How to get around Koh Samui?

How to get around Koh Samui?

Quick links

• Airport: Pre-book your airport transfer →
• Car Rental: Pick up at Koh Samui Airport →
• Private Driver: Book tours and charters →
• Ferries: To/from Koh Phangan & Koh Tao →
• Island Guide: Get The Koh Samui Guide →

Your best island transport options

Wondering how to get around Koh Samui? You’ve got lots of options depending on where you’re starting from and where you want to go. In brief, your wheeled options include a rental car, a chartered car or van with a private driver, a taxi or a ride-sharing service like Grab (Thailand’s Uber), a songthaew (see below for explanation – and pronunciation), or a scooter or motorbike (I don’t recommend this due to safety concerns).

Myself, I prefer rental cars or hired drivers and would never (ever) get on a scooter, either as a driver or passenger. As for walking, it might be possible but might not be (A) safe or (B) a good idea depending on the heat, humidity and hills required. As ever, The Koh Samui Guide is your best bet to fully understand the island and its layout, and to arrive as a total expert.

Zero stress: Arrive at Koh Samui Airport with your airport transfer booked in advance (at least 24 hours ahead of time). Collect your luggage and find the friendly face holding your name on a sign. Your vacation starts now.

You have a variety of options for transportation to and from Samui Airport, but – based on my research – you’ll get competitive rates (and a good choice of vehicles) through Klook's airport transfer service.

Their rates are far more competitive than arranging your transfer directly through your hotel (which averages about THB 700 one way but can be as much as THB 2500). For most beaches, this service also works out as the most affordable option – especially for a couple or group of three people booking a standard car.

Book Ahead: Arrange your airport transfer →

How much does airport transfer cost on Koh Samui?

Using Klook's airport transfer service, as a rough guide, you can expect to pay the following for a one-way airport transfer to the closer beaches of Choeng Mon, Chaweng, Bophut or Bang Rak. Note that the rates are per car/vehicle, not per person.

The above rates might vary slightly depending on your exact destination, but they’re a decent point of reference. Expect higher rates for further destinations such as Maenam, Bang Po, Lipa Noi or Taling Ngam, but it only takes a moment to get a quote for your dates.

Make sure to book your airport transfer at least 24 hours in advance of your arrival time. Similarly, you can cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund. Need child seats? Tick the box on the search page to specify this option. You can choose your car, minivan or shuttle bus depending on your group size and luggage requirements.

What about booking airport transfer with your hotel?

Unless it happens to be included in your room rate, most likely, it's more expensive to book your airport transfer directly through your hotel. One-way rates direct-booked with Samui hotels range from THB 300 to THB 2500 (£7-£56 or US$9-71) with an average of THB 700 (£16 or US$20).

Better plan? Book it yourself. My sample searches suggest that you’ll get the most competitive rates this way. As a couple, you might save anywhere between 30% and 55% of the cost.

Airport Transfer FAQs

How to get from the airport to your hotel in Koh Samui?

Easy! At least 24 hours before your arrival time, book your airport transfer (just input your hotel or resort and the number of people in your group to see your car options). If the airport for some reason doesn't pop up as an option in your search, type 'Samui International Airport'.

Typically, your options will include a standard car for three people, a people carrier for four people or a minibus for eight people. If you need even more options, click ‘show more’ beneath the results. Once you’ve added your flight details, just complete your booking and get back to packing (don’t forget the mosquito repellent).

Which vehicle type to book?

Obviously consider your group size, but don’t overlook your luggage, carry-ons and children (infants and children count as full-sized people). Note that strollers, wheelchairs and sports equipment also count as “1 luggage”. As a quick reference:

• Economy Sedan (e.g. Toyota Yaris): Best for a couple, 2 large suitcases + small carry-ons.
• SUV (e.g. Toyota Fortuner): Best for ≤ 4 passengers, 2 large suitcases + small carry-ons.
• Mini Van (e.g. Toyota Alphard): Best for ≤ 4 passengers, 3 large suitcases + small carry-ons.
• Minibus (Toyota Commuter): Best for ≤ 8  passengers, 7 large suitcases and/or oversized equipment (golf bags, strollers).

Can you use Uber, Lyft, Grab or Bolt in Koh Samui?

Yes, you can use Grab generally on the island but not for your airport transfer. Grab cars can’t come into the airport for pick-up (there have been actual physical fights when they've tried), so you’ll have to arrange your own airport transfer (ideally at least 24 hours in advance). Only licensed taxis (significantly more expensive) and private transfer companies (like those above) are allowed in the airport arrivals and departures areas.

