How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

Travelling from Surat Thani to Koh Tao is straightforward once you understand how the mainland buses, minivans and Gulf of Thailand ferries fit together into one trip.

At A Glance (Surat Thani to Koh Tao)

Mode	Duration	Best For
⛴️ Fast Catamaran (Surat Thani → Koh Tao via Donsak/Tapee)	~4–6h total (city/airport → pier + 2.5–3.5h boat)	Most travelers, daytime crossings, simple combos
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 900–1,600 one-way (bus/minivan + catamaran) » compare Surat Thani→Koh Tao tickets | catamaran listings
🌙 Night Boat / Sleeper Ferry (Surat Thani Town → Koh Tao)	~6–9h overnight (check‑in evening, arrive early morning)	Budget travelers, saving a night’s accommodation
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 600–1,000 per person (deck space or simple bunks) » see night boats & ferries | alt. ferry tickets
🏝️ Island-Hop via Koh Samui / Koh Phangan	~6–10h (including island stopovers)	Those wanting a stop on another island en route
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 1,200–2,000+ all legs combined » Surat Thani→Koh Samui | Samui→Koh Tao
🚐 Private Transfer + Ferry (Surat Thani → Donsak → Koh Tao)	~4–6h door‑to‑door (traffic & sea conditions dependent)	Families, groups, lots of luggage, odd‑hour arrivals
🏷️ Cost: Private car/minivan from ~THB 2,000–4,500 per vehicle + ferry tickets ~THB 900–1,600 pp » compare private transfers | Samui private pickups (if routing via USM)

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & most convenient: The fast catamaran via Donsak/Tapee is usually the smoothest option if your timing matches daytime departures and you want a single bus + ferry ticket.
• Cheapest overall: The night boat / sleeper ferry can be the lowest cash outlay and also saves you one night of hotel costs.
• Most scenic / flexible: If you want to see more islands, the island‑hop route via Koh Samui or Koh Phangan lets you build in a beach stop, at the expense of a longer journey.
• Most comfortable door‑to‑door: For families, dive gear, or late arrivals, private transfer + ferry gives you a guaranteed pick‑up time and fewer changes.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Compare combos online: Platforms like 12Go Asia aggregate bus + ferry and boat‑only tickets from Lomprayah, Songserm and other operators, making it easy to compare departure times and prices.
• Secure accommodation early: During peak diving months and Thai holidays, book Surat Thani or Koh Tao stays in advance on Booking.com for Surat Thani or hotels on Koh Tao.
• Arriving by plane or train: If you are flying into Surat Thani or arriving by sleeper train, you can line up your plane/train with a same‑day ferry and book everything together. Use Booking.com Flights or Trip.com flights to check arrivals that connect nicely with boats.
• Check sea conditions: In monsoon periods, schedules can change. Always re‑confirm departure times on official operators like Lomprayah or Songserm on the day of travel.
• Pack for the boat: Bring a light jacket, motion‑sickness tablets, a dry bag, and keep valuables with you rather than in checked luggage on the ferry.
• On‑island transport: Once on Koh Tao, many visitors rent a scooter or motorcycle, but roads are steep and sandy – only ride if you’re confident and always wear a helmet.
• Luggage storage: If you have a long layover in a big hub before or after Surat Thani (Bangkok, Samui, etc.), services like Radical Storage can be useful so you travel lighter to the islands.

⛴️ Option #1 — Fast Catamaran via Donsak/Tapee (Most Popular)

Good value Balanced speed Weather‑dependent

• Overview: Travel from Surat Thani town, train station or airport by bus/minivan to Donsak or Tapee Pier, then board a high‑speed catamaran to Koh Tao’s Mae Haad Pier. Most services are run by Lomprayah or Songserm with fixed connections.
• Duration: ~1.5–2h by road from town/airport to pier + ~2.5–3.5h by boat = roughly 4–6h total, depending on connection times and sea conditions.
• How to book (with price): Expect combined tickets around THB 900–1,600 one‑way. Compare operators and departure times on 12Go Asia or book specific catamaran departures (e.g. Tapee Pier → Koh Tao) via Klook. For the latest schedule, cross‑check on Lomprayah’s official site or Songserm’s timetable.
• Pros: Fastest daytime option, easy through‑tickets, comfortable air‑conditioned catamarans with snacks and toilets.
• Cons: Fixed departure times; can be delayed or bumpy in rough seas; more expensive than night boats.
• Best for: First‑time visitors, divers with gear, anyone wanting to travel in daylight with predictable arrival times.

Step-by-step: Fast Catamaran via Donsak/Tapee

1. Choose your starting point. Decide whether you are leaving from Surat Thani town, railway station or Surat Thani Airport. Align your bus/minivan pick‑up with your chosen ferry departure.
2. Search combo tickets. Use 12Go Asia or Trip.com to look up “Surat Thani → Koh Tao” and filter for Lomprayah/Songserm bus + ferry combos, then pick a time that matches your schedule.
3. Confirm ferry operator & pier. Check whether you depart from Tapee Pier (in town) or Donsak Pier (outside the city). Your voucher will show the exact meeting point and check‑in time.
4. Check in at the office. Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure to check in at the operator’s counter, get stickers or tags for your luggage and yourself (used to manage connections).
5. Board the bus/minivan. Staff will guide you to the correct vehicle to Donsak/Tapee Pier. Keep your valuables with you rather than under the bus.
6. Board the catamaran. At the pier, follow signs for Koh Tao. Sit inside if you get seasick easily, or on the open deck for views.
7. Arrive at Mae Haad Pier. Once on Koh Tao, collect bags, then walk or take a songthaew/taxi to your accommodation. Hotels booked via Booking.com or similar often offer pick‑ups (sometimes paid).

