The ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Samui runs 1 hour 30 minutes on Lomprayah catamaran direct or 2 hours on Songserm. Most sailings stop at Koh Phangan en route, adding 20 to 30 minutes to the door-to-door time.

This guide tests the direct versus Phangan-stop routing decision, the Lomprayah versus Songserm operator choice, and the Nathon arrival reality for travelers connecting to a same-day Samui airport flight.

Koh Tao to Koh Samui at a glance

OperatorDeparturesDurationTypeFrom (one-way)Book
Lomprayah High Speed (direct) Fastest 07:00 1h 30min High-speed catamaran $30-40 Check availability
Lomprayah (via Phangan) 09:30 2 hrs Catamaran with stop $30-40 Check availability
Songserm 2 daily 2 hrs Slow ferry $18-25 Check availability
  • Lomprayah direct catamaran: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Lomprayah via Phangan: 2 hours total including the 20-minute stop at Thong Sala
  • Songserm slower ferry: 2 hours direct, 2 hours 30 minutes via Phangan
  • Lomprayah fare: $30 to $40 one way foot-passenger
  • Songserm fare: $18 to $25 one way
  • Daily Lomprayah sailings: 2 from Mae Haad Pier
  • First sailing: 07:00 from Mae Haad Pier
  • Last sailing: 09:30 from Mae Haad Pier
  • Origin pier: Mae Haad Pier on the west coast of Koh Tao
  • Destination pier: Nathon Pier on Koh Samui (most sailings)

Two operators on the route and what each one buys you

Two main operators run direct service on the Koh Tao to Koh Samui route. The decision sits between time and cost. Comfort is roughly equal at the seat level.

Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran, the 1h30 option

Lomprayah runs 2 daily sailings from Mae Haad Pier at 07:00 and 09:30. The catamarans cover the direct crossing in 1 hour 30 minutes. Foot-passenger fare runs $30 to $40 one way. The boats are AC interior with open upper deck. Some sailings stop at Thong Sala Phangan en route, adding 20 minutes.

  • Direct crossing: 1h 30m
  • Via Phangan stop: 2h total
  • Fare one way: $30 to $40
  • Daily sailings: 2
  • Best for: travelers with same-day onward connection or who want maximum Samui time

Songserm, the cheaper slower option

Songserm runs 2 daily sailings on a 2 hour direct crossing. The boats are older than Lomprayah but reliable. For travelers without a tight schedule, Songserm offers the cheapest tier on the route.

  • Foot-passenger fare: $18 to $25 one way
  • Savings against Lomprayah: $12 to $15 per ticket
  • Crossing time penalty: 30 minutes extra against the catamaran
Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui the main accommodation strip reached by taxi from Nathon Pier where the Koh Tao ferry landsPhotographer: southerncrossairways. Source: Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 3.0.
Chaweng Beach on the east coast of Koh Samui. The Koh Tao ferry lands at Nathon Pier on the west coast, with Chaweng reachable by taxi in 30 to 45 minutes.

Direct or via Phangan, the routing decision

Lomprayah operates the route in two configurations depending on the sailing. Some sailings go direct Mae Haad to Nathon. Others stop at Thong Sala Pier on Phangan for 15 to 20 minutes before continuing to Samui. The fare is identical for both routes.

The Phangan stop matters for travelers who want to see Phangan briefly without staying overnight. The 20-minute stop allows a quick coffee or a glimpse of Thong Sala village before reboarding. For travelers heading straight to Samui, the direct sailing saves 20 to 30 minutes and avoids the disembark-reboard process.

Confirm the routing on the ticket before booking. The 07:00 morning Lomprayah typically runs direct. The 09:30 sailing typically stops at Phangan.

Nathon Pier on arrival and the Samui taxi math

Nathon Pier sits on the west coast of Koh Samui at the main commercial town. Songthaews and taxis wait at the pier for ferry arrivals. Distances to popular Samui zones from Nathon:

  • To Chaweng: 30 minutes by taxi$0 600 to 800
  • To Bophut (Fisherman’s Village): 25 minutes by taxi$0 500 to 700
  • To Lamai: 35 minutes by taxi$0 600 to 800
  • To Samui Airport (USM): 40 minutes by taxi$0 700 to 900
  • To Taling Ngam (west coast resorts): 15 minutes by taxi$0 300 to 500

For travelers connecting to a same-day USM flight on Bangkok Airways, the morning 07:00 Lomprayah catamaran arrives Nathon by 08:30. With 40 minutes to USM the traveler is checked in by 10:00. Workable for any USM flight after 11:30.

Best booking window and the monsoon morning rule

The route prices on lead time and season. High season (December to April) sees the 07:00 morning Lomprayah sell out 2 to 3 days ahead. Songserm holds inventory longer because the slower crossing has thinner demand.

Gulf monsoon (October to December) brings rough afternoon seas. Both morning sailings (07:00 and 09:30) cancel less than 5 percent of the time. Songserm’s later afternoon sailing cancels 10 to 20 percent in November storms.

For divers ending a Koh Tao course on Friday or Saturday, the Saturday morning Lomprayah is the most-booked sailing. Book 5 days ahead in dive high season (March to May, September to October). Check current Lomprayah and Songserm schedules for the Koh Tao to Samui crossing.

Frequently asked questions about Koh Tao to Koh Samui

How long does the Koh Tao to Koh Samui ferry take?
Lomprayah direct catamaran runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Via Phangan stop adds 20 to 30 minutes. Songserm slow ferry runs 2 hours direct, 2 hours 30 minutes via Phangan. The crossing covers 45 km direct of the Gulf of Thailand.
How much does the Koh Tao to Koh Samui ferry cost?
Lomprayah catamaran runs $30 to $40 one way foot-passenger. Songserm is the cheapest at $18 to $25 one way. Direct sailings and via-Phangan sailings cost the same on each operator.
Should I take the direct sailing or via Phangan?
Direct saves 20 to 30 minutes for travelers heading straight to Samui. Via Phangan adds a brief stop that some travelers use to grab coffee or see Thong Sala village before continuing. The fare is identical.
Which Koh Samui pier does the Tao ferry arrive at?
Nathon Pier on the west coast for most sailings. A minority of Lomprayah sailings land at Maenam Pier closer to the airport. Confirm the destination pier on the ticket if connecting to a USM flight.
Can I make a same-day Samui airport flight?
Yes for flights after 11:30 from USM if booking the 07:00 Lomprayah. The catamaran arrives Nathon by 08:30, taxi to USM 40 minutes, check-in by 10:00. Earlier flights require an overnight on Samui before the ferry.
Should I take Lomprayah or Songserm?
Lomprayah if you have an onward connection or value the 30 minute speed advantage. Songserm if budget is the priority and the extra half hour is acceptable. The fare gap is $12 to $15 per ticket.
What time does the last ferry leave Koh Tao for Samui?
09:30 from Mae Haad Pier on Lomprayah. Songserm’s last sailing is usually around 09:00. There are no afternoon or evening sailings to Samui directly. Travelers arriving Tao after 10:00 wait until the next morning to continue south.

Where to stay on Koh Samui after the ferry

Three SHA-certified picks across Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai to anchor the first night.

For all 27 Thailand ferry routes plus operator reliability, seasonal cancellation patterns, and booking strategy, see our complete Thailand ferry guide.

Related articles