Koh Lanta to Samui Island: Ferry & Bus, Schedule, and Prices

Q: What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?

At the pier listed on your ticket, find staff from your ferry operator and show your e-ticket QR code from your phone. They'll give you a sticker or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers offer luggage help—look for staff in company uniforms near boats or booths.

Q: Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

No, printing isn't required. Just show the e-ticket QR code from your phone (or other device) to the ferry operator staff at the pier listed on your ticket—they'll issue a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Prefer paper? Register as a member to print your e-tickets and VAT receipts.

Q: What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

If bad weather forces the ferry operator to cancel your trip, you can choose a full refund or reschedule to a new date. Refunds only apply when the operator cancels—not if you choose not to travel. Arrange this via the refund button in your Liva account.

Q: What are the baggage allowances?

Ferry e-tickets include a free baggage allowance of 20–25 kg per person, depending on the operator. Excess baggage can be paid for in cash directly to the ferry operator. Always check your specific route's trip details for exact allowance limits.

Q: Can I change the date of my ticket?

Yes, you can change your ticket date. Notice of 24–72 hours (varies by operator) is required, with a 200 baht/person fee for a second change. For Bali Ferry, 7 days' notice and a USD $10 fee apply. Contact support via live chat to process changes—not by email.

Q: If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?

No, you generally cannot take the next ferry if you miss your booked departure — tickets expire and are non-refundable and non-changeable. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid missing it. If you do miss it, contact customer support immediately for the best available alternative options.

Schedules & prices

Koh Lanta to Samui Island Ferry & Bus: Schedule, and Prices

Weathered granite boulders on a rocky headland beside calm sea under an overcast sky, distant hills on horizon

Koh Lanta to Samui Island by Ferry & Bus: Hassle-Free Journey

If you're planning a trip from Koh Lanta to Samui Island by Bus and Ferry, you're in for a great adventure! This journey is a popular route for many travelers. You’ll get to see stunning coastlines, clear waters, and beautiful scenery along the way. The trip is about 274 km (170 miles) and involves both a bus and a ferry ride. No need to worry about the details—we’ll cover everything you need to know. From departure times to ticket prices and tips for a smooth journey, we’ve got you covered. You can book your tickets easily and be on your way to explore the best of Samui Island.

Koh Lanta to Samui Island Schedule and Pricing

The whole trip from Koh Lanta to Samui Island usually takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes to 9 hours. The exact time depends on the transport you choose. The trip includes a bus ride and a ferry crossing, making the journey both comfortable and scenic. Here’s what you need to know about the departure times and pricing:

- Most trips start with a bus from Koh Lanta that takes you to the ferry pier. The journey usually begins at the Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. From there, you’ll travel by bus to Donsak Pier, where you’ll catch the ferry to Nathon Pier in Koh Samui.
- Once you arrive at Donsak Pier, you’ll board the ferry for the final part of the trip. The boat ride offers beautiful views of the ocean, so keep your camera ready!
- Prices for the entire journey, including the bus tickets and ferry ride, range between $30 and $50 USD per person. The exact price depends on the bus companies and ferry services you choose. When you book your tickets, you can select different classes, from standard to more comfortable options.
- Different companies operating this route have multiple departure times throughout the day, usually in the morning. It’s best to book early to pick a time that suits you.

Departure Details

- From Koh Lanta: Your trip will start at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta, where the bus will pick you up. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the bus departs to check in and get settled. The bus ride is comfortable, with air conditioning to keep you cool. The bus will take you through beautiful landscapes until you reach Donsak Pier.
- Arrival in Samui Island: After the ferry crosses the sea, you’ll arrive at Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier. This is the main pier on the island. From there, you can easily find taxis or other transportation to take you to your hotel or other parts of the island. Samui Island has many attractions, including its famous white sand beaches.

Check-in Instructions

- Bus and Ferry Check-in: When you arrive at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta, make sure you have your ticket from Koh Lanta ready. Most operators will require you to check in at least 30–60 minutes before departure. When you reach Donsak Pier, staff members will guide you to the ferry. This makes the transfer easy and smooth.
- Luggage: Most buses and ferries have limited space for large bags. It’s a good idea to pack light or use a smaller suitcase for this journey. Keep your important items, like tickets and ID, in a small backpack or bag you can carry with you.

Important Travel Information

- The entire trip, which includes the bus ferry combination, will take you around 7.5 to 9 hours. Make sure to check the departure times when you book your tickets to find the best option.
- Many operators offer good customer service to help you with any questions or changes. If you need help with your booking or have questions about the trip, they are there to assist.
There may not be many options for food and drinks during the boat ride, so it’s smart to pack some snacks and water. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with kids.
The ferry crossing can be affected by weather. Check the weather forecast before your trip. In case of rough seas, operators may change the trips leaving the pier to keep everyone safe.
This Lanta to Koh Samui route is one of the most popular ways to travel between these islands. Many travelers choose this bus and ferry combination because it’s both convenient and affordable.

Conclusion

Traveling from Ko Lanta to Samui Island is a wonderful experience. You’ll get to enjoy a mix of land and sea travel, with views of beautiful beaches and blue waters. The trip includes a bus ride from Saladan Pier to Donsak Pier and a scenic boat ride to Nathon Pier on Samui Island. There are many companies operating on this route, with different departure times and options to suit your schedule. You can book your tickets easily online or at the pier. Remember to pack light, bring some snacks, and get ready for a memorable journey. Now, you’re all set for your Koh Lanta to Samui Island adventure!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?

At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.

Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?

You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.

If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.

What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?

If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.

Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.

To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.

What are the baggage allowances?

Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.

To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.

Can I change the date of my ticket?

Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.

Please note:

Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.

To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.

Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.

Bali Ferry :

Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.

If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?

Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.

To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.

If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.

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