You can get from Bangkok to Ko Tao by bus + ferry, shuttle + ferry, train + ferry, flight + ferry, or rental car + ferry.
The cheapest option to travel from Bangkok to Ko Tao is by train + ferry, which costs only USD 24 to USD 42 and takes about 9 hours.
The most popular option to travel from Bangkok to Ko Tao is by bus + ferry, which costs between USD 31 and USD 44, and takes 9 to 14.5 hours.
The fastest option to travel from Bangkok to Ko Tao is by flight to Ko Samui + ferry. This option takes about 3 hours.
My travels across Thailand have equipped me with valuable insights for planning efficient travel routes.
This article will delve into the journey from Bangkok to Ko Tao, offering key advice to ensure a hassle-free and delightful travel experience!
Transportation Options from Bangkok to Ko Tao
The following table outlines all transportation options from Bangkok to Ko Tao:
| Method | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao | 9-14.5 hrs | $31 to 44 |
| Shuttle + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao | 18 hrs | $47 |
| Train + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao | ~9 hrs | $24 to 42 |
| Flight + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao | ~3 hrs | – |
| Rental Car + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao | ~9 hrs | – |
How far is Ko Tao from Bangkok?
The distance fromBangkok to Ko Tao is about 346 miles or 557 kilometers. It takes about 9 hours to get to Ko Tao from Bangkok by car and ferry via Chumphon.
Getting to Ko Tao from Bangkok
1. Bus + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao
Journey Duration: 9-14.5 hours
For an effortless transition from the hustle of Bangkok to the serene shores of Ko Tao, consider the Bus+Ferry combination ticket!
Lomprayah, Montanatip Tour & Travel, and Paradive Travel are all the companies that offer this service. This option allows you to book just one ticket for both parts of the journey at a price of only USD 31 or USD 44!
The journey starts from the Khao San Lomprayah or Khao San Montanatip in Bangkok, both easily accessible by a straightforward taxi ride or public transportation, making your way to the bus a breeze!
The journey usually kicks off in the evening, letting you maximize your daytime in Bangkok. The trip spans roughly 9 to 14 hours, striking a fine balance between duration and comfort, with the added perk of waking up closer to your island retreat!
The bus will drop you off at the ferry pier in Chumphon, where you’ll be boarding the ferry to Ko Tao. This ferry crossing takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, so you’ll be approaching the island paradise in no time!
Here’s a handy tip: snag your tickets early to avoid the last-minute rush, as this route is a favorite among both Thais and international travelers!
Bangkok to Ko Tao Bus + Ferry Schedule
The table below displays the bus + ferry schedule for trips from Bangkok to Ko Tao, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00am | 02:45pm | 8h 45m | $31 |  |
| 09:00pm | 08:45am | 11h 45m | $38 | |
| 07:00pm | 09:00am | 14h | $38 | |
| 07:00pm | 09:30am | 14h 30m | $44 | |
2. Shared Shuttle + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao
Journey Duration: 18 hours
For a more intimate yet equally convenient option, the Shared Shuttle+Ferry ticket offers a cozy alternative for your journey from Bangkok to Ko Tao!
This mode of transport provides a smaller, more personalized travel experience, starting with a pickup in a shared shuttle from the Sleep Withinn hotel in Bangkok. This is especially convenient if you’re staying at this hotel, so you won’t have to make a trip to the bus station!
There is only one daily departure provided by the company Fame Tours & Services, typically scheduled at 01:00 pm.
The entire journey, including the ferry ride, takes about 18 hours, which is a bit longer than taking the bus. However, this option facilitates a smoother travel experience.
Once you arrive in Chumphon, you’ll transfer to the ferry and arrive in Ko Tao in just 1 hour and 45 minutes!
Since departures are limited, booking this combo ticket in advance is recommended to ensure availability!
Bangkok to Ko Tao Shared Shuttle + Ferry Schedule
The table below displays the shared shuttle + ferry schedule for trips from Bangkok to Ko Tao, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01:00pm | 07:00am | 18h | $47 | |
3. Train + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao
Journey Duration: ~9 hours
Embarking on the journey from Bangkok to Ko Tao via the most budget-friendly route? The Train to Chumphon followed by a Ferry to Ko Tao stands out as the most wallet-friendly choice!
This adventure begins at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station, where you’ll hop aboard a night train to Chumphon.
The trip lasts about 7 hours, therefore it’s best to get on the latest departure, so you’ll arrive in Chumphon in the morning!
This journey through the night not only saves a night’s accommodation but also offers a unique glimpse into Thailand’s changing landscapes under the starry sky!
Tickets for the train ride cost between USD 6 and USD 14, and you can get them online here!
