Planning how to get to Koh Tao in 2026 can feel a little confusing at first. With no airport on the island and dozens of possible routes through Bangkok, southern Thailand, and even neighbouring countries, it’s not always obvious which path is the easiest, fastest, or most affordable.
Whether you’re flying into Thailand for the first time, travelling overland from Malaysia or Laos, or working your way through Southeast Asia on a longer adventure, this guide breaks down the practical ways to reach Koh Tao.
From premium flight-and-ferry combinations to budget-friendly overnight routes, you’ll find clear, updated advice on the best way to get to Koh Tao, how to plan your travel to Koh Tao in 2026, and how to connect smoothly to the ferry to Koh Tao from the airport or border you choose.
Best Ways to Get to Koh Tao in 2026
- Fastest / Most convenient (but priciest) — Fly Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Koh Samui with Bangkok Airways, then take a ferry to Koh Tao. If time and comfort are priorities, this is the best way to get to Koh Tao.
- Most economical (from Bangkok) — Book a Lomprayah combo ticket that includes a bus from Bangkok to the Lomprayah pier in Chumphon and the high-speed ferry to Koh Tao. This route is a classic budget move when figuring out how to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
- Most economical (other southern cities) — Book a Lomprayah combo ticket that includes a bus from Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin to the Lomprayah pier in Chumphon. If you’re coming from Khao Lak, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, or the Malaysian border, your combo ticket would include a ferry to Koh Tao that departs from Donsak pier, outside Surat Thani city.
- Most fun / Classic Thailand experience — Take the overnight train to either Chumphon or Surat Thani. Trains are an experience in Thailand: third class is very local and rustic; second class has air-con and lay-flat sleeping berths; first class offers private cabins. From Chumphon or Surat Thani, you’ll take the ferry to Koh Tao, making this one of the most memorable ways to reach the island.
Entry Points Into Thailand: Best Airports & Border Crossings for Travel to Koh Tao in 2026
Entering Thailand by Air
For many visitors planning how to get to Koh Tao from their home countries, Bangkok is the logical arrival point. The main international airport in Bangkok is Suvarnabhumi Airport, spelled ท่าอากาศยานสุวรรณภูมิ in Thai and pronounced “soo-var-naa-boom airport” in English.
If you’ve been to Suvarnabhumi Airport before, you may be wondering, “Why is it pronounced ‘soo-var-naa-boom’ when there’s clearly an ‘i’ at the end?’ The reason is pretty simple. The translations between Thai and English are imperfect. The languages are based on completely different systems (English is Roman-based, Thai is Sanskrit/Pali-based). In Thai, if a word ends in a vowel, that vowel often becomes silent. Which is exactly how Suvarnabhumi becomes ‘soo-var-naa-boom’.
As the primary airport in Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi offers a large variety of airlines and international routes, giving you more flexibility in planning your travel to Thailand and your travel to Koh Tao. But it isn’t the only international airport in the capital city. Don Mueang International Airport, in northern Bangkok, also serves a large number of international flights. Once overlooked because it was harder to reach, it’s now far more convenient thanks to the expanded subway connection that can get you to where you need to be without relying on an expensive taxi. If your budget allows for it, flying is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
Some travellers, especially those arriving from Europe, choose to arrive directly at Phuket International Airport instead. Phuket is on the southern peninsula, and is a great entry point for people spending their holidays on the beaches in the southern part of the country. While not the closest airport to Koh Tao, Phuket can still be a part of one of the best ways to get to Koh Tao.
Entering Thailand via Land Borders
Entering Thailand over a land border is also an option if you’re already travelling in a neighboring country and are planning how to get to Koh Tao as part of a longer Southeast Asia trip.
All border crossings with Cambodia should be avoided, especially those in Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani, Sa Kaeo, Chanthaburi, and Trat, because conditions can change quickly due to long-standing tensions in the area.
Some land borders with Myanmar are technically open, but due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, we recommend avoiding the country until the conflict is resolved. We don’t recommend these routes as a practical connection to the southern Gulf of Thailand, and don’t recommend them for anyone planning to travel to Koh Tao in 2026.
