Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferry to Koh Tao Island
Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferry to Koh Tao Island
Fares for the Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) crossing usually range somewhere between $26* and $220*. Most travellers pay around $109* for a Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry ticket, and the cheapest fares on this route begin at $26*. Foot passengers can expect to pay roughly $109* 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 Samui (Mae Nam Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) route generally kick off from Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) at around 08:00, and the last departure of the day is usually around 14:30.
You certainly can — with a short crossing and sailings running daily, Koh Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Bicycles aren't currently accepted on sailings between Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Yes, Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin carries foot passengers between Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Pets aren't currently permitted on ferries between Koh Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam 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 Samui (Mae Nam Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $109 | |
| Koh Samui (Mae Nam Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Koh Samui Island |
| Destination | Koh Tao Island |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Lomprayah High Speed Ferries & Lomlahkkhirin |
| Average Price | $109 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 17 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 30 m |
| First Ferry | 08:00 |
| Last Ferry | 14:30 |
| Distance | 11 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 September 2026.
Koh Samui is the third largest island belonging to Thailand, laying off the coast of Thailand’s mainland. The port lays on the southwest coast of the island with the town centre a 10-15 minute walk from the landing pier; for those not wishing to travel on foot there is also a taxi rank directly outside the port. Away from the port, the easiest and cheapest way to get around the island is by songthaew (a covered pick-up truck type vehicle that serves as a local bus) which are seen frequently and can be flagged down from the side of the road. The majority of the population live in the town surrounding the port, Nathorn, though the major sights are found scattered around the island. Because 90% of the island is buddhist, one of the main attractions is the Big Buddha, a giant statue that can be seen by walking up many stairs. It is worthwhile noting that visitors are required to remove their shoes if they are to walk up to witness the statue up close. Aside from the Big Buddha, Koh Samui has copious beaches on offer – the most popular is Chaweng Beach which has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy. The island is notorious for being the most upmarket in Thailand, transforming its clientele from backpackers on a budget to middle class Europeans and North Americans. To escape the tourist focused areas, the south of the island offers a totally different landscape; Samui family-run restaurants are hidden among long stretches of coconut palms and dusty roads. Ferry routes run relatively frequently from the port to the neighbouring islands as well as the Thailand mainland; the crossings are all fairly short and comfortable making it a stress free sailing.
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.
