This is an updated travel guide on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao by flight, train, bus, and ferry with the latest schedule and fare for your easy reference. Updated on 6 June 2023.
While Bangkok is a fantastic city to explore, if you’re seeking a tropical island experience with opportunities for snorkeling and diving, you’ll need to head further south to Koh Tao. However, the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao requires making several decisions that will impact your travel experience.
Would you prefer to travel during the day or overnight? Would you like to take the train or the bus? The best way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok depends on the mode of transportation you choose. This article covers all the available transportation options, their costs, and how to book tickets. We’ll provide detailed information on the various routes for each option, and for those who prefer to travel during the day, we’ll also include information on daytime travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
When it comes to figuring out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao, there are three transportation combo options to choose from. The fastest route involves taking a flight and then a ferry, but it’s also the most expensive. The Bangkok Koh Tao Bus & Ferry combo is the quickest land and sea-based option, taking approximately 9 hours with an express bus and ferry service. For a more relaxing and cost-effective journey, an overnight train is the way to go. This option not only saves on accommodation costs but also provides a time-efficient option, arriving in Koh Tao in the morning.
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Travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao by Train and Ferry
Both Chumphon and Surat Thani railway stations are conveniently located along the main Thailand Southern Railway Line, with all southbound trains making stops at these stations. To reach the ferry ports, all ferry operators provide bus pick-up services from the train stations. If you wish to travel directly to Koh Tao, catching the train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station in Bangkok to Chumphon is your best option.
After arriving at Chumphon Railway Station, you can find vans waiting outside to take you to the ferry terminal where you can catch a ferry to Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao. As of April 2023, both the fast ferry and sleeper boat are now available.
Train and Ferry Schedule
- 6:50 pm – departure from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, Bangkok
- 4:45 am – ETA in Chumphon
- 6:00 am – earliest van+ferry you can take from Chumphon Train Station
- 8:45 am – ETA in Mae Haad Koh Tao
Fare (Train + Ferry) and Travel Time
The train + ferry combo ticket costs THB1,650 or roughly USD48. The total travel time for the whole journey is around 14 hours including van transfer and ferry.
Bangkok to Koh Tao by Bus and Ferry
The Lomprayah ferry companies offer the most popular bus and ferry combo ticket for travelers journeying from Bangkok to Koh Tao. This option is available from the bustling backpacker hub of Khao San Road. Additionally, buses departing from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok are available to take you to Chumphon city center.
The Lomprayah bus and ferry combo ticket is a popular option for traveling from Bangkok to Koh Tao. The ticket includes a bus transfer from Bangkok’s Khao San Road to Chumphon, where you will board a high-speed catamaran to Koh Tao. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, with a 6-hour bus ride and a 2.5-hour ferry ride. There are both daytime and overnight options available. The overnight bus and ferry combo allows you to sleep through the journey and wake up in Koh Tao.
Bus and Ferry Schedule
- 6:00 am departure from Khao San Lomprayah, Bangkok (total travel time around 9 hours)
- 1:00 pm – departure from Khao San Boonsiri, Bangkok (total travel time around 16 hours)
- 9:00 pm – departure from Khao San Lomprayah, Bangkok (total travel time around 11 hours)
Total Fare (Bus + Ferry)
The fare from Bangkok to Koh Tao by bus and ferry is THB1,250 (USD36) for the morning trip and THB1,550 (USD45) for the afternoon and night trips.
Flights to Koh Tao from Bangkok
If you’re in a hurry and don’t mind paying a premium, the quickest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao is to take a flight and a ferry. However, there is no airport on Koh Tao, so you’ll have to fly to a nearby airport such as Surat Thani or Chumphon. From there, a bus transfer will take you to the relevant ferry port where you can board a ferry to Ban Mae Haad. Although this option is more expensive, it will significantly reduce your travel time. Check available flights
