Koh Tao Ferry 2026: Complete Guide to Routes, Schedules & Tickets

Looking for the best way to travel to or from Koh Tao? This Koh Tao Ferry 2026 guide brings together the main ferry and combined bus-and-ferry routes serving Koh Tao with Boonsiri, including connections from Bangkok, Chumphon and Surat Thani, as well as onward island routes to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.

Instead of searching for each route separately, use this page as your starting point to understand the Koh Tao ferry network, compare travel options and then continue to the detailed route guide that matches your journey.

How to Get to Koh Tao by Ferry

Koh Tao is connected to both the mainland and other Gulf of Thailand islands. The best route depends on where you start your journey.

For travelers coming from Bangkok, Boonsiri operates a combined bus and high-speed ferry journey through Chumphon. Travelers already in Chumphon can use the dedicated ferry service from Paknam Chumphon to Koh Tao.

Travelers arriving through Surat Thani can use a connecting mainland transfer and ferry service, while travelers staying around Thung Wua Laen can use a combined van and catamaran connection.

Once you are on Koh Tao, you can continue your trip to Koh Phangan or Koh Samui without returning to the mainland.

Koh Tao Ferry Routes

Koh Tao Ferry Schedule 2026

Ferry schedules can change according to the operating period, weather and service conditions. The times below are useful reference points from Boonsiri's published 2026 schedules, but travelers should always check the available service for their actual travel date before booking.

Bangkok to Koh Tao

The Bangkok service departs from the Phra Sumen Road area near Khao San Road. The overnight service is particularly useful for travelers who prefer to travel while sleeping and arrive in Koh Tao the following morning.

For the complete route information, see Bangkok to Koh Tao.

Chumphon to Koh Tao

The Chumphon ferry service operates from Paknam Chumphon and connects directly with Koh Tao. The published return services from Koh Tao include departures at 10:00 and 15:00.

See the complete Chumphon to Koh Tao ferry guide for route details.

Koh Tao to Koh Phangan and Koh Samui

Koh Tao is not only an arrival destination. It is also an important connection point for travelers continuing south through the Gulf of Thailand.

A published morning connection in 2026 operates:

• Koh Tao → Koh Phangan: 08:00 → 09:15
• Koh Phangan → Koh Samui Nathon Pier: 09:30 → 10:00

This makes it possible to build a multi-island journey without returning to the mainland.

For the complete three-island route, see Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui Island Hopping Guide.

Koh Tao Ferry to Donsak and Surat Thani

Travelers who need to leave Koh Tao and continue to mainland Surat Thani can use the Boonsiri island-to-mainland network.

The published 2026 morning service was updated to depart Koh Tao at 08:00, continue through Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, and arrive at Donsak Pier at approximately 11:40.

From Donsak, travelers can continue toward Surat Thani and other mainland destinations depending on the service selected.

This route is particularly useful for travelers who are planning to continue to an airport, train station or mainland hotel after their Koh Tao stay.

Which Koh Tao Ferry Route Should You Choose?

If You Are Starting in Bangkok

Choose the combined Bangkok → Koh Tao bus + ferry service. It avoids the need to arrange separate bus and ferry tickets and provides a direct travel plan from Bangkok to the island.

See Bangkok to Koh Tao.

If You Are Already in Chumphon

The most direct option is the Chumphon → Koh Tao high-speed ferry from Paknam Chumphon.

See Chumphon to Koh Tao.

If You Arrive at Surat Thani Airport or Train Station

Look for a combined mainland transfer and ferry service rather than arranging each part of the journey separately.

See Surat Thani to Koh Tao.

If You Are Staying Around Thung Wua Laen

Boonsiri Sealine provides a combined van + high-speed catamaran service from Thung Wua Laen Beach to Koh Tao.

The published service departs Thung Wua Laen at 10:45 and arrives in Koh Tao at approximately 15:00.

See Thung Wua Laen to Koh Tao.

Koh Tao Ferry Prices

Koh Tao ferry prices depend on the route, passenger type, travel date, service and any active promotion.

For this reason, there is no single price that applies to every Koh Tao ferry route.

For example, Boonsiri's September–October 2026 promotional fares include selected routes between Koh Tao, Chumphon, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Thung Wua Laen. Promotional conditions and travel dates apply, so passengers should check the current booking system rather than relying on an old promotional price.

For the latest available fare, select your route and travel date through the Boonsiri booking system.

Where Does the Koh Tao Ferry Arrive?

Boonsiri services use the designated Boonsiri service point and pier on Koh Tao. The exact meeting and arrival information should always be checked on your booking confirmation because operational details can vary between services.

