Koh Samui to Phuket

Koh Samui to Phuket

Koh Samui
Phuket
Thu, Dec 25
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Koh Samui to Phuket Destination Reviews

JE
First when we arrived at Phuket bus terminal two early in the morning it wasn’t clearly visibly marked from which window we needed to be at to present the voucher so that we was able to get our tickets. We asked one lady who kindly told us where we needed to go and that they don’t open until 07:00. Once the lady arrived and opened the window for us to present the voucher to get the tickets we was informed by the lady that the time printed on the voucher from their website for the coach was wrong so we had a 45mins wait. As we had two big suitcases weighing 23kg they had to charge us extra for this which cost us around 400 THB for the two suitcases. We were then presented with two stickers that we had to stick onto our clothes to show the driver that we were travelling from Phuket to koh sumai. We then had another ticket that we had to give to the driver to take us to the Ferry in Donsak Pier. We travelled on the coach which was very nice and comfortable. The coach was packed and didn’t leave on time as they were still waiting for more people to arrive from the coach station. The driver made two stops throughout the trip allowing us to use the toilet stretch our legs and buy some food which was very kind. When we arrived at the Ferry, in Donsak Pier the driver did not make any announcement so that everyone knew that this was the place that they needed to get off in order to catch the ferry to koh samui. We had to ask the driver if this was our stop and he told us yes. There was a little small vehicle that they had us go onto with our luggage’s to the front kiosk where we can go through to get on the ferry. When we arrived at the ticket kiosk the lady then informed us do you have a ticket? We said yes we had a voucher that we gave to the lady at the kiosk in Phuket bus terminal station. The lady informs us did she give you a ticket to get on the coach we said yes she said where is it we told her that the driver had collected it from us on the coach. As we was not able to provide the voucher and show this she was saying we had to pay for the ticket for the ferry. This caused us a lot of problems and anxiety and it really spoiled our trip as we had already purchased this ticket from October 2025 and the coach and the ferry and the pick up from Chaweng was included in the price. It was a good thing that I had downloaded the app and registered myself a account so I was able to prove my payment and show my voucher from my phone to the lady and the front kiosk. Once she had seen I had the voucher she issued us with a ticket for the ferry to Chaweng koh sumai. The lady also took a face picture so that there would be a driver at the other end to pick us up and take us to Chaweng central which took us 40mins. We was only there for three days Friday was our last day as we was leaving Saturday early morning There was no text message from the driver to inform us that the driver will be collecting us from the hotel at the time requested. I had to take the initiative and find the number to text them to ask them if someone would be coming to collect us on the Saturday. Someone did text me to say that the driver will be picking us up at the hotel for 06:30am. We were up early and organised and checked out from the hotel and waiting outside the hotel for the driver to arrive. 06:30 came and there was no driver so we had to contact them to find out what was happening. We were informed that he was on his way and that we had to wait as he was picking up other drivers as well. The driver arrived and said to us if you wanted a private taxi and not a shared taxi then you should have booked this at the beginning of your booking. We did not know what time the next ferry would be leaving and we didn’t know if the driver for the coach at the other end would be waiting for us. As nobody communicated with us to let us know what was going to be happening. The driver made a few more pick ups we then had to change coaches. The driver then made more pick ups. We finally arrived to the ferry and the driver didn’t announced that we had arrived we just had to guess and make our way out of the coach. He started taking out our luggage and he then gives us the tickets for the ferry and also the tickets for the coach. He then informs us that we have to move quickly as the ferry leaves in three minutes. We had to run with our suitcases to catch the ferry so that we would not miss this. The only good thing was that they had already issued us with the tickets for the ferry and the coach back to Phuket so we didn’t have to go through the whole fiasco that we went through on our way to koh sumia. 12GO Asia is not a bad company. It’s good if you want to save money on expensive flights but be prepared to run into some problems. And make sure you print out your voucher and you also have it on your mobile too just incase when you get to the other end they try to make you pay more money.
Koh Samui to Phuket, Bus Bus + Ferry, Faiz Travel and Tour, Dec 22, 2025
JK
Super organization !
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Dec 19, 2025
RK
Comfort on boat and in a bus was good. But what I don’t liked about it, was no information at all. You buy a ticket and you know only one thing - go to Phantip travel 1 hour before. No information about anything else. possibility to buy food on boat or while the road in bus. On the way in bus, first stop was at the gas station and the driver tells you no food. Then he stopped at the second stop, with no good food… I was really afraid to buy anything without end in hospital, sorry…
Koh Samui to Phuket, Van Minibus + ferry, 12Go Transport (12Go Transport), Dec 19, 2025
TF
busses are very old.
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Dec 16, 2025
S
Overall experience. Only thing I would say is that the toilet on the bus which picked us up from Koh Samui wasn’t working. I think with those long journeys of over 4+ hours, the busiest should be serviced and toilet in working conditions. I know there was stops every 60-90 minutes or so but if in between that time someone needed the toilet, then I don’t know what would be the problem. But overall a great experience and thank you
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Dec 15, 2025
OK
All went well
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Ferry + Van, TransBaanTon, Dec 8, 2025
DP
Meeting point at Phantip's office in Koh Samui is pointless. They just issue the ticket and make you walk to the pier. Could be done with a small table at the pier directly. Secondly and unfortunately the ferry could not be boarded through the ramp but everyone had to walk with the cars and drag the heavy bags+luggage upstairs two flights. Thirdly, the total trip time exceeded the estimated time by quite the large margin. The bus stopped twice for toilet breaks - which was appreciated - but also at another bus stop which was not planned before. So it took much longer than envisioned.
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Ferry + Bus, Nara Travel (นรา ทราเวล), Dec 7, 2025
M
Overall experience was great I really enjoyed the high speed cornering from the driver, he obviously knows the roads well, just a shoutout to the Thai road workers, the camber in the road really helped keep the coach stuck to the road, without them we would have definitely ended up in a ditch. Anyway… Got there an hour ahead of schedule so that was nice, Stopped 2 hours in for food, driver went for a piss then ate some of the cold food that was on offer in the hot counter, had a fag then mumbled something to usher everyone back on the coach for part 2 of Mario Kart (coach version)
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Dec 6, 2025
EE
Service was good, the information good.
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Nov 27, 2025
KM
It was good experience with Phantip
Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Nov 25, 2025
4.4
696 customer reviews
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53%
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25%
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11%
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11%
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Koh Samui to Phuket Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Faiz Travel and Tour
Van 10pax
Any time
+6h 15m
$206.84
Bus
Faiz Travel and Tour
Bus + Ferry
04:20
14:00
$22.28
Bus
Faiz Travel and Tour
Bus + Ferry
04:45
14:00
$19.09
  2.0
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
05:30
16:00
$17.50
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
06:05
08:25
$254.74
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
06:45
14:15
$362.45
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
07:15
14:15
$358.31
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
07:35
14:05
$338.90
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
07:55
12:00
$170.25
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
08:15
09:15
$116.15
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
08:35
14:05
$259.67
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
08:55
16:40
$365.95
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
09:15
14:05
$168.66
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
09:35
14:15
$268.89
  4.8
Ferry
Phantip 1970
Express
10:00
17:00
$15.91
  4.2
Bus
Faiz Travel and Tour
Bus + Ferry
10:20
19:00
$22.28
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
10:45
18:30
$248.53
  4.8
Flight
Bangkok Airways
Economy
11:10
12:10
$92.28
  4.8
Bus
Raja Ferry
Express
11:30
18:30
$18.46
Ferry
Phantip 1970
Express
12:00
18:30
$15.91
  4.2

