Taking a ferry to Koh Samui from Surat Thani? Here’s how to choose the right pier, the right ferry company, and get step-by-step instructions from both Surat Thani train station and airport.
Lomprayah ferry to Koh Samui © [email protected]
Ferry Options from Surat Thani to Koh Samui
- 🚢 Lomprayah catamaran (recommended) — departs Tapee Pier, Surat Thani town. Around 2.5 hours. Includes bus transfer from train station or airport. Buy Lomprayah tickets on 12Go →
- 🚢 Seatran / Raja Ferry — departs Donsak Pier, 60km from Surat Thani town. Around 1.5 hours crossing, but requires a separate transfer to Donsak. Buy Donsak ferry tickets on 12Go →
Why Take the Lomprayah Ferry to Koh Samui?
There are two departure points for ferries to Koh Samui from the Surat Thani area, and this is where most travellers get confused:
- Tapee Pier — in Surat Thani town. This is where Lomprayah departs. Journey time to Koh Samui is around 2.5 hours.
- Donsak Pier — around 60km south of Surat Thani town. This is where all other ferry companies (Seatran, Raja Ferry) depart. Journey time to Koh Samui is around 1.5 hours on the boat, but the total travel time including the long transfer to Donsak is similar or longer overall.
Because Tapee Pier is right in Surat Thani town — close to both the train station and the airport — the Lomprayah is the most practical choice. You don’t need to travel 60km to Donsak, and Lomprayah coordinates its own bus transfer so you won’t miss the boat.
How to Catch the Lomprayah Ferry from Surat Thani Train Station
- Buy your ticket in advance. Check availability and prices on 12Go — you can book the combined bus + ferry ticket online and receive your ticket by email. This is strongly recommended in high season when services fill up.
- Arrive at Surat Thani train station. Look for the Lomprayah representative or ticket counter in or just outside the station. Show your ticket or booking confirmation.
- Board the Lomprayah transfer bus. The bus departs from outside the train station and takes you directly to Tapee Pier in Surat Thani town. The journey takes around 10–15 minutes.
- Board the Lomprayah catamaran at Tapee Pier. Check in with your ticket and board the ferry. The crossing to Koh Samui takes approximately 2.5 hours.
- Arrive at Na Thon Pier, Koh Samui. From Na Thon you can take a taxi or songthaew to your hotel.
How to Catch the Lomprayah Ferry from Surat Thani Airport
- Buy your ticket in advance on 12Go if possible, or purchase at the Lomprayah counter inside or just outside the arrivals hall at Surat Thani Airport.
- Look for the Lomprayah desk or representative in the arrivals hall. They run regular shuttle buses from the airport to Tapee Pier.
- Board the transfer bus. The airport is around 25–30 minutes from Tapee Pier by road. The bus will wait for confirmed passengers before departing.
- Board the Lomprayah catamaran at Tapee Pier and cross to Koh Samui in approximately 2.5 hours.
Check Lomprayah Ferry Times and Prices to Koh Samui
Use the search box below to check departure times and prices on your travel dates:
You can also search Tapee Pier to Koh Samui directly on 12Go if you’re making your own way to the pier.
Other Ferry Options to Koh Samui: Seatran and Raja Ferry from Donsak Pier
Seatran ferry to Samui © jipe7
Seatran Discovery and Raja Ferry both operate from Donsak Pier, approximately 60km south of Surat Thani town. The boat crossing itself is shorter than the Lomprayah — around 1.5 hours — but you first need to get to Donsak, which adds significant time and complexity. Unless you have a specific reason to use Donsak (for example, you’re travelling with a vehicle), the Lomprayah from Tapee Pier is the simpler choice for most travellers arriving by air or train.
Whichever ferry you take, bring seasickness pills and take them before you board if you’re prone to motion sickness — the crossing can get choppy, especially during the monsoon season.
