Koh Samui by Train Bus & Ferry

To get to the island of Koh Samui from Bangkok, you have several traveling options. Regardless of whether you take the train or bus, both methods will require a trip on the ferry to the island. Often the train is the most convenient mode of travel.

Travel by Rail

All trains from Bangkok depart from the Hualamphong Station. There are many categories of ticket classes, and each category varies greatly in price. The air conditioned cabin tickets cost more than those cooled by fan only, but in a very hot and humid climate, the added expense of air conditioning may be well worth the extra expenditure.

Weekend train fares are higher than those during the week. Sleeper compartments also cost an additional sum, but provide more privacy and comfort. A night sleeper ticket will be your most expensive option however; you will find the travel much more conducive to a relaxing trip. It is more economical to purchase a combination ticket that includes your ferry ticket to the island. Advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure your passage without delay. Once you arrive in Suratthani, a bus will take you to Donsak where you will board the ferry to access the island.

Bus and Motor Coach

Traveling by bus is the most economical option for getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok. A VIP motor coach is the most costly bus option, but also provides a higher level of comfort for the traveler, with air conditioning, comfortable seating and sometimes even have lavatory facilities on board. Be forewarned that there is no food service on the buses, but you may bring your own food and beverages on the bus with you. Local buses make many stops along the journey, extending your travel time, but are the cheapest bus tickets available. Upon arrival in Donsak you will then board the ferry to Koh Samui. As with train service, you are advised to purchase a complete travel ticket including your ferry passage at the same time. This is the most economical approach and will ensure your ferry reservation.

The Ferry

From the pier to the island of Koh Samui, travel time is approximately one and a half hours. The ferries to Samui leave hourly during the daylight hours from Donsak. Please take note that the ferries do not run all through the night. Once you arrive at Koh Samui, there will be taxis available to bring you to your hotel or resort. Ensure you have discussed and settled on the cost of the trip prior to departing with the taxi driver.

To get to the island of Koh Samui from Bangkok, you have several traveling options. Regardless of whether you take the train or bus, both methods will require a trip on the ferry to the island. Often the train is the most convenient mode of travel.

Travel by Rail

All trains from Bangkok depart from the Hualamphong Station. There are many categories of ticket classes, and each category varies greatly in price. The air conditioned cabin tickets cost more than those cooled by fan only, but in a very hot and humid climate, the added expense of air conditioning may be well worth the extra expenditure.

Weekend train fares are higher than those during the week. Sleeper compartments also cost an additional sum, but provide more privacy and comfort. A night sleeper ticket will be your most expensive option however; you will find the travel much more conducive to a relaxing trip. It is more economical to purchase a combination ticket that includes your ferry ticket to the island. Advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure your passage without delay. Once you arrive in Suratthani, a bus will take you to Donsak where you will board the ferry to access the island.

Bus and Motor Coach

Traveling by bus is the most economical option for getting to Koh Samui from Bangkok. A VIP motor coach is the most costly bus option, but also provides a higher level of comfort for the traveler, with air conditioning, comfortable seating and sometimes even have lavatory facilities on board. Be forewarned that there is no food service on the buses, but you may bring your own food and beverages on the bus with you. Local buses make many stops along the journey, extending your travel time, but are the cheapest bus tickets available. Upon arrival in Donsak you will then board the ferry to Koh Samui. As with train service, you are advised to purchase a complete travel ticket including your ferry passage at the same time. This is the most economical approach and will ensure your ferry reservation.

The Ferry

From the pier to the island of Koh Samui, travel time is approximately one and a half hours. The ferries to Samui leave hourly during the daylight hours from Donsak. Please take note that the ferries do not run all through the night. Once you arrive at Koh Samui, there will be taxis available to bring you to your hotel or resort. Ensure you have discussed and settled on the cost of the trip prior to departing with the taxi driver.