Laid-back lifestyle: Koh Samui or Phuket?

Koh Samui is generally better for a laid-back lifestyle compared to Phuket. It offers smaller, quieter beaches like Bophut or Maenam, along with eco-friendly resorts and serene temples. Phuket is busier and caters to a mix of tourists, with vibrant nightlife in Patong and bustling streets. For relaxation, Koh Samui's slower pace, coconut groves, and spa retreats make it an ideal choice.

How much time is enough for Phuket?

To explore Phuket, 4–5 days are ideal. This allows time to enjoy the main beaches like Patong, Kata, or Karon, visit cultural landmarks such as the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, and experience Phuket Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese architecture. Dedicate a day for island-hopping tours to nearby destinations like Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island. Additionally, evenings can be spent enjoying the night markets or watching shows like Phuket Fantasea. For a more relaxed pace, extend the trip to a week to include less crowded areas like Rawai or Nai Harn Beach.

How to plan Koh Samui and Phuket?

To visit both Koh Samui and Phuket, allocate 3–4 days for each island. Start in Phuket to explore its beaches, cultural sites, and nearby islands. Take a direct flight or ferry to Koh Samui and enjoy its laid-back atmosphere with beaches like Chaweng or Lamai. Add a day for Ang Thong National Marine Park and explore temples like Wat Plai Laem. Consider travel times, as ferry and flight connections may take a few hours, especially during peak seasons. Book accommodation in advance and factor in local tours for smooth planning.

