Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferry to Koh Tao Island
Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferry to Koh Tao Island
Fares for the Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) crossing usually range somewhere between $20* and $170*. Most travellers pay around $73* for a Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $20*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $73* on average.
Fares vary according to passenger count, vehicle type, the route itself and what time you sail. Figures come from fares searched in the previous 30 days, don't include service fees, and were last checked September 26.
There's a quick way to stack up ferry fares and operators from around the world side by side, so you can pick the crossing that best suits you. Getting in early tends to open up the widest choice of prices and sailing times.
Direct Ferries has discounts running throughout the year. Where a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied the moment you pick the matching age bracket in the passenger section of your search.
If you're a student or recent graduate, a 5% discount is up for grabs. Head to our partner Student Beans to confirm your status and you'll receive a code to enter at checkout.
A handful of Spanish and Italian ferry routes also offer a resident discount — choose the "Residents" option if it appears during your search and the lower fare is applied straight away. You'll usually need to show proof of address, like a residency card or certificate, when you check in.
Sailings on the Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) route generally kick off from Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) at around 08:30, and the last departure of the day is usually around 16:45.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) is an easy day trip. Taking a vehicle, where possible, gives you the freedom to explore a bit further once you land.
No, vehicles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Yes, Songserm, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin carries foot passengers between Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier). Our Deal Finder can help you find a nearby route that does allow them.
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are often treated differently to general pets, even on routes where pets aren't allowed. Contact our customer service team to find out what's possible on your sailing, or check our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Whether the Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) route has an overnight sailing depends on a mix of factors. Search with your travel dates, and we'll show you whether an overnight option exists, plus current timetables, crossing times and daytime alternatives.
Note that overnight sailings can occasionally take a bit longer than daytime crossings.
What you'll need to travel varies by route, so it pays to check ahead of your sailing. A valid passport is typically required for the Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) crossing, along with any visa or national ID required for your nationality. As rules depend on both where you're from and where you're headed, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is worth a read to avoid any hold-ups at check-in.
Booking couldn't be simpler — select your departure port, arrival port and travel date to see everything on offer. From there, you can weigh up alternative routes and departure times to land on the best fit.
Look for early-booking deals and flexible fare types, like upgrades or flexi-tickets, which give you room to change plans later. Double-check details such as passenger numbers and vehicle specs as you go, to keep the booking process painless.
You'll get a confirmation email the moment your booking goes through. From there, how your boarding pass turns up depends on the operator.
Some operators send the boarding pass straight away, while others want you to check in at the port. Where it's on offer, online check-in through the Direct Ferries app can save you time at the terminal.
Ticket desks tend to sit right by the ferry terminal. Building in some extra time before you sail means you won't be rushed collecting tickets and getting checked in.
Have your confirmation email and valid photo ID — a passport or identity card — ready at check-in. If a pet's travelling with you, bring their vaccination and insurance papers, and hold onto proof of address if you booked with a resident discount.
A gap in sailings from Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) on your chosen date usually comes down to something like a timetable adjustment, limited space, or a seasonal dip in service. Try a different date, or browse other options with our Route & Port finder.
Generally speaking, booking your Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry sooner rather than later pays off — earlier bookings usually mean lower fares and more choice of departure times and cabins.
A few weeks' lead time is usually enough to catch a good deal, though fares can still move around depending on the season and what's left available.
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| Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $73 | |
| Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Koh Phangan Island |
| Destination | Koh Tao Island |
| No. of Operators | 3 |
| Operators | Songserm, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin |
| Average Price | $73 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 9 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 60 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h |
| First Ferry | 08:30 |
| Last Ferry | 16:45 |
| Distance | 10 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
With the opening of Koh Phangan Airport yet to be unveiled, ferry travel is considered the best way to reach Koh Phangan, with hundreds of thousands each year making the crossing from nearby islands and popular parts of the Thailand mainland. The port is located on the southwest coast of the island and is known locally as Thong Sala Pier; it is generally very busy due to the popularity of the island and its close proximity to the famous Ban Had Rin beach. There are several crossings per day and each ferry boat typically carries around 180-300 people each time, creating a lively buzz around the area. The island is nearly always swarmed with backpackers and has become a notorious holiday destination for young travellers looking to discover Thailand’s party scene. Some regard the island’s reputation as the home of full moon parties, especially the infamous nights at Hat Rin, as a misconception distracting uninformed visitors from the hidden gems Koh Phangan has to offer. In an effort to attract a more upmarket clientele, areas such as Hat Thong Nai Pan Noi boast extravagant resorts with high quality restaurants and luxurious accommodation. For transport to and from the port, the only official taxi service is via songthaew (a pick-up truck type vehicle shared with other passengers) that are generally very reasonably priced. Many motorcyclists will offer tourists a discounted price but they are considered dangerous, unreliable and can also cause a fine from the police, so are best to be avoided.
Koh Tao is located off the east coast of Thailand, neighbouring the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The port remains one of the busier areas of Koh Tao; there are cafes close to the port and it remains a hub of activity throughout the day with many ferry routes to nearby islands and tourist destinations. Away from the pier, the island is renowned for being particularly clean – any rubbish that can’t be burned must leave the island, making it tricky for visitors with upcoming departures. There are no waste disposal workers on Koh Tao, therefore it is important not to waste the limited resources of the island. As opposed to many of the popular tourist areas of Thailand, Koh Tao isn’t geared towards backpackers and travellers on a budget; the desired clientele is primarily those who have a keen interest in diving and want to take advantage of the excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. For those not keen on water sport adventures, the beaches across the island boast white sands next to azure seas, creating the idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday. To travel around the island, most tourists rent a motorcycle for the duration of their stay. It is advised to be careful whilst on the roads, most of them are basic and bumpy and although the lack of traffic makes serious accidents rare, there have been known injuries. There are rental shops within a few minutes of the port, though it is important to use official stores to avoid scammers.
