The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet is to take a minivan from Ekkamai Bus Terminal to Ban Phe Pier, then continue by ferry or speedboat to the island. The full journey usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and which boat you take.
There’s no airport on Koh Samet, so every route involves two parts: first travelling by road from Bangkok to Ban Phe in Rayong province, then crossing to Koh Samet by ferry or speedboat.
The minivan plus ferry route is the most popular and budget-friendly option, while a private transfer is the easiest choice if you’re travelling with luggage, kids, or in a group.
I’ve made this trip several times over the past year, and in this guide I’ll walk you through all the best ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet, including the Ekkamai minivan, private transfers, taxis, airport routes, ferry prices, last boat times, and what to expect when you arrive.
➞ Still not sure whether to visit this island? Read my full guide on Is Koh Samet worth visiting? My honest review in 2026
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Quick summary: How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet
- Best option: Minivan from Bangkok to Ban Phe, then ferry to Koh Samet.
- Travel time: Around 3.5–4.5 hours total
- Other options: Private transfer, taxi or Grab, or motorbike
- Good to know: There’s a 200 THB national park fee for foreign adults on arrival.
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet
Option 1: Minivan from Ekkamai – The Most Popular Route
- Duration: 3–3.5 hours (minivan) + 15–40 min (speedboat or ferry)
- Cost: 225 THB (minivan) + 70–200 THB (speedboat or ferry)
- Departures: Multiple daily from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal
This is the route I take every time. It’s served by a minivan with around 18 to 20 seats, so it’s not the most spacious, but it’s perfectly fine for the 3 to 3.5-hour drive. There’s a small luggage section at the front of the minivan next to the driver, so it’s best to keep your luggage to a minimum. That said, I’ve travelled with one standard-size suitcase and it was fine, although if you have five of them, I’m not sure where they would go. For a weekend bag or backpack, though, you’ll be completely fine.
I always book a combined ticket for the minivan and ferry on 12Go Asia in advance. That way, I know I’ve got a confirmed spot and don’t have to worry, as these minivans often fill up. You don’t strictly need to book ahead, but it does give you peace of mind.
Step by step
- Get to Ekkamai Bus Terminal: Take the BTS Skytrain to Ekkamai station. The bus terminal is directly next door, so just follow the signs from Exit 2. If you buy your ticket in advance, it will usually say that you should arrive at least 60 minutes early, but I usually get there 20 minutes before departure and it’s been totally fine.
- Find your counter: If you purchased your ticket in advance, it will tell you which counter number to go to. Find the counter, show them your ticket, and they’ll give you a paper ticket to hand to the driver later. They’ll also usually tell you which platform to go to. Just so you know, they only give you the minivan ticket here, not the ticket for the full journey.
- Find your platform: The station is actually quite small and really easy to navigate. Find your platform and wait there. There are also public toilets and a few small shops where you can buy water and snacks. From my experience, the minivans usually leave on time, so don’t be late.
- The journey: The minivan takes the motorway, and the drive is about 3 to 3.5 hours depending on Bangkok traffic. Sometimes the driver stops at a service area for toilets and snacks, but if not, you can ask. It’s air-conditioned and comfortable enough, just don’t expect much legroom.
- Arrive at Ban Phe and transfer to the ferry: The minivan will take you straight to Nuanthip Pier in Ban Phe. Once you get off the minivan, walk straight to the ticket window, show them your booking confirmation, and they’ll give you your ferry ticket.
➞ Because luggage space in the minivans is limited, I’d avoid overpacking for this route. A backpack, weekend bag, or small suitcase is ideal. If you’re still deciding what to bring, my Thailand packing guide covers the essentials without making your bag too bulky.
Book your minivan on 12Go Asia → See schedules, compare prices, and secure your seat in advance. I’d especially recommend booking ahead if you’re travelling during Thai holidays or long weekends.
Option 2: Private Transfer – The Comfortable Option
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours (car) + ferry or speedboat
- Cost: 2,200–4,000 THB for the car + ferry/speedboat
- Booking: Via 12Go Asia
A private car takes you directly from your Bangkok hotel to Ban Phe pier. This is the most comfortable option and the best choice for families, couples with lots of luggage, or anyone who values flexibility over cost.
The biggest advantage is that you can leave when you want, not when the minivan schedule says. It’s particularly worth it if you’re travelling in a small group, as you can split the cost. You’ll get comfortable seats with air conditioning and secure space for your luggage.
