Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui and Koh Tao are two of the most famous and popular islands in the country. The ferry service connects the islands in Surat Thani province and lets you travel from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in an affordable way. Discover the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry schedule, route, ticket price, and other tips.
When planning a trip by ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, consider that there are several ferry piers on the island of Koh Samui. Different ferry companies use these piers. Therefore, you not only need to choose the ferry according to the schedule but also pay attention to the pier of departure, as it might be far from your location in Koh Samui.
On the way to Koh Tao, ferries normally stop at Koh Phangan.
Koh Samui Piers for Ferry to Koh Tao
In Koh Samui, there are 3 piers where you can board a ferry to Koh Tao.
- Nathon Pier, the busiest pier on Koh Samui, is located in the northwest of the island (Google Maps). This pier is the best connected with Koh Tao by ferries, as here you can board a ferry of the Lomprayah and Songserm companies.
- Pralarn Pier, also known as Maenam Pier, is located in the Maenam Beach area, north of Koh Samui (Google Maps). Here you can board a Lomprayah ferry or high-speed catamaran going to Koh Tao.
- Bangrak Pier is located in the northeastern part of the island, close to Koh Samui's emblematic Big Buddha statue (Google Maps). Boonsiri and Lomlahkkhirin, which is part of Lomprayah, here operate different ferries to Koh Tao.
In Koh Tao, all the ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier on the western side of the island.
Koh Samui to Koh Tao Ferry Companies
Several ferry companies operate on the route from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. Ferries travel between Koh Samui and Koh Tao several times a day, and with 3 different ferry companies to choose from, you will normally find plenty of options.
1. Boonsiri High-Speed Catamaran
Boonsiri is a ferry company that offers trips between Koh Samui and Koh Tao on a high-speed catamaran. Better known for serving Koh Chang and other islands in far eastern Thailand, the company has recently launched a new route. Introduced in December 2025, the route starts from Chumphon and heads directly to the three popular islands: Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.
Boonsiri is offering two daily ferries to Koh Tao that depart from Bangrak Pier in Koh Samui.
You can conveniently book ferry tickets here: High-Speed Catamaran Transfer to Koh Tao.
2. Lomprayah Ferry
Lomprayah is the first and the only high-speed ferry operator in Thailand, established in 1999. The company is offering travel between the 3 islands of the Gulf of Thailand. Although Lomprayah fares for the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao may not be the lowest that you can find, the price is really worth it for the comfortable and reliable journey. This high-speed ferry is equipped with comfortable seats both inside and outside. There is a shop where you can buy snacks and drinks. There are also many toilets on board and even TVs that play movies.
Lomprayah is offering several daily ferries to Koh Tao that depart from Pralarn Pier and Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
Smaller ferries departing from Bangrak Pier are operated by the company Lomlahkkhirin, which is part of Lomprayah.
You can book ferry tickets of this company here: Lomprayah Ferry to Koh Tao (you can also add hotel pick-up or drop-off as an add-on).
3. Songserm Ferry
Songserm is another ferry company that offers trips from Koh Samui to Koh Tao. The tickets of this company are slightly cheaper than other companies operating on the route charge. However, their ferries are slightly older and slower, and the facilities on board are not that good. The trip on this ferry takes about two and a half hours.
Songserm is offering one daily ferry to Koh Tao that departs from Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
You can book ferry tickets here: Songserm Ferry between Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Another place where you can get tickets for this ferry: Songserm Ferry to Koh Tao.
Ferry Schedule
To plan your trip, explore the timetable of all the main ferry companies operating ferries, catamarans, and speedboats from Koh Samui to Koh Tao.
| Ferry Koh Samui - Koh Tao ฿ 600–700 1h 30m – 4h | |
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Ferry Tickets
We would recommend booking your ferry tickets for the trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao in advance, especially during the high season or before the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan. The number of ferries is limited, so it is best to have a booking before arriving at the pier. It will guarantee your place on the desired ferry. You can also buy a combo ticket that includes a taxi or minibus transfer from your hotel in Koh Samui to the ferry pier. It can save you time and effort as you receive door-to-door service.
Explore different transportation options for the trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, and book tickets by using this search form.
Speedboat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
Another alternative to travel between Koh Samui and Koh Tao is by private speedboat. It is an ideal option if you are traveling with a group of friends or family or you’re just in need of a little luxury. Speedboats are fast and flexible, so they are especially recommended when your arrival time doesn’t coincide with the ferry timetables. There are many companies offering private speedboats between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. The journey between Koh Samui and Koh Tao by speedboat takes about 1 hour.
There are also a number of scheduled speedboat departures throughout the day. You can book speedboat tickets online here: Speedboats between Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
Tour from Koh Samui to Koh Tao
If your Thailand trip plan includes spending more than one day on each island, ferries are a good option. However, if you don't have much time, it is better to take a day trip. There are many tours from Koh Samui to Koh Tao that you can choose depending on your interest.
The Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Speedboat Day Trip is one of the most popular tours. On this tour, you explore Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan islands, enjoy sightseeing and snorkeling at Ao Muang, swim and snorkel at Koh Nang Yuan, and finally hike to the top of the mountain for the panoramic view.