The options at a glance
| Option | Time | Indicative price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus + ferry via Donsak (Surat Thani) | 8.5 to 9 hours | THB 1,300 to 1,600 | Tight budgets, one early departure (8 to 9 a.m.) |
| Private minivan + ferry | 8 to 10 hours | THB 1,900 to 2,000 | More comfort, pickup at the airport or hotel |
| Flight to Koh Samui + ferry (Lomprayah or Seatran) | 5.5 to 7 hours | THB 3,500 to 5,000 or more | Saving time |
| Private transfer | Varies | From THB 6,000 for two | Groups, luggage |
| Night bus + sleeper boat | About 12h45 on average, up to 19 hours | Varies | Budget travellers, not the hurried |
Tickets are not always sold end to end: on the flight option, each leg is bought separately.
Choosing well
- If you have few days: flying via Koh Samui limits lost time. See Phuket to Koh Samui and Phuket or Koh Samui.
- If you travel light: bus + ferry costs less but means a very long day.
- Koh Tao ferry departures: between 6 and 10 a.m. according to one guide; book ahead in July and August.
A day tour instead of a stay
If you only want to see Koh Tao, leaving from Phuket is heavy. From Koh Phangan, a Koh Phangan, Koh Tao and Nang Yuan tour with snorkelling and lunch saves you organising the ferries yourself.
A hotel for the night before
A room near the airport makes a morning flight easier: see hotels near Phuket airport and Booking.com Phuket.
FAQ
Is there a direct ferry from Phuket to Koh Tao? No, there is no direct flight or ferry.
How long does the trip take? From 5.5 hours (flight + ferry) to 10 hours (bus + ferry), and more with a night boat.
Which is cheapest? Bus + ferry, about THB 1,300 to 1,600.
Which ferry company? Lomprayah and Seatran are named; check the timetables.
La rédaction Phuket Authority, October 2026.
