Surat Thani to Donsak Ferry: Times & Prices
- Crossing time 1h 15m–1h 45m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 32
165+ THB
Main title Services from Surat Thani to Donsak – Schedule and Prices
Easy Travel from Surat Thani to Donsak by Bus
Traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is simple and convenient. This route is popular among travelers heading to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Donsak is the main departure point for ferries to these islands, making it an important stop for those exploring southern Thailand.
The distance between Surat Thani and Donsak is around 53 kilometers (33 miles). Thanks to the short travel time, this trip is quick and manageable. The journey typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours by bus or minivan, allowing you to reach your destination efficiently.
Travelers have several transport options when traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak. Buses and minivans are the most common services, operating frequently throughout the day. These services are designed to connect easily with ferry departures, ensuring minimal waiting times and a smooth transfer.
Whether you’re starting your trip at Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani Train Station, or the city center, reliable transport services are available. With flexible schedules and reasonable prices, getting to Donsak is an easy and stress-free part of your journey.
Schedule and Ticket Prices for Surat Thani to Donsak
There are multiple transport options for traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak, including buses and minivans. The travel time is usually between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the service provider. Ticket prices vary from 150 to 380 THB. The price depends on the type of vehicle, service quality, and departure point.
Departure Points in Surat Thani
There are several convenient departure points in Surat Thani for travelers heading to Donsak:
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Surat Thani Airport: Buses and minivans are available directly from the airport to Donsak. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Surat Thani Train Station: Services from Phunphin Station offer regular departures to Donsak. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
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Surat Thani City Center: Departures are available from the Phantip Travel office and other central points. This route is slightly faster, with a typical travel time of just over 1 hour.
Ferry Ports in Donsak
Donsak is the primary gateway to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. There are two main ferry ports that operate frequent services:
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Seatran Ferry Port: Ferries run every hour to Koh Samui’s Nathon Pier from 05:00 to 19:00.
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Raja Ferry Port: This port offers services to both Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Ferries to Koh Samui run hourly from 05:00 to 18:00, with an extra trip at 19:30. Services to Koh Phangan are scheduled at 06:00, 08:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, and 18:00.
With so many options available, travelers can easily find a convenient departure time that suits their schedule.
>Check-in Guide for Travelers
For bus and minivan services, it’s recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure. Tickets can be booked online in advance or purchased directly at the station.
If you’re taking a ferry from Donsak, it’s best to check in at the pier 30 minutes before departure. This allows enough time for ticket verification and boarding.
Useful Travel Information
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Ticket Prices: Bus and minivan tickets typically cost between 150 to 380 THB. Ferry tickets from Donsak to Koh Samui cost approximately 140 THB per person, while tickets to Koh Phangan are around 210 THB.
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Travel Time: The journey from Surat Thani to Donsak takes 1 to 1.5 hours. The ferry ride to Koh Samui is about 1 hour and 30 minutes, while the trip to Koh Phangan takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
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Service Frequency: Buses and minivans run frequently throughout the day, starting as early as 06:00 and continuing until 17:00. Ferries also have multiple daily departures, giving travelers plenty of flexibility.
Final Tips for Your Journey
If you’re traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak, you’ll find that buses and minivans operate throughout the day. With multiple services available, you can easily plan your trip based on your schedule. Morning and afternoon departures are the most popular, but late afternoon options are also available for those arriving in Surat Thani later in the day.
Once you reach Donsak, ferry connections to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are simple and reliable. Ferries operate frequently, so even if you miss one departure, another will follow shortly. This makes it easy to continue your journey without long delays.
Travelers arriving from Surat Thani Airport or Surat Thani Train Station will find that bus and minivan services are scheduled to align with typical arrival times. This convenient timing allows you to avoid unnecessary waiting and connect easily with your onward journey.
To ensure a smooth trip, consider booking your tickets online in advance. This can save time and ensure your preferred departure time is available, especially during busy travel seasons.
Conclusion
Traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is a straightforward experience that suits both first-time visitors and experienced travelers. The route is well-served by frequent buses, minivans, and ferries, ensuring you have plenty of options throughout the day. Whether you’re arriving at Surat Thani Airport, Surat Thani Train Station, or the city center, you’ll find transport services that connect easily to Donsak. This makes the journey simple and convenient, even for those unfamiliar with the area.
One of the best things about this route is its affordability. Bus and minivan tickets are reasonably priced, and ferry fares to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are budget-friendly as well. This combination of low-cost travel and reliable service makes the Surat Thani to Donsak route an excellent choice for anyone exploring southern Thailand. By booking your tickets in advance, you can avoid last-minute stress and secure your preferred departure time.
The well-organized schedules also add to the convenience. Buses and minivans run throughout the day, while ferries have frequent departures from early morning until the evening. This flexibility allows you to plan your travel times easily, whether you prefer an early start or a relaxed afternoon departure. Even if your flight or train arrives later in the day, there’s a good chance you’ll still find a suitable connection to Donsak.
For those continuing their journey to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, the seamless transition from bus to ferry makes the entire trip easier. Since buses and minivans align with ferry schedules, you can enjoy a smooth transfer without long waiting times. This makes it easier to focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about delays or missed connections.
In the end, traveling from Surat Thani to Donsak is a simple and efficient way to start your island adventure. With clear schedules, affordable prices, and reliable services, you can relax and enjoy your journey. Whether you’re heading for the beaches of Koh Samui or the lively scene of Koh Phangan, a well-planned trip from Surat Thani to Donsak will help you start your holiday with confidence and peace of mind.
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.
