How to Get to Koh Tao from
Krabi

The most efficient way to travel from Krabi to Koh Tao is by a combined van and high-speed ferry, offering the best balance of speed, convenience, and cost. Travellers looking to minimise journey time can fly to Koh Samui and continue by ferry, while the most economical option is a bus and ferry connection via Surat Thani.

As Krabi is located on Thailand’s Andaman Coast and Koh Tao sits in the Gulf of Thailand, the journey requires crossing the southern peninsula. For this reason, all routes involve a land transfer followed by a ferry connection.

Koh Tao has no airport, making sea travel the final and unavoidable stage of every journey. Each route varies in duration, comfort, and price, allowing travellers to choose based on their priorities.

This guide outlines the main ways to get from Krabi to Koh Tao, with up-to-date 2026 travel times, costs, and practical insights to help you plan with clarity and confidence.

Krabi To Koh Tao At A Glance — All Routes Compared

All prices are one-way and exclude accommodation. Ferry prices vary seasonally. Book at least 24 hours in advance during peak season (December to March).

Route 1: Minivan + High-Speed Ferry — The Recommended Option

8 To 10 Hours | From 1,375 Thb | Best For Speed And Convenience

For most travellers heading from Krabi to Koh Tao, this is the route we recommend. It combines a hotel pickup with a high-speed catamaran crossing, removing the guesswork from the journey entirely.

Your trip begins with a door-to-door minivan pickup from your hotel in Krabi or Ao Nang — a significant advantage over the public bus, which requires you to make your own way to the bus terminal. The air-conditioned minivan then heads east across the peninsula to Surat Thani or Donsak Pier, a drive of around three to four hours that usually includes a short rest stop.

From the pier, you board a high-speed catamaran operated by Lomprayah, Seatran Discovery, or Chaokoh. The ferry stops at Koh Samui and Koh Phangan before arriving at Mae Haad Pier on Koh Tao, taking approximately two to three hours.

Key Details At A Glance:

Step-By-Step Journey Breakdown:

1. Book a combined minivan and ferry ticket through Lomprayah or a travel agency in Krabi or Ao Nang
2. Confirm your hotel pickup time with the operator at least 24 hours before departure
3. Board your minivan in Krabi or Ao Nang — air-conditioned with a rest stop en route
4. Arrive at Donsak Pier in Surat Thani and board your high-speed catamaran
5. Ferry stops at Koh Samui and Koh Phangan before pulling into Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao
6. Songthaews, motorbike rentals, and hotel transfers are available directly at the pier

    

What To Expect On Board:

• The minivan is air-conditioned with luggage stored underneath — keep valuables with you
• A short rest stop with food and bathrooms is usually included en route
• The catamaran has indoor air-conditioned seating and an outdoor deck
• The ferry crossing can be choppy during the hot and shoulder seasons — motion sickness tablets are recommended

   

Pro tip: Book a morning departure (8:00 to 9:00 AM) so you arrive in Koh Tao in the early afternoon. That gives you time to settle in, explore the island, and be ready to start diving the next morning. If you are planning to dive with us, our Open Water and Try Dive courses run daily and are easy to join once you arrive.

Route 2: Bus + Ferry Via Surat Thani — The Budget Option

9 To 12 Hours | From 820 Thb | Best For Budget Travellers And Backpackers

If you are travelling on a tight budget, the bus and ferry combination via Surat Thani is the most affordable way to get from Krabi to Koh Tao. It takes a little longer and involves more steps, but combined tickets handle most of the logistics for you.

How The Journey Works:

• Buses depart from Krabi Bus Terminal to Surat Thani roughly every hour from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• The bus journey takes around two to three hours
• On arrival in Surat Thani, transfer to Donsak Pier or Tapee Pier for the onward ferry
• Board the ferry to Koh Tao — operators include Lomprayah, Songserm, and Seatran

   

Key Details At A Glance:

You can book the bus and ferry independently, but for most travellers it is simpler to purchase a combined package through a travel agency in Krabi. Packages start from around 820 THB and include the pier transfer in Surat Thani, which can be confusing to arrange on your own for the first time.

