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How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao is well connected with Koh Samui. You can get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao by ferry boat.

Koh Tao is a relatively small island on the gulf of Thailand with a great community of friendly and approachable people. The island’s appeal also comes from its proximity to some of the best scuba diving locations in the world, which makes it the perfect holiday destination!

Though it is not the largest island in Thailand, Koh Tao has become one of the top places to visit in Asia. Every season has things to do and explore on this heavenly island.

If you’re the type to appreciate beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, this island is one you should place on the top of your traveling list.

With a clear lagoon for sunbathing, some stunningly unspoiled beaches with plenty of places for body boarding, and an impressive range of hotels, Koh Tao is also very popular with sun-seekers.

This small paradise is also known as Turtle Island! The vibrant coral reefs under the waves are home to a wide range of exciting and colorful sea creatures, including turtles, naturally.

So, whether you want to relax on the beaches or experience its underwater treasures, Koh Tao is definitely worth a visit.

Traveling between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is easy, with the frequently available ferry boats!

Check our guide for the best options to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

Tip: We offer detailed information about how to get around in Thailand for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.

How far is Koh Tao from Koh Samui?

The distance from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is 42 miles or 67.6 kilometers.

Transportation Options from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

The following table outlines all transportation options from Koh Samui to Koh Tao:

MethodTravel timePrice
Ferry Boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao1 hour 30 minutesUSD 15-USD 20
Transport + Tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao8 hoursUSD 51

Getting to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

1. Ferry Boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

It’s no surprise that Koh Samui has more piers than any other island because of its popularity and size!

Therefore, the ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Tao leaves from several harbors. Koh Samui’s most famous port is Bangrak, located in the north. 

We recommend you first check the location of your hotel to find out which pier is closest to it. Then, you will save time traveling to the port, even if your ferry includes hotel pickup!

This route from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is operated by the company Lomprayah, which offers both High-Speed Ferries and Speedboat Ferries at different prices. It is a direct route, and ferries take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to arrive at Koh Tao.

Traveling by ferry is the only way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, but fortunately, these boat trips are very enjoyable and comfortable! Once you get on board, you can enjoy many different amenities! 

With a 4.5 star rating, this ride is among the most highly rated from Koh Samui to Koh Tao!

It is also a pretty short journey, and you will find yourself in Koh Tao in no time!

There is one ferry terminal on Koh Tao, which is known as Mae Haad Pier. This is where all the ferries arrive, which is convenient since the dock is located near many accommodations. 

Remember to reserve your tickets online in advance since ferries from Koh Samui to Koh Tao don’t run frequently!

Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry Boat Schedule:

  • 12:30 PM to 02:00 PM: High-Speed Ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

Total price: USD 15

  • 08:00 AM to 09:30 AM: Speedboat Ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

Total price: USD 20

  • 12:30 PM to 02:00 PM: Speedboat Ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

Total price: USD 20

  • 03:00 PM to 04:30 PM: Speedboat Ferry to Koh Tao from Koh Samui

Total price: USD 20

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2. Transport + Tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Journey Duration: 8 hours

It is a great option to visit Koh Tao for more than a day by ferry, but if you are on a time crunch and would love to experience the island’s incredible diving for just a day, an organized diving trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao could be your best choice!

These boat tours are the perfect escape to paradise! There are different tours available, and if you are new to diving, you can book a trip without having any prior diving experience.

You can get a full-day experience with Lomprayah! They pick you up from your hotel in Koh Samui and take you to the ferry to Koh Tao, where you can dive, swim, snorkel and sunbathe!

Then, you can also have lunch and relax for a while before being dropped off at your hotel back in Koh Samui!

The price of the diving trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is considerably higher than that of taking the ferry independently. Still, if you’re planning a day trip to Turtle Island, this is actually a pretty fantastic deal!

Reserve the transfer and guided tour for your trip to Koh Tao online today!

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Bookaway

On Bookaway, you can check all available transportation options from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. It is a reliable and easy-to-use platform for comparing prices & schedules and making a booking online.

Bookaway1
Koh Samui To Koh Tao2

Best day tours in Koh Tao, Thailand

Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.

The following widget shows some of the best tours in Koh Tao, Thailand.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The price for a ferry ticket to travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao ranges from USD 15 to USD 20.

How do I get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The only way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is by ferry boat operated by the company Lomprayah.

How long is the ferry from Samui to Koh Tao?

If you get on a regular ferry boat, rather than a boat tour, you should get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How far is Koh Samui Airport from the ferry port?

Koh Samui Airport is only 2.2 km away from Bangrak Seatran Pier.

What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao?

The cheapest way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao is, by high-speed ferry, which costs USD 15. 

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