Land border crossings with Laos, such as Chiang Khong/Huay Xai, and with Malaysia, like Sadao/Bukit Kayu Hitam, are commonly used by travellers. These crossings are good pairings with overland bus trips, and while they can be long, they are often one of the best ways to get to Koh Tao.
Can You Fly Directly to Koh Tao?
No, you cannot fly directly to Koh Tao, simply because there’s no airport here. And honestly? That’s part of Koh Tao’s charm. In fact, it can be so rare to see an airplane go overhead that when one does, locals will often look up in curiosity.
When planning how to get to Koh Tao, the closest and most convenient airport is Koh Samui International Airport. It’s a peaceful, open-air airport where you can sit next to the runway with a cold drink and watch planes come and go. The only downside is that it’s served almost exclusively by Bangkok Airways, which makes flights to Koh Samui the most expensive option.
The other two airport options are located in Chumphon and Surat Thani. Both are served regularly by AirAsia, which makes them the most economical airport choice for travel to Koh Tao in 2026. These airports both connect smoothly with the local ferry services, and you can often arrange a flight, transfer, and ferry all on one ticket.
If you are trying to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao, the best option is to fly to Chumphon. The ferry from Chumphon is the shortest ferry trip available, and travelling through Chumphon Airport is often the best way to get to Koh Tao without breaking the budget.
If you’re coming from places in the south, like Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, then Surat Thani is the best airport to choose. However, the ferry from Surat Thani is the longest ferry trip in the Gulf of Thailand, so it may not be the best choice for people who could potentially get seasick.
Regardless of which airport you choose, you will always have to take a ferry to Koh Tao. While there are a lot of ferry options, the only way to get to Koh Tao is by boat.
How to Get to Koh Tao from Koh Samui (Fastest Route)
If speed and convenience matter most, the best way to get to Koh Tao is to travel via Koh Samui. Koh Samui International Airport is the closest airport to the island, and Bangkok Airways runs frequent flights from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, and international hubs.
From Koh Samui, you can take a ferry to Koh Tao. Lomprayah is the fastest option, taking about 2 hours, while Songserm is slightly slower but more budget-friendly. Both ferries depart from piers on the north side of the island, and getting to the pier is easy with airport shuttles or taxis.
This is the ideal route for travellers who want the smoothest, quickest journey and don’t mind paying a little extra for the convenience.
How to Get to Koh Tao from Chumphon (Budget-Friendly Route)
For travellers prioritising value, the best way to get to Koh Tao is by travelling through Chumphon. Chumphon Airport is serviced by AirAsia, making flights from Bangkok or northern Thailand some of the most affordable options in 2026.
From Chumphon town or the airport, you can take a direct ferry to Koh Tao; Lomprayah offers the fastest service (1.5–2 hours), and several night boats provide even cheaper alternatives. Combo tickets (bus or flight + ferry) are easy to book and popular among budget travellers.
This route offers the shortest ferry crossing to the island and is ideal for those travelling from Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai, or anywhere in northern Thailand.
How to Get to Koh Tao from Surat Thani (Best for Southern Thailand Arrivals)
If you’re coming from Phuket, Krabi, Khao Sok, or international destinations like Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, travelling via Surat Thani is one of the most practical ways to reach the island. Surat Thani Airport has frequent low-cost flights with airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air, making it one of the cheapest entry points for travel to Koh Tao in 2026.
From Surat Thani, you can choose between daytime ferries or two night boats. Lomprayah offers the quickest daytime link (around 3–4 hours total), while the Ko Jaroen and Talay Sub night boats give you a more budget-friendly option and save you a night’s accommodation.
This is the best route for travellers already exploring the southern peninsula or arriving via regional flights from Malaysia or Singapore.
Options for Ferries to Koh Tao in 2026
Day Ferries
- Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran – Fastest service from Chumphon and Koh Samui; modern boats and smooth check-in process. A very popular choice for travellers looking for the best way to get to Koh Tao during the daytime.
