Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferries

Ferries from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island sail approximately 17 times per week and are available with Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin. Most travelers sail from Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui to Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao, a crossing of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island Ferry: Quick Facts

Main route	Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Typical crossing time	1 hour 45 minutes (fastest 1 hour 30 minutes, longest 3 hours 15 minutes)
Weekly sailings	43 on the main route; 17 across all Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island ports
Daily sailings	Around 6 on the main route
Operators	Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin
Runs	All year
First and last day trip times	First out 08:00, last back 16:30 (Mae Nam Pier route)
Sea	Gulf of Thailand

How long is the ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island?

The ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the ferry route, operator, and ship that you choose.

Crossing times by pier

Koh Samui has several departure points, so the crossing time depends on the pier you choose. All ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao.

From	To	Typical time	Fastest to longest	Sailings per week	Operators
Koh Samui (Bangrak Pier)	Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)	1 hr 45 min	1 hr 30 min to 3 hr 15 min	43	Lomlahkkhirin, Songserm
Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier)	Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)	1 hr 30 min	1 hr 30 min to 2 hr 30 min	17	Lomlahkkhirin, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier)	Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)	3 hr 15 min	1 hr 45 min to 3 hr 15 min	13	Lomprayah High Speed Ferries, Songserm
Samui Airport (road transfer included)	Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)	2 hr 30 min	2 hr to 3 hr 45 min	47	Lomlahkkhirin, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries

Which pier should I choose?

Bangrak Pier has the most ferry-only sailings to Koh Tao, providing 43 a week, and is also the pier for Koh Phangan.
Mae Nam Pier has the fastest typical crossing at 1 hour 30 minutes and is perfect for those heading to the resorts on the north coast.
Nathon Pier has the fewest sailings and the longest typical journey, so it suits you best if you are already staying on the west side of the island.
Samui Airport tickets include a road transfer to the pier and suit travelers arriving by air.

Do ferries run all year between Koh Samui Island and Koh Tao Island?

Yes, ferry services between Koh Samui and Koh Tao run all year on every route. The Gulf of Thailand is generally calmest from January to September. From October to December there is more rain and swell, so sailings can be delayed or cancelled in bad weather, and it is wise to leave a buffer before flights.

Ferry season by month

January to September: generally the calmest seas, the most reliable crossings and the best diving conditions.
October to December: more rain and rougher crossings, but fewer travelers and cheaper accommodation.

What is the fastest ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island?

The fastest ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island is on the Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry with Lomprayah High Speed Ferries in 1 hour 30 minutes.

Is there a car ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island?

No, you are currently not able to take your car on the ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island.

Getting around Koh Tao without a car

Koh Tao is only small, so most visitors get around by taxi truck, scooter or on foot from Mae Haad Pier. Some beaches are reached by steep or unpaved roads, so book accommodation near the pier or in a bay with easy access if you are traveling with heavy luggage.

How far is it from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island?

There are approximately 12 miles (20km) and 11 nautical miles between Koh Samui Island and Koh Tao Island.

What does it cost for a ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island?

The price of a ferry from Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island can differ by route, operator, season, vehicle type and whether you are sailing on a high-speed ferry or conventional ferry.

What affects the ticket price?

Operator and vessel type (high-speed catamaran or slower ferry).
Pier, as the Bangrak, Mae Nam and Nathon routes have different journey times.
Departure time, with popular morning sailings selling out first.
Whether the ticket is one way or return, and whether it includes a road transfer.

Can you visit Koh Tao from Koh Samui as a day trip?

Yes, on some routes. Koh Tao is a popular day trip for snorkeling and diving, but only certain sailings give you enough time on the island to return the same day.

Route	First out	Last back	Longest time ashore	Daily sailings (out / back)
Koh Samui (Mae Nam) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad)	08:00	16:30	7 hr	2 / 2
Samui Airport to Koh Tao (Mae Haad)	07:30	16:30	6 hr 30 min	7 / 4

Day trip tips

Book the earliest departure to maximize time on the island.
Check the last return time on your ticket before you plan dinner, as there are only two Mae Nam departures a day.
Times are indicative and change by season, so confirm in the Deal Finder.

Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island Ferry Offers and Discounts

We suggest that you book in advance to ensure that you get the cheapest ferry prices and availability, especially for morning departures. Please check out our special offers page to take advantage of all the latest ferry discounts available.

What are the onboard facilities on Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferries?

Facilities depend on the operator and vessel, but you can typically expect:

Indoor air-conditioned seating and, on some vessels, an open deck.
Toilets and luggage storage areas.
A snack and drinks counter on larger ferries.

Bring a light layer for the air-conditioning and keep valuables and medication in your day bag rather than the luggage rack.

How do you get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui?

The most direct way is by ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. There is no airport or bridge on Koh Tao, so every visitor arrives by boat.

From Samui Airport

Combined road transfer and ferry tickets link Samui Airport with Mae Haad Pier in about 2 hours 30 minutes, or from about 2 hours on the quickest sailings, with around 47 sailings a week. This suits travelers arriving on a flight who want a single booking.

From Koh Samui beach resorts

Travel to Bangrak, Mae Nam or Nathon Pier by taxi or hotel transfer and allow time for traffic, particularly on morning departures.

Where to go after Koh Tao

Koh Tao sits in the north of the Gulf island network, so it is easy to continue.

Koh Phangan: about 1 hour from Mae Haad Pier, with around 60 sailings a week.
Chumphon: about 1 hour 45 minutes, with around 20 sailings a week.
Back to Koh Samui: about 1 hour 30 minutes to Bangrak Pier, with around 19 sailings a week.
Phuket: about 8 hours 45 minutes to Phuket Town with a road transfer, with around 14 sailings a week. See our Phuket ferries for the Andaman side.

For a Samui, Phangan and Tao loop, see our 5-day Thailand island itinerary. Heading to Koh Phangan on your way? Time it for the monthly Full Moon Party.

How early should I arrive for the Koh Samui Island to Koh Tao Island ferry?

Arrive at your Koh Samui pier at least 45 to 60 minutes before departure to check in, load luggage and choose your seat. Leave extra time in high season.