ride Duration Range1h 30m-4h
Earliest Departure03:30
Latest Departure09:00

Taking a ferry is the best option to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. Be advised there is usually just one crossing per day so you will want to plan your departure ahead of time. Bring your beach and hiking gear to Koh Tao as it’s great for snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, exploring, and rock climbing. It also has a great nightlife for those who want to stay out late. The best time of year to visit Koh Tao is between February and April.

Travel Schedule Options from Koh Samui to Koh Tao



























































































Taking a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Fastest ferry: 1h 30m

Cheapest ferry: $21

The fastest: 1h 30m

The cheapest: $21

Pros

Free cancellations

Departure times throughout the day

Ample luggage allowance

Hotel pick up offered

Purchasable weather cancellation insurance

Cons

Possible sea sickness

Possible inclement weather cancellations

Makes no rest stops

Food and drinks - not for free

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Food

English Speaking Staff

TV

The fastest: 3h 30m

The cheapest: $30

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Koh Tao

About the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Taking the journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a chance to travel between some of the most popular and beautiful islands in Thailand. Koh Tao translates to “Turtle Island”, an appropriate name for several reasons as the mountain peaks of the island makes it look like a turtle’s shell as well as the Hawksbill and Green turtle populations that can be seen on the surrounding shores and come to breed here. 

For a chance to see the turtles, or just to explore the vibrant aquatic life, Koh Tao offers affordable snorkeling and scuba diving options at over 80 different diving schools on the island. After a day of adventure or simple relaxation, Koh Tao has a great buzzing nightlife and many places to dine on delicious and fresh food.

Getting to the island of Koh Tao means sea travel, which can be booked with a ferry trip or with a combined bus and ferry service. Ferry travel is relatively cheap and gets you to your destination with ease, speed, and comfort. A bus and ferry booking is a great option for those looking for extra convenience when getting to the departing pier on Koh Samui. For a bonus, some bus/ferry operators do day trips, so you can make the most of your journey and see some sights you otherwise might not get the chance to see.

Arriving in Koh Tao off the ferry from Koh Samui is an exciting experience. The tiny island region is made up of a few forest-covered peaks connected by sandbars, and is perhaps the closest you can get to a true tropical island paradise.

 

What to see when traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

It is a 62 kilometer (39 mile) trip by ocean from Koh Samui to Koh Tao along the Chumphon Archipelago. As you travel north between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, you will pass the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Marine Park which is spread over an island archipelago where you can hike up forested peaks to enjoy expansive views or make the most of the warm waters through swimming and other watersport activities.

Between Koh Samui and Koh Tao sits Koh Phangan, another popular island-hopping destination for party goers and beach lovers that is famous for its full moon parties. 

 

How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Taking a ferry

Ferry travel is the standard option for getting from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, and therefore has a few operators to choose from. Most ferries depart a few times a day and take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Ferries have air conditioning and toilets on board. Some boats also have extras such as the availability of snacks and drinks to purchase.

Many ferry operators now do accommodation pick ups in Koh Samui for an additional cost. Although most ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao are direct, there are catamaran services available which makes a stopover in Koh Phangan. 

 

Taking a bus-ferry

The combined bus and ferry services from Koh Samui to Koh Tao allow you to be picked up and taken to the departure pier on Koh Samui from a convenient location depending on the operator. Different operators vary in what they offer, as some can do an airport pick up in Koh Samui or will pick you up at your accommodation. 

Another option is to take a shared day tour which includes a visit to an extra island and the chance to snorkel among some beautiful coral reefs before being dropped on Koh Tao at the end of the day. Once you arrive in Koh Tao, the small size of the island means it is easy to traverse on foot. 

Companies Operating from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Average time

3h 30m - 4h

Average price

$30

(10)

Average time

1h 30m - 3h 15m

Average price

$15 - $21

(4824)

Average time

2h 45m - 3h 45m

Average price

$16 - $19

(404)

Popular stations and stops in Koh Samui and Koh Tao

Departure stations in Koh Samui

Nathon Pier Koh Samui

Maenam Pier Koh Samui (Pralan Pier)

Samui Airport (USM)

Maenam Samui

Koh Samui Transfer

View more

Arrival stations in Koh Tao

Mae Haad Pier (Lomprayah Ticket office)

Koh Tao Pier

Mae Haad Koh Tao

Songserm Pier (Mae Haad Pier)

Why travel with Bookaway?

Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.