Koh Samui to Phuket

Find my accommodation

Finding the best routes for you — almost ready!

Koh Samui to Phuket Destination Reviews

Bruna P

The ferry from Samui to mainland is great, but the bus is not. I've taken other travel buses in Thailand and this was by far the worst. The AC was barely working so it was really hot inside, the bus was very dirty and old, in need of maintenance, and the plugs to charge did not work. I dont know if there was a toilet in the bus, but if there was, no one used it. It stopped quite often.

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Apr 16, 2026

Sandra L

Smooth travel, no problems at all

Koh Samui to Phuket, Bus Bus + Ferry, 12Go Bus (12Go Bus), Apr 10, 2026

Loris F

Personnel in Phantip very nice, trip with Seatran nice and smooth. Bus trip from Donsak to Phuket: not comfortable bus at all. They will charge you extra for the luggage, they count as normal size a hand luggage. They well know most tourist travel with a medium to big luggage or a big backpack, which means they charge almost everyone. Why not adding this cost to the trip right away? or give people the options to buy online? Second: the bus stopped after 15 minutes from leaving the pear. No one needed that stop. Then it stops again 1,5 / 2 hours before phuket (reasonable stop).

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Apr 3, 2026

Nicolas C

We arrived at the destination an hour late. But other than that the service was not bad.

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Mar 28, 2026

Dan M

The ferry trip was ok but the van transfer was very chaotic and the van driver was driving very recklessly

Koh Samui to Phuket, Van Van + Ferry, Call Me Taxi (คอลมีแท๊กซี่), Mar 27, 2026

Gerda V

Old bus and we have to pay 100 baht each because our bag was 0,2 inch to big, ridiculous, the way of measuring was not correct, we have small bags

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Mar 16, 2026

Theo

Everything was fine but at the final terminal there was no further transport to our final destination

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Mar 2, 2026

Rehema

The driver kept taking cigarette breaks which lets us to get to our destination later. He was more concerned about he’s habits than the job

Koh Samui to Phuket, Van Van + Ferry, Call Me Taxi (คอลมีแท๊กซี่), Feb 26, 2026

Dafne

The ferry back from Samui was delayed 1 hr. I think it would be a good idea to let customers know that can happen so we can get an earlier ticket online.

Koh Samui to Phuket, Van Van + Ferry, Jarinthon Tour, Feb 17, 2026

Catharine

It was really good, both the ferry and bus ride were comfortable.

Koh Samui to Phuket, Ferry Express, Phantip 1970 (พันทิพย์ 1970), Feb 13, 2026

4.4

820 customer reviews

55%

23%

11%

Koh Samui to Phuket Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Taxi	Faiz Travel and Tour	Van 10pax	Any time	+6h 15m	$200.41
Bus	Faiz Travel and Tour	Bus + Ferry	04:20	14:00	$21.58
Bus	Faiz Travel and Tour	Bus + Ferry	04:45	14:00	$18.50	2.0
Bus	Raja Ferry	Express	05:30	16:00	$16.96
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	06:05	08:25	$255.40
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	06:45	14:15	$351.17	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	07:15	14:15	$347.17	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	07:35	14:05	$328.36	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	07:55	12:00	$164.95	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	08:15	09:15	$112.54	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	08:35	14:05	$251.59	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	08:55	16:40	$354.57	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	09:15	14:05	$163.41	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	09:35	14:15	$260.53	4.8
Ferry	Phantip 1970	Express	10:00	17:00	$15.42	4.2
Bus	Faiz Travel and Tour	Bus + Ferry	10:20	19:00	$21.58
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	10:45	18:30	$240.80	4.8
Flight	Bangkok Airways	Economy	11:10	12:10	$89.41	4.8
Bus	Raja Ferry	Express	11:30	18:30	$17.88
Ferry	Phantip 1970	Express	12:00	18:30	$15.42	4.2

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.

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.

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.

How to get from Koh Samui to Phuket

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

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 635.91 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a bus+ferry which will set you back mere USD 23.12.

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

It can take you anywhere between 6 and 25 hours to travel between Koh Samui and Phuket depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Koh Samui and Phuket. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 6h. Flight does a much slower job and take about 1d 1h 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 23.12 if you opt for a 12Go Transport bus+ferry and as expensive as USD 635.91 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 ?

62 from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 08:15 Chaweng Transfer until 11:10 Maenam Beach
29 by Ferry+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 08:15 Koh Samui Town Transfer until 13:00 Na Thon Seatran Ferry Pier
11 by Bus+Ferry from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 05:00 Lipa Noi Koh Samui until 12:00 Phantip Travel Koh Samui
6 by Bus+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 07:00 Koh Samui Transfer until 10:15 Chaweng Transfer
2 by Bus+Ferry+Van from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 10:00 Phantip Travel Koh Samui until 12:00 Phantip Travel Koh Samui
1 from Koh Samui to Phuket starting from 11:45 Lomprayah Nathon Pier until 11:45 Lomprayah Nathon Pier
25 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?

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, Easyride Services, 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, Siamese Trans

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 Bus+taxi remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

15% chosen Bus+taxi
15% chosen Bus+taxi+Ferry
15% chosen Bus+Ferry+Van
15% chosen taxi+Ferry+Van
15% chosen Ferry+Van
14% chosen Bus+Ferry
2% chosen Bus+Van
1% Other

Transportation from Koh Samui to Phuket

Facts about the transport from Koh Samui to Phuket

Cheapest Transport	$17
Fastest Transport	6h
Earliest Departure	12:00 午前
Latest Departure	7:45 午後
Departures per day	136
Distance	300 kilometers
Transport Companies	12Go Transport, AEC 168 Transport and Travel, BangkokTaxi24, Call Me Taxi, Easyride Services, Faiz Travel and Tour, Firstplan Transport Services, Glassflower, Jarinthon Tour, Lomprayah, Nara Travel, Nor Phuangphet Transport, Phantip 1970, PP Service, Raja Ferry, Scoot, Siamese Trans, Songserm, Than Car Service, TransBaanTon, Van2Travel