Surat Thani to Donsak Ferry: Times & Tickets
- Crossing time 1h 15m–1h 45m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 32
165+ THB
Travel from Surat Thani to Donsak with Ease

Surat Thani to Donsak by Bus – Schedule, Price & Guide
Embarking on a journey from Surat Thani to Donsak is very easy. It offers travelers efficient connections to the beautiful islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Covering a distance of approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles), the trip is both quick and convenient.
Surat Thani to Donsak Schedule and Pricing
Several transportation options are available for this route, primarily buses and minivans. The journey typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the service chosen. Prices range from 150 to 380 THB. citeturn0search0
Departure Details
Buses and minivans depart from multiple locations in Surat Thani:
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Surat Thani Airport: Services are available directly from the airport to Donsak. The journey is taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Surat Thani Train Station: Buses depart from Phunphin regularly, with a travel time of around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Surat Thani City Center. Departures from the Phantip Travel office and other central locations. It offers frequent services to Donsak, with a journey time of just over 1 hour.
Generalities about the Destination
Donsak serves as the primary gateway to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The town hosts two main ferry ports:
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Seatran Ferry Port: Offers hourly departures to Nathon in Koh Samui from 05:00 to 19:00 daily.
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Raja Ferry Port: Provides services to both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Ferries to Koh Samui depart every hour from 05:00 to 18:00, with an additional departure at 19:30. Services to Koh Phangan are available at 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00.
Check-in Instructions
For buses and minivans, arrive at the departure point at least 15 minutes before departure. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the ticket office. For ferries from Donsak to the islands, check in at the ferry pier at least 30 minutes before departure. This helps ensure a smooth boarding process.
Important Travel Information
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Ticket Prices. The price for bus and minivan tickets from Surat Thani to Donsak ranges from 150 to 380 THB. The fare for a ferry ticket from Donsak to Koh Samui is 140 THB per person. Tickets to Koh Phangan cost 210 THB per passenger.
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Travel Time. The bus journey from Surat Thani to Donsak takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. The Ferry journey from Donsak to Koh Samui takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. To Koh Phangan, it takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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Service Frequency. Buses and minivans operate frequently throughout the day. Services start as early as 06:00 and continue until 17:00.
Ferries to the islands also have multiple daily departures, ensuring flexible travel options.
Conclusion
Traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is a convenient and affordable journey. It provides seamless connections to some of Thailand's most popular island destinations. With frequent bus and ferry services, travelers can easily plan their trips to suit their schedules and preferences.
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.