The EditPlanning Note

How do you get to Koh Samui?

Boat on the water in Koh Samui, palms in the foreground
Quick answer

Fly direct to Samui if you want the easiest journey. Fly to Surat Thani and take the ferry if you want to save money and can spare the extra hours.

Written by — Siobhan (Koh Samui resident) · Last updated — October 2026
In this article

    Flying direct to Koh Samui

    Koh Samui Airport (USM) is privately owned, so flights in and out cost more than you would usually expect in Thailand. Bangkok Airways and Scoot operate from the island. The most common routes are from Singapore and Bangkok, with other routes available from Chiang Mai, Phuket, Hong Kong and more.

    Your hotel can usually arrange a transfer from the airport, and our guide to getting around Koh Samui covers what to do once you land.

    Getting to Koh Samui by ferry

    There is a cheaper way to reach Koh Samui, which is to fly into Surat Thani airport on the mainland. Flights are significantly cheaper, but you trade money for time. From Surat Thani, expect about 1.5 hours by road to the ferry port, then 1 to 1.5 hours on the ferry.

    Compare Surat Thani to Koh Samui tickets →

    The ferry is also how you reach the island if you arrive on the mainland another way. From Bangkok, the overnight train to Surat Thani followed by the ferry is the cheapest route. It is a long journey, but it suits travellers with time to spare.

    Compare Bangkok to Koh Samui tickets →

    Which route suits you

    Whether the cheaper routes make sense depends on who you are travelling with, how long you are staying and your budget. A short trip rarely justifies the extra travel time, while a longer stay can make the saving worthwhile.

    Route Why choose it Watch out for
    Direct flight Quickest and easiest, lands on the island Higher fares than most Thai routes
    Fly to Surat Thani, then ferry Significantly cheaper flights About 1.5 hours by road, then 1 to 1.5 hours on the ferry
    Overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani, then ferry Cheapest way in from Bangkok The longest journey

    Before you land

    Three things to sort before you travel:

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