Are you planning to visit the beautiful island Koh Tao? Here is your complete guide how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao, with options for onward journeys to the neighbouring islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. Spend some time in this paradise place, try out scuba or freediving and explore its white-sand beaches and coral reefs. There is plenty of things to do for everyone on Koh Tao – the place for adventure seekers and those whore are looking to relax.
For me, Koh Tao is one of the most beautiful places in Thailand. I spent more than two years on the island and know almost every corner of it. Despite its compact size of just 21 km², the island offers lots of activities. Koh Tao is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and aquatic life encircling the island. It is one of the cheapest places to learn scuba diving too! Overall, Koh Tao is the perfect spot for people who love exploring the underwater world – whether by going snorkelling or diving. But it’s not just for ocean lovers – hikers, beach lovers and yogis will also find plenty to enjoy this little island.
This updated 2026 guide breaks down all options, real travel times, current price ranges, and what actually makes the most sense depending on your travel style.
Here are my top activities on Koh Tao!
Overview: Bangkok to Koh Tao in 2026
There are two main ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao:
Option 1: Flight + ferry (fast but expensive)
- Fly to Koh Samui, Surat Thani or Chumphon
- Continue by ferry to Koh Tao
Option 2: Bus + ferry (budget-friendly)
- Overnight or day bus from Bangkok
- Ferry transfer to Koh Tao
Bangkok to Koh Tao by bus & ferry
There is a night bus and a day bus which takes you from Bangkok to Chumphon, where you then change to the ferry. The whole journey takes roughly 12 to 14 hours for a price of 1,250 THB (approx. 35 Euros per person). Both busses depart from the Lomprayah Office in Bangkok on a daily basis. The office is located in a parallel road to Khao San Road, so I recommend to stay in the area to be able to walk to their office.
The night bus departs from Bangkok at around 9 pm and arrives at the pier between 6-7 am. After that, the ferry ride takes roughly 2 hours, so you will arrive on the island at around 9 am. The day bus leaves in Bangkok at 6 am and you arrive on Koh Tao at around 3 pm. You can easily book your bus tickets through 12Go. Depending on the season I recommend to book the bus at least 2-3 days beforehand.
There are two bus options: the standard bus and the VIP bus. The main difference is that the VIP bus offers more space and includes a complimentary snack and drinking water. The standard bus is comparable to typical long-distance coaches, with reclining seats so you can rest during the journey. Both options provide blankets for added comfort. If you choose the night bus, be aware that you won’t be able to lie down for the whole night as the day and night busses are the same type of bus.
Extra tips for this journey: Make sure to buy drinking water before the journey. I also recommend wearing long clothes and bringing a sleeping mask and jacket, as the air conditioning can get quite cold. There will be a stop midway through the trip where you can buy snacks and water. The bus is equipped with a simple toilet for urgent wees.
| Bangkok (Pinklao) to Koh Tao by bus & ferry | 9 pm to 8.30 am 9.30 pm to 8.45 am | from 850 THB from 1,250 THB |
| Bangkok (Khao San) to Koh Tao by bus & ferry | 6 am to 3 pm 9.30 pm to 8.30 am 10 pm to 8.45 am | from 1,250 THB from 850 THB from 1,250 THB |
Bangkok to Koh Tao by plane & ferry
If you prefer not to travel overnight, you can fly from Bangkok to either Koh Samui, Chumphon or Surat Thani and take the ferry to Koh Tao from there. It’s best to have a look at Skyscanner for flight options, but keep in mind that additional fees for checked luggage may apply.
Total travel time here is 6 to 10 hours total. Cost in 2026 varies between 3,500 and 7,500 THB, depending on your specific route, airline and season.
Which route should you choose in 2026
Overall, the bus & ferry combination is the most cost-effective way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Tao. Personally, I prefer the bus as it’s not only cheaper but also less stressful. No waiting time at the airport, no worry about delays, or deal with multiple transport changes. Plus, it’s a more environmentally friendly option. In the end, the flying option will take you around 8-10 hours with all the waiting times included anyway.
Start your day at one of these five breakfast cafés on Koh Tao!
Planning your onward journey
If you plan to visit Koh Phangan or Koh Samui after Koh Tao, you can easily book your ferry tickets through local travel agencies. I highly recommend Island Travel, as they are super friendly and responsive on Facebook, allowing you to check timetables and prices before heading to their office. Alternatively, you can also use 12Go. Bare in mind, that the tickets online can’t be booked within 24 hours before your departure!
