How to get from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao
Touching down at Surat Thani Airport (URT) and heading for Koh Tao? Here’s the step-by-step on buses, vans, private transfers and night boats—plus where to book tickets, what it costs, and map shortcuts.
At A Glance (Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ⛴️🚐 Bus/Van + High-Speed Catamaran (URT → Donsak → Koh Tao) | ~5.5–7.5h total (1.5–2h road + 3–5h boat via Koh Samui/Koh Phangan) | Most travelers; balanced speed & cost |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 900–1,400 all-in » compare bus+ferry tickets | check Lomprayah schedules | Seatran Discovery | ||
| 🚖⛴️ Private Transfer + Fast Catamaran | ~5–7h (door-to-pier + fast boat) | Families, surf gear/diving bags, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car/van to Donsak from ~THB 1,200–2,500 per vehicle + boat ticket » fixed-price car/van | Klook airport transfers | ||
| 🌙🚢 Night Boat (Surat Thani City → Koh Tao) | ~7–9h on water (sleep on board) | Lowest cost, maximizing daytime on arrival |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 700–1,000 pp bunk » see night boat listings | ||
| 🚌⛴️ Bus from URT → Chumphon + Fast Catamaran | ~6–8h total (sea-conditions dependent) | Plan B in rough Gulf swells; more direct sea leg |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 1,000–1,500 all-in » check combo tickets | Lomprayah Chumphon–Koh Tao | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest/Most Convenient: Bus/van + high-speed catamaran via Donsak—frequent departures and through-tickets.
- Cheapest/Most Economical: Night boat from Surat Thani city with simple bunks; arrive at sunrise in Koh Tao.
- Most Comfortable/No Haggling: Private transfer to the pier, then a reserved catamaran seat.
- Best Plan B in Windy Weather: Route via Chumphon—often operates when Gulf swells affect other sailings.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- One-ticket simplicity: Use 12Go Asia for combined airport transfer + ferry tickets so connections are protected.
- Check official schedules: Verify times on Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery before choosing a flight time into URT.
- Backup transfer options: If arrivals are late, compare GetTransfer cars/vans or use Thailand ride-hailing like Grab to reach a pier-side hotel, then sail next morning. You can also prebook with Klook.
- Flights & stays: Align flight arrivals with boat departures; search Booking.com Flights and keep a flexible overnight near the pier via Trip.com or Booking.com Surat Thani.
- Luggage & gear: Pack valuables in a dry bag. If you’re touring Thailand and want to travel light, stash extra bags with Radical Storage locations on the mainland.
- On Koh Tao: For local exploring later, pre-reserve scooters/bikes on BikesBooking.
⛴️🚐 Option #1 — Bus/Van + High-Speed Catamaran (Most Popular)
Through-ticket Frequent Balanced cost
- Overview: From Surat Thani Airport, shuttle/bus/van to Donsak Pier, then a high-speed catamaran to Koh Tao (usually via Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, arriving Mae Haad).
- How to book (with price): Expect ~THB 900–1,400 for a combo. Compare on 12Go Asia or buy direct with operators like Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery.
- Pros: One ticket covers transfers; easy for first-timers. Cons: Sea-state can affect timings; seats sell out on holidays—book ahead.
- Official websites (useful): Surat Thani Airport info, Lomprayah schedules, Seatran Discovery.
Step-by-step: URT → Donsak → Koh Tao
- Land at URT and follow signs to the transport counters or meet your prebooked van.
- Ride ~1.5–2h to Donsak Pier (exact pier depends on operator).
- Check in for the catamaran; keep a dry bag for electronics and a light jacket for AC.
- Boat stops typically: Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Getting to the main embarking points (URT & Donsak)
- URT arrivals hall transport desks show next buses/vans to Donsak.
- Donsak Pier check-in opens ~45–60 minutes before departure; follow operator signs.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚖⛴️ Option #2 — Private Transfer + Fast Catamaran (No Haggling)
Door-to-door Great with gear Late flights
- Overview: A driver meets you at URT and heads straight to the correct pier for your scheduled catamaran.
