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Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui by Bus and Ferry: Your Guide

Key facts
  • Crossing time 3h 45m–5h 15m
  • Operators 4
  • Departures a day 6
Sailing season This route sails all year round.

500+ THB

Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui by Bus and Ferry: Your Guide

Weathered granite boulders on a rocky headland beside calm sea under an overcast sky, distant hills on horizon

Krabi to Koh Samui Schedule and Pricing


Planning a trip from Krabi to Koh Samui? Whether you're after a scenic Krabi to Koh Samui ferry ride or a quick Krabi to Koh Samui speedboat transfer, here's everything you need to know about schedules, prices, and travel tips to make your journey seamless and enjoyable.

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Samui involves a combination of bus and ferry or speedboat services. The total distance is approximately 280 miles (450 km), and the journey typically takes between 3 hours 45 minutes and 5 hours 15 minutes, depending on your chosen mode of transport.

  • Combination of Bus and Ferry: This is the most common option, offering scenic views and a comfortable ride. You can catch a bus from Krabi Town or the Krabi Bus Terminal that takes you to Donsak Pier, where you will board a ferry to Koh Samui.

  • Operators: The main operators include Lomprayah and Phantip Travel.

  • Pricing: Tickets range from THB 610 to THB 1100 ($17 to $30). Price starting from THB 610 for basic services.

  • Number of Trips per Day: There are 5 trips daily from Thunglong in Krabi to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui, via Donsak.

  • Departure Times: The earliest departure is at 8:00 AM, and the latest is at 1:30 PM. Check the Krabi to Koh Samui schedule and price updates regularly for the most accurate information.

Departure Details

From Krabi:

  • Departure Point: Most services depart from Thunglong Bus Terminal or Krabi Town.

  • Mode of Transport: You will start with a Krabi to Koh Samui bus ride from Krabi to Donsak Pier.

  • Ferry Transfer: From Donsak Pier, you will transfer to a ferry or speedboat that takes you directly to Nathon Pier on Koh Samui.

Generalities about Krabi:

  • Bus Stations: The main hub for departures is Krabi Bus Terminal. Services often start from Krabi Town or directly from your hotel.

  • Piers: Donsak Pier is the crucial transfer point for ferries and speedboats to Koh Samui.

  • Airports: While there’s no direct flight from Krabi to Koh Samui, Krabi International Airport serves as a gateway to the region.

Check-in Instructions

  • Bus Check-in: Arrive at the bus terminal at least 30 minutes before departure. Ensure you have your ticket and ID ready.

  • Ferry Check-in: Upon arriving at Donsak Pier, follow the signage to the ferry check-in counters. Make sure to verify your bus ticket details.

Important Travel Information

  • Luggage: Most operators allow a reasonable amount of luggage, but it’s best to check specific policies beforehand. Raja Ferry is known for its reliable luggage handling.

  • Weather: Travel times may vary depending on weather conditions. The Gulf of Thailand can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to check the weather forecast and be prepared for possible delays.

  • Comfort: Ferry services and speedboats offer seating options ranging from standard to VIP. Consider upgrading if you prefer more comfort, especially during peak travel times when the ferries can get crowded. Air conditioning is available on most modern ferries.

  • Food and Drink: Onboard services usually offer snacks and drinks for purchase, but it’s a good idea to bring your own water and snacks.

Additional Destinations

  • Surat Thani: If you're heading towards Surat Thani, it's often a common route taken before transferring to Donsak Pier.

  • Lipa Noi: Another arrival point on Koh Samui, mainly for ferry services, though less common than Nathon Pier.

  • Koh Phangan and Koh Tao: After arriving at Koh Samui from Krabi, you can continue your journey to nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao for further exploration.

Conclusion

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Samui is a straightforward and scenic journey, whether you opt for a ferry or a speedboat. With multiple daily departures and affordable pricing, it's easy to find a schedule that fits your itinerary. Remember to check the departure points and timings carefully, and you'll be set for a smooth trip to Koh Samui. Enjoy your journey from Krabi to the beautiful Gulf of Thailand!


FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

You don't need to print your ticket. Your boarding voucher is in your account: open Bookings, then View trip details, and click Download PDF. On the day of travel, show the QR code on it — on your phone is fine — to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket, and they will direct you to your boat.

If you'd prefer paper, print the PDF yourself.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

We are sorry when weather stops a sailing. Ferries usually run in rain; speedboats are more often stopped by rough seas.

If your trip is cancelled because of weather, your booking in Bookings shows a message once our team has confirmed the cancellation. You can then either move to the next available service with Change this booking, or cancel with Cancel & refund for a full refund.

If the sailing is running but you choose not to travel, the normal cancellation policy applies.

Why is my account locked?

We lock an account for a short time after several failed sign-in attempts in a row. It is an automatic safety measure: it stops someone else guessing your password, and it happens whether or not the person typing was you.

You do not need to contact us. The lock lifts on its own — see How long am I locked out for?

What is the difference between a locked and a blocked account?

Locked is automatic and temporary. It happens after repeated failed sign-in attempts and it lifts by itself — within a minute in most cases.

Blocked is a decision made by our team, and it does not lift on its own. If your account is blocked you will need to contact us; waiting will not change it, and neither will resetting your password.

If you are not sure which applies to you, get in touch and we will tell you.

How do I unlock my account now?

Wait, and try again. Every lock lifts on its own — a minute the first time, and never more than an hour however many attempts have failed. There is nothing to click and nobody to contact.

If you have forgotten your password, do not keep guessing: each wrong attempt makes the next wait longer. Use Forgot password instead. Resetting your password gets you straight back in.

My account locked but I never tried to sign in

Then someone else was trying to sign in as you, and the lock did its job — it stopped them.

Your account is safe: a lock means the attempts failed. Nobody got in. You do not have to do anything, and the lock will lift on its own.

We would still recommend two things:

  • Change your password, especially if you use the same one on another website.
  • Add an authenticator app in your account security settings, so a password alone is never enough to sign in as you.

If you get these repeatedly, contact us and we will look into it.

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