Is it worth making the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is a very popular diving destination located in the southeast of Thailand. It's known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license and offers beautiful underwater scenery. If you love the underwater world, you will fall in love with this island! Besides the underwater scenery, you can explore the bays and viewpoints by motorbike, go kayaking or join a boat tour. The famous sand strip in the north.

Does Koh Tao have an airport?

Koh Tao doesn't have its own airport. You will either have to fly to the nearby island Koh Samui, to Chumphon or to Surat Thani. The most common to travel to Koh Tao by plane is by booking a flight to Koh Samui and then continuing with a 2.5-hour ferry ride to Koh Tao.

How many days should I stay in Koh Tao?

If you are looking to enjoy the island's stunning beaches, explore its natural beauty, and try out some of the popular water sports such as snorkelling and scuba diving, we recommend spending 3-5 days in Koh Tao. However, if you are interested in getting your Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification, we recommend planning for 5-7 days in Koh Tao to complete your course.

What's the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

The fastest way to get to Koh Tao is to take a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui (1h), then a minivan to the pier and a ferry to Koh Tao. The whole journey takes 3-4 hours.

What's the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

The cheapest way to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok is to take a train to Chumphon, then a van + ferry to Koh Tao. The total price of the journey depends on the train ticket you buy with third-class seats being the most affordable (but we do recommend splurging on a second-class ticket with AC so you can get better sleep).

Will I get seasick on the ferry to Koh Tao?

Unfortunately, the sea en route to Koh Tao can get choppy. If you struggle with seasickness, make sure to bring motion sickness medication with you.

6 Ways to Travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao - by Bus, Minivan, Train Via Chumphon, Flight, Ferry and Train Via Suratthani

In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 415 kilometre distance from Bangkok to Koh Tao. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.

There are 6 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao. You can choose between the train via chumphon, ferry, train via suratthani, bus, minivan, flight. The most affordable option is by train via chumphon, starting from $22. The fastest route is by flight (3h 15m).

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Transport	Duration	Price	Best For
FlightFastest	3h 15m	($87)	--
Ferry	9h	($27)	--
Bus	10h	($36)	--
Train via Suratthani	13h	($31)	--
Train via ChumphonBudget	16h	($22)	--
Minivan	16h	($44)	--

Route Overview

BangkokKoh Tao415 km

Via ChumphonVia SuratthaniVia Koh Samui

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Train via Chumphon

8-16hFrom ~$22

When taking the train from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you can choose to go either via Chumphon or via Surat Thani. We recommend travelling by train via Chumphon, as this province is nearer to Koh Tao. From there, it takes around 3 hours to reach Koh Tao by ferry.

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From ~$22 · 8-16h

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Ferry

9h - 12h 30mFrom ~$27

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From ~$27 · 9h - 12h 30m

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Train via Suratthani

13h - 1dFrom ~$31

When travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao, you can also travel via Surat Thani, which is the province next to Chumphon in the south. Koh Tao is actually a part of Surat Thani, but travelling via this province takes longer and can be more expensive than going via Chumphon. However, we still wanted to share this option in case the option with the stopover in Chumphon doesn’t fit your itinerary for some reason.

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From ~$31 · 13h - 1d

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Bus

10h - 19h 30mFrom ~$36

Booking an overnight bus and connecting ferry to Koh Tao is the easiest way to reach this paradise island from Bangkok. With this option, both the bus and ferry are already organised for you, so you won’t have to book the tickets separately.

The combined bus and ferry option requires two transfers. The first one is by bus or minivan in Chumphon or Hua Hin, while the second transfer is to board the ferry at Chumphon Pier.

Combined tickets start from $36, and the journey can take around 10h - 19h 30m.

Departure and arrival station

Songserm, Montanatip, and Lomprayah buses all depart from Khao San Road, the famous backpacker street in Bangkok. For Paradive Travel, the meet-up point is at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. After the transfer in Hua Hin or Chumphon, the bus or minivan will take you to Chumphon Pier. From here, you will take the ferry and arrive at Koh Tao Island.

