Complete guide to bus travel from Koh Tao to Surat Thani — schedules, prices, operators and booking tips.
Koh Tao to Surat Thani combines a high-speed ferry to the mainland with a bus transfer — the main connection for travellers continuing their journey south or returning to Bangkok.
Koh Tao is the most remote of the Gulf of Thailand islands, requiring a longer sea crossing than Koh Samui or Koh Phangan. The journey to Surat Thani combines a high-speed catamaran (2–3 hours) with a bus from the pier to Surat Thani city.
Lomprayah operates the most popular service, with morning departures from Mae Haad Pier. The catamaran stops at Koh Phangan before continuing to Koh Samui and then the mainland (Koh Phangan and Koh Samui stops add about 1.5 hours to the journey).
From Surat Thani, onward buses run to Bangkok (10–11 hours), Phuket (4 hours), Krabi (2–3 hours) and Hat Yai (4 hours). Combination tickets that include the ferry and onward bus are widely available.
The following operators run regular services on the Koh Tao–Surat Thani route:
Compare prices across all operators before booking — fares can vary significantly by class and season.
Departures: Morning departures from Koh Tao
From: Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
To: Surat Thani Bus Terminal
Schedules may vary by operator and season. Confirm departure times when booking, particularly during Thai public holidays.
✅ Buy a combination ferry+bus ticket to your final destination — much easier than booking legs separately.
2–3 hours · From 120 THB
1–1.5 hours (ferry) · From 200 THB
2.5–3 hours (combo) · From 250 THB
3.5–4 hours · From 180 THB
2–3 hours · From 120 THB
1–1.5 hours (ferry) · From 200 THB
Secure booking · Instant e-ticket
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.