Bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui: Online Booking, Schedules, and Routes
Navigate the 760km journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui with convenient bus and ferry combinations offered by Raja Ferry, Lomprayah, and other operators. The route includes a mainland bus journey (650km to Surat Thani or 460km to Chumphon) followed by a 1.5-hour ferry crossing to Koh Samui.
Daily departures include 12 VIP buses and 18 Express services from three main Bangkok terminals. The fastest option is Lomprayah’s service via Chumphon (11 hours total), while overnight services via Surat Thani take 16-18 hours but save on costs.
When you arrive in Koh Samui, you’ll find stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and a vibrant island atmosphere that attracts travelers from around the world.
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Contents
Bus Schedule Bangkok to Koh Samui
Here are the schedules for bus services from Bangkok to Koh Samui, organized by departure points and bus class:
Mochit Bus Terminal (Bangkok)
Transport Co operates services from Mochit Bus Terminal to Koh Samui Bus Station and Seatran (Nathon) Pier. VIP and Express buses are available with evening departures.
VIP Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 05:00 PM | 02:00 AM (+1) | Transport Co (VIP 24) |
| 06:35 PM | 03:35 AM (+1) | Transport Co (VIP 24) |
Express Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15 PM | 03:15 AM (+1) | Transport Co (Express 36) |
Southern Bus Terminal (Bangkok)
From the Southern Bus Terminal, Transport Co, Lomprayah, and Krungsiam Tour operate services to various destinations in Koh Samui including Maenam, Nathon Pier, and Lipa Noi.
VIP Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 AM | 05:30 PM | Lomprayah (VIP) |
| 05:00 PM | 02:00 AM (+1) | Transport Co (VIP 24) |
View Full Schedule
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:35 PM | 03:35 AM (+1) | Transport Co (VIP 24) |
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Krungsiam Tour (VIP 24) |
| 09:00 PM | 11:30 AM (+1) | Lomprayah (VIP) |
Express Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 AM | 05:30 PM | Lomprayah (Express) |
| 06:15 PM | 03:15 AM (+1) | Transport Co (Express 36) |
View Full Schedule
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:50 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Krungsiam Tour (Express) |
| 09:00 PM | 11:30 AM (+1) | Lomprayah (Express) |
Khao San Road (Bangkok)
Multiple operators including Montanatip, Jarinthon Tour, The Nine Travel, Bangkok Travel Plus, Raja Ferry, Nara Travel, and Oniam Transport operate services from Khao San Road to various destinations in Koh Samui, convenient for travelers staying in the backpacker area.
VIP Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Montanatip (VIP) |
| 07:00 PM | 10:00 AM (+1) | Jarinthon Tour (VIP) |
Express Bus Services
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:45 PM | 08:55 AM (+1) | Bangkok Travel Plus (Express) |
| 06:50 PM | 09:00 AM (+1) | Bangkok Travel Plus (Express) |
View Full Schedule
| Departure | Arrival | Service |
|---|---|---|
| 06:55 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | The Nine Travel (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Montanatip (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 01:30 PM (+1) | Raja Ferry Port (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 10:30 AM (+1) | The Twin 2000 (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 10:00 AM (+1) | Jarinthon Tour (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Raja Ferry (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Nara Travel (Express) |
| 07:00 PM | 09:30 AM (+1) | Oniam Transport (Express) |
Bus Classes and Fares
Understanding the differences between Express and VIP services will help you choose the most suitable option for your journey to Koh Samui. Various operators offer both VIP and Express buses with distinct features:
VIP Class Features
- Seating Layout:
- VIP 24: Single-floor bus with 24 seats in 1+2 configuration
- VIP 29: Double-decker with 24 seats upstairs and 5 downstairs
- Extra legroom between seats
- Wider seats for added comfort
- Premium Amenities:
- 135-degree reclining seats
- Enhanced leg support and calf rests
- Air conditioning
- USB charging ports and power outlets
- Personal reading lights
- Personal screens on selected routes
- Enhanced Services:
- Onboard attendant
- Premium snacks and water
- Blankets provided
- Regular rest stops
- 20kg luggage allowance (2 items)
Express Class Features
- Seating Configuration:
- Express 36: Single-floor bus with 36 seats in 2+2 layout
- Express 46: Double-decker with 42 seats upstairs, 4 downstairs
- Standard legroom between seats
- Regular width seats
- Comfort Features:
- 125-degree reclining seats
- Air conditioning
- Basic leg support
- Onboard toilet (most buses)
- Central TV entertainment
- Services:
- Basic refreshments
- Regular rest stops
- 20kg luggage allowance (2 items)
| Bus Class and Company | Fare Rate |
|---|---|
| Transport Co VIP 24 | THB 960 per adult |
| Lomprayah VIP | THB 1,800 per adult |
| Krungsiam Tour VIP 24 | THB 1,400 per adult |
| Montanatip VIP | THB 1,300 per adult |
| Jarinthon Tour VIP | THB 1,500 per adult |
| Transport Co Express 36 | THB 620 per adult |
| Lomprayah Express | THB 1,500 per adult |
| Bangkok Travel Plus Express | THB 1,200 per adult |
| Krungsiam Tour Express | THB 1,200 per adult |
| The Nine Travel Express | THB 1,500 per adult |
| Other Khao San Operators Express | THB 1,100 per adult |
Departure Points & Information
Transport Co
Bangkok’s northern bus station (Mochit) and the Southern Bus Terminal are the main departure points for Transport Co buses to Koh Samui. You can reach Mochit from MRT subway station Khampaeng Phet by taxi (less than 50 Baht).
