Bangkok to Koh Tao

Find my accommodation

Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!

Bangkok to Koh Tao Destination Reviews

Jamina S

8.30 PM leaving BKK, VIP Bus: Comfortable chair and short break around 2:00 AM: 20-30 mins after 5 - 6 hours of Driving. - Use this opportunity to go to the toilet there. Using the Bustoilet is not recommended. - 2 hours waiting at the Port (Places to sit, Foodcorner) at 5 AM that’s why I dont give 5 stars last step: almost 2 hours with the ferry to Koh Tao

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Oct 20, 2025

Purav A

Was skeptical about it since there werent many reviews. But it turned out to be greattt✌️

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Oct 17, 2025

Patricia

There were no more seats available on Lomprayah buses so we chose this bus to Koh Tao. The staff at reception and check-in was perfect, the bus ride (VIP bus) was ok, but I didn't understand the songthaew thing... In fact the bus leaves you on the side of the road at 4 am and you have to endure a half hour songthaew ride to the pier, in the open air, tightly packed and crammed in like animals. Fortunately it was not raining, but it was cold with the wind and impossible to move to put on a jacket because we were so cramped. It was the height of discomfort. I 've taken many songthaews but never like this one. it was a nightmare for me, my worst time in Thailand in 3 years.

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus VIP Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Oct 12, 2025

Gemma V

very good, but the bus is suuuper cold , you have to way 2h at the port, and you can eat free in one of the stops

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus VIP Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Oct 6, 2025

Grace C

Great journey, food vouchers given at check-in and lovely AC. Slept very comfortably the entire journey. Would recommend 😊

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus VIP Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Oct 5, 2025

Victoria

Lomprayah never fail to give clever and concise information. Comfy seats, blankets, water, clean toilet, aircon. Excellent all round service

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry Express, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Sep 28, 2025

Tim S

The VIP Bus was great, the Muffin very yummy. Note: the VIP Ferry Room is not included.

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Sep 23, 2025

Naima Q

Perfect. The vip bus was comfortable and the journey was great. You wait one hour at the pier and then you take the boat. No problem at all.

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Sep 22, 2025

Darren S

It was great and a wild trip over three vehicles. Its unclear where to go or whats happening sometimes, but just pay attention to what's going on around you and ask questions repeatedly!

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Bus VIP Bus + Ferry, Bangkok Travel Plus, Sep 19, 2025

Camilla M

Everything went smoothly. The bus didn't stop for 6,5 hours. But there is a toilet on the bus. Straight road to the south so no fear of getting sick. Highly recommended!

Bangkok to Koh Tao, Ferry VIP, Lomprayah (ลมพระยา), Sep 11, 2025

4.4

2600 customer reviews

44%

34%

16%

Bangkok to Koh Tao Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Ferry	Boonsiri High Speed Ferries	Catamaran + Express	05:00	15:00	$33.94
Bus	Lomprayah	Express	06:00	14:45	$30.85	4.1
Bus	TransBaanTon	Standard	09:00	04:00	$38.56
Bus	Next Step Journey	Bus + Sleeper Boat	11:00	05:00	$35.48
Ferry	Fame Tour	Sleeper Boat + Van	13:00	05:00	$33.94	4.8
Bus	The Twin 2000	Bus + Speedboat	18:40	10:10	$38.56
Bus	Montanatip	Express	19:00	08:45	$31.99	3.7
Ferry	Lomprayah	Express	20:30	08:45	$21.23	4.2
Bus	Lomprayah	Express	21:00	08:45	$30.85	4.1
Ferry	Boonsiri High Speed Ferries	Catamaran + Express	22:00	08:45	$33.94
Train	Van2Travel Train	2nd Class AC seats only	22:50	14:20	$50.13	4.0

Koh Tao can be budget-friendly with proper planning. Backpacker accommodations start at THB 300–500 per night, while mid-range options are also affordable.
Street food and casual eateries offer meals for under THB 100, keeping dining costs low.
Activities like snorkeling and beach visits are cost-effective, but diving certifications may be pricier, starting at THB 10,000.
For transportation, renting a scooter is economical at about THB 200–300 per day, though walking or taking local taxis is also viable.
While the island is accessible to budget travelers, costs can increase during peak tourist seasons, particularly for accommodations and guided tours. Budget-friendly travel is achievable by avoiding luxury services, using local transport, and opting for group activities.

