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Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport – Online Booking, Schedules & Routes

Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport – Online Booking, Schedules & Routes

Ethan Reed
by 
Ethan Reed
12 minutes read
Blog
December 15, 2025

Weve learned that booking online in advance guarantees a seamless ride from Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport and punctual pickups for your next trips.

Two common routes dominate: a ferry from Koh Samui to Donsak Pier followed by a coach to the airport area in Surat Thani, or a direct minivan that links the ferry port and tapee river neighborhoods for a smooth handoff. Renowned operators like Lomprayah and Seatran Discovery provide fixed schedules, live availability, and clear luggage guidance. Also, check tips on seating and child restraints before you confirm. Expect views of coastal khao landscapes along the way.

Typical travel time ranges from 2 to 3 hours, depending on connection times and sea conditions. If you choose a convenient combined transfer, you simply sit back and enjoy the ride from the island to the airport, with the driver meeting you at your Koh Samui hotel or pier and dropping you off near the Surat Thani airport terminal.

Online booking lets you pick morning, afternoon, or evening departures and shows the exact pickup point, whether it’s a hotel lobby or a pier. For a more scenic option, you can combine a short motorbike ride along coastal roads before joining the main transfer, if you prefer a personal touch. Also, platforms outline prices, cancellation policies, and any extra fees, so you have tips for avoiding surprises.

Looking for a comfortable stay after your flight? Consider thon cabins or budget stays located close to the tapee river, offering easy access to the airport road. If you want a longer break, add a night near Surat Thani to explore the town’s landscapes and nearby beaches, or plan a quick trip back to Koh Samui for more adventures. From here, you can arrange another ride to your next destination with just a few taps on your phone.

Online Booking Guide: Reserve Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport Ferry Seats

Book a ferryvan combo for a smooth transfer from Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport. This option bundles the ferry ride and a driver transfer, simplifying timing and reducing hassles after you land. Prices vary with season, but expect a range from a few hundred to under a thousand THB per person for the full package.

Identify your starting point: Koh Samui sits in Surat Thani Province. The ferry sails to Don Sak Pier on the mainland, then a van carries you to the airport terminal. On the booking page, Booking begins by selecting your date and the number of tickets. Look for a ferryvan bundle, which shows a combined total for ferry and transfer. The system prints the total price and estimated travel time. If you have special needs, add a note with your pickup window or a preferred driver.

Timing is key when arriving flights require quick connections. Check the ferry departure times and the van pickup window to align with your landing. Expect about 1 hour 15 minutes on the water plus 60–90 minutes by road, depending on traffic. If your flight arrives late, choose a later ferry and van option to avoid rushed connections.

What to bring: a printed or digital ticket, a valid passport or ID, and a compact bag for the transfer. After landing, your driver ramon will meet you at the pier and guide you into the van. You can request the name ramon on the pickup board to spot ramon easily. Keep your ticket handy. If your hotel is in a boutique area or near Haad beaches, your driver can adjust the drop-off point to minimize walking.

While you wait, note points of interest along the route. Koh Samui offers landmarks in the province, and many travelers combine their ferry leg with visiting Haad beaches and local culture. If you’re visiting where the culture thrives, consider a quick stroll through boutique shops or a casual meal that shares ramon recommendations. For nature lovers, a short stop at a khao viewpoint offers fresh air and photo moments. The ride beyond the port brings you closer to the island’s hot spots, with electrifying nightlife options for evenings and calmer days for sightseeing. If you are traveling with a group, discounts may apply for multiple tickets and the system often shows a per person price when you add a group.

Ferry Operator Options: Seatran Discovery, Raja Ferry, and Lomprayah Compared

Go with Lomprayah for the fastest, most convenient transfer to Surat Thani Airport, especially if you want a single-ticket option that combines high-speed ferry and onward minivan. The idea helps travelers avoid extra transfers while visiting Koh Samui’s temple-lined coast and exploring the landscapes along the route.