Transportation from Koh Samui to Phuket

Facts about the transport from Koh Samui to Phuket

Cheapest Transport$17
Fastest Transport1h
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure7:00 PM
Departures per day64
Distance575 kilometers
Transport Companies12Go Transport, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, Bangkok Airways, BangkokTaxi24, Call Me Taxi, Faiz Travel and Tour, Firstplan Transport Services, Glassflower, Jarinthon Tour, Lomprayah, Nara Travel, Nor Phuangphet Transport, Phantip 1970, PP Service, Raja Ferry, Seatran Discovery, Siamese Trans, Songserm, Than Car Service, TransBaanTon, Van2Travel

How to get from Koh Samui to Phuket

Travelling between Koh Samui and Phuket is possible by Flight, bus, ferry, van and taxi. Flight guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Bus+ferry+van is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 640.41 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus+ferry which will set you back mere USD 20.68.

How long does it take to get from Koh Samui to Phuket?

It can take you anywhere between 1 and 12 hours to travel between Koh Samui and Phuket depending on the means of transport you choose.

Flight is the fastest way to travel between Koh Samui and Phuket. Flight will bring you to your destination in 1h. Bus+ferry+van does a much slower job and take about 11h 30m to reach Phuket.

How much does it cost to get from Koh Samui to Phuket?

Travelling between Koh Samui and Phuket can be as cheap as USD 20.68 if you opt for a Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970) bus+ferry and as expensive as USD 640.41 if you buy a Nor Phuangphet Transport taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Koh Samui and Phuket ?

  • 22 by Ferry+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 09:00 Na Thon Pier until 13:00 Na Thon Pier Seatran Ferry
  • 8 by Bus+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 07:00 Koh Samui Transfer until 10:45 Faiz Travel and Tour Office
  • 4 by Bus+Ferry from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 09:00 Lipa Noi Koh Samui until 12:00 Phantip Travel Koh Samui
  • 4 from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 08:15 Chaweng Transfer until 10:15 Chaweng Transfer
  • 2 by taxi+Ferry+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 08:15 Koh Samui Town Transfer until 10:15 Koh Samui Town Transfer
  • 1 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 10:00 Koh Samui Town Transfer until 10:00 Koh Samui Town Transfer
  • 1 from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 11:45 Lomprayah Nathon Pier until 11:45 Lomprayah Nathon Pier
  • 22 from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 00:00 Koh Samui Town Transfer until 00:00 Koh Samui Town Transfer

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Koh Samui to Phuket.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Flights

Flying is the fastest and often the most expensive way to travel from Koh Samui to Phuket, but with a bit of luck you can score very good deals for as little as USD 122.26.

Things to remember: Note that some of the airlines may have restrictions on checked luggage weight or require paying extra for check-in, choosing seats or transportation of oversized luggage.

If opting for a flight, calculate the time you will spend getting to and from the airports as well as the waiting time before your flight, getting through immigration in case of an international flight and recovering your checked luggage.

In certain cases all these procedures can add no less than 5 hours to your total travel time.

Airlines flying between Koh Samui and Phuket

Bangkok Airways (บางกอกแอร์เวย์ส)

Bus

Travelling from Koh Samui to Phuket overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Koh Samui and Phuket

TransBaanTon

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Koh Samui and Phuket

AEC 168 Transport and Travel (เออีซี 168 ทรานสปอร์ต แอนด์ ทราเวล), BangkokTaxi24, Faiz Travel and Tour, Firstplan Transport Services (เฟิร์สแพลน ทรานสปอร์ตเซอร์วิส), Glassflower, Nor Phuangphet Transport, Than Car Service (ธาน คาร์ เซอร์วิส), Van2Travel

Ferry

Ferry may be a tiring experience especially if you are prone to seasickness and often is not the cheapest option available but it almost always makes for a very picturesque journey.

Things to remember: Ferry rides may be cancelled due to rough seas.

Companies operating ferry routes between Koh Samui and Phuket

Lomprayah (ลมพระยา)

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Koh Samui and Phuket, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Koh Samui and Phuket

12Go Transport

What is the most popular transport to get from Koh Samui to Phuket?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with taxi+Ferry+Van remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 21% chosen taxi+Ferry+Van
  • 20% chosen Bus+taxi
  • 20% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
  • 20% chosen Bus+Ferry
  • 2% decided to fly
  • 2% chosen Ferry+Bus
  • 2% chosen Ferry+Van
  • 1% Other