Travelling from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City is straightforward, with several ferry and combined ferry-and-bus services connecting the island to mainland Thailand. Whether you are heading to Surat Thani’s town centre, catching a train, or continuing your journey to Surat Thani International Airport, choosing the correct destination when booking is essential.
The most convenient option for most travellers is a combined ferry and road transfer ticket. This allows you to travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City without arranging separate transport at the mainland pier.
1. How to Travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City
There are two main ways to travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City:
- Combined ferry and bus: A single ticket covering the sea crossing and onward road transfer.
- Separate ferry and bus: Travel independently from Koh Samui to Donsak Pier, then arrange another vehicle to Surat Thani City.
The journey generally takes between 3 and 5 hours, depending on the operator, departure pier, transfer arrangements and traffic conditions.
For travellers unfamiliar with the area, a combined ticket is generally easier because the onward transfer is arranged as part of the journey.
2. Ferry Departure Piers on Koh Samui
The departure pier depends on the ferry operator and the service selected.
Nathon Pier
Located on the western side of Koh Samui, Nathon is an important departure point for passenger ferry and combined transport services. Lomprayah operates services connecting Nathon with mainland destinations, including Surat Thani.
Lipa Noi Pier
Located on the western coast, Lipa Noi is used by Raja Ferry. It is particularly relevant for travellers taking conventional vehicle ferries to Donsak, including those travelling with cars or motorcycles.
Maenam (Pralarn) Pier
Situated in northern Koh Samui, this pier serves selected Lomprayah and other connecting services. Some combined tickets include onward transport to Surat Thani.
Always check the departure pier printed on your ticket. Nathon, Lipa Noi and Maenam are different locations, and travelling to the wrong pier can cause you to miss your departure.
3. Available Transportation Options and Prices
The following options provide different combinations of ferry and road transport. Prices are indicative rather than guaranteed fares and should be checked for your intended travel date.
| Transportation option | Estimated duration | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Lomprayah ferry + bus to Surat Thani City | 2.5–3 hours | THB 600 |
| Ferry + bus via Donsak | 3–5 hours | THB 450–535 |
| Raja Ferry + separate local bus | 3–5 hours | Varies |
| Ferry + transfer to Surat Thani Airport | 3–6 hours | THB 450–850 |
Lomprayah provides combined services from Nathon Pier to Surat Thani destinations. Published examples include fares of approximately THB 600 to Surat Thani Town, THB 750 to the train station and THB 850 to the airport. Thailandee.com+1
For the Donsak route, Raja Ferry operates conventional car ferries between Lipa Noi and Donsak. A published passenger fare example is approximately THB 260 for the ferry crossing alone. This does not include the onward bus journey to Surat Thani City. Memo Travel+1
Which option should you choose?
- For Surat Thani City: Choose a combined ticket explicitly listing Surat Thani City or Town as the final destination.
- For Surat Thani Railway Station: Select a ticket that includes the station transfer.
- For Surat Thani Airport: Choose an airport-bound combination rather than travelling to the city first.
- For travelling with a vehicle: Check Raja Ferry’s vehicle ferry services from Lipa Noi to Donsak.
4. Ferry Schedules and Departure Times
Ferry departure times vary according to the operator, season and destination. Some services operate several times daily, while certain combined transfers have fewer departures.
For example, published Lomprayah services from Nathon include morning and midday departures. A timetable listing for November 2026 shows departures around 08:30 and 11:45 for selected mainland connections. Lomprayah Ferry
Raja Ferry also publishes regular services between Koh Samui and Donsak, with departures throughout the day. Its published schedule includes services from early morning until evening. Raja Ferry Port
Before travelling, consider these recommendations:
- Arrive at the departure pier at least 30 minutes before departure, or earlier if your ticket specifies it.
- Check whether the ticket includes the road transfer.
- Confirm the final arrival location.
- Allow additional time during weekends and public holidays.
- Check for weather-related changes before departure.
5. Travelling to Surat Thani City, Airport or Train Station
One important consideration is that Surat Thani has several transport destinations, and they are not interchangeable.
| Destination | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| Surat Thani City / Town | Hotels, restaurants and the city centre |
| Talad Kaset Bus Terminal | Local and interprovincial bus connections |
| Surat Thani Railway Station | Travellers continuing by train |
| Surat Thani International Airport (URT) | Domestic and international flight connections |
Surat Thani Airport is outside the city, so an airport transfer should be booked separately from a city-bound ticket unless the package specifically includes it.
If you are connecting to a flight or train, allow sufficient time for delays, road transfers and check-in procedures. Avoid selecting a tight connection between your ferry arrival and onward departure.
6. Practical Travel Tips
A little preparation can make the journey considerably easier.
- Book the complete journey: Combined ferry and bus tickets reduce the need to arrange mainland transport independently.
- Check your destination carefully: Surat Thani City, Donsak, the railway station and the airport are separate destinations.
- Consider your luggage: Check the operator’s baggage allowance, particularly when travelling with oversized bags.
- Monitor the weather: Rough sea conditions can affect ferry schedules and crossing times.
- Travel earlier when possible: Morning departures generally provide more flexibility if you experience delays.
- Keep your ticket accessible: You may need to present it at both the ferry terminal and transfer point.
For travellers heading to Bangkok, Krabi or other southern destinations, Surat Thani also provides useful connections by bus and train.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City?
The most convenient way is to take a combined ferry and bus service from Koh Samui. The journey includes a ferry crossing to the mainland followed by a road transfer into Surat Thani City.
2. How long does it take to travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani?
Most combined journeys take approximately 3–5 hours. Some services advertise shorter journey times, depending on the route and transfer arrangements.
3. How much does a ferry ticket from Koh Samui to Surat Thani cost?
Combined ferry and bus tickets generally start at approximately THB 450. Lomprayah services to Surat Thani Town have published fares around THB 600. Prices vary by operator and destination.
4. Which pier should I depart from on Koh Samui?
Nathon Pier is used by several combined passenger transport services, including Lomprayah. Raja Ferry operates from Lipa Noi Pier. Always check your ticket before travelling.
5. Can I travel directly from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City without changing buses?
Yes. Some combined ferry and bus services provide transport from Koh Samui to Surat Thani City under one ticket. Confirm that your selected service includes the complete journey.
6. Is there a ferry from Koh Samui directly to Surat Thani Airport?
There are combined ferry and road transfer services to Surat Thani Airport. These include a ferry crossing and onward land transport rather than a direct boat journey to the airport.
7. Can I take my car from Koh Samui to Surat Thani?
Yes. Raja Ferry operates vehicle ferries between Lipa Noi Pier and Donsak Pier. From Donsak, you can continue driving to Surat Thani City.
8. How early should I arrive at the ferry terminal?
Arriving at least 30 minutes before departure is advisable. Allow additional time during busy travel periods and follow any earlier check-in instructions provided by the operator.
9. Can bad weather affect ferry services?
Yes. Strong winds, rough seas and adverse weather conditions can cause delays or temporary service suspensions. Check the latest departure information with the ferry operator before travelling.
10. Can I travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani and catch a train on the same day?
Yes. Combined ferry and transfer services operate to Surat Thani Railway Station. However, allow a generous connection buffer rather than booking a train immediately after the estimated arrival time.