Getting to the main embarking points (Surat Thani town, airport & Donsak/Tapee piers)

• From Surat Thani town: Many combo tickets include free pick‑up from central offices or selected hotels. Otherwise, local taxis and songthaews can drop you at Tapee Pier or the bus office used by your ferry company.
• From Surat Thani railway station (Phunphin): If your train ticket doesn’t include onward transfer, you can grab a station taxi or use a pre‑booked minivan through platforms such as 12Go Asia to reach town or directly to the pier.
• From Surat Thani Airport (URT): Airport buses and minivans meet most flights and can take you straight to your ferry operator’s office or Donsak Pier when booked as a combined ticket. If you prefer a private ride, compare options on GetTransfer or use ride‑hailing apps like Grab where available.
• Local taxis & ride‑hailing: Metered taxis are limited, but Grab (in Thai cities) is widely used. Always agree the fare in advance if there’s no meter.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🌙 Option #2 — Night Boat / Sleeper Ferry (Cheapest, Saves a Night)

Low cost Time‑efficient Basic comfort

• Overview: Old‑style night boats depart from piers near Surat Thani town in the evening and arrive at Koh Tao early in the morning. You sleep on simple bunks or mats in large shared cabins.
• Duration: Roughly 6–9h depending on departure time and conditions; you board in the evening and wake up close to sunrise at Mae Haad Pier.
• How to book (with price): Tickets typically cost THB 600–1,000 per person. You can sometimes find night boats on 12Go Asia’s ferry listings, or book locally via guesthouses and travel agents in Surat Thani.
• Pros: Saves a night’s accommodation, very local experience, good if you enjoy slow travel and are not prone to seasickness.
• Cons: Basic facilities, open‑plan sleeping (earplugs recommended), possible noise and movement in rough seas; can be cancelled if weather is bad.
• Best for: Backpackers, budget divers, and travelers with flexible comfort expectations who like arriving on Koh Tao first thing in the morning.

Step-by-step: Night Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao

1. Check current departures. Ask at your Surat Thani guesthouse or a local travel agency about which nights the boat is running and which pier is used (this can change).
2. Buy your ticket. Purchase a ticket in town (often includes a songthaew to the pier) or online if available via 12Go Asia’s night ferry listings. Confirm whether you have a bunk or deck space.
3. Arrive early at the pier. Get there 45–60 minutes before departure to choose a bunk, drop your big backpack and secure valuables in a daypack.
4. Set up for the night. Bring your own light sheet or sleeping bag liner, eye mask, earplugs and a power bank. Some boats have basic snacks; still, it’s wise to bring water and food.
5. Overnight crossing. Boats cruise slowly through the Gulf; expect engine noise and movement. Follow crew instructions about where you can walk and where life jackets are stored.
6. Early arrival at Koh Tao. On arrival, disembark with your luggage and either walk or take a taxi to your hotel. If your room isn’t ready, many hotels booked via Booking.com or similar will store your bags until check‑in.

Getting to the main embarking points (Surat Thani night-boat piers)

• From central Surat Thani: Most tickets include pick‑up from guesthouses in town. If not, take a local taxi or songthaew directly to the stated pier (often Bandon/Ban Don pier area).
• From the railway station: Join an arranged minivan or shared taxi from Phunphin if your train arrives the same afternoon. Allow plenty of buffer in case of train delays.
• From the airport: If your flight lands late afternoon, consider heading into town first for dinner, then using the transfer included in your boat ticket. Private taxis via Grab or pre‑booked services can also connect you from URT to the night‑boat pier.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🏝️ Option #3 — Island-Hop via Koh Samui or Koh Phangan

Flexible Scenic More connections

• Overview: Instead of sailing straight to Koh Tao, you travel via Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, spending a few hours or a night on another island before continuing to Koh Tao.
• Duration: Same‑day trips are usually 6–10h including transfers; adding an overnight stop splits things into two comfortable segments.
• How to book (with price): First, book Surat Thani → Samui/Phangan (around THB 400–800 depending on speed and combo), then a second ticket Samui/Phangan → Koh Tao (often THB 500–1,000). It’s easy to compare both legs on Surat Thani→Koh Samui and Koh Samui→Koh Tao via 12Go. You can also find Samui/Phangan–Koh Tao fast ferries on GetYourGuide transfers.
• Pros: Breaks up the journey, lets you enjoy another island’s beaches and nightlife, more departure time choices overall.
• Cons: Slightly higher total cost, more moving parts (extra transfers and piers to keep straight), more dependent on good weather on multiple legs.
• Best for: Travelers with a few extra days, digital nomads moving islands, and anyone who wants to see Samui or Phangan on the way to Koh Tao.

