
Bangkok sits about 414 kilometres (257 miles) north of Koh Tao, at the far end of Thailand. The capital runs on street food, temples and traffic, and it rarely sleeps. Flying is the quickest way, taking 2h 45m - 4h 45m once you add the boat off the island. Going overland, the cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is the train via Chumphon at $29 (949 THB). The bus and ferry costs a little more.
Distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Koh Tao and Bangkok are about 414 km (257 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 779 km by road. The quickest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by taking the flight + ferry, which takes around 2h 45m - 4h 45m.
5 ways to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok
There are five ways to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok. You can choose between the train, bus, train via Surat Thani, minivan, and flight. The journey takes 2h 45m–16h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $29 (949 THB).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Koh Tao→Koh Samui1h 30m
- Koh Samui→Bangkok1h 15m
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Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Chumphon
When travelling by train from Koh Tao to Bangkok, you have two options: you can go via Chumphon or Surat Thani, which are about 180 km from each other.
Surat Thani is the more popular transport hub when visiting Thailand’s southern islands. But for this route, we recommend travelling via Chumphon for a faster and cheaper journey.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Chumphon Train Station by Ferry + Van
Booking Tip
Step 2: Chumphon to Bangkok by Train
We recommend that you take a night train from Chumphon to Bangkok. This way, you will be well-rested once you arrive in the capital city.
Considering the ferry and bus schedule, you will have a couple of hours to have dinner and enjoy a quiet evening near the railway station before continuing your journey to Bangkok.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Aside from the 2nd class berth (A/C) tickets, you can also choose the more comfortable first-class train tickets for $42 (1,402 THB)
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Bus + Ferry
If you choose to travel by bus, it’s best to book a combined bus and ferry ticket. This option will save you the hassle of arranging a second transfer.
Lompraya is the only company offering bus and ferry transfers from Koh Tao to Bangkok. It has a departure once a day at 10:15. Fare starts at $34 (1,107 THB) and the journey takes about 10h - 20h 30m.Departure and arrival stations
The first part of the trip is boarding a ferry departing from Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. The pier is just 3 km from the centre of Koh Tao or a 10-minute drive.
The ferry will dock at Thung Makham Noi in Chumphon, where a bus or a minivan will take you to Hua Hin.
From Hua Hin, you will head to Bangkok. The bus usually drops off passengers near Khao San Road. You can ask the driver to drop you off at another stop along the way, but note that not all drivers will oblige.
Bus + Ferry schedule from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Bus + Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Train via Surat Thani
In case the schedules of ferries and buses bound for Chumphon do not match your itinerary, you can also take the train from Surat Thani. But this option is more expensive than when you travel via Chumphon.
We give a step-by-step guide below.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Surat Thani Train Station by Ferry + Van
The ferry departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and completes its journey at Surat Thani Train Station.
Check out the schedule below:
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
Upon arriving at Surat Thani Train Station, you will still have a few hours to grab dinner or explore the surrounding area before boarding a night train to Bangkok. The earliest train that departs from Surat Thani to Bangkok leaves at 10:25 and the latest is 23:14.
The train’s last stop is at Hua Lamphong Railway Station, which is 15-30 minutes away from Bangkok city centre.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
For an overview of train options and more details, visit our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Minivan + Ferry
Fame Tours & Services offers a combined ferry and minivan ride from Koh Tao to Bangkok.
Ticket prices start from $51 (1,679 THB) and travel time is around 16h.
Minivan options from Koh Tao to Bangkok
Minivan + Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Koh Tao to Bangkok by Flight + Ferry
Taking a flight from Koh Tao to Bangkok is the quickest option, but it’s also the most expensive. Koh Tao does not have an airport, so you’ll first need to head to Koh Samui.
To arrange your transport to Koh Samui Airport (USM), you need to book a ferry and van ticket. Flight tickets must be bought separately.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Koh Tao to Koh Samui by Ferry + Taxi
Lomprayah and Songserm offer several ferry trips from Koh Tao to Koh Samui daily.
The first part of the journey is boarding a ferry that departs from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao to take you to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui. The whole trip takes 1h 30m - 3h 30m.
Upon reaching Nathon Pier, you take a taxi or book a Grab taxi to Koh Samui Airport (USM). Fares start at $11 (360 THB), and it will take about 35 minutes to reach the airport.Be sure to book your ferry accordingly and leave some extra time for check-in at the airport.
Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 2: Koh Samui to Bangkok by Flight
Bangkok Airways is the only carrier operating flights from Koh Samui to Bangkok, and you can choose from multiple flight options daily. One-way ticket prices start at $75 (2,500 THB) and the flight takes just over 1 hour.
The earliest flight departing from Koh Samui Airport (USM) to Bangkok leaves at 08:00 with the last flight at 19:40. All direct flights land at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport.
For the best flight deals, check out Skyscanner:
For more information, you can read our page on how to go from Koh Samui to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you'll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Treat YourselfdusitD2 Samyan
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
Treat YourselfThe One Smart Living
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won't want to leave your room it's so nice!
It's a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you're constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It's hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Mid-RangeNaga Residence
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that's exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There's also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Mid-RangePhranakorn-Nornlen
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They'll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
BudgetGreenery Hostel
As you've probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It's in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok's attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bangkok?
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren't the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Koh Tao to Bangkok, roughly 414 kilometres (257 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $29 (949 THB). The quickest trip takes 2h 45m.
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
What is the distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The distance from Koh Tao to Bangkok is 414 kilometres (257 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by flight and takes 2h 45m - 4h 45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by train with ticket costs starting from 949 THB.
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