Ferry from Koh Tao to Phuket: Island Adventure
- Crossing time 9h
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 1
1,600+ THB
Schedules & prices
Pick-Up
Drop-Off
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How to get from Tao Island to Phuket
Koh Tao to Phuket
Tao Island sits on Thailand's Gulf coast, while Phuket lies on the Andaman Sea, so there is no single direct ferry linking the two islands. Anyone searching for how to get from Koh Tao to Phuket is really looking at a multi-stage journey: a ferry crossing off Koh Tao followed by an onward bus, van, or flight connection to Phuket. This is completely normal for this route and is the same pattern used by most travellers heading between the Gulf islands and the Andaman coast.
Ferry and onward transport options
The most common way to travel is a ferry from Koh Tao to the mainland pier at Chumphon or Surat Thani, followed by a coach or minivan transfer to Phuket. Some travel agents and booking platforms combine the ferry and land legs into a single through-ticket, which simplifies the connection and avoids the need to arrange transport separately once you reach the mainland. Travellers short on time can also pair the ferry with a domestic flight from Surat Thani or Chumphon airport to Phuket, cutting the overall journey considerably compared with an all-surface transfer.
Operators, journey time and fares
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. runs the ferry leg of this route, with 1 scheduled daily and a total door-to-door journey time of around the scheduled journey time once the connecting transfer is included. Fares start from ฿1,600 per person for the combined ferry-and-transfer ticket, and onboard you can expect onboard facilities aboard the bus and ferry used on the sea crossing. Services run during all year round, though connection times for the onward bus or flight leg can shift with the season, so it's worth checking the exact departure and arrival points shown at booking rather than assuming a fixed schedule.
Booking your Koh Tao to Phuket trip
Because this route involves more than one operator and transport mode, booking a combined ticket in advance is the simplest way to secure matching connection times between the ferry and the onward transfer. Check the live schedule above, compare departure times against your onward plans, and confirm your booking to lock in your seat on both legs of the journey. If you're planning the return leg, the Phuket to Koh Tao ferry and transfer schedule covers the same connection in reverse. For more on each end of the route, see the Koh Tao travel guide and the Phuket travel guide, or compare alternative mainland connections via the Koh Tao to Surat Thani ferry route.
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.
