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Surat Thani to Donsak Ferry: Times & Prices

Key facts
  • Crossing time 1h 15m–1h 45m
  • Operators 1
  • Departures a day 32
Sailing season This route sails all year round.

165+ THB

Main title Services from Surat Thani to Donsak – Schedule and Prices

Ferry pier in southern Thailand with docked passenger boat, parked motorbikes, red crane and limestone hills

Easy Travel from Surat Thani to Donsak by Bus

Traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is simple and convenient. This route is popular among travelers heading to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Donsak is the main departure point for ferries to these islands, making it an important stop for those exploring southern Thailand.

The distance between Surat Thani and Donsak is around 53 kilometers (33 miles). Thanks to the short travel time, this trip is quick and manageable. The journey typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or minivan, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently.

Travelers have several transport options when traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak. Buses and minivans are the most common services, operating frequently throughout the day. These services are designed to connect easily with ferry departures, ensuring minimal waiting times and a smooth transfer.

Whether you’re starting your trip at Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani Train Station, or the city center, reliable transport services are available. With flexible schedules and reasonable prices, getting to Donsak is an easy and stress-free part of your journey.

Schedule and Ticket Prices for Surat Thani to Donsak

There are multiple transport options for traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak, including buses and minivans. The travel time is usually between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the service provider. Ticket prices vary from 150 to 380 THB. The price depends on the type of vehicle, service quality, and departure point.

Departure Points in Surat Thani

There are several convenient departure points in Surat Thani for travelers heading to Donsak:

  • Surat Thani Airport: Buses and minivans are available directly from the airport to Donsak. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

  • Surat Thani Train Station: Services from Phunphin Station offer regular departures to Donsak. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

  • Surat Thani City Center: Departures are available from the Phantip Travel office and other central points. This route is slightly faster, with a typical travel time of just over 1 hour.

Ferry Ports in Donsak

Donsak is the primary gateway to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. There are two main ferry ports that operate frequent services:

  • Seatran Ferry Port: Ferries run every hour to Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier from 05:00 to 19:00.

  • Raja Ferry Port: This port offers services to both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Ferries to Koh Samui run hourly from 05:00 to 18:00, with an extra trip at 19:30. Services to Koh Phangan are scheduled at 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00.

With so many options available, travelers can easily find a convenient departure time that suits their schedule.

>Check-in Guide for Travelers

For bus and minivan services, it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased directly at the station.

If you’re taking a ferry from Donsak, it’s best to check in at the pier 30 minutes before departure. This allows enough time for ticket verification and boarding.

Useful Travel Information

  • Ticket Prices: Bus and minivan tickets typically cost between 150 to 380 THB. Ferry tickets from Donsak to Koh Samui cost approximately 140 THB per person, while tickets to Koh Phangan are around 210 THB.

  • Travel Time: The journey from Surat Thani to Donsak takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The ferry ride to Koh Samui is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the trip to Koh Phangan takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

  • Service Frequency: Buses and minivans run frequently throughout the day, starting as early as 06:00 and continuing until 17:00. Ferries also have multiple daily departures, giving travelers plenty of flexibility.

Final Tips for Your Journey

If you’re traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak, you’ll find that buses and minivans operate throughout the day. With multiple services available, you can easily plan your trip based on your schedule. Morning and afternoon departures are the most popular, but late afternoon options are also available for those arriving in Surat Thani later in the day.

Once you reach Donsak, ferry connections to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are simple and reliable. Ferries operate frequently, so even if you miss one departure, another will follow shortly. This makes it easy to continue your journey without long delays.

Travelers arriving from Surat Thani Airport or Surat Thani Train Station will find that bus and minivan services are scheduled to align with typical arrival times. This convenient timing allows you to avoid unnecessary waiting and connect easily with your onward journey.

To ensure a smooth trip, consider booking your tickets online in advance. This can save time and ensure your preferred departure time is available, especially during busy travel seasons.

Conclusion

Traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is a straightforward experience that suits both first-time visitors and experienced travelers. The route is well-served by frequent buses, minivans, and ferries, ensuring you have plenty of options throughout the day. Whether you’re arriving at Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani Train Station, or the city center, you’ll find transport services that connect easily to Donsak. This makes the journey simple and convenient, even for those unfamiliar with the area.

One of the best things about this route is its affordability. Bus and minivan tickets are reasonably priced, and ferry fares to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are budget-friendly as well. This combination of low-cost travel and reliable service makes the Surat Thani to Donsak route an excellent choice for anyone exploring southern Thailand. By booking your tickets in advance, you can avoid last-minute stress and secure your preferred departure time.

The well-organized schedules also add to the convenience. Buses and minivans run throughout the day, while ferries have frequent departures from early morning until the evening. This flexibility allows you to plan your travel times easily, whether you prefer an early start or a relaxed afternoon departure. Even if your flight or train arrives later in the day, there’s a good chance you’ll still find a suitable connection to Donsak.

For those continuing their journey to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, the seamless transition from bus to ferry makes the entire trip easier. Since buses and minivans align with ferry schedules, you can enjoy a smooth transfer without long waiting times. This makes it easier to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about delays or missed connections.

In the end, traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is a simple and efficient way to start your island adventure. With clear schedules, affordable prices, and reliable services, you can relax and enjoy your journey. Whether you’re heading for the beaches of Koh Samui or the lively scene of Koh Phangan, a well-planned trip from Surat Thani to Donsak will help you start your holiday with confidence and peace of mind.



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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