Are you making plans for Thailand and want to travel from tropical Koh Tao Travelling to bustling Bangkok? Good choice! Luckily, travelling from Koh Tao to Bangkok (or vice versa) is easy. Discover all the options here: from budget-friendly options to more comfort, with travel times, costs and handy tips.
General information on Thailand
Are you planning your trip to Thailand? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and vaccinations. You can find all the information you need about Thailand here.
1. Travelling from Koh Tao to Bangkok by bus and ferry (via Chumphon)
The cheapest option to travel from Koh Tao to Bangkok is by bus combined with the ferry. As such, this option is frequently chosen by travellers and is our favourite. You usually book one ticket for the whole route, which makes it extra easy.
- Departure point: Mae Haad Pier (Koh Tao) → Ferry to Chumphon → then bus to Bangkok
- Arrival: Usually Khao San Road, Southern Bus Terminal or another central point
- Travel time: About 9 to 10 hours, depending on weather and traffic
- Price: Average between 900 and 1,500 THB (€22 - €40), depending on season and airline
- Tickets: Conveniently book online in advance through platforms such as 12GoAsia and Klook or at your accommodation in Koh Tao
This way of travelling is the cheapest, but it is still a long sit. Fortunately, there is air conditioning and there are often comfortable seats on board the bus. Want something more luxurious? Then opt for the VIP bus.
Tip: We love booking last-minute and in Thailand, you certainly can! However, do you travel in high season, around holidays or have a very tight schedule? Then book your tickets in advance. Our favourite for this is 12GoAsia but there are also other parties such as Klook. That way you can be sure you have a spot!
2. Travelling from Koh Tao to Bangkok by night train (via Chumphon)
For travellers who prefer to sleep en route and arrive in Bangkok rested in the morning, this option is ideal. You travel by ferry to Chumphon in the evening and transfer to the overnight train there.
- Departure point: Mae Haad Pier (Koh Tao) → Ferry to Chumphon → night train from Chumphon station
- Arrival: Bangkok (Hua Lamphong or Krung Thep Aphiwat station)
- Travel time: About 12 to 14 hours in total
- Price: From 1,500 THB (€40), depending on ticket type (2nd or 1st class)
- Tickets: Train tickets can be booked via the Thai Railways' English-language website. Boat tickets are available at the pier on Koh Tao, via 12GoAsia or through your hostel or guesthouse.
3. Travelling from Koh Tao to Bangkok by plane (via Chumphon or Koh Samui)
Have less time or want to get to Bangkok quickly? Then the combination of ferry and plane is a good option.
- Departure point: Mae Haad Pier (Koh Tao) → Ferry to Chumphon or Koh Samui → flight to Bangkok
- Arrival: Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport)
- Travel time: About 5 to 6 hours, including transfer and waiting time
- Price: Between THB 2,500 and 4,000 (€65 - €105), depending on the airline and the season
- Tickets: Book flights easily via Skyscanner with well-known airlines such as AirAsia or Bangkok Airways. Combination tickets for this combination can also be found via 12GoAsia.
Flying is the fastest, but also the least sustainable. In addition, you have to factor in transfers and waiting time at the airport.
4. Travelling from Koh Tao to Bangkok by private transfer
Is this possible? Yes absolutely! In Thailand, everything can be arranged so if you want maximum flexibility and comfort, a private transfer is a fine, but pricey, option. Especially suitable for large families or groups.
- Departure point: Mae Haad Pier (Koh Tao) → private boat or regular ferry → private transfer to Bangkok
- Arrival: Directly at your hotel or accommodation in Bangkok
- Travel time: About 9 to 11 hours
- Price: From around THB 5,000 (€130) per transfer (price divided by number of travellers)
- Tickets: Often arranged through your accommodation or specialist travel agents
Read also: Cashing out in Thailand: Tips, Costs and Smart Alternatives
Read also: The best travel guide to Koh Tao, Thailand (with map)
Our favourite items for travel
A long bus ride is anything but boring if you are well prepared. Our e-readers are standard in our backpack: ideal for reading a book on the go or quickly updating some notes (we use one of those big e-readers, handy for storing all our tips for you!). This way, we always have something to do without lugging around extra weight. Whether you're on the bus, lying on the beach or sheltering from a tropical shower: an e-reader always comes in handy.
And of course, we also bring along a few compact travel games. Think of a small card game or dice game: they fit in any bag and provide hours of entertainment. Because let's face it: unfolding an entire board is not ideal & searching for dice between seats is not very conducive to the atmosphere either. Looking for cool games for travelling? Then check out our blogs: 14x Great travel games for 2 people or 20x Mini games - Perfect travel gifts
Going the other way? No problem!
Do you do the route the other way round? No problem! The two options above obviously work the other way too, so just check what fits into your itinerary. Whichever route you choose, it pays to book in advance, especially in high season. On platforms such as 12GoAsia and Klook you can easily compare times, providers and prices. We usually travel by bus because of the good value for money, but have also had good experiences with night trains.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip. Do you have any questions or comments? You can always send us a message via Instagram or via [email protected].
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