Bangkok to Koh Samui: How to Get There
Koh Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand, about 650 km south of Bangkok. There are three main ways to get there.
Option 1: Fly Direct (Fastest)
Bangkok to Koh Samui Airport (USM): Bangkok Airways operates direct flights from both Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK). Flight time: approximately 1 hour.
Cost: 1,500–4,000 THB (£34–91) one way depending on booking window and demand.
Pros: Fast (3–4 hours door to door), comfortable, no sea leg.
Cons: More expensive than train+ferry; Bangkok Airways monopolises this route and prices reflect it.
Book at: bangkokair.com or comparison sites like Aviasales.
Option 2: Train to Surat Thani + Ferry
Bangkok Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani train: Overnight sleeper trains (class 1, 2, 3) depart evening and arrive early morning. Journey time: 8–10 hours.
Cost: 650–1,800 THB depending on class (£15–41). Second-class sleeper (two-tier berths with curtains) is the best value comfort option.
Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry: Ferry from Donsak pier to Nathon pier on Koh Samui takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Tickets cost 150–250 THB (£3.50–5.70).
Total journey time: 11–13 hours.
Best for: Budget travellers, those who enjoy the train experience, or night travellers who want to sleep through the journey.
Book trains at: seat61.com for guidance, 12go.asia or the State Railway of Thailand website.
Option 3: Bus to Surat Thani + Ferry
Similar to the train option but by bus. Overnight buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani take 8–10 hours. Often cheaper than the train.
Cost: 400–700 THB (£9–16) for the bus + 150–250 THB for the ferry.
Best for: Budget travellers when train sleepers are booked out.
Which Option to Choose?
| Traveller type | Best option |
|---|---|
| Short trip / time is money | Fly |
| Budget / love train travel | Train + ferry |
| Flexibility on timing | Bus + ferry |
Most travellers on holidays of a week or less fly. The train is best for slow travellers, those doing Bangkok → Koh Samui as part of a longer southern Thailand trip, or those who want the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the fastest way from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
- Flying is the fastest — Bangkok (BKK or DMK) to Koh Samui Airport (USM) takes approximately 1 hour on direct flights with Bangkok Airways. Including airport transfers, total travel time is 3–4 hours door to door.
- How much is the flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui?
- Bangkok Airways operates the main direct route — fares start from around 1,500–3,000 THB (£34–68) one way if booked ahead. Air Asia sometimes offers cheaper fares via Surat Thani with a connecting ferry.
- Can you get to Koh Samui by train?
- Not directly. The train goes from Bangkok to Surat Thani on the mainland (7–9 hours overnight). From Surat Thani, a ferry or speedboat to Koh Samui takes 1.5–2 hours. The total journey is 10–12 hours but very affordable and comfortable on the sleeper train.