Step-by-step: Island-Hop via Koh Samui

1. Book Surat Thani → Koh Samui. Use 12Go Asia to select a bus/minivan + ferry combo from Surat Thani (town, station or airport) to a Samui pier such as Nathon.
2. Choose where to stay on Samui. Decide if you’ll just transit or stay overnight. If you stay, pick a hotel near your onward pier via Booking.com Samui listings.
3. Book Samui → Koh Tao. Reserve a high‑speed ferry or catamaran from Nathon or Mae Nam to Koh Tao using 12Go or GetYourGuide ferry tickets.
4. Transfer between piers and accommodation. Use local taxis, songthaews or pre‑booked services from providers like Welcome Pickups in Koh Samui, or ride‑hailing apps where active.
5. Continue to Koh Tao. Check in at the ferry office at least 30 minutes before departure, then sail to Koh Tao and transfer to your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Samui & Phangan piers)

• On Samui: Main piers are Nathon and Mae Nam. Songthaews and taxis connect the beaches (Chaweng, Lamai, etc.) with the piers; your hotel can usually arrange a pick‑up.
• On Phangan: Thong Sala Pier is the primary hub for ferries to Koh Tao. During Full Moon and other parties, arrive early as boats can be busy.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #4 — Private Transfer + Ferry (Door-to-Door Comfort)

Comfort Door‑to‑door Higher cost

• Overview: Arrange a private car or minivan from Surat Thani airport, train station or hotel directly to Donsak or Tapee Pier, then board a regular catamaran or ferry to Koh Tao.
• Duration: Road transfer ~1.5–2h, then ~2.5–3.5h ferry, plus check‑in/buffer time – usually 4–6h total.
• How to book (with price): Expect THB 2,000–4,500 per vehicle for a private transfer depending on distance and vehicle size, plus standard ferry fares. Compare options on GetTransfer, or check premium transfers around the region on Welcome Pickups. Then book your preferred ferry departure separately via 12Go Asia or operator sites.
• Pros: More space and privacy, no waiting for shared buses to fill, easier with kids or lots of dive equipment, flexible pick‑up times (helpful for very early or late flights).
• Cons: Higher cost than shared tickets, you must coordinate your own timing to match the boat departure.
• Best for: Families, groups of friends, travelers on tight schedules, or anyone who values comfort over cost.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer + Ferry

1. Check ferry times first. Look up Donsak/Tapee → Koh Tao departures that fit your day on 12Go Asia or the schedule on Lomprayah.
2. Book your ferry. Reserve seats on your preferred sailing, paying attention to check‑in cut‑off times.
3. Arrange a private car/minivan. Enter your pick‑up and drop‑off points (e.g. Surat Thani Airport → Donsak Pier) on GetTransfer to get quotes, or ask your hotel to recommend a trusted local driver. In some Thai cities you can also use Grab for a one‑way ride.
4. Meet your driver. On the day, your driver will pick you up at the agreed time and drop you directly at the ferry terminal, usually right outside the check‑in area.
5. Sail to Koh Tao. Board as normal and enjoy the ferry crossing; on arrival, use local taxis, your hotel shuttle or a pre‑arranged pick‑up to reach your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (airport, town & Donsak pier)

• From Surat Thani Airport: Have your driver meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, or use airport taxis if you didn’t pre‑book. Allow at least 1.5–2h to reach Donsak.
• From Surat Thani town or railway station: Agree the fare in advance, especially at night. Factor in traffic if you’re traveling in the late afternoon.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Surat Thani to Koh Tao)

How long does it take to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
Most daytime bus + catamaran combos take around 4–6 hours door‑to‑door, depending on whether you start in town, at the railway station or from the airport. Night boats are slower in clock time (6–9 hours) but you sleep on board so you “save” daytime and a hotel night.

Is the sea rough on this route?
Sea conditions are usually calm to moderate, but can be choppy during monsoon periods and windy weeks. If you get seasick, choose a larger catamaran, sit toward the back of the boat, avoid heavy meals beforehand and bring motion‑sickness tablets. If conditions look very bad, operators sometimes cancel or delay departures for safety.

Can I take my car or scooter to Koh Tao?
No. Passenger ferries and catamarans to Koh Tao are for foot passengers only – you cannot take a car to the island, and bringing motorbikes is heavily restricted. Plan to rent a scooter locally (only if you’re experienced) or rely on taxis and hotel transfers.

Should I book in advance or just show up?
In the low season you can often buy tickets on the day, but for peace of mind – especially in peak months, Thai holidays, or if you’re coming straight off a flight or sleeper train – it is wise to book at least a few days ahead via sites like 12Go, Klook or GetYourGuide, or directly with Lomprayah/Songserm.

Is the night boat safe?
Night boats are widely used by locals and backpackers. Safety standards are overseen by Thai authorities and the Marine Department, but facilities are basic. Always note where life jackets and exits are, avoid overloading yourself with luggage in sleeping areas, and reconsider sailing if the weather forecast is very poor.