If you are staying on Koh Tao, plan your onward transfer from the arrival point to your hotel or resort before traveling, especially if you are carrying large luggage.

How Early Should You Book a Koh Tao Ferry?

There is no single booking window that is necessary for every traveler, but advance booking becomes more useful during busy travel periods.

• High season
• Public holidays
• Long weekends
• Full Moon Party periods on Koh Phangan
• Popular diving seasons
• Trips involving multiple island connections

If your itinerary includes several islands, it is better to plan the entire sequence before booking each individual leg.

Koh Tao Island Hopping

One of the biggest advantages of the Koh Tao ferry network is that Koh Tao can be used as part of a larger Gulf of Thailand itinerary.

A simple route is:

Bangkok → Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui

Another option is to start from the mainland:

Chumphon → Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui → Donsak

This allows travelers to experience three major Gulf islands without repeatedly returning to the mainland.

For a broader route-planning overview, see the Thailand Island Hopping Guide.

You can also read the dedicated Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui 3-Island Guide.

Koh Tao Ferry for Divers

Koh Tao is particularly important for travelers who visit the Gulf of Thailand for diving and snorkeling.

If diving is the main purpose of your trip, consider the ferry schedule as part of your activity planning. Give yourself enough time on the island rather than choosing a departure that leaves immediately after a diving activity.

Our Koh Tao Diving Guide covers diving, whale sharks, sea turtles and major marine experiences around the island.

Travelers interested in combining Koh Tao with the mainland can also explore Thung Wua Laen and Chumphon's coastal and diving experiences.

Koh Tao Ferry and Chumphon: Two Different Travel Experiences

Chumphon is more than simply a transfer point for Koh Tao. Travelers can combine a Koh Tao trip with time on the Chumphon mainland coast.

For example:

• Stay in Koh Tao for diving and island activities.
• Travel back to Chumphon by ferry.
• Continue to Thung Wua Laen Beach.
• Explore the Chumphon coast and marine environment.
• Continue to Bangkok or another mainland destination.

For the return route, see Koh Tao to Chumphon.

For the coastal connection, see Koh Tao to Thung Wua Laen.

Plan Your Koh Tao Ferry Journey with Boonsiri

Whether you are traveling from Bangkok, arriving through Chumphon or Surat Thani, or continuing your island-hopping trip toward Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Koh Tao is an important part of the Gulf of Thailand transportation network.

The easiest way to plan is to start with your actual origin and destination, then select the route that matches your travel date.

Before booking, always check:

• Travel date
• Departure time
• Departure point
• Arrival point
• Transfer type
• Passenger information
• Current ticket price
• Connection time for onward transportation

Schedules can change because of operating conditions, weather and seasonal services. Always check the latest available service before traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Koh Tao Ferry

How can I get to Koh Tao by ferry?

You can travel to Koh Tao from several starting points, including Bangkok, Chumphon and Surat Thani. Boonsiri also provides connections from Thung Wua Laen using a combined van and catamaran service.

What is the fastest way to get to Koh Tao?

The best option depends on where you start. If you are already in Chumphon, the direct high-speed catamaran is a straightforward option. From Bangkok, a combined bus and ferry service avoids arranging separate transportation.

Is there a ferry from Bangkok to Koh Tao?

Yes. Boonsiri provides a combined bus and high-speed ferry journey from Bangkok to Koh Tao via Chumphon.

Is there a ferry from Chumphon to Koh Tao?

Yes. Boonsiri operates high-speed catamaran services between Paknam Chumphon and Koh Tao. The exact schedule should be checked for your travel date.

Can I travel from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan?

Yes. Koh Tao and Koh Phangan are connected by high-speed catamaran services, making the route suitable for island hopping.

Can I travel from Koh Tao to Koh Samui?

Yes. Boonsiri provides connections between Koh Tao and Koh Samui, allowing travelers to continue their journey without returning to the mainland.

Can I travel from Koh Tao to Donsak?

Yes. Boonsiri's Gulf network includes a Koh Tao → Koh Phangan → Koh Samui → Donsak connection. The current published morning service departs Koh Tao at 08:00 and reaches Donsak at approximately 11:40, subject to timetable and operational changes.

How much does a Koh Tao ferry ticket cost?

The price depends on the route, travel date, passenger type and service. Promotional fares may also be available for selected routes and dates. Check the current booking system for the exact price for your journey.

Should I book my Koh Tao ferry in advance?

Advance booking is recommended when traveling during high season, public holidays, long weekends, Full Moon Party periods or when your itinerary depends on connecting ferries, flights or trains.

Can I visit Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui on one trip?

Yes. The three islands are connected through Boonsiri's Gulf of Thailand network, making a multi-island itinerary possible.