Seatran Discovery operates from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Don Sak Pier with multiple daily departures. Travel time is typically around 1h15m to 1h30m, depending on sea conditions. Prices for a standard seat usually sit in the 700–900 THB range, with a better class option offering more legroom and quiet space. Schedules run from early morning through the late afternoon, so you can pick a departure that matches your arrival in Samui and your plan to connect to flights or national transport onward. Booking online yields the best seat options and a smoother departure flow.

Raja Ferry presents a solid option when you want a lower fare and reliable service, though departures are less frequent than Lomprayah and Seatran. Typical ride times run around 1h30m to 1h45m, and prices tend to be modest relative to the all-in-one Lomprayah package. If your stay on Samui centers on visiting landmarks and enjoying a calm schedule, Raja Ferry can still fit well, provided you align your transfer with your flight or national bus connections.

Lomprayah stands out for all-in-one convenience: a high-speed ferry paired with a seamless minivan transfer to Surat Thani Airport. Expect ferry times near 1h15m–1h40m, with total door-to-door durations commonly in the 2–3 hour range depending on traffic and your final drop point. Some travelers book phantip or ramon land-transfer add-ons to complete the journey, turning the trip into a true haven for a smooth stay. This option suits exploring early morning to mid-day routes and avoiding the hassle of separate bookings, especially when scheduling around Thai rules and flight connections.

Booking tips: check online for real-time schedules, prices, and available classes, and aim for the earliest departure that still leaves you time to reach the airport. If you’re visiting temples or coastal landmarks before departure, build in extra buffer time to avoid rushing. For most travelers, Lomprayah’s all-in-one option offers the simplest, most comfortable route over the water, while Seatran Discovery balances price and reliability, and Raja Ferry provides a budget-friendly alternative with decent frequency. In any case, plan ahead, compare the schedules, and keep in mind that some routes may shift with sea conditions or holidays, so an early check helps you stay on track over your travel plans.

Schedules and Routes: Typical Timetables, Don Sak Pier, and Transit Times

Book your Don Sak Pier transfer online to secure a seat and ensure you reach Surat Thani Airport with a comfortable buffer.

Typical timetables at Don Sak Pier start with an early ferry around 05:30 and run through the day to about 17:30; ferries depart every 60–120 minutes depending on the day, and travel times range from 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on sea state.

From Don Sak Pier to the airport corridor, you can choose among options: taxi or private transfer (60–90 minutes), shared minivan (75–105 minutes), or a combination by local bus plus shuttle (90–120 minutes). Once you arrive, songthaews operate nearby for short hops down the coast or to nearby areas. Each option has trade-offs, and those who want a perfect balance of speed and cost often select a direct transfer.

Welcome travelers; where you go next depends on areas and schedule. If you want a long, favorite route with time to enjoy beaches or heritage spots along the way, build in buffer and enjoy the ride. If your departure is tight, pick a direct airport transfer to stay on track.

Notice that ferries and road connections follow hours that can shift with weather and demand. Always double-check the day’s timetable, especially during monsoon or peak seasons, and arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure to avoid missing a service; better to have a buffer of 1–2 hours when you have a flight.

Practical tips: options include a metered taxi, private van, or a shared minivan. If you travel light and want flexibility, a motorbike is convenient for short hops down the coast, but not ideal for the longer leg to the airport. The direct airport transfer remains the simplest route for a smooth departure; for those who want to savor thailands landscapes, a longer route with stops can be a memorable part of the journey.

Ticketing, Fares & Packages: How to Compare Prices and Bundle Transfers

Grab the best value by using 12go to compare tickets and bundle transfers from Koh Samui to Surat Thani Airport in a single package. If you grabbed a deal earlier, you know the savings come from combining legs and avoiding separate booking fees.

Look at multiple options and compare transit times, vehicle types, and inclusions. Some routes use a port stop at Donsak pier with a driver meeting you there, while others deliver directly to your hotel. For comfort, pick air-conditioned, larger vans or a roomy taxi; for solo travelers a compact ride can be fine. Also check if lunch or a temple stop is listed as a feature, and whether it fits your plans in the southern season when nightlife picks up around popular piers.

