How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Samui

In about 1h 10m, you can reach Koh Samui from Bangkok by flight. Taking a flight not only saves you time, but also the hassle of having to arrange different transfers. The only downside to this option is that the tickets can get quite expensive.

Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui are solely operated by Bangkok Airways. They offer multiple flights daily with one-way fares starting at $2.

Be sure to book a flight in advance as this route is very popular and prices often rise to over 3,000 THB.

Flights depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok.

In Koh Samui, the airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. When you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.

To learn more information about this, you can read our page on Koh Samui Airport.

The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui via train and ferry takes the longest. Travel time is 13-19h.

This option usually requires multiple transfers, as you’ll need to take a train, bus, and ferry.

The first step is to take a train ride from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani, followed by a bus + ferry ride to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.

You’ll find the step-by-step guide below:

If you want to travel this distance by land, a combined bus and ferry trip from Bangkok to Koh Samui is the easiest way to go. Fares start from $28 for the bus journey that takes around 10h 30m - 18h 30m.

There are several bus companies operating the Bangkok to Koh Samui route.

All buses depart in the evening with the earliest bus departure at 17:00 and the last bus departure at 21:00.

Departure stations in Bangkok

There are several departure points for buses in Bangkok. Montanatip Tour and Lomprayah buses depart from Khao San Road, the most popular street with backpackers in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Thai Sriram buses are available at Mochit Terminal, which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from the Bangkok centre. Krungsiam Tour buses depart from Sai Tai Mai (Southern Terminal) which is accessible by metro or taxi.

Arrival stations in Koh Samui

Buses from Bangkok will drop you off either at Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani or Thung Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon.

From these piers, you will be transferred to a ferry bound for Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.