Koh Tao is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, a real paradise to escape the busy streets of Bangkok. Every year Koh Tao attracts thousands of people in search of a relaxing vacation on the beach or diving into the underwater world. Bangkok to Koh Tao is a popular route in Thailand. Discover how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao by flight, train, or bus.
Bangkok to Koh Tao
Koh Tao Island is some 410 kilometers south of Bangkok, so a long journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao can be expected. However, despite the long distance, getting to this island is pretty convenient.
Below you will find detailed information on how to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok. You can choose the option you like the most to make sure that it suits your needs best.
Bangkok to Koh Tao Flight
Koh Tao is a small island that does not have its own airport, so the only way to get there is by boat. From Bangkok, you need to fly to one of the nearby airports and combine different means of transportation to get there.
For taking Bangkok to Koh Tao flight, there are 3 different options and multiple airlines to choose from.
1. Flight to Samui Airport
The first option is taking a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui and then a ferry to Koh Tao. This is the fastest, most convenient and most recommended way to travel, with a minimum of transfers. However, this can be one of the most expensive ways for getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao due to the cost of the flight.
It can be a good option if you plan to visit Koh Samui as well. There is a good number of daily flights from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to Samui Airport (USM) operated by Bangkok Airways. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and the sailing time between the islands is approximately 2 hours. Flight tickets on this route can be booked online here:
Flight to Koh Samui from Bangkok
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
From Koh Samui you need to take a ferry to Koh Tao. There are several companies that operate the Koh Samui - Koh Tao route, all departing from different piers. To get to the pier, you can a private taxi, shared minivan or bus that are available at the airport. For your convenience pre-book a private transfer from Samui Airport.
Companies operating Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry route:
- Lomprayah: It has catamarans departing from the Pralan pier or Nathon pier at 08:00, 12:15, 12:30, 15:30, taking two hours to reach Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. The ticket price is 700 THB.
- Songserm: From the port of Nathon the ferry departs daily at 10:30 arriving in Koh Tao around 14:00 after stopping at Koh Phangan. The ticket price is about 600 THB.
For current ferry schedules and ticket prices please check: Ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
The detailed guide for getting from Koh Samui to Koh Tao can be found here: How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
2. Flight to Chumphon Airport
The second option for getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao is taking a flight to Chumphon Airport as it is less expensive alternative than flying to Samui. The low-cost airline Thai AirAsia offers daily flights to Chumphon Airport (CJM) departing from Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok. The flight time is only about 1 hour.
The route to Koh Tao via Chumphon is relatively fast, but you will have to take a bus or taxi from Chumphon Airport to the pier to take the 1.5 hour ferry trip to Koh Tao. Flight tickets on this route can be booked online here:
Flight to Chumphon from Bangkok
There is also a possibility of combined flight ticket with the transfer to the Thung Makham Noi pier and the boat to Koh Tao with the Lomprayah company.
How to get from Chumphon to Koh Tao
Once you arrive in Chumphon it is easy to arrange a ticket for a bus to Chumphon pier and ferry to Koh Tao. Combined van and ferry tickets for a trip from Chumphon Airport to Koh Tao can also be booked online here: Van + Ferry ticket from Chumphon to Koh Tao.
You can also make your way to the ferry pier and take one of the ferries to Koh Tao from there.
- Lomprayah: The catamarans depart from Thung Makham Noi pier at 7:00 and 13:30, taking 1 hours 45 minutes to reach Koh Tao. The ticket price is about 750 THB. They also provide a bus to and from Bangkok.
- Sleeper boat: Departs from Chumphon ferry pier at 21:00 and arrives in Koh Tao around 4:00-5:00 the next morning. The ticket price is about 600 THB.
For current Chumphon - Koh Tao ferry schedule and ticket prices please check: Ferry from Chumphon to Koh Tao.
3. Flights to Surat Thani Airport
There is the option to fly to Surat Thani and then continue the journey by taking a ferry. This is not the most convenient way since it will take you the longest transfer time from the airport and the longest ferry ride, but you have much more flight options. From Don Muang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, there are 3 airlines, Nok Air, Air Asia and Thai Lion Air flying to Surat Thani Airport (URT). From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thai Vietjet also operates a flight to Surat Thani Airport. Flight tickets on this route can be booked online here:
Flight to Surat Thani Airport from Bangkok
These airlines might be offering a combined plane and boat tickets to Koh Tao Island. However, it is not mandatory to buy a plane + ferry ticket because it can cost much higher than bought separately.
How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Once you arrive at Surat Thani Airport, you can buy your ferry ticket to Koh Tao with the transfer to the pier with the company Lomprayah. Combined bus and ferry tickets for a trip from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao can also be booked online here: Bus + Ferry ticket from Surat Thani to Koh Tao.
