Your Gateway to Serenity: Tao Island to Donsak Ferry Guide
- Crossing time 3h 15m
- Operators 1
- Departures a day 1
750+ THB
Schedules & prices
Pick-Up
Drop-Off
This trip is not available during the selected dates
How to get from Tao Island to Donsak
Koh Tao to Donsak Ferry
Traveling from Tao Island to Donsak connects Koh Tao, the Gulf of Thailand's diving hub, with Donsak on the Surat Thani mainland, the usual gateway for buses and trains heading further into Thailand. The crossing is a well-established route with regular daily sailings, so it's straightforward to plan around onward travel to Surat Thani, Bangkok, or the south.
Departure and arrival points
Ferries leave Koh Tao from Mae Haad Pier, the island's only passenger pier, and arrive on the mainland at Laem Thuat Pier in Donsak, Surat Thani. Laem Thuat Pier and "Donsak Pier" refer to the same landing point used for this service, so both names lead to the correct dock. Keep this pier name in mind if you're arranging a taxi or minivan transfer on either end, since Donsak district has more than one pier serving different operators.
Operators, transport mode, and stops en route
Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd. operates this service using ferry vessels, with onboard facilities on board for the crossing. Sailings on this route typically call at Koh Phangan and Koh Samui before continuing to the mainland, so travelers boarding or breaking their journey at either island can usually join the same service. If you're weighing alternatives, other ferry companies serve the wider Koh Tao–Surat Thani corridor with different departure times and stop patterns; compare all options shown when booking to match your preferred timing and price.
Journey duration, schedule, and price
The direct crossing between Koh Tao and Donsak takes around the scheduled journey time, with 1 available on this route and fares starting from ฿750. Exact departure times vary by operator and by day, so check the live timetable on this page when selecting your date rather than relying on a fixed schedule. The route runs all year round, and seat availability can tighten around Thai holidays and peak diving season, so booking a few days ahead is worth doing if your travel dates are fixed.
Booking this route
Select your travel date above to see current departure times, confirm the fare, and reserve your seat on Lomprayah High Speed Ferries Co., Ltd.. If you're planning the outbound and return legs together, book the Donsak to Koh Tao ferry schedule for the crossing back to the island.
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.