➞ Staying at fancy resort? If you’ve booked a resort like Paradee on the south coast or one of the resorts on Ao Prao (northwest side), check whether your accommodation offers a private ferry transfer. The more expensive resorts often include their own boat which is more comfortable and the cost is rolled into your stay.
Option 3: Taxi or Grab to Ban Phe
- Duration: 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic
- Cost: 2,000–2,500 THB (metered taxi or Grab)
If you don’t want to deal with transport companies or you’re leaving your planning until the last minute, you can either take a metered taxi to Nuanthip Pier in Ban Phe or use Advance Booking in the Grab app. You don’t have to book in advance, but I usually do so I know exactly what time I’ll leave. This option gives you complete flexibility.
These transfers in Thailand are actually quite affordable, especially if you’re travelling in a small group. I’ve used them before when I needed to get to Kanchanaburi in the evening, and it was quick and cost under 2,000 THB. I’ve booked my trip via Advance Booking on the Grab app.
Practical tips
- Grab is generally easier than hailing a taxi for a long-distance trip, as drivers are more likely to accept a confirmed booking with a fixed fare. Make sure the driver knows you’re going to Ban Phe pier, not just “Rayong”. This option works particularly well for early morning departures or later starts when minivan schedules don’t line up.
- The return trip: Getting a Grab from Ban Phe back to Bangkok is less reliable, so I’d recommend booking a minivan for the return leg instead.
Option 4: Motorbike to Ban Phe
If you’re already touring Thailand by motorbike, or simply prefer travelling on two wheels, you can ride from Bangkok or elsewhere to Ban Phe pier. The journey takes roughly 3–4 hours, depending on your starting point.
✹ Good to know: You can’t take your own motorbike onto the island. There’s a designated parking area at the pier where you can leave it while you’re on Koh Samet. To get around the island itself, you can rent a bike there.
For more on motorbike and other transport options around Thailand, see my guide: How to Get Around Thailand in 2026: Complete Transport Guide
How to get from Bangkok airport to Koh Samet
If you want to go straight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Koh Samet, there isn’t really a direct connection. You can take a bus from the airport to Pattaya, then change for Rayong, and from Rayong continue on to Ban Phe.
In practice, though, it may actually be easier to go from the airport to Ekkamai Bus Terminal and then take a direct minivan to the pier, although that also depends on what time you land. From the airport, take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai, then change to the BTS Skytrain and continue directly to Ekkamai.
The easiest and most comfortable option is to book a private transfer that takes you straight to the pier.
Nuanthip Pier at Ban Phe: What to expect
Ban Phe is a small coastal town, and the pier area is compact and genuinely easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time there. There are public toilets, a restaurant, and a few places where you can buy drinks.
When you arrive, the process is very straightforward. As I mentioned above, head to the ticket window and either show your 12Go Asia booking confirmation or buy a ticket on the spot. They’ll exchange your confirmation for a small paper ticket. You may need to wait 10 or 15 minutes, as the boats usually leave on the hour. There are seats in the waiting area, and the staff are used to helping tourists with luggage.
When it’s time to board, you simply walk straight onto the boat. It holds around 50 people, and life jackets are handed out as you get on. The whole process, from arriving at the pier to boarding the boat, usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
Just to be clear, you don’t need a pre-purchased combined ticket. You can buy your ferry ticket directly at the pier window. I always book everything online for convenience, but if you haven’t done so, you can easily sort out the ferry when you arrive at Ban Phe.
Book Your Koh Samet Accommodation → Ready to plan your island escape? Check the latest prices and browse the best hotels, resorts, and beachfront stays on Koh Samet to find the right option for your trip.How much is the ferry from Ban Phe to Koh Samet
You have two options: either take the standard ferry, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 70 THB one way (120 THB return), or take a speedboat, which takes around 15 minutes and costs 200 THB one way (300 THB return).
What time is the last ferry to Ko Samet
The last speedboat to Koh Samet leaves at 5 PM, and the last ferry leaves at 4 PM, which I think is quite early. So if you’re travelling from Bangkok, you’ll need to leave by around midday at the latest.
