How to Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui

Knowing how to travel from Krabi to Koh Samui makes for the perfect trip in Southern Thailand; we share the options for your trip.

These two destinations, Krabi, with its stunning limestone cliffs and beaches, and Koh Samui, a tropical island known for its luxury resorts and vibrant nightlife, are both incredible in their own right. However, even though they are both beautiful places to visit in Thailand, they are separated by sea and land, requiring a bit of planning and flexibility.

In this guide, we’ll cover the main options for traveling between Krabi and Koh Samui, including ferry connections, bus and van services, flights, private transfers, and DIY combinations. We’ll also provide tips on timing, costs, what to expect, and how to make the journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How to Travel from Krabi to Koh Samui

Distance and Travel Options

Krabi and Koh Samui are located in southern Thailand, with Krabi on the Andaman Sea and Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Although they appear relatively close on a map, no direct road connects them due to the intervening mainland and sea. The total distance between Krabi Town and Koh Samui is about 250–300 kilometers, depending on your route.

There are several ways to travel between Krabi and Koh Samui:

1. Bus + Ferry (Budget-friendly, scenic)
2. Minivan + Ferry (Faster than a big bus)
3. Flight (Quick but limited availability)
4. Private transfer + ferry (Convenient but pricey)
5. Self-drive + ferry (Flexible, adventurous)

Each option has its pros and cons. Let’s explore them in detail.

Option 1: Bus + Ferry (Economical and Easy)

This is one of the most popular and budget-friendly options for travelers who want a hassle-free, albeit longer, journey. The travel time is around 5 to 7 hours, depending on connections, traffic, and ferry timings, and typically costs between THB 500–900 (USD $14–25). This journey is similar to the ferry between Koh Phanghan and Koh Samui, and is the preferred way to travel for visitors.

Route:

• Krabi (Town or Ao Nang) → Don Sak Pier (Surat Thani) by bus
• Don Sak Pier → Koh Samui by ferry

Key Operators:

• Lomprayah
• Phantip Travel
• Raja Ferry

These companies offer combined tickets that include bus/van and ferry in one purchase, often with hotel pickup in Krabi.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• One-ticket convenience
• Scenery of southern Thailand

Cons:

• Long journey
• Multiple transfers
• Can be hot and tiring

Tips:

• Book a morning departure to arrive before evening.
• Bring snacks and water.
• Charge your devices in advance—some buses don’t have outlets.

Option 2: Minivan + Ferry (Faster, More Direct)

Minivans are a slightly quicker and more direct alternative to buses, with more frequent departures and pickups from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. The journey time is around 5–6 hours, door to door, costing around THB 600–1000 (USD $17–28). 

Route:

• Minivan from Krabi to Don Sak Pier
• Ferry to Koh Samui

Key Operators:

• Phantip Travel
• Seatran Discovery

Pros:

• Faster than buses
• More frequent departures
• Hotel pickup included (in some packages)

Cons:

• Less legroom
• Tight luggage space
• Not ideal for motion-sick travelers

Tips:

• Choose early morning departures to make the most of your arrival day.
• If you’re staying in remote areas (e.g., Railay), you’ll need to arrange an additional transfer to Krabi Town or Ao Nang.

Option 3: Flight (Fastest but Indirect)

There are no direct flights from Krabi to Koh Samui due to the limited operation of regional flights. However, there are two main flying options:

A. Via Bangkok

• Krabi → Bangkok (Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi) → Koh Samui

This is the fastest air-only route, especially using Bangkok Airways, which owns the airport in Koh Samui. Bangkok to Krabi and vice versa is a cheap flight path too, especially when booking flights in advnace.

B. Krabi to Surat Thani + Bus/Ferry

Another approach is to fly to Surat Thani, then take a bus and ferry to Koh Samui.

