From Phuket to Koh Tao: Ferry & Travel Tips
- Crossing time 8h 15m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 1
1,600+ THB
Schedules & prices
Pick-Up
Drop-Off
This trip is not available during the selected dates
How to get from Phuket to Tao Island
Ferry from Phuket to Koh Tao
Travelling from Phuket to Tao Island means crossing from the Andaman coast to the Gulf of Thailand, so there is no single direct boat that covers the whole distance. Most travellers combine a coach or minivan transfer with a ferry leg for the final crossing, and the connection is sold as one through ticket so you only book once. The full journey takes around the scheduled journey time, and tickets start from ฿1,600 depending on the operator and class you choose.
Route overview: departure and arrival points
Boats and transfers on this route are run by Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd., using a bus and ferry for the sea crossing. Onboard facilities typically include onboard facilities, which makes the longer overland-and-sea combination more comfortable. Departure points in Phuket are usually the main piers or the operator's transfer office, with arrival at Koh Tao's Mae Haad pier. Exact pick-up locations are confirmed on your ticket once you book.
Schedule and how often boats run
There are 1 departures available on this route, and the connecting timetable is shown at checkout so you can match your coach transfer to the correct ferry sailing. Because this route relies on a transfer plus a ferry leg, clock times vary by operator and by day, so always check the live schedule when booking rather than relying on a fixed departure time. The route generally runs all year round, though it's worth confirming operating dates for your travel month, especially outside the main season.
Booking your ticket
Prices, seat availability and the exact combination of transfer and ferry change with demand, so it's best to compare current options and lock in your seats early, particularly around weekends and holidays. You can check live times and fares and book your Phuket to Koh Tao ferry ticket directly online.
Connecting to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
Koh Tao sits close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, and many transfer routes from Phuket pass through or near these islands. If you plan to island-hop, check the Phuket to Koh Samui ferry route or the Phuket to Koh Phangan ferry route for onward or alternative connections, since sailing frequency between the Gulf islands varies by operator and season rather than following a fixed interval. It's worth checking the live inter-island schedule at booking time rather than assuming a set frequency.
Returning from Koh Tao to Phuket
If you're planning the trip in the other direction, the Koh Tao to Phuket ferry route page has the matching schedule, operators and prices for the return journey.
Good to know before you travel
- This is a combined transfer-and-ferry route, not a single direct boat, so allow time between connections.
- Luggage space is generally sufficient for standard backpacks and suitcases, but check with Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. if you're travelling with oversized items.
- Booking ahead is recommended in high season, as popular transfer times can sell out.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.
If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.
If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.
Why is my account locked?
We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.
You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?
What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?
Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.
Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.
If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.
How do I unlock my account now?
Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.
If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.
My account locked but I never tried to sign in
Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.
Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.
We would still recommend two things:
- Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
- Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.
If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.
