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SmartEnPlus Blog: How to Get from Krabi to Koh Tao (2025 Travel Guide)

How to Get from Krabi to Koh Tao (2025 Travel Guide)

SmartEnPlus Travel Center
Jul 01, 2025By SmartEnPlus Travel Center

Looking to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao? While these two Thai destinations are both incredibly beautiful, they’re located in different provinces and not directly connected by land. Don’t worry — with a bit of planning, getting from Krabi to Koh Tao is straightforward and absolutely worth it. Here’s everything you need to know for… Continue reading How to Get from Krabi to Koh Tao (2025 Travel Guide)

Looking to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao? While these two Thai destinations are both incredibly beautiful, they’re located in different provinces and not directly connected by land. Don’t worry — with a bit of planning, getting from Krabi to Koh Tao is straightforward and absolutely worth it.

Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and scenic transfer in 2025.

krabi
krabi

🗺️ Overview

  • Distance: Approx. 250 km
  • Duration: 6 to 9 hours (depending on route & ferry schedule)
  • Best Option: Combined minivan + ferry ticket

🚐 + 🚤 Option 1: Minivan & High-Speed Ferry (Most Convenient)

This is the most popular and time-efficient way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao.

Step 1: Krabi to Donsak Pier (Surat Thani)

  • Mode: Shared minivan or private transfer
  • Duration: Around 3–4 hours
  • Departure: Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or Krabi Airport
  • Tip: Morning departures are best to catch connecting ferries.

Step 2: Ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Tao (via Koh Samui & Koh Phangan)

  • Ferry Operator: Lomprayah
  • Duration: 3–5 hours (with stopovers)
  • Route: Donsak → Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao
  • Arrival Pier: Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

💰 Price Range:

  • Combined ticket (van + ferry): THB 1,200–1,600

🚢 Option 2: Krabi to Koh Tao by night boat

Krabi to Surat Thani

  • By Minivan or bus: Book a minivan or bus from Krabi town or Ao Nang to Surat Thani city or Surat Thani train station.
    • Duration: 3–4 hours.
    • Cost: Around ฿250–฿400.

Surat Thani to Koh Tao by Night Boat

Onboard: The night boat offers bunks with a pillow and blanket. Lights are dimmed for sleeping, but comfort is basic

Night boats depart from Bandon Pier in Surat Thani city.

Departure time: Typically 22:00 (10:00 PM); arrive at Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) around 5:00–6:00 AM

Duration: About 7–9 hours.

Cost: ฿700–฿800

suratthani to koh tao
suratthani to koh tao
koh tao
koh tao

✈️ Option 3: Fly from Krabi to Koh Samui + Ferry to Koh Tao (Fastest but Costlier)

  • Flight: Krabi to Koh Samui (Bangkok Airways)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Then: Transfer to pier → Ferry to Koh Tao (approx. 2–3 hours)
  • Total Time: Around 5–6 hours (with transit)
  • Note: Limited flight availability and higher cost.

🧭 Travel Tips

  • Book in advance during high season (Nov–April, July–Aug)
  • Take motion sickness pills if you’re prone to seasickness
  • Check the ferry schedule – not all routes run daily in low season
  • Be ready for early pick-up times, especially if traveling by van