- Songserm Ferry – Slower but reliable, and usually the most budget-friendly daytime option. A solid choice for anyone looking for an economical ferry to Koh Tao.
- Boonsri Ferry – Brand new, comfortable mid-range choice running standard daytime schedules. An increasingly good option for how to get to Koh Tao in 2026 without breaking your budget.
Night Ferries
Talay Sub Night Boat (Surat Thani <-> Koh Tao)
A long-running night boat service from Surat Thani, the Talay Sub offers simple sleeping mats in an open bunk area. It’s a no-frills but dependable option, popular with travellers on a budget who want to save the cost of a night’s accommodation and arrive on Koh Tao at sunrise.
Ko Jaroen Night Boat (Surat Thani <-> Koh Tao)
Also operating out of Surat Thani, the Ko Jaroen (often referred to simply as the “Koh Tao night boat”) provides a similar setup with communal sleeping mats and fans. It’s another economical way to reach the island for travellers arriving in Surat Thani by train, domestic flight, or bus. Like the Talay Sub, a trip on the Ko Jaroen Night Boat will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation, so it’s also a great way to travel to Koh Tao on a budget.
Pornthaweesin Night Boat (Chumphon <-> Koh Tao)
Also operating from Chumphon, the Pornthaweesin night boat is slightly more modern than some older cargo-style boats, but still basic. Expect communal sleeping areas, fans, and plenty of space for luggage and dive gear.
Private & VIP Ways to Travel to Koh Tao
More and more, travellers planning how to get to Koh Tao are looking for little ways to make their trip more comfortable, and there are a few ways to do that. While most transportation routes in Thailand are already quite comfortable, there are a few private and VIP options that can make your travel to Koh Tao in 2026 feel even more relaxed.
For Lomprayah, many of their boats offer VIP and Executive VIP seating areas on the middle deck. These sections have larger seats, fewer passengers, and a noticeably quieter atmosphere. The VIP room costs an additional ฿100, while the Executive VIP section is ฿200. Both upgrades can be paid for in cash once you’re on the boat, making them an easy add-on to your ferry to Koh Tao.
Lomprayah buses also offer different levels of tickets to cater to different budgets. All buses are large, long-distance transportation buses and are comfortable. All buses are large and comfortable, but if you’re travelling on a nighttime departure, upgrading to a VIP bus ticket is absolutely worth it. You’ll get a big, reclining, comfortable seat with an extending footrest, so that you can get some sleep while you travel to your next destination.
If you decide that taking a train is the best way to get to Koh Tao for you, it’s possible to buy a first-class ticket on some of the train departures. First class includes a private room with two lay-flat beds, which can be shared with a travel partner. If you’re travelling solo, it is possible to purchase an entire first-class cabin for yourself by simply buying two tickets. These upgrades are ideal for long journeys from northern Thailand down to Chumphon, so you can take the connect to the onward ferry to the island.
For larger groups or travellers wanting complete privacy, you can hire an entire minivan to take you to your destination in complete privacy (and the ability to ask the driver to stop any time you want to get more snacks). Many of these private minivans can be arranged by hotels, hostels, and guest houses, and companies like Montri On Tour offer customised, door-to-door routes almost anywhere you need to go, and are great for personal pickups at airports or a super quick way to get from Bangkok to Koh Tao.
Arriving on Koh Tao: Piers, Taxis & Getting to Crystal Dive
Whichever way you choose when planning how to get to Koh Tao, every journey ends in the same place: Mae Haad. All ferries arrive at the piers in Mae Haad, which serves as the central arrival and departure point for every ferry to Koh Tao.
Lomprayah, Boonsri, and both night boats all dock at the main pier, while Songserm uses a secondary pier just a short 100-metre walk down the road. Either way, you’ll always arrive right in the heart of Koh Tao’s transport hub, no matter which route you choose.
When boats pull in, the pier area becomes busy, and the setup may look lively, but it’s very organised: local taxis wait directly at the pier, and fares are fixed based on destination. You can easily join a shared taxi, book a private ride, or take a moment to grab a cold drink or snacks from the nearby shops and 7/11 after your travel to Koh Tao.
