Is it cheaper to fly to Surat Thani than Koh Samui?

Yes, significantly. Surat Thani flights run 600–1,200 THB; Koh Samui flights (Bangkok Airways monopoly) run 3,000–5,000 THB. The bus+ferry transfer adds 3–4 hours but saves 2,000+ THB.

How long does the ferry from Donsak to Koh Samui take?

Approximately 1.5 hours on the Raja Ferry (car ferry) or 1 hour on the Lomprayah catamaran. Multiple departures throughout the day.

Can I do the whole Bangkok-Surat Thani-Koh Samui journey in one day?

Yes — early flight from Bangkok (07:00–08:00) to Surat Thani arrives mid-morning; combo bus departs immediately and you arrive on Samui by mid-afternoon. Allow buffer for delays during monsoon (October–December).

URT

Surat Thani International Airport

Surat Thani, Thailand

Surat Thani International Airport is the budget gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao for travellers who want to skip Bangkok Airways' expensive direct flights to Samui. Combine the cheaper flight with a bus and ferry transfer.

Getting to the City

Method	Duration	Cost	Notes
Airport Bus to Donsak Pier	90–120 min	200 THB	Direct combo bus + ferry tickets to Koh Samui (3.5 hours total) or Koh Pha Ngan (4 hours).
Taxi to Surat Thani city	30 min	350–500 THB	For travellers staying in Surat Thani town or connecting to bus services.
Minivan to Krabi/Phuket	3–4 hours	200–300 THB per person	Surat Thani is a major junction — minivans to Krabi (3 hours) and Phuket (4 hours).

Airport Bus to Donsak Pier

Direct combo bus + ferry tickets to Koh Samui (3.5 hours total) or Koh Pha Ngan (4 hours).

Taxi to Surat Thani city

For travellers staying in Surat Thani town or connecting to bus services.

Minivan to Krabi/Phuket

Surat Thani is a major junction — minivans to Krabi (3 hours) and Phuket (4 hours).

Airport Facilities

Free WiFi
Food court (basic)
Currency exchange and ATMs
Tour booking desks for ferry combinations

Traveller Tips

1.The cheapest way to Koh Samui from Bangkok: AirAsia or Nok Air to Surat Thani (~600–1,200 THB) plus combo bus+ferry (200 THB) — total ~1,000–1,500 THB versus Bangkok Airways' direct (3,000+ THB).

2.Buy combination bus+ferry tickets at the airport bus desk — saves you arranging pier transfer separately.

3.The overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani plus combo bus+ferry is even cheaper for budget travellers (700–1,100 THB total) and saves a night's accommodation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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