The ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui is one of the most straightforward crossings in the Gulf of Thailand. Boats depart from Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao and arrive at Maenam, Bangrak or Nathon Pier on Koh Samui. The journey takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours on a fast boat, or up to 3.5 hours on a slower service that calls at Koh Phangan on the way.
Ferry Options at a Glance
| Operator / service type | Typical journey time | Typical fare | Arrival pier | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah high-speed catamaran | About 1 hr 45 min | THB 600 to THB 750 | Maenam | The fastest, most comfortable crossing |
| Lomlahkkhirin fast boat | About 1 hr 25 min to 2 hr | About THB 700 to THB 800 | Usually Maenam | Speed and early departures |
| Seatran Discovery | About 2 hr 30 min | About THB 580 | Bangrak | A mid-priced alternative |
| Songserm | About 3 hr 30 min | From THB 450 | Maenam or Nathon, via Koh Phangan | The lowest fare; hotel pickup is often included |
Departure and Arrival Ports
All services leave from Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao’s main port. On Koh Samui, your arrival pier depends on the operator:
- Maenam Pier, on the north coast, is convenient for Chaweng, Bophut and the airport.
- Bangrak Pier, also on the north coast, is used by Seatran Discovery.
- Nathon Pier, on the west coast, is served by some slower services. If you are staying near Nathon, check whether your ticket includes a hotel transfer, as Songserm often provides pickups.
Schedules
Ferries run year-round. The first departure is commonly around 07:05, and the last leaves between 12:30 and 16:30 depending on the operator and the season. Most services route via Koh Phangan, so allow extra time compared with the direct sailing distance. Timetables can change between seasons, so confirm departure times shortly before you travel.
Which Ferry Should You Choose?
For most travelers, the Lomprayah catamaran from Mae Haad to Maenam is the best balance of speed, comfort and arrival location. The crossing takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and costs roughly THB 600 to THB 750. Travelers on a tighter budget can take the slower Songserm service from THB 450, accepting a longer journey of up to 3 hours 30 minutes.
Booking Advice
Book at least one day ahead in high season, particularly from December to January and around Thai public holidays. Fast-catamaran seats and afternoon departures can sell out.
If you are connecting to a flight from Koh Samui on the same day, choose a morning ferry and leave a generous time buffer. Sea conditions occasionally cause delays or cancellations, especially during the monsoon-affected months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui take?
Fast boats take roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Slower services that stop at Koh Phangan can take up to 3.5 hours. - How much does the ferry cost?
Fares typically range from THB 450 to THB 800. The Songserm service starts from THB 450, Seatran Discovery is around THB 580, Lomprayah is THB 600 to THB 750, and Lomlahkkhirin is around THB 700 to THB 800. - Where does the ferry depart from on Koh Tao?
All services depart from Mae Haad Pier. - Which pier will I arrive at on Koh Samui?
This depends on the operator. Lomprayah and most fast boats arrive at Maenam, Seatran Discovery arrives at Bangrak, and Songserm arrives at Maenam or Nathon. - Which ferry is the fastest?
Lomlahkkhirin’s fast boat can take as little as 1 hour 25 minutes, while the Lomprayah catamaran takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. Both are considerably quicker than the slower, multi-stop services. - Which ferry is the cheapest?
Songserm is the lowest-priced option, with fares from THB 450. The trade-off is a longer journey of about 3 hours 30 minutes. - What time is the first and last ferry?
The first departure is commonly around 07:05. The last departure is typically between 12:30 and 16:30, depending on the operator and season. - Do ferries operate all year?
Yes, services run year-round. Rough seas can occasionally cause delays or cancellations, particularly in the monsoon-affected months. - Do I need to book in advance?
In high season, particularly December to January and around Thai public holidays, book at least one day ahead. Fast-catamaran seats and afternoon departures can sell out. - Can I take the ferry on the same day as a flight from Koh Samui?
Yes, but choose a morning departure and allow a generous buffer for possible delays. Maenam Pier is a convenient arrival point for the airport.
