From Bangkok to Koh Samui: Journey by Ferry and Bus
- Crossing time 11h 30m–14h 45m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 5
1,250+ THB
Schedules & prices
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How to get from Bangkok to Samui Island
Bangkok to Koh Samui: Ferry, Bus and Transfer Options
Travelling from Bangkok to Samui Island means combining overland transport with a ferry crossing, since Koh Samui is an island with no direct rail or road link to the mainland. Most travellers book a through-ticket that bundles a coach or VIP van with a ferry crossing, so the connection is arranged for you and you only need to show up at the departure point in Bangkok. This combined bus-and-boat journey is the most budget-friendly way to reach the island, and it is the option this page focuses on.
How the journey works
The route runs by bus and ferry from Bangkok south to the Gulf of Thailand coast, then transfers onto a ferry for the final sea crossing to Koh Samui. The mainland gateway for this crossing is Surat Thani province, home to the piers most operators use to reach the island — this is the standard hub for anyone travelling between Bangkok and Koh Samui by land and sea, and your through-ticket already accounts for the transfer between coach and boat. Operators such as Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. run this combined service, handling both legs so you don't need to book the bus and ferry separately.
Duration, frequency and price
Total journey time for this route is the scheduled journey time, covering both the road transfer and the ferry crossing. Departures run 4, and the service operates all year round, though frequency can shift with the season, so it's worth checking the exact times shown on this page before you book. Fares for this bus-and-ferry combination start from ฿1,250 per person. If you need to compare this against flying or taking the train, note that a direct flight to Koh Samui airport is faster but typically costs more, while a train-plus-ferry combination via Surat Thani railway station follows a similar route to the bus but on a different schedule — the bus-and-ferry option covered here remains the most common choice for budget travellers doing the trip overland.
On board
The coach leg typically includes reclining seats and air conditioning for the overland stretch, and the ferry crossing offers onboard facilities for passengers to use during the sea portion of the trip. Luggage is carried through both legs of the journey as part of the through-ticket, so you don't need to collect and recheck bags at the Surat Thani transfer point.
Booking your trip
Because seats on both the coach and the connecting ferry are limited, especially around holidays and the high season, it's worth booking your Bangkok to Koh Samui ticket in advance rather than arriving at the terminal on the day. Select your travel date above to see live departure times, confirmed pricing and seat availability for this route. If you're planning the return leg, you can also check the Koh Samui to Bangkok ferry and bus schedules for the journey back to the mainland.
Frequently asked questions
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.
Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.
To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.
Please note:
Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.
To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.
Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
Bali Ferry :
Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.
If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.
