Thailand Ferry Guide: All Major Routes, Operators, and Prices

Thailand’s island network is one of the most travelled in Southeast Asia, and ferries are how most visitors move through it. The country splits into two main coastal corridors - the Andaman Sea on the west and the Gulf of Thailand on the east - each with its own operators, schedules, and peak seasons. This guide covers all the major routes, the operators you’ll actually deal with, and what to expect on each crossing.

The Two Coasts: Andaman vs Gulf

The Andaman Sea (west coast) includes Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and the Trang islands. The main season runs November to April; rough weather and reduced services arrive May through October. Crossings here are generally shorter - Phuket to Phi Phi is around 90 minutes on a speedboat.

The Gulf of Thailand (east coast) covers Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, accessed via the ferry hub at Surat Thani or Don Sak pier. The main season mirrors the Andaman (November–April), though the Gulf’s secondary season (July–August) is good too. Crossings are longer - Surat Thani to Koh Tao takes around 6 hours on a slow night ferry, or 2.5 hours on Lomprayah’s catamaran.

Major Operators

Lomprayah

Thailand’s most reputable Gulf operator. Fast catamarans run between Chumphon/Surat Thani and Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. Connections available from Bangkok via bus-and-ferry combos. Prices from approximately ฿650–฿950 one-way depending on route and season (as of 2026).

Seatran Discovery

Covers the Don Sak–Koh Samui crossing with large vehicle ferries (they take cars and motorbikes) and passenger catamarans. Most frequent service on this route - departures roughly every 30–40 minutes at peak. Passenger ticket approximately ฿160–฿220 one-way.

Songserm

The veteran Gulf operator, running since the 1980s. Slower boats but lower prices. Good for the Surat Thani–Koh Phangan direct route (around 2.5 hours). Prices approximately ฿350–฿450 one-way.

Raja Ferry Port

For drivers taking vehicles onto the ferry - Raja runs the car ferry between Donsak and Koh Samui. If you have a rental motorbike you need to return to the mainland, Raja is usually your only option.

Andaman Wave Master (PP Ferry)

The dominant Phuket–Phi Phi operator. Multiple daily departures from Rassada Pier (Phuket) to Tonsai Pier (Phi Phi Don). Journey time approximately 90 minutes. Also operates Phi Phi–Krabi route (around 60 minutes). Tickets approximately ฿350–฿450 one-way.

Tigerline Ferry

Good option for Koh Lanta connections and the southern Andaman route via Krabi. Also runs Phuket–Koh Lanta direct (around 3.5 hours). Approximately ฿800–฿1,100 one-way.

Andaman Routes at a Glance

Route	Operator	Duration	Approx. Price
Phuket → Phi Phi Island	Andaman Wave Master / PP Ferry	90 min	฿350–฿450
Phuket → Krabi (via Phi Phi)	Andaman Wave Master	3 hrs	฿500–฿650
Phuket → Koh Lanta	Tigerline	3.5 hrs	฿800–฿1,100
Krabi → Phi Phi Island	Multiple	60–90 min	฿250–฿350
Krabi → Koh Lanta	Multiple	2 hrs	฿450–฿600

Gulf of Thailand Routes at a Glance

Route	Operator	Duration	Approx. Price
Surat Thani → Koh Samui	Seatran / Songserm	2.5–3 hrs	฿200–฿300
Don Sak → Koh Samui	Seatran	1.5 hrs	฿160–฿220
Koh Samui → Koh Phangan	Multiple (30 per day)	30–40 min	฿180–฿350
Surat Thani → Koh Tao	Lomprayah	2.5 hrs (catamaran)	฿650–฿950
Surat Thani → Koh Tao	Songserm	6 hrs (night ferry)	฿350–฿500
Koh Phangan → Koh Tao	Lomprayah	1 hr	฿350–฿500

All prices approximate as of 2026 - confirm current fares when booking.

Bangkok to the Islands

There is no direct ferry from Bangkok. Getting to the islands from Bangkok involves a combination of:

• Flight + ferry: Fly Bangkok–Surat Thani (1.5 hrs, from approximately ฿800–฿2,500) then ferry to your island
• Night train + ferry: Overnight train from Hua Lamphong to Surat Thani (approximately 10–11 hrs), then ferry. Cheapest option at roughly ฿300–฿600 for the train + ฿200–฿650 ferry.
• Bus + ferry combo: Several operators sell through-tickets covering bus Bangkok–Surat Thani and ferry onward. Journey time roughly 12–14 hours total.

For Andaman islands from Bangkok, flying to Phuket or Krabi is the practical choice - the overland journey is around 15+ hours.

Booking Ferry Tickets

You can book at any pier on the day (arrive early in peak season), through guesthouses, or via online booking platforms. For the Phuket–Phi Phi route specifically, booking in advance is strongly recommended December through March when the route frequently sells out.

Speedboat vs Slow Ferry

Speedboats are faster but significantly rougher in swell. If you’re prone to seasickness, the larger slow ferries are more comfortable - especially on the Surat Thani–Koh Tao route. On the Gulf, both options run year-round; on the Andaman, slow ferries are rarer, and most crossings are speedboat or catamaran by default.

Luggage on Ferries

Most ferries allow full-size backpacks and suitcases stored in a separate luggage area. On speedboats, your bag goes under the deck or in a net outside - it will get wet in rough weather. Pack a dry bag or waterproof liner for electronics and documents.

Tips for a Smooth Crossing

• Arrive at the pier 30 minutes early - boarding queues move slowly and speedboats fill from the front.
• Bring cash - not all piers accept card payments for tickets.
• Check the weather in advance during shoulder season. Routes can be cancelled with short notice May through October.
• Night ferries are convenient for the Surat Thani–Koh Tao run but cabins on cheaper services are basic. Lomprayah runs the most comfortable overnight option.
• Airport transfer alternatives: for some routes, private minivan transfers work out similarly priced to ferry combos - compare before booking. Book airport and pier transfers in Thailand.