Railay to Surat Thani by Minivan or Bus – Schedule & Prices.
Railay to Surat Thani: Best routes, schedules, and prices
Scenic Journey: Railay to Surat Thani by Bus and Minivan
Railay is a beautiful beach, but it has no roads. To get to Surat Thani, you need to take a boat first, then a minivan or bus. Traveling to Surat Thani by minivan is a popular choice, as it offers a faster and more comfortable ride compared to buses. Surat Thani is a transport hub with connections to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and other places.
Railay to Surat Thani Schedule and Pricing
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Minivan: Companies like Phichet Transport and Krabi Sea Pearl run minivans from Railay to Surat Thani. Prices start at $13, and travel time is about 4–5 hours.
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Longtail Boat + Minivan: Take a boat from Railay to Ao Nam Mao Pier, then a minivan to Surat Thani. The full trip costs between ฿386 and ฿1,252.
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Bus: Buses leave from Krabi to Surat Thani every four hours. Prices range from ฿310 to ฿480, and the journey takes about 3 hours.
Departure Details
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From Railay: Take a longtail boat from Railay East Pier to Ao Nam Mao Pier. Boats run every hour from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The ride takes 15 minutes and costs 100 THB.
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From Ao Nam Mao Pier: Take a minivan or bus to Surat Thani. Departure times may vary, so check in advance.
About Surat Thani
Surat Thani is an important transport city. Here’s what you’ll find:
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Surat Thani Airport (21 km from the city) with flights to Bangkok and other places.
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Surat Thani Train Station (16 km from the city), part of Thailand’s main railway line.
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Bus Terminals with buses to Bangkok, Phuket, and other destinations.
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Donsak Pier for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Check-in Instructions
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For the boat: Arrive at Railay East Pier 15 minutes before departure. Buy tickets at the pier.
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For the minivan or bus: Go to the minivan or bus station at Ao Nam Mao Pier. Booking in advance is best, especially in high season.
Important Travel Information
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Trip Duration: 3 to 5 hours, depending on transport and waiting times.
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Luggage: Keep bags safe, especially during the boat ride.
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Weather: Bad weather can delay boats. Check the forecast before you travel.
Conclusion
Getting from Railay to Surat Thani is easy, but it requires a combination of boat and land transport. Since Railay has no roads, the first step is always a short boat ride to Ao Nam Mao Pier. From there, you can continue your journey by minivan or bus, depending on your budget and schedule.
Minivans are the fastest option, taking about 4 to 5 hours, while buses from Krabi take a bit longer. To avoid delays, it’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. If you have a flight or ferry connection in Surat Thani, plan extra time for possible delays due to weather or traffic.
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.