Ferry companies
Several companies operate the Ban Phe to Koh Samet crossing. The main ones are:
- Nuanthip — the most frequent service, with wooden boats to Na Dan Pier
- Koh Samet Ferry — a similar service, with slightly different schedules
Ferries usually run from approximately 08:00 to 17:00, with departures roughly every hour, and sometimes more frequently during peak times.
Arriving on Koh Samet: Na Dan Pier
Most ferries dock at Na Dan Pier on the northern tip of Koh Samet. The first thing you’ll see when you step off the boat is a small stand where you collect a ticket. After that, you continue to the window where you pay the national park entry fee of 200 THB per person for foreign adults. They’ll give you a receipt or ticket, and it’s a good idea to keep it in case of checks, although nobody has ever asked me to show mine.
After that, you’ll spot the songthaews, small green pickup trucks that serve as the island’s taxis. You have two choices:
- Private songthaew: 200–500 THB flat fee depending on where your hotel is. It’s relatively quick and direct, and you can leave straight away.
- Shared songthaew: Wait for the pickup to fill up with other passengers, then pay about 40 THB per person. It’s cheaper, but you may need to wait 10–15 minutes.
➞ For more on which beach and area to stay in, see my full guide: Where to stay in Koh Samet 2026: Best areas, beaches & hotels
Getting Back: From Koh Samet to Bangkok
The return journey is just as straightforward as getting there, with the same two-leg process in reverse. For the trip back, I always book my ticket through 12Go Asia again, as having a confirmed departure time takes the guesswork out of it.
Here’s how the return journey works, step by step:
- Get to Na Dan Pier on Koh Samet: Take a songthaew from your hotel to the pier.
- Go to the ticket window: Show your booking confirmation and they’ll give you a paper ticket for the ferry, or you can buy a ticket on the spot.
- Wait for your boat: There are seats at the pier, and once it’s close to departure time, you simply board the boat and head back to Ban Phe.
- At Ban Phe Pier: Walk straight off the boat to the small table where staff are waiting, show them your return ticket, and they’ll give you a paper ticket for the minivan to Bangkok and tell you the next departure time.
- Wait for the minivan: Once your ticket is sorted, wait in the designated area until it’s time to board.
What time is the last ferry from Ko Samet
This is really important to keep in mind: the last speedboat back to Ban Phe leaves at 5.30 PM, and the last standard ferry leaves at 5 PM. If you miss them, you’ll be staying on the island for another night. On busy weekends, the last ferry can get crowded, so it’s best to arrive at the pier at least 20–30 minutes before departure.
When to Go to Koh Samet: Quick Seasonal Note
Koh Samet sits in the Gulf of Thailand on the eastern coast, which means its seasons are slightly different from those on the Andaman side, where Krabi and Phuket are.
- Best months: December to February (dry and cooler)
- Good months: March to May (hot but dry)
- Rainy season: June to October
One of the great things about Koh Samet is that it gets less rain than many southern islands, which makes it a reasonable year-round destination. I visited in June, and the weather was actually better than it was in February, with just a bit of overcast and mostly sunshine.
➞ Read my full guide on Best Time to Visit Koh Samet: My Month-by-Month Guide & When I’d Go
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Get to Koh Samet
How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
The total journey takes around 3.5–4.5 hours, depending on your transport choice. The minivan takes about 3–3.5 hours to Ban Phe, followed by a 15–40 minute ferry crossing. Private transfers are usually a little faster.
How much does the ferry to Koh Samet cost?
A standard ferry from Ban Phe to Na Dan Pier costs approximately 70–100 THB one way. Speedboats usually cost around 200 THB. Prices can vary slightly depending on the operator and the season.
Can I do Koh Samet as a day trip from Bangkok?
It’s not really a day trip destination from Bangkok, as it would feel very rushed. You’d only have a few hours on the island and would spend most of the day travelling. Koh Samet is much better as an overnight or weekend trip. Even one night gives you nearly a full day on the island.
Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?
You can buy ferry tickets at Ban Phe Pier on the day. However, if you’re like me and want peace of mind, I’d recommend booking in advance, especially during Thai public holidays and long weekends when ferries can fill up.
Can I take my own motorbike to Koh Samet?
No, you can’t take your own motorbike to Koh Samet. You can ride to Ban Phe Pier and park in the designated parking area there, then rent a bike on the island if you need one.
➞ 12Go Asia Review: Is It Worth It? My Honest Take After Booking a Few Trips
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