Flight Option A – Krabi > Bangkok > Samui:

• Travel Time: 4–5 hours (including layover)
• Airlines: Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways, Thai Lion Air
• Cost: Around THB 3000–5000+ (USD $85–140)

Flight Option B – Krabi > Surat Thani > Samui:

• Travel Time: 5–7 hours (more logistics)
• Cost: About THB 1500–2500 (USD $40–70)

Pros:

• Fast and air-conditioned
• Minimal fatigue

Cons:

• Expensive
• Requires airport transfers
• Weather delays possible

Tips:

• Check flight times carefully to avoid long layovers.
• Booking in advance helps reduce airfare costs.

Option 4: Private Transfer + Ferry (Comfort + Convenience)

For those who value comfort, flexibility, and time, a private car or van with a ferry ticket is ideal. This journey will still take around 5-6 hours like the other journey times but the privacy will cost you between THB 3000–7000.

Route:

• Private car/van from Krabi to Don Sak Pier (~3–4 hrs)
• Ferry to Koh Samui (1.5 hrs)

Pros:

• Door-to-door service
• Comfortable and private
• Flexible departure times

Cons:

• Expensive for solo travelers
• Must arrange ferry time carefully

Tips:

• Great for families or groups.
• Choose a reputable company to avoid scams.

Option 5: Self-Drive (Car or Motorbike) + Ferry

Adventurous travelers can rent a car in Krabi and drive to Don Sak Pier, then board the ferry with their vehicle. This gives the ultimate flexibility and is ideal for road-trippers. Car rental costs range from THB 1200–2000/day and the ferry trip costs THB 450–600 for car + THB 150/person. 

Route:

• Drive Krabi → Surat Thani → Don Sak Pier (~3.5 hours)
• Ferry to Koh Samui (~1.5 hours)
• Continue exploring Samui by car

Pros:

• Full flexibility
• Scenic road trip
• Perfect for island hopping

Cons:

• Driving in Thai traffic can be stressful
• Navigation needed
• Fuel and insurance add to costs

Tips:

• Ensure your rental car is ferry-approved.
• Carry driver’s license and International Driving Permit (IDP).
• Book your ferry slot in advance during high season.

Ferry Companies: Koh Samui Arrivals

Three main ferry companies serve Koh Samui:

1. Raja Ferry – Affordable, slower, ideal for vehicles
2. Seatran Ferry – Good balance of speed and reliability
3. Lomprayah – Fastest and best for passengers (catamaran)

Arrival Ports in Koh Samui:

• Nathon Pier – Main pier on the west coast
• Lipa Noi – For Raja Ferry
• Maenam Pier – For Lomprayah

From there, you can take local taxis, hotel transfers, or songthaews to your accommodation.

Comparing Options at a Glance

Mode	Duration	Cost (THB)	Comfort
Bus + Ferry	6–7 hrs	500–900	2/5
Van + Ferry	5–6 hrs	600–1000	3/5
Flight (via BKK)	4–5 hrs	3000–5000	4/5
Private Transfer	5–6 hrs	3000–7000	5/5
Drive + Ferry	5–7 hrs	1500–3000+	4/5

When to Travel

Weather plays a big role when knowing when to visit Koh Samui. The best time to travel from Krabi to Koh Samui is between January and April, when seas are calm and skies are clear.

Avoid:

• May–October (rainy season) – Ferry delays and rough seas possible
• Thai holidays – Increased traffic and fully booked services

What to Pack for the Journey

• Lightweight clothing
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Travel pillow for bus/van
• Motion sickness tablets (if needed)
• Snacks and water
• Power bank and headphones

Final Tips

1. Book early in high season (Nov–March).
2. Don’t rely solely on online reviews—some routes are seasonal or vary in quality.
3. Stay flexible in case of delays.
4. Pack patience—transfers in Thailand can be chaotic, but they usually work out.
5. Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially if taking ferries.

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Samui is not a direct route, but it’s a journey that can be just as enjoyable as the destination itself. Whether you prefer the scenic road trip experience, the affordability of public transport, or the speed of air travel, there’s an option to suit your style and budget.