How to Get to Koh Samui: Flights, Ferries & Tips

Getting to Koh Samui is easier than it looks, but the best option depends on your budget, time, and travel style. This guide breaks down all the main ways to reach the island—by plane, ferry, or a combination of both—so you can choose what works best for your trip.

Option 1: Fly directly to Koh Samui

Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Koh Samui. The island has its own airport (USM), located near Chaweng and Choeng Mon.

Direct flights mainly operate from Bangkok
Limited routes also run from Phuket, Chiang Mai, and select regional hubs
Flights are operated mostly by Bangkok Airways

Flights are more expensive than ferry routes, but you save a lot of time. From Bangkok, the flight takes about 1 hour.

Option 2: Fly to the mainland + ferry

This is the most popular budget-friendly option. You fly to southern Thailand, then continue by ferry to Koh Samui.

Common routes

Bangkok → Surat Thani → Ferry
Phuket or Krabi → Surat Thani → Ferry

From Surat Thani, ferries usually depart from Donsak Pier and take around 1.5–2 hours to reach Koh Samui.

Option 3: Combined bus, train, or ferry tickets

If you prefer a simple, all-in-one solution, combined tickets are widely available. These usually include transport from your starting city plus the ferry crossing.

Bus + ferry from Bangkok
Train + ferry from Bangkok
Van + ferry from nearby destinations

Combined tickets take longer but remove the hassle of planning each step separately. They’re popular with backpackers and slower travellers.

Which option should you choose?

There’s no single “best” way to get to Koh Samui—it depends on your priorities.

Short on time: Fly directly to Koh Samui
On a budget: Fly to Surat Thani, then take the ferry
Travelling slow: Use a bus or train + ferry combo

Arrival tips

Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (Dec–Apr)
Allow buffer time if connecting from flights to ferries
Airport transfers and taxis are easy to arrange on arrival