Phuket to Koh Samui: A Complete Guide for a Perfect Day Trip
- Crossing time 6h 15m–8h 30m
- Operators 2
- Departures a day 4
780+ THB
Schedules & prices
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Phuket to Koh Samui: Your Guide to a Perfect Day Trip
Phuket to Koh Samui: route overview
There is no direct ferry between Phuket and Koh Samui. The islands sit on opposite coasts of the Thai peninsula, so getting from Phuket to Samui Island means combining overland transport with a sea crossing, usually via Surat Thani or the Donsak ferry pier on the mainland. Booking a through-ticket that links these legs is the simplest way to manage the journey without missing a connection.
How the journey works
Most travelers take a bus or minivan from Phuket across to the Surat Thani area, then transfer to a ferry for the final stretch to Koh Samui. Combined bus-and-boat tickets cover both legs on one booking, with the several transport options used for the sea crossing and a coach or minivan handling the road section. Because it involves a transfer rather than one continuous sailing, this is a full-day journey rather than a quick hop, so it's worth building buffer time into your travel plans, especially if you have an onward connection on Koh Samui.
Operators and journey time
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. and Phantip 1970 Co., Ltd operates services on this route, with total journey time around the scheduled journey time once both the road and ferry legs are included. Departures run 3 from Phuket, and the route operates all year round. Exact timings vary depending on which bus and ferry connection you're booked onto, so always check the live schedule at booking to confirm your departure and arrival windows.
Prices and what's included
Fares for the combined Phuket to Koh Samui journey start from ฿780 per person. Onboard the ferry leg, passengers typically have access to onboard facilities, making the sea crossing a comfortable part of an otherwise long travel day. Prices can vary by operator and season, so compare the options shown at checkout before confirming your booking.
Departure and arrival points
Pickup points in Phuket usually include central Phuket and nearby hotel areas, with the road leg ending at the ferry pier near Surat Thani or Donsak. On arrival, ferries dock at Samui Island, from where onward transfers to hotels and beaches around the island are widely available. Confirm your exact pickup point when you book, since this can differ between operators.
Things to check before you travel
Because this route relies on a timed transfer between bus and ferry, it pays to book early in the day rather than on a late departure, giving more room to absorb any road delays before the boat leaves. Travelers connecting onward from Koh Samui to nearby islands can also look at ferry links to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao once they arrive.
Book your Phuket to Koh Samui ferry
Use the search above to compare available departures, operators, and prices for the Phuket to Samui Island journey, and book your combined bus-and-ferry ticket in one step. If you're planning the return leg, see the Koh Samui to Phuket ferry route for schedules heading back. Travelers building a wider island-hopping itinerary can also check the Phuket to Koh Phangan ferry route and the Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry connections for onward journeys around the Gulf of Thailand.
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.
