09 Feb 2023

Planning a stay on Koh Samui during your Thailand trip and unsure how to get there from the capital? We've got all your options covered! Plane, bus, train and ferry… Discover the different ways to reach Koh Samui from Bangkok.

Getting to Koh Samui by plane from Bangkok

Flying direct

Flying is undoubtedly the fastest way to reach Koh Samui from Bangkok. The flight time between Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and Koh Samui Airport is just over an hour.

Thai airline Bangkok Airways operates numerous daily direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui: roughly one departure every hour.

While flying is the quickest option, it's also the most expensive and popular choice among travelers heading to Koh Samui. We recommend booking your tickets in advance to secure better prices and guarantee availability.

Flying to Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat and taking the ferry to Koh Samui

Direct flights to Koh Samui fully booked on your dates? Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Consider flying from Bangkok to Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat. Flight duration averages around one hour.

From Surat Thani, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Tammarat airport, you can then catch a bus or minibus to the nearest port.

You'll finally board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. Major ferry companies operating from Surat Thani to Koh Samui include: Seatran, Lomprayah and Raja Ferry.

Expect around 6 to 9 hours total travel time depending on connections and ferry type.

Good to know: Most budget airlines like Air Asia, Thai Lion, Nok Air and Thai Smile offer all-inclusive packages (flight, transfer to port and ferry). You'll typically receive a sticker to wear on your shirt, allowing company staff to guide you through each stage of your journey.

Getting to Koh Samui by bus/train and boat from Bangkok

Bus and boat

Not keen on flying? Have some time to spare? Looking for an economical transport option? Why not reach Koh Samui by bus and boat?

Head to one of Bangkok's bus terminals: Khao San, Ratchadamnoen or the Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). From there, you'll travel to Surat Thani or Chumphon where you can catch a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui.

This journey takes approximately 10 to 12 hours total. To make the most of your time, we recommend choosing an overnight bus, allowing you to sleep during the journey and catch the first ferries of the day to reach Koh Samui.

Several bus companies (such as Krungsiam, Lomprayah and Montanasip) offer all-inclusive packages with tickets combining both the bus journey and ferry crossing.

Train and boat

Crave an authentic and memorable experience getting to Koh Samui? The train is an excellent alternative to the bus!

The train ranks among the most economical ways to reach the Gulf of Thailand islands, though it's also the longest journey.

To reach Koh Samui from Bangkok by train, simply go to Hua Lamphong station. Numerous State Railway of Thailand trains connect to Chumphon and Surat Thani stations.

You can then take a shuttle (bus or minibus) to the nearest port and board a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Samui. Allow at least 14 hours total travel time.

As with flights and buses, combined tickets (train + shuttle + boat) are available rather than purchasing separate tickets for each leg of your journey.

If you prefer traveling overnight to save time, you can opt for a sleeper train journey. Overnight trains in Thailand are generally more comfortable and spacious than overnight buses.

Florine Dergelet

Tourism

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen and understand. For her, traveling isn't about checking countries off a map, but weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples and all kinds of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her creed? Advise travelers with integrity, raise awareness about animal welfare, respect for cultures, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of a conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to listen to…