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.
🗺️ 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
✈️ 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