Bangkok transfers?

Connecting through Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) en route to Samui? See what to expect and learn how to transfer at BKK from arrival through baggage claim and on to your connection.

Where to stay near Samui Airport?

If you have an early-morning flight out of Samui, the following options are all a 5-10 minute drive away from Samui Airport.

• Best for families: Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
• Best for couples/solo: Casa De Mar
• Best for a budget: Samui Honey Cottages

Once you’re settled at your hotel, showered/slept/snacked, it’s time to think about exploring Samui. Booking your own hire car is a brilliant way to tour the island. Rent a car for your whole trip for maximum flexibility, or just a day or two to make a grand island adventure, visiting Koh Samui attractions of your choosing.

While you have a variety of options for car rental on Samui, the most convenient choice is to pick up your car at Koh Samui Airport. Unlike at beachfront rental shops, you also get a good range of car choices that suit your group size and will almost certainly have air-conditioning (and seat belts).

How much does it cost to rent a car on Koh Samui?

You can anticipate a daily rental car base rate of about THB 540 to THB 1415, depending on the type of car (and the time of year). Using current exchange rates, that’s approximately £12 to £32 or US$16 to $42. Note that prices increase in peak seasons like Christmas/New Year as well for drivers under 30 years of age or over 65. Every car that I looked at had air-conditioning (but double-check).

Don't want to drive?

Got places to be? Don't want to drive yourself? Whether you're nervous about driving in Thailand or want to enjoy some drinks on a night out, you can easily book a private driver on Samui.

Choose to book a car service for 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours. Tour the island or just enjoy a convenient night out with your group. Choose between (A) an SUV for up to three people or (B) a minibus for up to 9 people. (Infants and children are included in the total). Rates include fuel.

Book Ahead: Compare private driver package options →

Rental car FAQs & booking tips

How far in advance should you book your Koh Samui car rental?

Of course, you can book something last minute but expect (A) higher rates and (B) a limited choice of cars. Searching for tomorrow, I’m offered 8 cars (no SUVs). With dates a month from now, there are 30 cars to choose from, whereas searching for two months from now, there’s a choice of 46.

Advanced booking is especially important if you’re coming during a peak period like Christmas or New Year. To get the best rates, aim to book your rental car at least a week in advance. Note that most rentals offer free cancellation for up to 48 hours ahead of time (but double-check when booking).

What cars are available to rent on Koh Samui?

Medium passenger cars are most popular, but there’s a decent selection of small SUVs (Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Kicks, Nissan Terra, Nissan X-Trail, Honda BR-V, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and even Nissan Navara pick-up trucks).

Got a big group? Some SUVs seat up to 7 passengers. As far as I’m aware, all cars are automatic and offer unlimited mileage. Rates may or may not include additional drivers (though you can add more for a nominal fee). You can also add baby seats, booster seats and child seats for a further cost.

Can you rent a car on Koh Samui and return it elsewhere in Thailand?

Fancy a ferry journey and a Thailand road trip? Some rental agencies allow one-way rentals from Koh Samui to other parts of Thailand – just look for the check box on your search page to “drop car off at different location”. Doing so might incur an extra fee – but what a Grand Tour you'll have. Note that cross-border travel is not allowed.

Drive times (includes ferry sail time but not wait time):

• Phuket: 6-7 hours
• Bangkok: 12-13 hours
• Chiang Mai: 22-23 hours

When can you pick up your rental car at Koh Samui Airport?

Note that the rental car office hours at Koh Samui Airport differ by provider, so make sure your arriving flight doesn’t conflict with their opening hours – especially at night. Arriving on a later flight? Just plan to pick up your car the next day. All are open seven days a week.

• Avis: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• ASAP Car Rental: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Budget: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Chic Network: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Dollar: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Drive Car Rental: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM
• Enjoy Samui Car Rental: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Europcar: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Hertz: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Sixt: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Thai Rent A Car: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Thrifty: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Are you arriving on Koh Samui via ferry from the mainland, or hoping to head over to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao? In either direction, coming or going, ferries to/from Koh Samui are fast and plentiful – but let’s start with which pier to use.

Which pier goes where?

Before you’ve got any island bearings whatsoever, it can be really confusing with so many piers on such a small island. Good news: You probably only need to know one or two; totally ignore the rest.