Bangkok to Chumphon Train Schedule
The table below displays the train schedule for trips from Bangkok to Chumphon, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03:10pm | 10:17pm | 7h 7m | $6 | |
| 04:10pm | 11:16pm | 7h 6m | $9 | |
| 05:50pm | 01:20am | 7h 30m | $6 | |
| 06:50pm | 02:00am | 7h 10m | $7 | |
| 07:50pm | 03:06am | 7h 16m | $7 | |
| 08:30pm | 03:53am | 7h 23m | $6 | |
| 10:20pm | 05:22am | 7h 2m | $14 | |
Upon arriving in Chumphon in the early morning, you can catch a connecting ferry to Ko Tao. Ferry tickets cost between USD and USD 28, and you can purchase them in advance here!
The entire journey can span between 9 to 10 hours, making it a leisurely ride but an authentic travel experience through Thailand’s picturesque countryside and along its stunning coastlines!
For those looking to pinch pennies without sacrificing the essence of adventure, securing your train and ferry tickets ahead of time is key!
Chumphon to Ko Tao Ferry Schedule
The table below displays the ferry schedule for trips from Chumphon to Ko Tao, detailing departure times, journey lengths, and fares.
| DEP | ETA | DUR | PX | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00am | 08:45am | 1h 45m | $18 | |
| 01:30pm | 03:15pm | 1h 45m | $18 | |
| 09:00am | 02:45pm | 5h 45m | $28 | |
4. Flight + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao
Journey Duration: ~3 hours
Seeking the fastest path to Ko Tao’s shores? The flight to Koh Samui, followed by a ferry to Ko Tao, is your express ticket!
This journey kicks off with a quick hop from Bangkok, taking off from either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang International Airport, whisking you directly to Koh Samui in just about 70 minutes.
Once your flight touches down on Koh Samui, the adventure continues with a ferry ride to Ko Tao. These ferries set sail several times throughout the day, granting you the liberty to tailor your travel schedule.
The ferry journey itself is a brief yet mesmerizing 90 to 120-minute cruise, offering sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand’s sparkling waters.
While this route stands as the quickest, it’s also noted for being the premium choice in terms of cost.
Ferry tickets are pretty affordable, costing between USD 15 and USD 19. However, plane tickets tend to be more expensive and vary throughout the year, usually between USD 150 and USD 200.
Nonetheless, for those eager to dive into Ko Tao’s vibrant marine life and lush landscapes without delay, this combination of air and sea travel proves incomparable!
Early booking is recommended to ensure a smooth transition from the aerial leg of your journey to the aquatic finale!
5. Driving with a Rental Car + Ferry from Bangkok to Ko Tao
Journey Duration: ~9 hours
For the ultimate flexibility, opting for a Rental Car combined with a Ferry trip presents an adventurous route to Ko Tao!
This option starts with you behind the wheel, setting out from Bangkok at your own pace through the scenic routes and the vibrant towns along the way to Chumphon.
There are a ton of rental companies in Bangkok offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs. You can get a rental for as low as USD 30 per day, just make sure to check all the terms, and get the one that work for you!
Upon reaching Chumphon, you’re faced with a choice: park your rental and hop on a passenger ferry to Ko Tao, or for those with a sense of adventure and a vehicle equipped for the task, board a cargo ferry that accommodates your car.
The drive via the Asian Highway 2 itself takes about 6 hours, giving you the freedom to explore the diverse beauty of Thailand’s countryside before making the sea crossing, which adds another 1.5 to 2 hours to your journey, depending on the ferry chosen.
It’s wise to check in advance about parking facilities in Chumphon if you choose to leave your car behind or the specifics of taking a cargo ferry if you decide to bring your vehicle all the way to Ko Tao.
Best day tours in Ko Tao
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Here, you can find some of the best tours in Ko Tao.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Ko Tao?
The cheapest option to travel from Bangkok to Ko Tao is by train + ferry, which costs only USD 24 to USD 42.
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Ko Tao?
The fastest option to travel from Bangkok to Ko Tao is by flight to Ko Samui + ferry. This option takes about 3 hours.
Is it faster to fly to Koh Samui or Chumphon Airport for a shorter ferry ride to Ko Tao?
Flying to Koh Samui is generally the faster option, despite the longer ferry ride, due to more frequent flight and ferry connections.
Are there overnight accommodations available near the ferry terminals for early morning departures?
Yes, both in Surat Thani and near Chumphon Airport, you can find accommodations suited for travelers catching early ferries.
Can I rent a car in Bangkok and drop it off in Chumphon?
Yes, many car rental agencies offer one-way rentals. However, this service usually comes with an additional drop-off fee. Ensure to confirm the details and availability with the rental agency beforehand.
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