Getting to Koh Tao - A Practical Guide

 Bangkok Airways has daily flights leaving from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport to Koh Samui airport.  The flights are frequent, but fill up quickly during the peak seasons.  Make sure you book well in advance, and coordinate the time of your flight with the Ferry schedule leaving Koh Samui.

 
Below is the Ferry Schedule between Koh Samui and Koh Tao.  Prices are appx. 600 THB per person per way.

There are two options when travelling by bus to Koh Tao.  Lomprahya offers joint tickets inclusive of a sleeper bus and ferry ticket.  The first bus leaves by the Lomprahya office near Khao San Road early in the morning, but arrives in Koh Tao early afternoon.  Its an easy and comfortable ride, but bring some snacks along as sometimes the bus to ferry transfers are too fast to stop for a snack.  The second bus is an overnight journey arriving to Koh Tao on the first morning ferry.  The buses have reclining seats and this route can be great for saving a night on accommodation.

See chart below for bus schedule between Bangkok and Koh Tao

For more information on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com

There are a few options when travelling by train to Koh Tao.  One route is through Chumphon at which you will need a connecting ferry to the island.  This route is the quickest, however will leave you up in the middle of the night in Chumphon waiting for the morning ferry.  If you take the train and don't mind a longer ferry ride to Koh Tao, the Surathani route is more sensible for a full night sleep and has better ferry connection time.  Return routes are easier to plan and there are more schedule options once reaching either Chumphon or Surathani.

See below for Train information and schedule between Bangkok, Chumphon, and Surathani.  Prices range from 1400 THB to 300 THB depending on class and route.

Below are the connecting ferries between Chumpon & Koh Tao and Surathani & Koh Tao.  Prices range from 900THB to 600THB depending on ferry and route.

For more information on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com
For more information on Songserm: www.songsermexpress.com

For more information on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com

There are two ferry operators with a total of 3 departures from Chumporn daily.  The Lomprahya High Speed Catamaran costs an average of 600 THB per person per one way, but offers a comfortable and fast air-conditioned ride.  The Songserm express also has one departure from Chumporn daily and is slightly cheaper in price.  Its a slower and older boat with a more social and backpacker vibe. 

See below for ferry timetable between Chumporn and Koh Tao

For more information on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com
For more information on Songserm: www.songsermexpress.com

There are daily ferries operating between Surathani and Koh Tao.  Airport, city, and pier pick-ups are available for convenience.

See chart below for times and fees.

For more information about Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com

There are several ferries leaving daily between Koh Samui and Koh Tao.

See timetable below for schedule.  Each trip is approximately 600THB per person per way.

For more information on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com
For more information on Seatran: www.seatrandiscovery.com

There are several ferries travelling between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao daily.  The price is approximately 450 THB depending on ferry operator.  During the Full Moon Party event in Koh Phangan, an extra ferry for the party bunch is organized for an evening depart and early morning return.  Talk to a travel agent once in Koh Tao for more details.

See table below for ferry times between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

For more informaton on Lomprahya: www.lomprahya.com
For more information on Seatran: www.seatrandiscovery.com
For more information on Songserm: www.songsermexpress.com