Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao Ferry: Fares & Tickets
How to get from Surat Thani Airport to Tao Island
Surat Thani Airport to Tao Island by Bus and Ferry
Getting from Surat Thani Airport to Tao Island is simple and easy. Whether you prefer traveling by bus, ferry, or speedboat, there are options to suit your schedule and budget. The journey covers around 200 km (120 miles) and can take between 4 hours and 9 hours 30 minutes.
For those arriving at Surat Thani Airport, you'll find convenient connections to Donsak Pier, where ferries and speedboats depart regularly for Tao Island. This makes Surat Thani Airport a great entry point for travelers heading to Koh Tao by ferry or speedboat. Reliable operators like Lomprayah and Phantip provide combined services, ensuring a smooth journey.
If you're looking to go to Tao Island by speedboat or ferry, Surat Thani Airport is one of the best starting points. The trip combines land and sea travel, making it a convenient way to reach the island. Once you arrive, you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore the island and visit popular spots like Mango Bay and Sairee Beach.
Surat Thani Airport to Tao Island Schedule and Pricing
The trip from Surat Thani Airport to Tao Island involves two steps:
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Bus Transfer – From Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier (takes about 1 hour 30 minutes).
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Ferry or Speedboat – From Donsak Pier to Tao Island.
Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries and Phantip are trusted companies that provide this combined service. Ferry times vary, so it’s important to check the schedule before booking.
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Ferry Ticket (Standard Bus & Ferry Combo): Starts at THB 700
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Speedboat (Faster Option): Starts at THB 1,200
Total travel time can vary depending on weather and ferry services.
Departure Details
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Surat Thani Airport: The journey starts at the airport, located about 15 minutes from Surat Thani city center.
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Donsak Pier: Ferries and speedboats depart from here. It’s an important hub for ferry travel in the Gulf of Thailand.
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Tao Island: Common arrival points include Mae Haad Pier and Sairee Beach, two busy areas where you’ll find hotels, restaurants, and tour services. If you're heading to quieter spots like Mango Bay, local taxis or boats are available from the main piers.
Pricing Information
Ferry companies offer several ticket types:
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Bus and Ferry Combo: Starting at THB 700
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Speedboat Services: Starting at THB 1,200 for a faster journey
Prices vary during peak seasons, so book your ticket early to secure your spot.
Check-in Instructions
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Surat Thani Airport: Arrive at least 1 hour before your bus departure to allow enough time for check-in.
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Donsak Pier: Arrive 30 minutes before your ferry boarding time. Present your ticket at the counter and follow instructions for boarding the ferry.
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Luggage: Most ferry services allow one large bag and a carry-on. Speedboat options may have stricter baggage limits.
Important Travel Information
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Travel Time: The entire trip can take between 4 hours and 9 hours 30 minutes.
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Weather Conditions: Bad weather can sometimes extend travel time.
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Facilities: Most ferries have air conditioning and seating areas to ensure a comfortable ride.
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Train Station Connection: If you're arriving in Surat Thani by train, you can easily connect to the bus services departing from the airport to Donsak Pier.
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Booking: It’s best to book your ticket online in advance to compare ferry companies and filter results based on your preferred schedule.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to travel from Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao Island by ferry and bus, your journey from Surat Thani Airport will be smooth if you plan ahead. Operators like Lomprayah High-Speed Ferries and Phantip provide convenient options with flexible ferry times. Book your ticket early, follow the travel tips above, and you'll soon be relaxing on the beaches of Ko Tao or exploring spots like Mango Bay.
If you're traveling during peak seasons or public holidays, it's especially important to book your ticket early to avoid delays or sold-out services. Popular routes like Surat Thani Airport to Koh Tao by ferry can fill up quickly, so planning ahead is key to securing your preferred travel time. Checking ferry times and arrival points like Mae Haad Pier or Sairee Beach can also help you organize your stay better.
For added convenience, consider choosing a combo ticket that combines your bus transfer from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier with your ferry or speedboat journey to Tao Island. This option simplifies your trip, saves time, and ensures a smoother connection. With proper planning, your trip to Tao Island can be hassle-free and enjoyable.
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.