Hotel Pickups
If you have a pickup scheduled through your hotel, look to your left when you walk down the pier. The hotel drivers wait under the covered area of the pier, and each will be holding a sign with the name of a hotel, or even a personal one with your name. Once you find your driver, they’ll get you on your way.
Dive Gear & Heavy Luggage
If you’re carrying dive gear or heavy luggage, don’t worry. Koh Tao is well accustomed to divers arriving every day, and transport from the pier is usually handled by trucks with more than enough storage space.
From the Pier to Crystal Dive
Getting to Crystal Dive from Mae Haad is especially simple, and you can even walk if you’d prefer to skip the taxi. As you exit the pier, you’ll see a small 7/11 on the corner directly ahead. Turn left here and continue a short distance to the next junction. Look right, and you’ll spot Café del Sol. Take the road beside it. From there, just follow the signs, and you’ll see Crystal Dive signs within about 50 metres.
Although if you can’t help but hit the beach immediately, you can always walk north along the beach until you spot the large Crystal Dive sign right on the shoreline
How to Get to Koh Tao: Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Koh Tao from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani?
- Koh Samui -> Koh Tao: ~65km (2 hours by high-speed ferry)
- Koh Phangan -> Koh Tao: ~45km (1-1.5 hours by ferry)
- Chumphon -> Koh Tao: ~70km (1.5-2 hours by high-speed catamaran; 5-6 hours by night boat)
- Surat Thani -> Koh Tao: ~110km (3-4 hours by ferry; 6-7 hours by night boat)
These distances make Chumphon and Koh Samui two of the best ways to get to Koh Tao, depending on your route.
Do I need to book my ferry to Koh Tao in advance?
Not always, but we strongly recommend booking your ferry to Koh Tao in advance, especially in high season (Dec–Apr, Jul–Sept). Ferries can sell out, and reserving early means you will enjoy smoother travel to Koh Tao.
Can you buy joint ticket combos (flight + bus + ferry) to Koh Tao?
Yes. Airlines and transport companies, like 12GO, offer combo tickets that bundle flights, buses, and your ferry to Koh Tao on a single booking. This is one of the most convenient options for travellers planning how to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or overseas.
How early should I arrive at the pier before my ferry to Koh Tao?
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure for daytime ferries, and 15–20 minutes early for night boats. This ensures smooth check-in and is especially important during busy travel periods in 2026. Operators reserve the right to deny boarding to passengers who show up after the designated check-in time.
Can you get seasick on the ferry to Koh Tao?
Yes, seasickness is possible, especially during windy months. If you’re sensitive to motion, the best way to get to Koh Tao is via larger, more stable ferries, like Lomprayah’s large catamarans. Seasickness tablets are easily available in Thailand, and it’s always a good idea to have a few stashed away in your backpack.
Final Tips for Planning Your Travel to Koh Tao in 2026
When planning how to get to Koh Tao, here are a few final tips to make your trip as smooth as possible:
- Book ferries early in high season. December–April and July–September sell out quickly, especially the morning ferries to Koh Tao.
- Give yourself buffer time. Weather delays happen. Don’t plan tight connections between flights and ferry departures.
- Avoid travelling during storms if you’re prone to seasickness. Larger ferries and the Chumphon route are usually more stable.
- Know which pier you depart from. Koh Samui, Surat Thani, and Chumphon each have multiple piers, and your check-in location may differ depending on the ferry company or the route.
- Carry cash for small upgrades and transfers. VIP seats, van transfers, and night boat extras often require cash payment.
- Travel light if possible. Walking from Mae Haad Pier to nearby accommodations (including Crystal Dive) is much easier with a manageable bag.
If you ever feel unsure about the best way to get to Koh Tao, or you just want personalised advice based on where you’re coming from, we’re happy to help.
Feel free to contact Crystal Dive with any questions regarding travel to Koh Tao in 2026, whether it’s ferries, routes, timings, or getting from the pier to our resort.
