Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferries to Koh Tao Island
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferries to Koh Tao Island
The Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) cost around $27 and $136, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
The Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry can range between 1 hour 45 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 13 weekly sailings from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Songserm provide 1 sailing daily, 8 sailings weekly. Lomprayah High Speed Ferries provide 3 sailings daily, 19 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Port at approximately 10:30 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 16:00. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
The best time of day to travel on the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry is in the morning, when the sea is generally calmer and the Koh Tao ferry schedule is least affected by weather or wind. Morning departures on the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry give travelers enough time for a Koh Tao day trip.
The fastest ferry from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) is with Lomprayah High Speed Ferries in 1 hour 45 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) usually cost around $71.94.
There are currently no overnight ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
There are no cabins available on ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Unfortunately, there are no car ferries available from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry with Songserm & Lomprayah High Speed Ferries.
Passengers sailing with Songserm and Lomprayah High Speed Ferries can bring up to 20kg of luggage per person free of charge, along with small carry-on bags, backpacks or handbags. If your luggage exceeds this limit, an excess-luggage fee will apply. For Lomprayah the surcharge is 200 THB ($6) per extra kg, and for Songserm it’s 20 THB ($0.60) per extra kg.
The price of a ferry from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) can vary between $27.31 and $136.04 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $71.94, with prices ranging from $17 and $141. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 January 2026
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry.
First class is not available on ferries from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Yes, you can take a day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by ferry, and it’s one of the most popular routes for island-hopping in Thailand. High-speed catamarans operate regularly from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, with travel times between 2 to 3 hours, making a full Koh Tao day trip entirely possible. Visitors often use the ferry for snorkeling tours, scuba diving, and exploring famous spots like Shark Bay and Koh Nang Yuan.
The best way to travel from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) is by ferry. With 2 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
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| Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Koh Samui Island | |
| Destination Country | Koh Tao Island | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Songserm & Lomprayah High Speed Ferries | |
| Average Price | $72 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 13 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 45 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 45 m | |
| First Ferry | 10:30 | |
| Last Ferry | 16:00 | |
| Distance | 9 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 January 2026.
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most popular islands, located in the Gulf of Thailand and known for its palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, lively nightlife, and excellent transport connections. As a major gateway for island hopping, Koh Samui offers frequent ferry services to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Surat Thani, making it a key base for travellers exploring southern Thailand. With attractions such as Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Big Buddha Temple, and Ang Thong National Marine Park, Koh Samui appeals to families, couples, and backpackers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Koh Tao is a small but world-famous island in the Gulf of Thailand, best known as one of the best places in the world to learn scuba diving and enjoy snorkelling in clear, tropical waters. Located north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Koh Tao attracts backpackers, couples, and adventure travellers thanks to its coral reefs, laid-back atmosphere, and affordable dive courses. With beautiful beaches such as Sairee Beach, scenic viewpoints, and easy ferry connections from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Surat Thani, Koh Tao is a must-visit destination on any Thailand island-hopping itinerary.
Nathon Pier is Koh Samui’s main ferry port and the primary departure point for ferries to Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the mainland at Surat Thani and Donsak Pier. Located on the west coast of Koh Samui, Nathon Pier is easily accessible by taxi, songthaew (shared pickup truck), private transfer, or scooter from popular areas such as Chaweng, Lamai, and Bophut, with travel times of around 30 to 45 minutes. Many ferry operators and hotels offer transfer services, making Nathon Pier easy to reach even for first-time visitors.
Passengers are advised to arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow enough time for security and check-in procedures, especially during peak travel periods or when traveling with luggage.
You can reach Nathon Pier from Koh Samui Airport by taxi or private transfer in approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Yes, ferry tickets can be purchased at Nathon Pier, but availability may be limited. It is recommended to book ferry tickets online in advance to secure your preferred sailing time.
Nathon Pier has a range of basic passenger facilities including ticket counters, seating areas, toilets, food stalls, and nearby shops in Nathon Town.
