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Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand. Divers come for its cheap certification courses and shallow reefs. Sairee Beach pulls in everyone else at sunset. Flying is the quickest way to reach the island, taking 3h 15m - 5h 45m. Without a flight, the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao is the train via Chumphon. It costs $22 (715 THB) and takes 8-16h.
Distance from Bangkok to Koh Tao
Bangkok and Koh Tao are about 414 km (257 miles) apart. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao is by taking the flight, which takes around 3h 15m - 5h 45m.
6 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao
There are six ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao. You can choose between the train, ferry, train via Suratthani, bus, minivan, and flight. The journey takes 3h 15m–13h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $22 (715 THB).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Bangkok→Chumphon6h 30m
- Chumphon→Koh Tao1h 30m
2 legs — see itinerary
- Bangkok→Suratthani11h
- Suratthani→Koh Tao13h
incl. transfers — see itinerary
- Bangkok→Koh Samui1h
- Samui Airport→Pier40m
- Koh Samui→Koh Tao1h 30m
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Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train via Chumphon
When taking the train from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you can choose to go either via Chumphon or via Surat Thani.
We recommend travelling by train via Chumphon, as this province is nearer to Koh Tao. From there, it takes around 3 hours to reach Koh Tao by ferry.
Step 1: Bangkok to Chumphon by Train
From your hotel in Bangkok, you will first have to go to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, which is the starting point for all trains going to Chumphon.
We recommend that you take a night train that arrives early morning in Chumphon. This way, you can immediately transfer to the only van leaving in the morning, which is at 06:00, and arrive early in Koh Tao.
The train ride to Chumphon Railway Station can take around 6h 30m - 7h 55m, depending on the train you take.
Fares start at $7.00 (233 THB) for a second-class seat. Some trains also offer first and second-class berths that are more expensive, but definitely more comfortable. See our recommended train schedules below.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 2: Chumphon to Koh Tao by Van + Ferry
Outside Chumphon Railway Station, vans are available to take you to the ferry terminal, where you’ll be taking the ferry to Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
Fame Tours & Services and Lomprayah vans are available with fares from $15 (482 THB).
Travel time is around 1h 30m - 8h, including the ferry ride to Koh Tao.
Booking Tip
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Ferry
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao by ferry takes 9h - 12h 30m and costs start from $28 (907 THB).
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train via Suratthani
When travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you can also travel via Surat Thani, which is the province next to Chumphon in the south.
Koh Tao is actually a part of Surat Thani, but travelling via this province takes longer and can be more expensive than going via Chumphon.
However, we still wanted to share this option in case the option with the stopover in Chumphon doesn’t fit your itinerary for some reason.
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
Same as the train via Chumphon, trains to Surat Thani also depart from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station in Bangkok. The journey takes longer, though, around 9-11h.
Since the train ride to Surat Thani Railway Station is a bit longer, you can try a sleeper berth with air conditioning for a more comfortable journey.
Ticket prices for second-class sleeper berths start from $7.90 (263 THB). Below are our recommended train schedules.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Koh Tao by Van + Ferry
From Surat Thani Railway Station, the combined van and ferry ride to Koh Tao takes around 4-13h.
Fares for the combined van and ferry ride with Lomprayah start at $23 (755 THB).
If you miss the van departure, you need to figure out your own transportation to Donsak Pier, which is about 79 km away from the train station.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus
Booking an overnight bus and connecting ferry to Koh Tao is the easiest way to reach this paradise island from Bangkok. With this option, both the bus and ferry are already organised for you, so you won’t have to book the tickets separately.
The combined bus and ferry option requires two transfers. The first one is by bus or minivan in Chumphon or Hua Hin, while the second transfer is to board the ferry at Chumphon Pier.
Combined tickets start from $36 (1,203 THB), and the journey can take around 10h - 19h 30m.Departure and arrival station
Songserm, Montanatip, and Lomprayah buses all depart from Khao San Road, the famous backpacker street in Bangkok. For Paradive Travel, the meet-up point is at Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
After the transfer in Hua Hin or Chumphon, the bus or minivan will take you to Chumphon Pier. From here, you will take the ferry and arrive at Koh Tao Island.
Bus + Ferry schedules from Bangkok to Koh Tao
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Minivan
You can travel to Koh Tao from Bangkok with a combined van and ferry. BookAway lets you book both tickets at once, saving you the trouble of buying them separately.
Fame Tours & Services and Travel Mart is operating on this route. See the schedule below.