A visit to Koh Tao typically lasts 3–5 days, which allows sufficient time to enjoy its key attractions.
Spend a day or two exploring the island's pristine beaches like Sairee and Ao Leuk, followed by snorkeling or diving at sites such as Shark Bay or Chumphon Pinnacle, as Koh Tao is renowned for its underwater biodiversity.
Take another day for hiking trails leading to viewpoints like John-Suwan, which offer panoramic views of the island. For longer stays, consider taking diving certification courses, which are highly popular.
If you’re short on time, a 2-day itinerary focusing on the beaches and marine activities is feasible, though shorter visits may feel rushed. Plan according to your interests and pace, ensuring time to appreciate Koh Tao’s serene environment.

Koh Tao’s primary festival is Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration held in April, featuring water fights and cultural traditions.

During Songkran, the island transforms into a lively scene where locals and tourists engage in water-based festivities, symbolizing cleansing and renewal.
The event often includes processions, traditional music, and food stalls offering local delicacies.
Another notable festival is the Full Moon Party, though not directly held on Koh Tao, it impacts the island with pre-parties and ferry connections to Koh Phangan.
While these celebrations highlight the island's vibrant spirit, visitors should plan accommodations early, as these periods attract larger crowds.

Understanding these festivals can help in aligning your trip with either a tranquil or celebratory experience based on your preference.

Transportation from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Facts about the transport from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Cheapest Transport	$39
Fastest Transport	7h 45m
Earliest Departure	6:00 AM
Latest Departure	10:50 PM
Departures per day	24
Distance	388 kilometers
Transport Companies	Bangkok Booking Center, Bangkok Travel Plus, Boonsiri High Speed Ferries, Fame Tour, Lomprayah, Montanatip, Oniam Transport, Thai Railways, TravelBusAsia, Van2Travel Train

Popular Routes

From Bangkok

From Koh Tao

Popular Routes in Thailand

How to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao

Travelling between Bangkok and Koh Tao is possible by Bus, ferry, train, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Bus+ferry is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 441.18 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus+ferry which will set you back mere USD 38.56.

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

It can take you anywhere between 8 and 20 hours to travel between Bangkok and Koh Tao depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Bangkok and Koh Tao. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 7h 45m. Bus+ferry does a much slower job and take about 19h 15m to reach Koh Tao.

How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Travelling between Bangkok and Koh Tao can be as cheap as USD 38.56 if you opt for a Boonsiri High Speed Ferries (บุญศิริเรือเร็ว) bus+ferry and as expensive as USD 441.18 if you buy a TravelBusAsia taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Bangkok and Koh Tao ?

12 from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 06:00 Southern Bus Terminal Pinklao until 21:00 Southern Bus Terminal Pinklao
6 by Bus+Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 19:00 Khao San Montanatip until 22:00 Boonsiri Office Kraisi
2 from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 19:00 BBC Khao san Bangkok until 19:00 BBC Khao san Bangkok
2 by Ferry+Train from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 20:30 Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station until 22:50 Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station
1 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 19:00 Khao San Road until 19:00 Khao San Road
1 from Bangkok to Koh Tao starting from 00:00 Bangkok Town Transfer until 00:00 Bangkok Town Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Bangkok to Koh Tao.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Bangkok to Koh Tao overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Bangkok and Koh Tao

Bangkok Booking Center

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Bangkok and Koh Tao

TravelBusAsia

Ferry

Ferry may be a tiring experience especially if you are prone to seasickness and often is not the cheapest option available but it almost always makes for a very picturesque journey.

Things to remember: Ferry rides may be cancelled due to rough seas.

Companies operating ferry routes between Bangkok and Koh Tao

Lomprayah (ลมพระยา)

What is the most popular transport to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Ferry+Train+Van remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

47% chosen Ferry+Train+Van
36% travelled aboard a ferry
11% chosen Bus+Ferry
1% Other