Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferries to Koh Tao Island
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)
Ferries to Koh Tao Island
On the Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) route, fares generally fall between $24* and $206*. On average, a Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry ticket costs around $100*, with the lowest Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) fares starting at $24*. Foot passengers pay an average of $100*.
Actual fares depend on passenger numbers, vehicle type, chosen route and sailing time. Figures are based on fares searched over the past 30 days, exclude service fees, and were last refreshed August 26.
Compare fares, operators and sailing times from across the globe in one place, then book with confidence. Booking ahead is the easiest way to lock in a better price and a wider choice of departures.
Yes. Direct Ferries runs a number of discounts throughout the year. If a senior discount applies to your route, it's applied automatically once you select the right age range in the passenger options during your search.
Students and recent graduates can save 5% on their booking. Simply register with our partner Student Beans to verify your status, and you'll be issued a discount code to apply at checkout.
On several Spanish and Italian routes, residents can also access a discounted fare — look out for the "Residents" option during your search, which applies the reduced price automatically. Keep in mind you'll be asked to show proof of residency, such as a registration certificate or an ID card showing your address, at check-in.
Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) sailings usually begin with a departure from Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) at approximately 10:30, with the final sailing of the day leaving around 16:00.
Given the length of the crossing, a trip between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) tends to work better as a weekend getaway or longer stay, so you can get the most out of the journey.
No, none of the operators currently running this route accept vehicles on board sailings between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Bicycles currently aren't accepted on any of the ferries running between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Yes, Songserm & Lomprayah High Speed Ferries accepts foot passengers on sailings between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier).
Pets currently aren't permitted on board ferries between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) and Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier). Try our Deal Finder to search for alternative routes that do accommodate pets.
Even though pets aren't permitted on this route, guide dogs and assistance dogs are often subject to separate rules. Speak with our customer service team to check the specific policy for your sailing, or see our Special Assistance Help page for more information.
Overnight sailings on the Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) route aren't guaranteed and depend on a range of factors. Run a search with your travel details and our results will show whether an overnight option is available, along with current timetables, crossing times, and day-sailing alternatives.
Bear in mind that overnight crossings can run a little longer than their daytime equivalents.
Document requirements aren't the same on every route, so it's worth confirming what you'll need before you travel. A valid passport is generally required for the Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) crossing, alongside any visas or national ID your nationality calls for. Exact requirements depend on your citizenship and the rules of your destination country, so for the latest guidance and to avoid delays at check-in, take a look at our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide.
Booking is straightforward: enter your departure and arrival ports along with your travel date to pull up every available sailing and fare. You can also browse alternative routes and departure times to find the option that works best for you.
Keep an eye out for early-booking savings and flexible ticket types, including upgrades or flexi-fares that let you amend or cancel later on. For a hassle-free booking, double-check the details you enter, such as passenger numbers and any vehicle specifications.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, you'll get a confirmation email. Exactly how your boarding pass is issued after that depends on which operator you've booked with.
Some operators send your boarding pass out the moment you book, while others require check-in at the port itself. Where it's offered, online check-in is also available through the Direct Ferries app, saving you a step at the terminal.
You'll typically find the ticket desk close to the ferry terminal itself. It's a good idea to arrive a little early so you have plenty of time to collect your tickets and get checked in without rushing.
At check-in, have your confirmation email ready along with valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If you're travelling with a pet, bring along their vaccination and insurance paperwork, and if you booked using a resident discount, be prepared to show proof of address too.
A few things can explain a lack of sailings on your chosen date: a temporary schedule change, limited space, or a seasonal shift in the timetable are the most common. It's worth trying a nearby date or exploring alternative routes using our Route & Port finder.
As a rule, the earlier you book your Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) to Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) ferry, the better. Booking ahead tends to secure lower fares along with a wider pick of departure times and cabin or seating options.
Aim to book at least a few weeks ahead to make the most of the best available offers, keeping in mind that fares can shift depending on the season and how much space is left.
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| Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Prices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Foot Passenger | $100 | |
| Koh Samui (Nathon Pier) - Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier) Ferry Route Summary | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Koh Samui Island |
| Destination | Koh Tao Island |
| No. of Operators | 2 |
| Operators | Songserm & Lomprayah High Speed Ferries |
| Average Price | $100 |
| Average Daily Sailings | 2 |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 14 |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 15 m |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1 h 45 m |
| First Ferry | 10:30 |
| Last Ferry | 16:00 |
| Distance | 9 Nautical Miles |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 August 2026.
Koh Samui is the third largest island belonging to Thailand, laying off the coast of Thailand’s mainland. The port lays on the southwest coast of the island with the town centre within a 10-15 minute walk from the landing pier; for those not wishing to travel on foot there is also a taxi rank directly outside the port. Away from the port, the easiest and cheapest way to get around the island is by songthaew (a covered pick-up truck type vehicle that serves as a local bus) which are seen frequently and can be flagged down from the side of the road. The majority of the population live in the town surrounding the port, Nathorn, though the major sights are found scattered around the island. Because 90% of the island is buddhist, one of the main attractions is the Big Buddha, a giant statue that can be seen by walking up many stairs. It is worthwhile noting that visitors are required to remove their shoes if they are to witness the statue up close. Aside from the Big Buddha, Koh Samui has copious beaches on offer – the most popular is Chaweng Beach which has plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy. The island is notorious for being the most upmarket in Thailand, transforming its clientele from backpackers on a budget to middle class Europeans and North Americans. To escape the tourist focused areas, the south of the island offers a totally different landscape; Samui family-run restaurants are hidden among long stretches of coconut palms and dusty roads. Ferry routes run relatively frequently from the port to the neighbouring islands as well as the Thailand mainland; the crossings are all fairly short and comfortable making it a stress free sailing.
Koh Tao is located off the east coast of Thailand, neighbouring the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. The port remains one of the busier areas of Koh Tao; there are cafes close to the port and it remains a hub of activity throughout the day with many ferry routes to nearby islands and tourist destinations. Away from the pier, the island is renowned for being particularly clean – any rubbish that can’t be burned must leave the island, making it tricky for visitors with upcoming departures. There are no waste disposal workers on Koh Tao, therefore it is important not to waste the limited resources of the island. As opposed to many of the popular tourist areas of Thailand, Koh Tao isn’t geared towards backpackers and travellers on a budget; the desired clientele is primarily those who have a keen interest in diving and want to take advantage of the excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. For those not keen on water sport adventures, the beaches across the island boast white sands next to azure seas, creating the idyllic setting for a relaxing holiday. To travel around the island, most tourists rent a motorcycle for the duration of their stay. It is advised to be careful whilst on the roads, most of them are basic and bumpy and although the lack of traffic makes serious accidents rare, there have been known injuries. There are rental shops within a few minutes of the port, though it is important to use official stores to avoid scammers.
