Surat Thani → Koh Samui Ferry

The main mainland gateway to Koh Samui — car ferries and fast boats from Donsak Pier to Nathon Pier, with frequent departures all day, year-round.

1.5 h

Crossing Time

$12

From / Person

~15×

Daily Departures

Donsak Pier

Departs

About This Route

The Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry is the main mainland gateway to Thailand's most popular Gulf island. Departing from Donsak Pier — about a 1-hour drive south of Surat Thani town — car ferries and passenger boats from Raja Ferry, Seatran, Lomprayah and Songserm cross the Gulf of Thailand to Nathon Pier in roughly 90 minutes. With frequent departures from early morning to late afternoon, it's both the cheapest and the most reliable way to reach Samui, and the only route that carries vehicles.

Getting to the pier is straightforward: Surat Thani Airport (URT) is about an hour from Donsak, and buses and shared minivans connect the airport and the Surat Thani railway station to the pier throughout the day. Many travellers arrive overnight by train from Bangkok and hop straight onto a morning ferry — the station and pier connections are timed to make this a smooth transfer.

Nathon Pier sits on Koh Samui's quieter west side, roughly a 30–40 minute drive to the beach strips of Chaweng and Lamai. Taxis, songthaews and hotel pickups meet every arrival. For the smoothest trip, book a through-ticket to Chaweng or Lamai via 12Go — a minivan meets your ferry at Nathon and drops you at your resort, so you never have to negotiate a fare after docking.

Schedule & Prices

Departure	Arrival	Duration	Operator	Price
06:00 — Donsak Pier	~07:30 — Nathon Pier	1 h 30 m	Raja Ferry	from $12	Book →
09:00 — Donsak Pier	~10:30 — Nathon Pier	1 h 30 m	Seatran Ferry	from $14	Book →
12:00 — Donsak Pier	~13:30 — Nathon Pier	1 h 30 m	Lomprayah	from $16	Book →
15:30 — Donsak Pier	~17:00 — Nathon Pier	1 h 30 m	Songserm	from $14	Book →
07:00 — Nathon Pier	~08:30 — Donsak Pier	1 h 30 m	Raja Ferry	from $12	Book →
10:30 — Nathon Pier	~12:00 — Donsak Pier	1 h 30 m	Seatran Ferry	from $14	Book →
13:30 — Nathon Pier	~15:00 — Donsak Pier	1 h 30 m	Lomprayah	from $16	Book →
17:00 — Nathon Pier	~18:30 — Donsak Pier	1 h 30 m	Songserm	from $14	Book →

⚠️ Ferries run daily year-round with frequent departures — times above are indicative. Check live schedules on 12Go before you travel. Prices are indicative one-way fares in USD; cars, motorbikes and vans are charged separately.

Operator Info

🚢 Raja Ferry

Gulf of Thailand Car Ferry Operator

Longest-running operator on the Gulf of Thailand
Car ferry & passenger service — vehicles ride aboard
Frequent daily departures, early morning to late afternoon
Open-air deck seating with sea views
Snack bar on board
Motorbike & bicycle transport
Experienced local crew

🛥️ Seatran, Lomprayah & Songserm

Ferries & Express Boats

Daily Donsak–Nathon sailings, year-round
Roll-on/roll-off car ferries (Seatran)
Express catamaran options (Lomprayah)
Air-conditioned indoor seating
Luggage allowance included in fare
Through-tickets onward to Chaweng & Lamai

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the ferry from Surat Thani (Donsak) to Koh Samui?

The ferry from Donsak Pier to Nathon Pier on Koh Samui takes approximately 1.5 hours (90 minutes). Car ferries and fast boats both make the crossing in about the same time. Actual duration can vary slightly with sea conditions and how long loading takes at the pier.

How much does the Surat Thani to Koh Samui ferry cost?

Foot-passenger tickets start at around $12 USD one-way with Raja Ferry and range up to about $20 USD for Lomprayah's express catamaran. Prices are cheapest on the big car ferries and slightly higher on fast boats. Vehicles (cars, motorbikes, vans) are charged separately. Book through 12Go for live availability and instant confirmation.

Which pier do ferries to Koh Samui depart from?

Ferries to Koh Samui depart from Donsak Pier, about a 1-hour drive south of Surat Thani town, and arrive at Nathon Pier on Koh Samui's west coast. When a schedule says "Surat Thani", it almost always means Donsak Pier — check your ticket for the exact boarding pier.

How do I get from Surat Thani airport or train station to Donsak Pier?

Surat Thani Airport (URT) is about 1 hour by road from Donsak Pier. Regular buses and shared minivans connect the airport and Surat Thani train station to the pier throughout the day. Through-tickets that bundle the van transfer with the ferry are the easiest option — book them in advance via 12Go.

Can I take a car or motorbike on the ferry to Koh Samui?

Yes. Raja Ferry and Seatran operate roll-on/roll-off car ferries, so cars, motorbikes, bicycles and vans can all ride across to Samui. Vehicle fares are charged separately from passenger tickets and vary by size. Book vehicle space in advance during Thai holidays and Songkran, when the car decks fill up fast.