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Ferries in Thailand from Koh Samui to Koh Tao run daily, year-round, from four piers: Bangrak (Seatran), Nathon, Maenam, and Petcherat Marina. The first ferry leaves around 08:00 and the last at 15:30. The route is served by Lomprayah, Songserm, Songserm Express, and Lomlahkkhirin, running both high-speed catamarans and speedboats. The fastest crossing takes about 1h 25min from Petcherat Marina; most trips run closer to 2 hours. Tickets cost from €9.52 to €21.91. Compare every operator and departure time below, then book in minutes right here on Ferryscanner.
Ferry companies operating Koh Samui to Koh Tao
The Koh Samui to Koh Tao route is run by Lomprayah, Songserm, Songserm Express, and Lomlahkkhirin. Below, the companies sailing next week are grouped by departure pier and sorted by average ticket price.
Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry schedules
Ferry times from Koh Samui to Koh Tao depend on the operator and the season. Here’s the key info to plan around:
Can I travel by ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
Yes! Ferries connect Koh Samui and Koh Tao every day, run by Lomprayah, Songserm, Songserm Express, and Lomlahkkhirin. The crossing takes about two hours on average, with departures from the Bangrak, Nathon, Maenam, and Petcherat Marina piers.
How long does the ferry take from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
The ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao takes about 2 hours on average, and the fastest crossing is 1h 25min on the speedboat from Petcherat Marina. Average times by pier are 2h 6min from Bangrak, 2h 27min from Nathon, and 1h 43min from Maenam. Times depend on the departure pier, the operator, the weather, and whether you take a high-speed catamaran or a speedboat; the longest sailing is 3h 15min from Bangrak. Koh Tao sits about 62 km (33 nautical miles) from Koh Samui.
What is the shortest ferry ride from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
The fastest ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is a Songserm speedboat from Petcherat Marina, which takes 1h 25min.
Is it possible to take a day trip to Koh Tao?
Yes, a day trip is possible. The fastest ferry takes just 1h 25min from Petcherat Marina, which leaves time to see Koh Tao and get back the same day. Book both legs in advance, and check the Koh Tao to Koh Samui schedule for return times.
Are there overnight ferries to Koh Tao?
No, there are no overnight ferries on this route. Every sailing runs during the day, with the last ferry at 15:30.
This summary of the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry route is based on recent data that's updated regularly. However, schedules may vary depending on seasonal changes, ferry companies, and availability. For the most accurate and detailed ferry timetable, including routes, stops, and pricing, please check out our ferry search and booking system.
Not far from Koh Tao — where to go next
From Koh Tao, you can reach nearby islands and mainland piers within about 100 km, or two hours’ travel — handy for island hopping or a day trip.
Ferry ticket prices from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Tickets from Koh Samui to Koh Tao cost from €9.52 to €21.91 for foot passengers, depending on the operator, the pier, and the ticket type. Starting prices by pier are €9.52 from Bangrak (Seatran), €10.35 from Nathon, €11.29 from Maenam, and €16.10 from Petcherat Marina.
Book early for the widest choice of times and the lowest fares.
Ferry offers
Depending on the season and the operator, you may find offers on the Koh Samui (All Ports/Piers) to Koh Tao route, like early-booking discounts or limited-time promotions. Any valid offer is applied automatically at checkout. To hear about new ones, follow the Ferryscanner blog, find us on social media, or sign up for the newsletter.
Find your ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Ferries to Koh Tao leave from four Koh Samui piers: Bangrak (Seatran), Nathon, Maenam, and Petcherat Marina. If you’re flying into Samui Airport, Bangrak and Petcherat Marina are the closest — about 10 to 20 minutes by taxi. Nathon and Maenam sit farther from the main tourist beaches but are well served by songthaews (shared pickup taxis) and taxis that run throughout the day, so you won’t usually wait long for a ride. Boarding points can change by operator and sailing, so check your ticket or the departure boards, and arrive early.
Foot passengers from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
These ferries carry foot passengers only, and most sailings are accessible for wheelchair users — reach out to our support team if you want to double-check a specific boat. Aim to be at the boarding gate at least 60 minutes before departure. When you book, you can add extras like Flexi Cancellation and SMS notifications.