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From ~$36 · 10h - 19h 30m

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KEY LOCATIONS

Departure & Arrival Stations

Bangkok

Frequently Asked Questions

Koh Tao is 415 km away from Bangkok, on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Depending on the transport method you take, the journey can take from 3-4 hours (plane) to a whopping 20 hours (train via Surat Thani).

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Koh Tao?

Koh Tao is also a popular diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand. Known as one of the cheapest locations in the world to get your PADI license, the island offers beautiful underwater scenery with gorgeous coral gardens and tons of fish. It may be just 1/10 the size of its neighbour Koh Samui, but that doesn’t mean there is less to see in Koh Tao. Here, you’ll find beautiful bays, beaches and viewpoints — all just a motorbike ride away. And the best part? You can enjoy all these at a more laidback and slow pace.

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Every route is personally traveled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.

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Ferry Schedule Notice

Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.

Carbon Footprint

This 415 km journey produces approximately 37 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.

Traveller Reviews

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4.36 reviews

Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
O
Oliver S.November 2025
Ferry

Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.

Jenny L.Jan 2026

Train

The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.

Carlos V.Oct 2025

Bus

Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.

Maya R.Dec 2025

Train

Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.

David H.Feb 2026

Bus

Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.

Sophie K.Jan 2026

Flight

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STAY

Where to Stay in Koh Tao

Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.

Budget

The Stamp Hotel

Located not far from Sairee Beach. The Stamp Hotel is simple, clean and provides everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The staff are the star of this hotel, helping you with recommendations and hiring scooters. All rooms come with a patio or balcony for you to sit back and immerse yourself in the nature that surrounds the hotel. This is a great budget option in Koh Tao!

Super clean rooms
Amazing staff
Good location
Great value for money

Private rooms start from $24 per night.

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Mid-Range

Budchui Village2

Budchui Village2 is located just 500m from Sairee Beach and offers a beautiful swimming pool. The stunning mountain views, lush greenery and tranquillity will make for a perfect escape from the busy streets of Koh Tao. Staff are very helpful and will assist in booking tours, onward travel plans and renting motorcycles or bicycles.

Swimming pool
Close to the beach
Stunning mountain views
Friendly and helpful staff

Private room starts at $31 per night.

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Mid-Range

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel

Located in the Chalok Baan Kao area this hostel is surrounded by nature, lush scenery and tranquillity. The hostel has a large outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a bar and a great rooftop terrace for guests to soak in all the sights. There is also a common area for socializing with a TV, books and a shared computer. Thinking about getting your PADI in Koh Tao, the hostel is also a dive centre. The rooms are spacious and clean with private balconies.

Swimming pool
Dive centre
On-site restaurant and bar
Extremely clean

Private room starts at $36 per night.

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Treat Yourself

View Point Resort

View Point Resort is one of the best places to stay in the whole of Koh Tao. The views are exceptional, the rooms are perfectly designed for an island getaway and they even have a private beach area. The lagoon-style swimming pool overlooks the sea below, or opt for one of the stunning villas which have their own private swimming pool. Life cannot get much better than this!

Beautiful swimming pools
Exceptional views
Private beach
Delicious complimentary breakfast

Villas start from $86 per night.

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How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Compare Your Options

Train via Chumphon

Ready to book your train via chumphon?

Ferry

Ready to book your ferry?

Train via Suratthani

Ready to book your train via suratthani?

Bus

Departure and arrival station

Ready to book your bus?

Departure & Arrival Stations

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Koh Tao from Bangkok?

Is it worth making the journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Does Koh Tao have an airport?

How many days should I stay in Koh Tao?

What's the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

What's the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Will I get seasick on the ferry to Koh Tao?

Why Visit Koh Tao?

How We Research

Traveller Reviews

Leave a Comment

Minivan

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Flight

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Where to Stay in Koh Tao

The Stamp Hotel

Budchui Village2

The Dearly Koh Tao Hostel

View Point Resort