From Koh Samui to Phuket by Ferry and Bus: Travel Guide
- Crossing time 5h 20m–7h 30m
- Operators 3
- Departures a day 4
820+ THB
Schedules & prices
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From Koh Samui to Phuket by Ferry and Bus
Koh Samui to Phuket: Ferry and Bus Transfer Guide
Travelling from Samui Island to Phuket means combining a ferry crossing with an overland transfer, since no direct boat runs between the two islands. The journey starts at Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui, crosses to Donsak on the mainland, and continues by road to Phuket. Booked as a combined ticket, the whole trip takes around the scheduled journey time, with fares starting from ฿810.
Departure and arrival points
Ferries leave from Bangrak Pier on Koh Samui and arrive at Donsak Pier near Surat Thani on the mainland. From Donsak, a connecting bus or minivan covers the road section on to Phuket. Heading back the other way? See the Phuket to Koh Samui ferry and bus route for return departures and pricing.
Operators and booking
several operators operates this combined ferry-and-bus service, coordinating the sea crossing with the onward road transfer so travellers only need one ticket for the full journey. During high season, seats can sell out, so booking ahead is worth it if your travel dates are fixed.
Journey time and schedule
Total travel time is approximately the scheduled journey time, covering the ferry crossing, the changeover at Donsak, and the road transfer to Phuket. There are 4 scheduled each day, so most travellers can find a departure that fits their plans without an overnight stop. Exact departure and arrival times for your selected date are shown at checkout, since these can shift slightly by season and operator.
Prices
Fares for the Koh Samui to Phuket route start from ฿810 per person for a standard combined ticket. Prices vary by operator, seat class, and how far ahead you book, so it's worth comparing options before confirming.
On board and vehicle type
The ferry leg typically uses a bus and ferry, with onboard facilities on board for the crossing. The road transfer runs in an air-conditioned coach or minivan, usually with a short break built into the schedule.
When to travel
This route runs during all year round. Sea conditions can occasionally affect ferry departures, particularly during the monsoon season, so it's worth building some flexibility into your onward plans in Phuket if you're travelling then.
Booking your transfer
Book your Koh Samui to Phuket ferry and bus ticket in advance to secure your preferred departure and avoid last-minute price increases. A single booking covers both the ferry crossing and the connecting bus, so there's no need to arrange transport separately once you land at Donsak.
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.