You can also find your own way to Donsak pier from the airport to take ferry. Lomprayah catamaran departs from Donsak in Surat Thani at 11:00 and 14:30. It takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes to get to Koh Tao. The cost is about 750 THB per trip.
For current Surat Thani - Koh Tao ferry schedule and ticket prices please check: Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
Bangkok to Koh Tao Bus
The most common and practical way to travel between these destinations is taking Bangkok to Koh Tao bus. This is the favorite option for backpackers and travelers since everything is organized and you don't need to face the hassle of going through airport and transfer. Of course, it will take you the whole day to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
1. Bus from Khao San Road
There is a private companies operating route from Khao San Road in Bangkok to Koh Tao. Lomprayah Catamaran has air-conditioned buses that take you directly to the Chumphon pier, where you take the ferry to Koh Tao. Day and night travel options are available. The journey by bus takes about 7-8 hours to Chumphon, and the ferry takes around 2 hours more to Koh Tao.
Lomprayah buses depart from Khao San Road area at around 6:00 and 21:00 and arrive in Koh Tao at 14:45 and 8:45, respectively. The bus stops at Hua Hin to pick up more passengers. If you want to save time and money on accommodation, the night bus is a good choice. You will probably need to wait at the pier until the ferry arrives, which can take an hour or two. From Chumphon, you will take the same company ferry at 7:00 to reach Koh Tao at 9:45. The ticket costs 1,250 THB and includes bus and ferry.
The current schedule can be found and combined ticket to Koh Tao can be booked online here: Bus + Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
Another place to book combined tickets from Bangkok to Koh Tao that is often offering discount is here: Bus & Ferry Ticket to Koh Tao.
2. Bus from Southern Bus Terminal
Another option is going by bus to Chumphon on your own. The bus is leaving from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in Bangkok. There are many daily buses departing to Chumphon, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. The ticket costs about 500 THB and the trip takes about 6-7 hours. The bus will drop you at Chumphon Bus station. From there, you can take a taxi, motorcycle taxi or songthaew for about 25 kilometers to the pier to take the ferry to Koh Tao.
You can book bus tickets online here: Bus from Bangkok to Chumphon.
Bangkok to Koh Tao Train
If you want to make part of the trip from Bangkok to Koh Tao by train, you have to get to Chumphon Railway Station and from there to go to the pier for taking the ferry to Koh Tao. The train and ferry combination is the cheapest way to travel to Koh Tao from Bangkok. However, the train is slow and it can take around 7-8 hours.
There are more than 10 daily trains departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok to Chumphon, from 7:30 to 22:50. Thai train seems to be old, but inside the seats and beds are quite comfortable and wide. There are fan or air-conditioned trains that have sitting and sleeping classes. If you choose this option, we recommend you choose a sleeper train to make the most of the trip at night. It also helps you to save a night of accommodation. Our recommendation is to make sure to arrive at Chumphon station before 06:00 as the morning boat departs to Koh Tao at 07:00. The rest of the trains arrive too early so you will have to wait longer until the first boat leaves. However, you need to be aware that trains in Thailand are often delayed and not recommended if you are on a tight schedule.
Best train from Bangkok to Koh Tao:
- Express Train #85 which leaves Bangkok at 19:50 daily and arrives in Chumphon between 4:00 and 5:00
- Ordinary train that leaves Bangkok at 22:50 and arrives in Chumphon around 06:00 the next morning.
You can check the current Bangkok - Chumphon train schedule and book tickets for the trip here:
Train from Bangkok to Chumphon
Depending on the train you choose, train ticket can cost from 240-1,800 THB.
Once you arrive in Chumphon Railway Station, you will find it easy to arrange a ferry ticket to Koh Tao. The boat company Lomprayah provides transfers between the railway station and ferry departure pier. They will bring the minibus to pick you up at Chumphon Railway Station to the ferry which leaves 07:00 and arrives on Koh Tao about 08:45 or 09:30. Combined ticket can be purchased online here: Van + Ferry from Chumphon Railway Station to Koh Tao.
Booking Tickets
It is recommended to book your combined or ferry ticket to Koh Tao in advance, especially during high season or before Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. The boats, trains, buses, and minivans are limited, so it is best to guarantee your seat.
You can compare different transportation options for a trip from Bangkok to Koh Tao by using this search form.
Tips
Koh Tao has lots of incredibly impressive places that pull tourists all year round. Explore the best things to do in Koh Tao to better prepare for your next holiday in Thailand.
Check out the complete travel guide to admiring the stunning views from Koh Tao Viewpoints including the things to see, how to get there, entrance ticket price, and other tips.
Koh Tao has a selection of nice beaches. Explore the most beautiful beaches on the turtle island with our guide to Koh Tao Best Beaches!