Complete guide to bus travel from Koh Samui to Surat Thani — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
The Koh Samui to Surat Thani bus is the return journey on one of Thailand's most popular routes. The ferry from Koh Samui to Surat Thani is the main sea crossing to Thailand's most popular Gulf island. Ferries run almost hourly from Don Sak Pier throughout the day and night.
Koh Samui is Thailand's second-largest island and one of its most visited, famous for its beautiful beaches, full moon parties (on neighbouring Koh Phangan), coconut palms and increasingly sophisticated resort scene. The island is accessible by air or by the ferry from Koh Samui's Don Sak Pier.
Don Sak Pier is approximately 60 kilometres from Koh Samui city. From the bus terminal, buses or minivans connect to the pier — these connections are usually included in combination tickets purchased from travel agencies.
Raja Ferry is the main operator for the car and passenger ferry service. The crossing takes about 1.5 hours and runs approximately hourly between 05:00 and 21:00. A night ferry service departs late evening and arrives in Koh Samui at dawn — a popular option for travellers arriving in Surat Thani late at night who want to save on accommodation.
On Koh Samui, ferries arrive at Nathon Pier on the western coast or Lipa Noi Pier in the south, depending on the service. From either pier, taxis and songthaews connect to the main beaches — Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut.
The following operators run regular services on the Koh Samui–Surat Thani route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: 05:00–21:00, approximately hourly
From: Nathon Pier or Lipa Noi Pier, Koh Samui
To: Don Sak Pier, Surat Thani (bus connection from city)
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ The night ferry saves accommodation cost — depart late evening, arrive Koh Samui at dawn.
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Book 1–2 days ahead on weekdays. During Songkran (April), New Year and long weekends, book at least one week in advance — buses sell out fast on popular routes.