How to get From Phuket To Koh Samui.

This post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read more about my disclosure and affiliate policy here.

…

Updated January 2026

Recently I flew to Thailand for a conference in Khao Lak. After the conference was over, I wanted to head to the Gulf of Thailand as it was monsoon season on the Andaman coast and I wanted to get some sun. So I decided to head from Phuket to Koh Tao. 

If you also want to travel from the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand, I will tell you how. The best options to get from Phuket to Koh Samui or from Phuket to Koh Tao in this post. 

2 Options on how to get from Phuket to Koh Samui

Fly Phuket to Koh Samui

Luckily Samui has its own airport (USM) and is considered the gateway to the various islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Unfortunately flying there can be quite pricey as it is is owned by Bangkok Airways. All domestic flights are operated by them and thanks to their monopoly it can cost you easily $100 for a one-way ticket from Phuket to Koh Samui.

That said, it is the easiest and fastest way to get there. The flight takes about an hour and Bangkok Airways is great. You can usually get 20kg check-in luggage, will have an assigned seat, and even get a snack. 

However, planes can be quite small and sometimes you will board from the back. Something to keep in mind if you have a ferry to catch and want to get off the plane first. Still, no complaints as far as airlines go. 

Once you land in Samui a little tram will pick you up from the plane and take you to the airport building. Honestly, it is my favorite airport ever – very cute and so lush!

In the arrival hall, you have the option to organize a taxi. Grab is not allowed at Samui airport and to be honest, it probably wouldn’t make a difference in price. Private transfers are always expensive on the island. 

From Phuket to Koh Tao

However, if you are traveling from Phuket to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao this might become an issue. Depending on the pier your ferry departs from, a transfer from the airport can cost you up to 800 baht. If you are traveling with others this won’t be an issue but if you are a solo traveler like myself…ouch. 

The good news is – ferry companies like Lomprayah do offer inexpensive transfers from the airport to the pier. However, you will need to time your arrival well. I was told my plane was arriving too late to make the shared transfer. Thanks to the deboarding from the back of the plane and a slightly delayed suitcase I could literally see the Lomprayah van drive away. Without me. I made my boat but the taxi price really hurt.

I recommend you check with the operator beforehand so you know what time your flight has to arrive in order to make the shared transfer and your boat departure. 

Alternatively, Koh Samui is a nice place for a layover! And Koh Tao is not going anywhere… 

Read more: How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Tao

Koh Samui from Phuket by bus & boat

If you are not short on time but short on cash, I recommend you book a bus & boat combo ticket to take you to Samui. The cheapest tickets start at $18 but you won’t be paying more than $35 ever. 

Travel times however do vary quite a bit and it can take between seven and ten hours to get from Phuket to Koh Samui. The nice thing with these combo trips: your connections are guaranteed. In many cases, an operator like Lomprayah owns both, busses and vans as well as ferries. 

How does it work? You will board a bus or minivan at the Phuket bus terminal or at Lomprayah Phuket. From there you will make your way to the pier, usually in Surat Thani. At the pier you will get on the ferry or a highspeed catamaran to cross over to Koh Samui. 

Usually, you will have the chance to purchase a cheap shuttle transfer to your hotel while you are still on the boat. I recommend you use this option – Koh Samui is big and taxis are as we have established really expensive on the island. 

Where to book your tickets for Phuket to Koh Samui?

I honestly love using 12Go for most of my transfer tickets or even just to check my options. Put in your departure place, in this case, Phuket, add Koh Samui as your destination, add a date and number of travelers. Then you will see all the various options and can compare prices and travel times and also read reviews about the different operators. 

Then it is up to you to decide where you want to book. I usually book with 12Go for my flight bookings. They not only have their own flights but also Bangkok Airways and other carriers in the region.