Can I bring my car from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?
No — these are passenger-only ferries, so cars, campervans, and other vehicles can’t be carried on this route. Most travelers don’t need one anyway: Koh Tao is small and easy to get around on foot, by taxi, or by rented scooter. If you’re driving around Koh Samui (All Ports/Piers), leave the car at your accommodation or a pier car park and pick up local transport once you reach Koh Tao.
Luggage
You can usually bring luggage free of charge. Most operators allow one piece per person, though the limit varies by company and vessel:
- Lomlahkkhirin Vessel, Lomprayah Vessel: Up to 20kg per passenger.
- Songserm Vessel, Songserm Express Vessel: Up to 0kg per passenger.
Label your bags clearly and leave them in the designated storage area when you board. Oversized or extra luggage may cost more, depending on the operator. For anything unusual, check with our support team.
Cabins
There are no private cabins on the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao — the crossing is short enough that operators run open seating instead. You’ll find indoor air-conditioned lounges and outdoor deck seating, so you can choose shade and quiet or sea air and views. If you’d rather travel in comfort, the high-speed catamarans tend to have roomier indoor seating than the smaller speedboats.
Pets
Pets are welcome on ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Tao, though rules differ by operator.
- Pets over 10kg must be kept in the ship’s onboard kennels; pets under 10 kg can stay in their owner’s pet carrier.
- Service dogs are exempt from kennel requirements.
- Ensure you have all the necessary documents, tickets, and pet essentials for your trip.
For each company’s policy, check its page on our site or ask our support team.
Smart travel tips from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Here's how to make your Thai adventure to Koh Samui as smooth as possible:
- Tickets: book early on Ferryscanner or in the app to lock in your time and get updates if anything changes.
- Safety: this route follows modern safety rules, with trained crews and clear instructions. Listen to the crew and note where the life jackets are.
- Ports and parking: check parking ahead of time at Bangrak, Nathon, Maenam, and Petcherat Marina — spaces fill up in high season.
- Onboard comfort: open decks get windy and the cabins can be cold from the air-con, so pack a light layer.
- Food and drinks: many boats sell snacks and drinks, but bring water, and keep motion-sickness tablets handy if the sea’s choppy.
- Weather: on hot days, use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat on deck.
- At the other end: Koh Tao is quieter than Koh Samui with calm beaches and relaxed bars — a good reward after the crossing.
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Accessing the ferry ports in Koh Samui
Bangrak (Seatran) pier is on the northeast coast, near Big Buddha and about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Samui Airport and Chaweng. Nathon pier is on the west coast and is the island’s main commercial terminal, roughly 25 to 40 minutes from areas like Chaweng and Lamai. Maenam pier is on the north coast, about 15 to 25 minutes from Fisherman’s Village and 20 to 30 minutes from Chaweng. Petcherat Marina is also near the airport on the northeast coast, which is handy if you’re arriving by plane.
Taxis and private transfers are the easiest way to reach the piers and are usually arranged through your hotel or a local agency. Songthaews run set loops around the island and are a cheaper option, especially between Chaweng, Bophut, Maenam, and Nathon. Car and scooter rentals are easy to find if you’d rather drive. On Koh Tao, ferries arrive at Mae Haad pier on the west coast, a short walk from Mae Haad village and a quick taxi from Sairee Beach. Local transport changes often, so treat this as a guide, and tell our support team if something looks out of date.
Make the most of your time in Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a small island with clear water, white-sand beaches, and some of the best coral reefs in Thailand. Sairee Beach is the main stretch for sunsets, beach bars, and easy Thai food — fresh seafood, curries, and mango sticky rice. It’s one of the cheapest places in the world to learn to scuba dive, and the snorkeling is excellent, with a good chance of spotting turtles and reef fish. For a view over the southern coves, hike up to John-Suwan Viewpoint — a short climb that pays off. Quieter bays on the east side are the place to swim, read, or just watch the water. Koh Tao works as a weekend break or a few slow days, and it’s a solid base for reaching nearby islands. For more on what to see and do, read our full guide: Ferry to Koh Tao.
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