Compare prices across multiple providers

Compare prices across multiple providers

Start with 12go to see many operators side by side, noting the included transfers and any extra charges at the port or pier. Some tickets apply to international ships, others are domestic; read the fine print on cancellation and changes. Use this idea to pick the best value: a single ticket that covers both the ride and pickup, rather than separate bookings from a taxi and a ferry. Tips: review recent traveler feedback and verify pickup times to avoid delays.

Bundle transfers for savings

Bundle transfers to ride from the airport or pier to your hotel for a smoother trip; many combos also include a driver who can wait during lunch or a quick temple stop. If you plan a day with multiple stops, choose a package that allows a flexible itinerary; this is especially helpful for udomrat or other southern towns where pier-to-port transfers can vary in time. For best value, grab a package that uses a single payment point, often cheaper than paying on-site for each leg.

From Ferry to Airport: Ground Transport, Timings, and Practical Tips

Book a through ticket that covers the Koh Samui ferry leg to Don Sak and the onward vans to Surat Thani International Airport. This keeps your travel simple and the entire transfer easy, with one confirmation and one pickup.

samui offers several ferry options to the mainland, with travel times typically 1.5–2 hours. High‑speed services can shave time, but fares rise accordingly. These times and fares vary by operator, so check the latest details before you visit the pier. Expect ferry fares in the 350–600 THB range per person, depending on class and operator, and consider a combined or through ticket to minimize hassles.

From Don Sak Pier, vans cover the 60–90 minute ride to Surat Thani International Airport. Private vans for up to four passengers run around 700–1,000 THB, while shared van options are about 200–300 THB per person. Times depend on traffic and the pier’s loading; in busy periods you may wait a little longer, but most runs align with the ferry arrivals.

These travel segments suit groups and solo travelers alike. Vans welcome party-goers and families, and the load is typically comfortable for bags and gear. If you prefer speed and privacy, a private van is worth the extra fare; for tighter budgets, a shared van keeps costs down and gets you to the airport in solid time.

When you plan, start with the ferry times that align with your international flight window. If your flight check‑in is in the afternoon, a morning ferry plus van transfer gives a predictable buffer. For early departures, choose the earliest ferry and a pre‑booked transfer to avoid delays. Buses and trains exist in Thailand, but there is no direct train link from Samui to URT; this route relies on sea and road to cover the distance.

Practical tips to make this leg smooth:

  • Ticketing: opt for a through ticket to cover both legs. This reduces risk of missed connections and simplifies payment. Expect to see “through” options at major tour desks or online portals.
  • Timings: note the start times for your ferry and plan your airport check‑in accordingly. Allow at least 3–4 hours from Samui to URT if you’re catching an international flight.
  • At the pier: follow signs to the transfer desk. If you’re unsure, ask staff to confirm where your van will depart; most desks label vehicles with destination–Surat Thani Airport or URT.
  • Pack and wear: carry a light jacket for air‑conditioned vans and a spare thong sandal or sturdy footwear for dock walks. If you walked from the ferry to the pickup area, you know comfort matters.
  • Luggage: most vans handle two standard suitcases plus a daypack. If you travel with extra gear, book a larger van or a private ride to avoid cramping.
  • Weather and climate: the tropical climate can bring sudden rain or heavy traffic. Check forecasts and keep an eye on delays during the monsoon season.
  • Visit and culture: a smooth transfer helps you welcome new experiences in samui’s vibrant blend of island culture and modern travel infrastructure. These short trips set the tone for the rest of your stay, and convenient transfers make it easy to visit more during your time here.

Overall, this transfer setup covers the entire route through reliable operators, with clear start times and fare ranges. By choosing a through ticket, you minimize issues, and you gain a smoother ride that leaves you with more energy to enjoy samui’s culture and coastline–a practical start to your international travel and beyond.

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