Your Complete Transfer Guide to Thailand’s Diving Paradise
Planning your journey from Surat Thani to Koh Tao? Whether you’re arriving by train, flight, or bus, Surat Thani is a popular gateway for travelers heading to Thailand’s famous Gulf islands. Koh Tao, known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and budget-friendly diving courses, is a must-visit island—and getting there from Surat Thani is easier than you might think.
Here’s everything you need to know to travel from Surat Thani to Koh Tao smoothly in 2025.
🛳️ Ferry Transfer from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
There is no direct road connection between Surat Thani and Koh Tao, as Koh Tao is an island. All travelers must take a ferry, with combined bus + ferry or van + ferry options available.
🚐 + 🛥️ Option: Bus + Ferry with Lomprayah or Songserm
Travel Time: 6–7 hours
Departure Points:
- Surat Thani Airport (URT)
- Surat Thani Train Station
- Surat Thani Town
Ferry Operators:
- Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran
- Songserm
These trusted operators offer combined bus and ferry tickets that include a pick-up from your arrival point in Surat Thani and a transfer to Donsak Pier, followed by a high-speed catamaran to Koh Tao via Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Estimated Cost: 1,000–1,300 THB
Where to Book:
- Booking click here :
✅ Pros:
- All-in-one ticket
- No hassle connections
- Reliable schedule
🧭 Sample Schedule with Lomprayah
- 08:00 AM – Pick-up from Surat Thani Airport
- 10:00 AM – Bus departs for Donsak Pier
- 11:00 AM – Ferry departs
- 02:45 PM – Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
Schedules may vary depending on season and weather—check in advance!
Traveling to Koh Tao after arriving at the Surat Thani Railway Station? You’re in the right place. This guide will help you understand all the steps to travel smoothly from the train station in Surat Thani to the tropical diving paradise of Koh Tao.
Whether you’re coming from Bangkok or northern Thailand by train, Surat Thani is one of the most convenient and cost-effective gateways to the Gulf islands, including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
🛤️ Step 1: Arrive at Surat Thani Train Station
Surat Thani Railway Station is located in Phunphin District, about 15 km west of Surat Thani city center. This is the main train stop for travelers heading to the Gulf islands.
From Surat Thani Train Station, travelers must continue by bus or van to Donsak Pier, where ferries to Koh Tao depart.
Travel Time: Around 1.5–2 hours
🛥️ Step 2: Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Tao
After reaching Donsak Pier, board a high-speed ferry bound for Koh Tao. Most ferries make stops at Koh Samui and Koh Phangan before arriving at Mae Haad Pier in Koh Tao.
Ferry Operators:
- Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran
- Travel Time (Ferry only): 3–4.5 hours
- Total Journey Time from Train Station to Koh Tao: 6–8 hours
🎟️ Sample Joint Ticket Itinerary
- 06:30 – Arrive at Surat Thani Train Station
- 07:30 – Board van/bus to Donsak Pier
- 09:30 – Ferry departs to Koh Tao
- 14:30 – Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
Total Estimated Cost: 900–1,200 THB (bus + ferry)
✈️ Flying from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
While there is no airport on Koh Tao, some travelers mistakenly think they can fly all the way. The closest airport is on Koh Samui or Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, you must transfer by land and ferry.
🏝️ Why Choose Surat Thani as a Starting Point?
- It’s accessible by train, bus, and domestic flight
- It’s more affordable than flying directly to Koh Samui
- Offers flexible ferry connections to Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui
Pro Tips for Your Trip
- Book in advance, especially during high season (Dec–April & July–August)
- Bring seasickness medication if you’re prone to motion sickness
- Travel light – ferries may charge extra for large luggage
- Arrive early to avoid missing the ferry connection