Van + Ferry schedule from Bangkok to Koh Tao
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Flight
If you’d rather save time than money when travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao, your best option is to fly via Koh Samui. With this option, you do not need to spend more than half of your day travelling.
Koh Tao doesn’t have its own airport, so you will have to take a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, an island that is another main tourist destination just below Koh Tao.
This option also involves a minivan ride to the pier and a ferry ride to Koh Tao. Even with the transfers, by flight is the fastest option to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Bangkok to Koh Samui by Flight
There are multiple flights departing from Bangkok to Koh Samui every day. All flights are operated by Bangkok Airways.
For a flight to Koh Samui Airport that takes around 1 hour 5 minutes, ticket prices start from $60 (2,000 THB).
Check the ferry schedules before booking a flight (Step 3). Most ferry companies have the latest departure at 12:30 pm. This means you have to book a morning flight in order to arrive at Koh Tao on the same day.
For more information, you can read how to go from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Other flight options when travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao
You also have the option to fly to Chumphon or Surat Thani and take a ferry from there to Koh Tao.
Flying from Bangkok to Chumphon or Surat Thani can save you some money, but it will also take you more time to reach Koh Samui as these ports are further from Koh Tao.
Travelling this journey to Surat Thani by night train can be a great alternative too, but in the end, the bus + ferry might be the easiest option if you want to save money.
Step 2: Samui Airport to Pier by Shared Minivan
Seatran Discovery used to include pick-up from the airport, but the last time we checked (June 2024), they haven’t resumed their operations yet. No other ferry companies include airport pick-up, so you’ll need to travel on your own from the airport to the pier.
The ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao depart from Mae Nam Pier and Nathon Pier. SmackOne offers van services to these Zone 2 areas for $7.50 (250 THB). There are van departures every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 21:30.
You can also take a taxi from the airport with rates starting from $12 (400 THB).
Step 3: Koh Samui to Koh Tao by Ferry
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Tao
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Tao for every budget.
BudgetThe Stamp Hotel
Located not far from Sairee Beach. The Stamp Hotel is simple, clean and provides everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The staff are the star of this hotel, helping you with recommendations and hiring scooters.
All rooms come with a patio or balcony for you to sit back and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds the hotel. This is a great budget option in Koh Tao!
- Super clean rooms
- Amazing staff
- Good location
- Great value for money
Private rooms start from $24 per night.
Mid-RangeBudchui Village2
Budchui Village2 is located just 500m from Sairee Beach and offers a beautiful swimming pool. The stunning mountain views, lush greenery and tranquillity will make for a perfect escape from the busy streets of Koh Tao.
Staff are very helpful and will assist in booking tours, onward travel plans and renting motorcycles or bicycles.
- Swimming pool
- Close to the beach
- Stunning mountain views
- Friendly and helpful staff
Private room starts at $31 per night.
Mid-RangeThe Dearly Koh Tao Hostel
Located in the Chalok Baan Kao area this hostel is surrounded by nature, lush scenery and tranquillity. The hostel has a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a great rooftop terrace for guests to soak in all the sights.
There is also a common area for socializing with a TV, books and a shared computer. Thinking about getting your PADI in Koh Tao, the hostel is also a dive centre. The rooms are spacious and clean with private balconies.
- Swimming pool
- Dive centre
- On-site restaurant and bar
- Extremely clean
Private room starts at $36 per night.
Treat YourselfView Point Resort
View Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in the whole of Koh Tao. The views are exceptional, the rooms are perfectly designed for an island getaway and they even have a private beach area.
The lagoon-style swimming pool overlooks the sea below, or opt for one of the stunning villas which have their own private swimming pool. Life cannot get much better than this!
- Beautiful swimming pools
- Exceptional views
- Private beach
- Delicious complimentary breakfast
Villas start from $86 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Koh Tao?
Koh Tao is also a popular diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license, the island offers beautiful underwater scenery with gorgeous coral gardens and tons of fish.
It may be just 1/10 the size of its neighbour Koh Samui, but that doesn’t mean there is less to see in Koh Tao. Here, you’ll find beautiful bays, beaches and viewpoints — all just a motorbike ride away. And the best part? You can enjoy all these at a more laidback and slow pace.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Koh Tao, roughly 414 kilometres (257 miles) apart. In all, there are 6 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $22 (715 THB). The quickest trip takes 3h 15m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Koh Tao from Bangkok?
Is it worth making the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao?
Does Koh Tao have an airport?
How many days should I stay in Koh Tao?
What's the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?
What's the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?
Will I get seasick on the ferry to Koh Tao?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
