All Roads Lead to Koh Tao – How to Make Your Way to Paradise
For a tiny island in the middle of the ocean, Koh Tao is surprisingly easy to reach. There are just about as many travel options as there are travellers—and since budgets and tastes vary, we’ve collected the most current options here for you in one blog.
From Your Home Country to Thailand
Many airlines have great flight promotions throughout the year, so it’s worth keeping your eyes on the airline websites that fly direct to Bangkok or Phuket. Skyscanner is another handy tool for tracking the best price, especially if you don’t mind layovers.
PRO TIP:
Searching for flights multiple times on the same device? Clear your cache and use a private browser for the best possible prices.
Last Leg: The Ferry
There’s no airport on Koh Tao, so to make it to the island, you need to catch a ferry.
As of 2025, the two reliable ferry companies are still Lomprayah and Seatran. Both operate from Surat Thani, and Lomprayah also operates from Chumphon, offering bus+ferry packages from Bangkok.
Night ferries remain a great option too. They depart from both Chumphon and Surat Thani every evening, arriving in Koh Tao early in the morning. These night ferries are typically spacious with comfortable bunk beds and power sockets to charge your devices.
Book you ticket: https://12go.asia/en
PRO TIP:
Some daytime ferries have an VIP room upstairs with comfy seats you can lean back in—worth the 100 THB extra for a peaceful nap!
Domestic Flights
The fastest way to the island after your international flight is to fly to Koh Samui and ferry over to Koh Tao. Bangkok Airways still offers hourly flights from Bangkok (starting around 6 AM until late), and you don’t need to switch airports in Bangkok. From Phuket, there are also direct flights to Samui five times a day. To make it to Koh Tao on the same day, aim to arrive in Samui before midday to catch the latest ferry. Prices for Bangkok Airways flights still range from 3,000–5000 THB.
Want to save? Domestic flights to Surat Thani (URT) and Chumphon (CJM) with airlines like Air Asia, Thai Smile, Lion Air, and Nok Air remain much more budget-friendly. Flights can be as low as 1,000 THB, though luggage and extras aren’t usually included.
Since 2018, a major upgrade: Tapee Pier near Surat Thani is less than 30 minutes from the airport—making travel quicker than ever!
PRO TIP:
Many airlines and ferry companies still offer combined tickets covering everything from flights to ferries—no worries about transfers or schedules, just sit back and relax.
Joint Bus Ticket
For budget travelers, bus+ferry joint tickets remain the cheapest way to get to Koh Tao. From Bangkok, tickets cost around 1,000 THB and can be bought at any tiny travel agency, your hotel reception, or online. This is also a popular option from Phuket, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta, and even smaller towns—local agencies can get you to Koh Tao from just about anywhere.
PRO TIP:
Buses are still FREEZING! Air con blasting the entire trip—pack something warm in your hand luggage.
I’m on a Night Train!
The southern railway line from Bangkok to Chumphon (via Hua Hin and other towns) is a classic. Day trains are an option for sightseeing, but night trains with comfy sleepers are great for budget-conscious travelers (saving a night of accommodation!). Lower bunks are still wider and more comfortable. Prices range from a few hundred baht for seats to 500–1,000 THB for sleepers.
PRO TIP:
Trains are still often late! If you’re taking the train, consider booking a joint ticket with the ferry company—pay a bit more, but they’ll make sure you catch your ferry (or the next one) at no extra cost.
Taxi
Traveling with family or a group of friends? A private taxi or minivan can be surprisingly convenient and affordable. It’s great for families with young kids—turn the trip into part of the adventure rather than something to endure.
A taxi from Bangkok airport to the Chumphon pier still costs around 4,500 THB, and a minivan around 6,000 THB. We still recommend Motri for excellent English service—reach out via Facebook or call +66890055643.
PRO TIP:
You can stop beyond pee breaks! For example, on the way from Khao Lak to Surat Thani, there’s the beautiful Khao Sok National Park. Or make a stop at a hidden restaurant serving the best Pad Thai you’ve ever had.
Useful Links
Flights:
- www.skyscanner.com
- www.bangkokairways.com
- www.airasia.com
- www.lionair.com
- www.thaismile.com
- www.nokair.com
Ferries and Buses:
Train:
Travel Agency on Koh Tao:
In 2025, Koh Tao is as accessible as ever—whether you’re coming for a weekend dive trip or a months-long island adventure, there’s a travel route that fits your style and budget. Safe travels, and see you on the island!
