Surat Thani to Koh Tao: Your Complete Travel Guide
- Crossing time 2h 30m–5h 15m
- Operators 2
- Departures a day 8
1,000+ THB
Seamless Journey to Paradise: Surat Thani to Koh Tao Travel Guide

Travel to Koh Tao from Surat Thani is an adventure unlike any other, inviting travelers from around the world to experience its beauty. Surat Thani acts as the perfect starting point, not just a place to pass through but the beginning of your tropical adventure to Koh Tao. This island is famed for its clear waters, diverse marine life, and colorful coral reefs, making it a haven for divers, snorkelers, and nature lovers.
But Koh Tao's charm isn't just below the surface. Its landscapes, filled with dense jungles and peaceful beaches, set the stage for countless outdoor activities. Whether you're up for hiking, rock climbing, or just chilling in quiet coves, Koh Tao has something for everyone.
Planning a trip can sometimes lessen the excitement of getting to paradise. That's why we've made this guide — to make your trip from Surat Thani to Koh Tao smooth and as enjoyable as the destination itself. Choose between a leisurely night boat ride under the stars or a quick ferry trip; we've got all the travel options to fit your needs. This guide gives you the lowdown on ferry services, including times, prices, and tips to make your journey across the blue waters to Koh Tao a breeze.
As you get ready for your trip to this dreamy island, let this guide help you navigate your way. From the lively docks of Surat Thani to the calm beaches of Koh Tao, each step is part of the adventure. Armed with the right info and tips, you're all set for a trip to remember to a place where tropical paradise is not just an idea, but a reality.
Surat Thani to Koh Tao Schedule and Pricing
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. provides efficient and comfortable transportation from Surat Thani to Koh Tao. Departing from:
From Surat Thani Airport, The bus and ferry combo takes approximately 4 to 5 hours to reach Koh Tao, offering travelers a swift route to their island getaway. With Surat Thani to Koh Tao Ferry departing at 09:30 AM, and 12:30 PM and Surat Thani to Koh Tao speedboat at 11:00 AM and 14:00 PM. Both services offer bus transportation from the airport to the pier to take the route to Koh Tao either in ferry or speedboat.
From Surat Thani Train Station: It's about a 4-hour trip to Koh Tao's Mae Haad Pier. Departures at 09:30 AM and 11:00 AM include a shared minivan ride to Donsak Pier, followed by a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Koh Tao.
From Surat Thani Town: The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering travelers a swift route to their island getaway. Departures start from Tapee Pier in Surat Thani Town at 10:00 AM, 13:00 PM, and 15:30 PM begin with a shared minivan ride to Donsak Pier, followed by a ferry or speedboat journey to Koh Tao. This route includes stops at Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, offering a scenic and convenient way to explore more of Thailand's beautiful islands en route to Koh Tao.
Pricing Information
Surat Thani Airport, the bus and ferry price start at 1,100 THB and 1,200 THB for the speedboat.
Surat Thani Train Station, the minivan and ferry start at 1,000 THB 1,100 THB for the speedboat.
Surat Thani Town: the minivan and ferry start at 900 THB 1,000 THB for the speedboat.
Check-in Instructions
For a hassle-free trip, make sure to get to the check-in counter at least 45 minutes or 30 minutes at the latest before your bus or minivan leaves. This gives you enough time to go through all the check-in steps and helps make sure your trip to Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao, leaves on time. You can easily check in using the e-ferry ticket on your phone or any other device.
Important Travel Information
The most popular time to visit Koh Tao is between December and March. During these months, the weather is at its best, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and calm seas, making it ideal for ferry and speedboat travel.
- Luggage Allowance: A reasonable amount of luggage is permitted, with specifics provided upon booking. Small fees may apply for oversized or extra luggage.
- Onboard Amenities: Lomprayah ferries and speedboats are equipped with comfortable seating, air conditioning, and concessions, ensuring a pleasant journey to Koh Tao.
- Safety Measures: Adhering to the highest safety standards, all necessary protocols are in place to ensure a secure trip. Travelers are encouraged to follow the crew's instructions.
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.