Going to Koh Phangan or Koh Tao (from Koh Samui)

To Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)

• Best departure piers: Bangrak Pier (most convenient for Samui Airport) and Maenam Pier
• Primary operators: Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran and Seatran Discovery
• Travel time: 20 to 30 minutes
• Frequency: Multiple daily departures from morning to late afternoon
• Typical cost: THB 350–550 (10–16 USD / £8–£13 GBP)

Book Ahead: Compare Koh Samui to Koh Phangan ferry schedules →

To Koh Tao (Mae Haad Pier)  

• Best departure piers: As above, Bangrak or Maenam Piers
• Primary operators: Lomprayah High-Speed Catamaran and Seatran Discovery
• Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Frequency: Daily morning and early afternoon sailings
• Typical cost: THB 600–850 (17–25 USD / £14–£20 GBP)

Book Ahead: Compare Koh Samui to Koh Tao ferry schedules →

Going to Koh Samui (from the mainland, e.g. Surat Thani Airport)

If you’re travelling to Samui from the mainland (whether Surat Thani Airport or from as far as Bangkok), you’ll probably find a joint bus-and-ferry transfer most convenient. The closest mainland ferry port is Donsak Pier.

From Surat Thani Airport (URT)

• Budget option: Unless you fly directly into Samui Airport (USM), flying into Surat Thani Airport (URT) is the budget alternative.
• The route: Take a minivan or coach from URT Airport to Donsak Pier (approx. 1.5 hours), then a ferry to Samui (approx. 1.5 hours).  
• Arrival pier on Samui: Nathon Pier (Seatran / Lomprayah) or Lipa Noi Pier (Raja Ferry).  Nathon Pier is recommended.
• Total journey time: 3 to 4 hours door-to-door.
• Best option: Book a joint bus + ferry combo ticket so your connecting transfer is guaranteed if your flight is delayed.

Book Ahead: Compare Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui ferry schedules →

Ferry FAQs

Any suggestions on ferry company/operator?

• Fastest: Book Lomprayah High Speed Ferries (catamarans) or Seatran Discovery. Lomlahkkhirin also has cats in its fleet, but note that its speed boats (though super fast) get v-e-r-y choppy.
• Smoothest ride: Book the Seatran Ferry (a large multi-deck ferry to/from Nathon Pier). They're the most stable, so they're recommended if you're prone to seasickness.

Ferry travel tips?

• Arrive early: Arrive at the pier at least 45 minutes prior to departure. You’ll need to check in with your booking confirmation and get your luggage tags/stickers.
• Keep your passport handy: You'll need to show your passport to confirm your ID. (Also, keep any valuables with you during your ferry travel, rather than in your luggage).

Where to stay near the ferry piers?

If you have an early departure, consider the following hotels:

• Near Bangrak Pier: The Culture Samui (3-min drive)
• Near Nathon Pier: The Mud (10-min drive)
• Near Lomprayah Maenam Pier: Khwan Beach Resort (5-min drive)

Ride-Share

What ride-share services (like Uber, Lyft or Grab) exist in Koh Samui?

Grab is Thailand’s equivalent of Uber, Lyft or Bolt and, while it’s massively popular in Bangkok, it probably won’t be an instant transport fix on Samui as service is limited. If you’re in a remote area (or it’s raining), you might be out of luck. Still, it's worth downloading the app, making an account and giving it a try. In busy areas like Chaweng and Fisherman's Village, you might have success.

Songthaews on Koh Samui

What’s a songthaew?

(Pronounced “song-tao”, also spelt songtaeo, songtaw, songtao, etc.). Koh Samui’s songthaews are, more or less, its version of public transport. Rather than a bus, a songthaew is a pick-up truck with a converted bed. Two back benches can fit between 8-10 adults inside, with the occasional madman choosing to hang off the back bumper.

Luggage racks up top mean you can easily transport luggage or a backpack from the airport or the ferry terminal. Of all Koh Samui's transport options, songthaews are the cheapest (besides walking).

Koh Samui’s songthaew routes?

Koh Samui’s main ring road is 51 km (just over 31 miles) and cuts through every major beach town (except Choeng Mon). Largely speaking, songthaews circle the ring road and other large secondary roads. Their route is never set in stone and depends more on driver preference and who’s paying to go where.

The bigger or more popular your destination, the likelier the first songthaew will take you there. Otherwise, try the next one. Don’t be fooled by the signs above the songthaew’s front window and back bumper. They neither reference where they’re coming from nor where they’re going.

How to use a songthaew on Koh Samui?

Confidence, a big smile and having change ready will be your best songthaew assets. Stand on a roadside (the busier, the better) and flag one down. State your destination and agree on the price first. Then hop in the back and make some new friends. When you want to get off, ring the bell inside. He’ll pull over, you’ll pay (in correct change!), and off you go.

How much do songthaews cost on Koh Samui?

