Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry: Piers & Fares | ThaiWayGo
Thailand route guide
Koh Samui → Koh Tao
Plan the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry, with realistic sailing times, pier choices, fares and arrival advice.
Quick answer
Available modes
Ferry
Estimated duration
1h 30m–3h 30m
Typical price
฿600–฿1,000
Times and prices are editorial estimates, not live availability. Check current schedules, connection details and fares with the booking partner before travelling.
Compare your options
Koh Samui → Koh Tao
Typical options, filtered without leaving this guide.
Times and prices are editorial estimates, not live inventory. Confirm the selected date, connection details and final fare with the booking provider.
Take a scheduled passenger ferry from Koh Samui to Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao’s main arrival point. Current journey examples usually fall between 1.5 and 3 hours, sometimes with a call at Koh Phangan, and pier-to-pier tickets are commonly around THB 350–750. The smartest choice is based on the Samui departure pier and full hotel-to-hotel time, not simply the fastest advertised boat.
The official Lomprayah timetable is the primary schedule source, and its route catalogue lists Koh Tao services from several Samui piers. Date-specific booking results are useful for comparing today’s actual product combinations, but they should not be treated as a permanent timetable.
Best, cheapest and fastest way
Best overall: a high-speed passenger ferry with a convenient Samui pier. It keeps the itinerary simple and arrives at Mae Haad, where onward transport is available.
Cheapest: a basic pier-to-pier ticket, usually without hotel pickup. Add the taxi cost across Samui before deciding that it is truly cheaper.
Fastest: scheduled speedboat or express services can take about 90 minutes. A service from the far side of Samui may still be slower door to door than a two-hour ferry near your accommodation.
Departure piers on Koh Samui
Depending on operator and date, departures can use Pralarn/Maenam Pier, Bangrak Pier or Nathon Pier. These are not interchangeable.
Pralarn/Maenam is on the north coast and often practical from Maenam or Bophut.
Bangrak is close to Samui Airport and the northeast resort areas.
Nathon is on the west coast and can require a long taxi ride from Chaweng or the airport.
Check the pier name, map pin and check-in deadline on the final voucher. The generic phrase “Koh Samui” in a search result is not enough to plan your taxi.
Is the ferry direct?
“Direct” usually means one ticket and no boat change. It does not always mean non-stop: many Gulf services call at Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan before continuing north to Koh Tao. Stay with the boat and follow crew instructions unless your ticket explicitly requires a transfer.
This stop explains why two ferries using similar vessels can show different journey times. Do not book from sailing time alone if you have a fixed dive check-in or onward connection.
Arrival at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
All major public passenger services arrive in the Mae Haad harbour area on Koh Tao’s west coast. The setting is compact and busier than the island’s small bays: ferries, dive boats, pickup trucks, taxis and accommodation representatives converge around arrival time.
Mae Haad village is walkable from the pier, while Sairee, Chalok Baan Kao and east-coast bays require a transfer. Confirm pickup instructions with your hotel or dive school. Drivers may hold names outside the pier, but do not assume a free transfer unless it is stated in your booking.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand guide places Koh Tao roughly 64 km from Koh Samui and describes the established ferry link. That geography matters: this is a longer, more exposed crossing than Samui–Phangan.
Luggage and comfort
Ordinary backpacks and suitcases are common, but each operator controls allowances and excess charges. Large bags may be stacked in a separate area, so attach a name tag and keep valuables, passport, medication and electronics in a small personal bag.
Catamarans typically provide enclosed seating; speedboats offer less space and more movement. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual remedy before departure, choose a stable seat, avoid a heavy meal and keep water accessible.
Weather and missed connections
Wind and swell can cause delays or cancellations even on a sunny-looking morning. Rougher conditions are more common during the Gulf’s wet season, but no month is disruption-free. Follow operator notices rather than informal forecasts.
When to book
Reserve ahead during Thai holidays, July–August, the Christmas/New Year period and around major events on Koh Phangan. Check the final vessel type, because a listing photo may not identify the actual boat. Also verify whether hotel pickup is included and where it starts.
Most current daytime passenger services take about 1.5–3 hours. Add road transfers and check-in for the realistic door-to-door time.
Where does the ferry arrive on Koh Tao?
Regular public ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier on the west coast, the island’s principal passenger harbour.
Does the ferry stop at Koh Phangan?
Many services do. A through-service can call at Thong Sala without requiring you to change boats; check the itinerary details.
Which Koh Samui pier is closest to the airport?
Bangrak is generally closest, while Pralarn/Maenam is also on the north side. Nathon is across the island on the west coast.
Can I travel with a large suitcase?
Usually, but allowances and fees vary. Speedboats have tighter storage, so confirm unusually large or numerous bags before booking.
Frequently asked questions
No. ThaiWayGo shows typical editorial price ranges to help you compare the main choices. Use the partner link to check the current fare and availability for your date.
Booking ahead is sensible for overnight trains, island transfers and travel around Thai public holidays. Availability varies, so always check current options before relying on a particular departure.
The route estimate covers the main journey and normal advertised connections where relevant. It may not include travel to the first terminal, check-in time, traffic delays or the final transfer to your accommodation.
Continue from Koh Tao
Useful onward routes already covered in ThaiWayGo’s local route data.
