aerial views of luscious green forest along the coastline of Koh Tao island in the Gulf of Thailand / how to get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao

How to Get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao

Are you trying to find out how to get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao? You’ve come to the right place!

First, you must fly into Koh Samui Airport, go to one of the two piers with ferries going to Koh Tao, and then take the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

In this transportation guide, I will share three easy steps to get to Koh Tao and a few essential tips you should know about Koh Tao before visiting!

  • Fly into Koh Samui Airport
  • Go from Koh Samui Airport to the Koh Tao Ferry
  • Take Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry

These are the three easy steps from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao. Now let’s discuss the details!

Ferry departures from Koh Samui to Koh Tao start from 8 AM till 4:30 PM. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by ferry to reach Koh Tao from Koh Samui.

RELATED: 11 Cheapest Places in Thailand

Flying into Koh Samui Airport

the airplane runway at Samui International Airport, surrounded with mountains and palm trees in the background in Koh Samui, Thailand

To get to Koh Tao, the first thing you must do is fly to Samui Airport. Unfortunately, most flights into Koh Samui Airport are domestic with minimal international connections.

Samui International (USM) has flights from cities outside Thailand but is limited because it’s a small airport. Most flights flying into Samui Airport are domestic from Bangkok, and the airport is owned/operated by Bangkok Airways.

Fly into Samui Airport: You can fly into Samui International Airport from Bangkok’s Airports / Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) – Flight Time: 1 Hour.

Can you fly to Koh Tao?

No, you cannot fly into Koh Tao because the island has no airport. The closest airport to Koh Tao is Samui International Airport (USM).

Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao Ferry

Once you’ve landed at Koh Samui Airport, you need to reach one of the two piers to take your ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui.

You can go to any of the two piers and then take the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Koh Tao. Buy a ticket in advance and go to the correct pier on your ticket by yourself by taxi/Grab.

Or you can book an instant airport transfer; a white minibus van will pick you up at Samui Airport and take you to the pier, and the driver will give you your ferry tickets and tell you where to go!

Book Samui Airport Transfer + Ferry to Koh Tao — Follow instructions below

Make sure to click “Ferries, Vans” after you’ve clicked the link above, and then you will see different time slots for airport transfers from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao Ferry Cost: $10-15 US

Two different piers depart from Koh Samui to Koh Tao daily.

If you buy your ferry ticket without an airport transfer, you’re going to the pier by yourself from the airport. Check your ticket to ensure you’re going to the correct pier from Samui Airport for your ferry.

Consider booking a private airport transfer from Samui Airport for those in a large group! / put in Samui Airport and put in the name of the pier where your ferry is leaving from, found on your ferry ticket.

a charming empty road amongst the jungles and palm trees of Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry

You’re almost there; once you’re at one of two piers with ferries to Koh Tao from Koh Samui, it’s time to take the ferry!

The ferry takes 1.5-2 hours to get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui, and the distance is around 66 km. The cost of the ferry is $20 US.

Book Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

The first ferry of the day leaves Koh Samui at 8:00 AM, and the last departs Koh Samui at 4:30 PM.

For the full Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry schedule, click here and check the times!

The main ferries have three operators: LomprayahSongserm, and Seatran Discovery.

aerial view of houses, boats, beach shoreline in Koh Tao island in Thailand

Best Things to Do in Koh Tao

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Koh Tao is one of the world’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. It offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a beginner, exploring the underwater world in Koh Tao is a must-do!

Beach Days: Koh Tao is home to numerous stunning beaches all over the island, each with its unique charm. Spend your days relaxing on the sandy shores of Sai Nuan, Sairee, or Freedom Beach, and enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery.

Island Hopping: Despite being on an island, there are also islands to explore! Take a boat trip to explore the neighboring islands of Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Samui. These islands offer more gorgeous beaches, snorkeling spots, and many other things to do!

Hiking to Viewpoint: Koh Tao boasts lush tropical jungles and scenic hiking trails throughout the island. Embark on a trek to explore the island’s hidden gems, such as the challenging hike to John-Suhan Viewpoint or a more leisurely hike to Mango Bay.

By the way, Koh Tao is one of the cheapest places in the world to become a certified diver!

How do I get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao?

First, you must go from Koh Samui Airport to one of the two piers, Maenam Pier or Nathon Pier, and buy a ferry ticket to take you to Koh Tao. It’s best to buy your tickets in advance!

Is there a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

Yes, ferries from Koh Samui depart daily from Maenam Pier and Nathon Pier, heading to Koh Tao from Koh Samui.

What is the best way to get to Koh Tao?

Coming from far away, the best way is to fly into Koh Samui Airport and then transfer to one of the two piers to take a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

How long is the ferry from Samui to Tao?

The ferry takes around 1.5 to 2 Hours from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

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