- How to book (with price): From ~THB 1,200–2,500 per car/van to Donsak (vehicle type/size varies). Compare GetTransfer or prebook on Klook. Buy boat tickets separately on Lomprayah or Seatran Discovery.
- Pros: Stress-free, space for dive/surf bags, flexible timing. Cons: Higher cost than shared vans.
- Official websites (useful): Surat Thani Airport (AOT minisite), Lomprayah.
Step-by-step: Using a Private Transfer
- Share your flight number and boat time when booking the car/van.
- Meet your driver at arrivals; ride to Donsak Pier.
- Check in for the catamaran 45–60 minutes before departure.
- Arrive Mae Haad, Koh Tao; walk or taxi to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (URT → Pier)
- Agree on pier and timing with your driver; traffic is usually light but allow buffer.
- If landing late, consider overnight near Donsak or in Surat Thani city and sail early.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🌙🚢 Option #3 — Night Boat from Surat Thani City (Cheapest, Sleep Aboard)
Budget Time-efficient Basic comfort
- Overview: Basic overnight cargo-passenger boats with floor bunks run from Surat Thani city piers to Koh Tao, arriving early morning.
- How to book (with price): Typically ~THB 700–1,000. Check current departures and book via 12Go Asia. Bring earplugs, light blanket, and keep valuables with you.
- Pros: Saves a hotel night; scenic sunrise arrival. Cons: Spartan facilities; weather-dependent.
- Official websites (useful): City boat operators don’t always maintain robust websites—confirm times locally or via your ticketing platform the day prior.
Step-by-step: URT → Surat Thani City → Night Boat
- From URT, take a shuttle/taxi to Surat Thani city pier area in the evening.
- Check in early to choose a bunk; secure luggage and valuables.
- Arrive Mae Haad at dawn; cafes open early for arrivals.
Getting to the main embarking points (City Piers)
- Ask your ticket agent for the exact pier (names vary); allow extra time to find the boat.
- Carry snacks and water; limited onboard options.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌⛴️ Option #4 — Via Chumphon (Plan B in Windy Weather)
Often steady seas Direct sea leg Backup route
- Overview: Travel by bus from URT toward Chumphon, then take a fast catamaran directly to Koh Tao.
- How to book (with price): From ~THB 1,000–1,500 for combined tickets on 12Go Asia. Check Lomprayah for Chumphon–Koh Tao sailings.
- Pros: More direct sea crossing; good fallback in Gulf swells. Cons: Longer land leg from URT.
- Official websites (useful): Lomprayah schedules.
Step-by-step: URT → Chumphon → Koh Tao
- Bus/van north toward Chumphon pier (per your ticket instructions).
- Check in for the fast catamaran to Koh Tao.
- Arrive Mae Haad and transfer to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Chumphon Pier)
- Through-tickets include pier transfers—follow your voucher’s pickup point.
- If DIY, time your bus to arrive 1h before boat check-in.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao)
How long does it take from URT to Koh Tao?
Most bus/van + fast catamaran combos take about 5.5–7.5 hours door-to-door, depending on connections and sea conditions.
Can I buy one ticket for the whole journey?
Yes—use combo tickets that include airport pickup and pier check-in on 12Go Asia, or book the land leg and boat separately via Lomprayah or Seatran Discovery.
Is there a night boat option?
Yes—basic overnight boats run from Surat Thani city to Koh Tao. Check departures and book on 12Go Asia. Bring earplugs, snacks, and keep valuables with you.
What about safety and rough seas?
Schedules can change in bad weather—always reconfirm on operator sites like Lomprayah on your travel day. If seas look rough, consider the Chumphon route or travel earlier/later in the day.
Where can I check airport information or arrange last-minute transfers?
See Surat Thani Airport info and compare cars/vans on GetTransfer or Klook.