- Check-in Location: First floor or third floor at the counter of 999 Transport Co. Bus Company
Lomprayah
Lomprayah offers the quickest combined transportation to Koh Samui. Unlike other operators that travel by bus to Surat Thani (a longer journey), Lomprayah’s bus travels only to Chumphon – a shorter 6.5 hour bus trip. From Chumphon, passengers transfer to a high-speed catamaran service that completes the journey to Maenam Samui, making the total trip significantly faster than other options. Check-in is required at least 60 minutes before departure.
- Check-in Location: Southern Bus Terminal Pinklao
Khao San Road Operators
Multiple operators including Montanatip, Jarinthon Tour, The Nine Travel, Bangkok Travel Plus, Raja Ferry, Nara Travel, and The Twin 2000 operate services from various locations around Khao San Road to different destinations in Koh Samui. Check-in locations vary by operator.
- Montanatip/Jarinthon Tour Check-in: Khao San Montanatip office
- Nara Travel Check-in: Khao San Nara Travel office
- Bangkok Travel Plus Check-in: Phra Athit Road office
- The Twin 2000 Check-in: Khaosan The Twin 2000 Samsen Rd
Journey Details and Ferry Transport
The journey from Bangkok to Koh Samui covers 750km and involves both land and sea transportation. The typical route includes:
- Bus journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Donsak Pier (approximately 10-12 hours)
- Transfer to ferry port via van or minibus
- Ferry crossing to Koh Samui (approximately 1.5-2.5 hours depending on the ferry type)
- Some services include drop-off at specific locations on the island
Ferry Services to Koh Samui
When traveling to Koh Samui, your bus journey will connect with one of these ferry services:
- Seatran Ferry: Operates from Donsak Pier to Nathon Pier on Koh Samui. Services run hourly from 5 AM to 7 PM daily, with the crossing taking approximately 1.5 hours. Features air-conditioned passenger areas, a minimart, and a rooftop deck. Learn more about Seatran Ferry.
- Raja Ferry: Operates from Donsak Pier to Lipa Noi Pier on Koh Samui. Also offers hourly services from 5 AM to 7 PM with a 1.5-hour crossing time. The service is very similar to Seatran with comparable amenities and pricing. Learn more about Raja Ferry.
- Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran: Unlike the vehicle ferries above, Lomprayah operates high-speed catamarans from Chumphon (not Surat Thani) direct to Maenam Pier on Koh Samui, significantly reducing overall travel time.
The ferry service included in your bus ticket depends on the bus operator and your chosen destination on Koh Samui. Transport Co typically connects with Seatran Ferry (arriving at Nathon Pier), while Khao San operators like Montanatip and Jarinthon often use Raja Ferry (arriving at Lipa Noi) or other services depending on your final destination.
Essential Travel Information
| Travel Requirements | Details |
|---|---|
| Check-in Time | 60 minutes before departure (Transport Co, Lomprayah) 30 minutes before departure (Khao San operators) |
| Luggage Policy | 2 items per person (max 20 kg total) Oversized luggage may incur additional charges |
| Domestic Child Fare | Free for children under 2 years (on parent’s lap) Child rates for 2-11 years with Lomprayah |
| Required Documents | Passport/ID card matching booking details |
| Pet Policy | Varies by operator – Lomprayah allows pets on boats for THB 200 fee |
| Boarding Location | Must match station stated on ticket |
| Drinking Policy | No alcohol allowed |
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation policies vary by operator:
- Lomprayah: 100% refund if cancelled more than 36 hours before departure
- Raja Ferry: 100% refund if cancelled more than 72 hours before departure, 50% refund if cancelled more than 60 hours before departure
- Krungsiam Tour: 100% refund if cancelled more than 48 hours before departure, 50% refund if cancelled more than 36 hours before departure
- Transport Co: Refund policies may vary, check at time of booking
Travel Tips
- Arrive early at the bus station to find your boarding area
- Bring a light jacket as buses are often well air-conditioned
- Pack snacks and water for the journey
- Keep valuables with you during rest stops and ferry transfers
- Consider a neck pillow for overnight trips
- Have your ID/passport ready for check-in and ferry boarding
- Take motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness
- During festival periods, allow extra time (2+ hours) for traffic delays
- Buses typically make 1-2 rest stops of 15-30 minutes each during the journey before reaching the ferry
Arrival Points in Koh Samui
Different operators arrive at various locations around Koh Samui:
- Nathon Pier: The main ferry arrival point on the western side of the island. Transport Co, Montanatip, The Nine Travel, Bangkok Travel Plus, and Oniam Transport services typically arrive here.
- Lipa Noi: Located south of Nathon on the western coast. Jarinthon Tour, Raja Ferry, and Nara Travel services arrive here.
- Maenam: On the northern coast of the island. Lomprayah high-speed services arrive at this pier.
- Koh Samui Bus Station: Transport Co services arrive at the central bus station, which is connected to the main ring road around the island.
From these arrival points, you can find taxis, shared songthaews, or prearranged transfers to your accommodation around the island.
Why Choose Bus Transport to Koh Samui
While flying to Koh Samui is faster, traveling by bus and ferry offers several advantages, with options like Lomprayah’s high-speed catamaran service providing a good balance of speed and cost:
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than flying, with fares starting from THB 620 compared to flights that typically cost THB 3,000-5,000
- Options for all preferences: From budget-friendly Transport Co services to quicker premium options like Lomprayah’s bus-catamaran combination that reduces travel time by going to Chumphon instead of Surat Thani
- Scenic route: Opportunity to see the diverse landscapes of southern Thailand
- Overnight options: Save on accommodation costs by traveling overnight
- Higher luggage allowance: More generous than budget airlines
- Environmental impact: Lower carbon footprint than flying