Route 3: Overnight Direct Ferry From Krabi

Approx. 9 Hours (Overnight) | From 800 Thb | Best For Budget Travellers Saving On Accommodation

The overnight direct ferry is one of the most overlooked options for getting from Krabi to Koh Tao, and it deserves far more attention. It is particularly popular with budget travellers because it effectively replaces a night of accommodation — you board the ferry in the evening and wake up at Mae Haad Pier.

How The Journey Works:

• Make your way to the departure pier in Krabi town in the evening
• Board the overnight ferry at approximately 9:00 PM
• Passengers sleep in dormitory-style berths on board
• The ferry also stops at Koh Phangan and Koh Samui en route
• Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao, at around 6:00 AM

An alternative night ferry departing at 11:00 PM serves Koh Phangan and Koh Samui for travellers island-hopping along the way.

Overnight Ferry — Pros And Cons:

Important: The overnight ferry cannot be booked online. Tickets must be purchased in person through local travel agencies in Krabi town or directly at the departure port. Do not assume availability on the day of travel.

Route 4: Fly Krabi Airport To Koh Samui, Then Ferry

3.5 To 5 Hours | From 3,000 Thb | Fastest Route Available

If your time is limited and budget is not the priority, flying from Krabi Airport to Koh Samui and then taking a high-speed ferry to Koh Tao is the fastest option by a significant margin.

How The Journey Works:

• Fly from Krabi Airport (KBV) to Koh Samui Airport (USM) with Bangkok Airways
• Flight duration: approximately 1 hour
• Transfer to the Koh Samui ferry pier
• Board the Lomprayah high-speed catamaran to Koh Tao (1.5 to 2 hours)
• Arrive at Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao

   

Cost Breakdown:

What To Watch Out For:

• Book your Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry before finalising your flight time — missing the last ferry means an unplanned overnight on Koh Samui
• Flying from Krabi to Surat Thani is cheaper but requires a connection through Bangkok, making the total journey significantly longer
• This route is best value when booked 30 or more days in advance

   

Seasonal Travel Advisory — When To Book

Krabi and Koh Tao sit on opposite sides of Thailand and experience different monsoon seasons. The best time for the crossing is when the Gulf of Thailand is calm — generally November through to April.

Ferry companies, including Lomprayah, typically update their schedules for the monsoon season. Always verify current timetables on the operator’s official website or through a travel agency in Krabi before booking. Do not rely on schedules from the previous year.

What You Need To Know Before You Go

01. Where Do You Arrive On Koh Tao

All ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, the island’s main port. The following are available directly at the pier:

• Songthaews (shared pickup trucks used as island taxis)
• Motorbike rentals
• Hotel and guesthouse transfer services
• Small restaurants and convenience shops

   

La Bombona Diving is a short ride from Mae Haad Pier. Get in touch before you arrive, and our team will point you in the right direction.

02. Where To Buy Your Tickets In Krabi

03. Packing Tips For The Crossing

• Motion sickness tablets: High-speed catamarans can be choppy, particularly in the hot and shoulder seasons. Take tablets before boarding, not after the swells start
• Label all luggage clearly: Bags are stored in separate holds on the minivan and ferry — clear labelling prevents mix-ups at the pier
• Carry-on for valuables: Keep your passport, phone, wallet, and any valuables in a bag that stays with you
• Bring snacks and water: Food on ferries is available but overpriced — prepare before you board
• Pack a light layer: The catamaran cabin is air-conditioned and can get cool on longer crossings

Conclusion

The journey from Krabi to Koh Tao is longer than a domestic flight but far more rewarding as a travel experience. Whether you choose the speed of a high-speed catamaran, the value of the overnight ferry, or the budget appeal of the bus and ferry combo, there is a route that fits your plans.

The key is to book ahead, confirm your departure times the day before, and check ferry schedules directly with operators before you travel, as timetables change between peak and low season.

However you make the crossing, Mae Haad Pier is where your Koh Tao adventure begins.