The price will depend on your route, whether it’s day or night and how much you look like you want to get there. Tourist foreigner (farang) prices? For a normal, 'going there anyway route', like from Beach A to neighbouring Beach B (e.g. Choeng Mon to Chaweng), you should anticipate about 100 THB to 150 THB per person during the day, and 200 THB+ at night. That's roughly £2 to £4.50 or US$3 to $6.

If you seem to know what you’re doing (and/or look Thai), you might have better luck, perhaps THB 50 or so. Mileage can vary here so your best bet is to have lots of small notes (don’t expect change).

Taxis & Motorbike Taxis

Red and yellow licensed taxis are all over Koh Samui. They’re a good way to get to dinner at a restaurant on another beach, especially when you’re dressed nicely and want your hair to remain un-frizzy. Set a rate in advance as, despite appearances, meters aren't always used. You can try to bargain a little, but, as a foreigner, you probably won’t succeed.

How to get a taxi in Koh Samui?

Stop for exactly one millisecond on the ring road and look lost. Otherwise, you’ll find taxi stands at all major attractions or your hotel will be able to arrange a taxi for you.

How much do taxis cost on Koh Samui?

Anticipate taxi rates similar to large metropolitan cities. Your hotel might advise on likely costs, or you’ll find price boards in major tourist spots listing rates to all the major beaches. As a rough guide, you’re probably not going anywhere for under THB 200 (approx £4 or US$6), with short trips from THB 300 to 400. It’s best to get a guide price for your destination from your hotel and confirm the price with the driver in advance.

Motorbike taxis

Motorbike or scooter taxis are a cheaper, wilder means of transport than normal taxis. It’s a quick, zoom-zoom option if you’re by yourself (and feel comfortable clutching onto a stranger). I've never taken one so can't speak to the experience.

Given Samui’s high road accident rate, I prefer to go where I’m going with a seatbelt – never on a scooter. Though popular with locals and tourists alike, scooters are a main contributor to Samui’s very high road accident rate.

Here's my soapbox: I've been visiting Koh Samui for 20+ years and writing travel advice about the island since 2008. As such, I've witnessed, and read about, far too many scooter accidents. The 'luckier' ones often end in GoFundMe campaigns for large medical bills. I hope I can convince you that the fun-in-the-sun just isn't worth the risk. If you must, be sure to wear a helmet. Promise?

Can you just walk to get around Koh Samui?

Depending on where you're staying, you may have just a short walk to both your nearest beach and town. It might be easy to stock up on beer and sunscreen on foot. Yet there's so much to do on Koh Samui that you might find yourself missing out.

For ultimate walkability on Koh Samui, consider staying in either Fisherman's Village (Bophut Beach) or Central Chaweng. Myself, I prefer the latter for its calm environment, night market and bars, cafés and restaurants.

Fisherman's Village allows you more scope to choose-your-own-adventure in terms of introversion/extroversion and would suit both couples and families. Chaweng's noisier and will offer you more of a club scene if you want it. (Also, likely lower hotel rates if you're on a budget).

Walkable Hotels in Fisherman’s Village (Bophut)

These hotels are all on, or very near, the paved and largely pedestrianised road through Fisherman's Village. They also all have their own beach access, giving you best-of-both-worlds.

• Best for tropical luxury: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort
• Best for families: Holiday Inn Resort Samui Bophut
• Best for mid-range Thai-style: Smile House

How far in advance to book?

What’s the best way to get around Koh Samui?

For general exploring (see The Koh Samui Guide for everything you’ll want to do, see, eat and so on), I’ll always recommend a rental car – and never recommend a scooter. (If you must, please wear a helmet).

If you just want to occasionally zip out of your resort, you might be able to rely on taxis, ride-sharing or songthaews alone – but I think you’d miss some of Samui’s best. Note that many of the island’s best spas, tours and restaurants offer pick-up services to and from hotels.

How do you get from one side of Koh Samui to the other?

In almost all cases, you’ll go the long way around – that is, via the ring road that literally rings the island. Much of the middle is undeveloped, hilly jungle.

Does Koh Samui have public transport?

Sort of – in the form of city songthaews. However, there are no public buses on Samui per se. However, many hotels do offer shuttle buses to and from major attractions.

Are there tuk-tuks on Koh Samui?

Some hotels have them as decoration, but they’re not used for transport. Songthaews are your best bet and the nearest ‘wind in your hair’ equivalent.

Related Koh Samui Travel Resources

• Guidebook: Shop The Koh Samui Guide
• Where to Stay: Where to Stay on Koh Samui?
• First-Time Tips: 10 Mistakes to Avoid