Koh Tao to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport: Ferry and Bus Guide
- Crossing time 5h
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 1
1,100+ THB
How to get from Tao Island to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport

From Koh Tao to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport by Ferry and Bus
Embarking on a trip from Koh Tao to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) offers an enchanting experience. It blends serene seascapes with bustling ferry ports. This guide highlights key aspects of the journey. The ferry services, ticket prices, and notable stops like Mae Haad Pier, Thong Sala Pier, and Nathon Pier. I will help for a smooth and memorable passage through some of Thailand's most picturesque locations.
Journey from Koh Tao to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
Your adventure begins at mae haad pier in koh tao, known for its proximity to the famous Sairee Beach, you'll embark on a ferry to Thong Sala Pier on Koh Phangan. This leg of the journey offers a chance to witness the Full Moon Party atmosphere of Haad Rin and the beauty of Phangan and Koh Tao.
Upon reaching Thong Sala, known for its street food and shops selling local crafts, you'll transfer to another ferry heading to Nathon Pier on Koh Samui. This stretch provides a glimpse into the luxurious island life of Koh Samui. It is a stark contrast to the rustic charm of Koh Tao. The Ferry company Lomprayah High-Speed Ferry, renowned for its efficiency and air conditioning, ensures a comfortable trip.
From Nathon Pier, the journey continues to Donsak Pier in Donsak, Surat Thani Province, another key arrival and departure point in Southern Thailand. Here, you transition from sea to land, boarding a bus to NST. This final leg allows you to soak in the diverse landscapes and cultural richness of Southern Thailand.
An alternate route includes a bus trip from the Surat Thani train station to the Lomprayah office in Krabi, followed by a minivan journey to Koh Lanta.
Things to Know About Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport serves as a crucial gateway to Southern Thailand. It offers essential amenities and serves as a convenient point for travelers seeking to explore the region's rich heritage and natural beauty.
Things to Do In and Around Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
The area surrounding NST is a treasure trove of cultural and culinary experiences. From exploring historic temples to indulging in Southern Thai street food, there's no shortage of activities to enrich your travel experience.
Traveling from Koh Tao Island to Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport is more than just a journey; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the diverse beauty of Thailand. Each pier along the route, from Mae Haad Pier to Nathon Pier, offers unique experiences, making this journey a tapestry of cultural and scenic splendors.
LiVa Tips
Book Ferry Tickets in Advance: Ensure smooth travel by securing ferry tickets early.
Check in: 30 minutes before departure time, presenting your eticket.
Stay Comfortable: Choose ferries with air conditioning for a pleasant journey.
Explore Local Cuisine: Don't miss the street food at Thong Sala and other piers.
Be Time-Conscious: Keep track of ferry and bus schedules for timely transfers.The journey by bus and ferry lasted around 4 hours.
We also welcome you to share here your own experiences with us.
If you have any questions or need assistance, we encourage you to visit our help page and leave us a message. Your feedback is important to us, and we are here to assist you.
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.
