Every way to travel from Koh Chang to Koh Tao — flying via Trat and Bangkok, overland bus and minivan to Chumphon or Surat Thani, and the ferry for the final leg — compared by time, cost and comfort.
21 February 2025 · updated 16 March 2026 · by Bryan Roseman
In short. Getting from Koh Chang to Koh Tao requires a combination of transport modes, including flights, buses and ferries. The journey spans approximately 723 miles (1,163 km) and takes 10–24 hours depending on your route. The fastest option is flying from Trat to Bangkok, then to Koh Samui, followed by a ferry to Koh Tao (5–8 hours in total), while budget-conscious travellers can use bus and ferry combinations for ฿1,200–2,200.
Planning your journey from Koh Chang to Koh Tao means understanding the various transport options available across Thailand’s island network. This comprehensive guide breaks down every route, timing and cost consideration to help you make the best travel decision for your budget, schedule and comfort preferences.
Whether you’re after the fastest route or the most economical option, understanding how to get to Koh Tao from anywhere in Thailand will help you navigate this multi-leg journey successfully.
Travelling from Koh Chang to Koh Tao involves several modes of transport, since there are no direct connections between these two popular Thai islands. Understanding the history of Koh Tao helps explain why the island is still accessible only by ferry, which makes planning your journey essential.
Duration: 5–8 hours in total (ferry from Koh Chang to Trat, flight from Trat to Bangkok, flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui, ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Tao)
Cost: around ฿7,000
Best for: time-conscious travellers who prioritise speed and comfort over budget.
Duration: 12–24 hours (Koh Chang to Trat, Trat to Surat Thani, ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao)
Cost: ฿1,500–2,500
Best for: budget travellers who enjoy scenic overland journeys and have flexible schedules.
Duration: 1.5–4 hours (from the mainland, Koh Samui or Koh Phangan)
Cost: ฿550–1,000
Best for: the essential final leg to Koh Tao, with stunning Gulf of Thailand views.
| Transport method | Total duration | Cost range (฿) | Comfort level | Best season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Koh Samui | 5–8 hours | 7,000–8,000 | High | Year-round |
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Surat Thani | 6–9 hours | 2,000–3,000 | Medium-high | Year-round |
| Fly via Trat – Bangkok – Chumphon | 6–9 hours | 2,000–3,000 | Medium-high | Year-round |
| Bus to Chumphon + ferry | 12–18 hours | 1,200–1,800 | Medium | Dry season preferred |
| Bus to Surat Thani + ferry | 15–24 hours | 1,400–2,200 | Medium | Dry season preferred |
Flying is the quickest way to travel from Koh Chang to Koh Tao, though it requires multiple connections since no direct flights exist between the islands. The journey begins with ground transport from Koh Chang to Trat Airport, the closest airport to Koh Chang.
Once you reach your mainland destination, ferries to Koh Tao operate on regular schedules:
The ferry ride offers your first glimpse of the top dive sites around Koh Tao as you approach the island’s stunning coastline.
For travellers who prioritise saving money over speed, the bus and ferry combination offers excellent value while giving you the chance to see more of Thailand’s mainland. This route needs more planning but rewards you with scenic countryside views and a more immersive travel experience.
Several bus companies operate routes from Koh Chang to the mainland ferry terminals. The journey typically involves:
Many travellers use this route to make a gradual transition from the eastern islands towards the best diving in Koh Tao, building anticipation for their underwater adventures.
Warning. Travel season considerations: bus and ferry combinations work best during the dry season (December–April), when weather conditions are most predictable. During monsoon season, delays and cancellations become more common and can extend your journey time significantly.
Whichever route you choose, travelling from Koh Chang to Koh Tao involves multiple transfers and varying travel conditions. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare properly and keep realistic expectations throughout the journey.
Successful multi-leg journeys require careful timing. Allow extra buffer time between connections, especially during peak travel seasons when services may run behind schedule. Consider booking combined tickets through travel agencies to ensure coordinated transfers.
Once you arrive on Koh Tao, you’ll appreciate the island’s compact size and its various transport options. Renting a motorcycle in Koh Tao gives you excellent mobility for exploring the island’s many attractions and dive centres.
After completing your journey from Koh Chang, Koh Tao offers incredible opportunities for relaxation, adventure and underwater exploration. The island’s reputation as Thailand’s diving capital attracts visitors from around the world, making the effort of getting here worthwhile.
Beyond diving, the island offers spectacular viewpoints, diverse daytime activities and excellent restaurants to explore during your stay.
Complete your Koh Tao journey with world-class diving. After the trip from Koh Chang, experience why Koh Tao is Thailand’s diving capital with La Bombona Diving. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced diver, our multilingual instructors, small classes and flexible scheduling fit around your travel plans: start with a Try Dive from 2,500 ฿ or go straight for the Open Water certification.
The fastest route involves flying from Trat to Bangkok, then to Koh Samui, followed by a ferry to Koh Tao. This journey takes approximately 5–8 hours in total, including transfers and waiting times. While more expensive (฿7,000–8,000), it maximises your time on Koh Tao.
Yes, both the flying and the bus routes can be completed in one day, though timing is crucial. Early-morning departures are recommended for bus routes to make sure you catch the last ferry to Koh Tao. Flying offers more flexibility, with multiple daily connections throughout the day.
Absolutely, especially during peak seasons (December–March), when ferries can sell out. Advance booking guarantees your seat and often gets you better prices. Many travel agencies offer combined bus-ferry packages that ensure coordinated transfers.
The bus and ferry combination offers the best value, costing ฿1,200–2,200 in total depending on your chosen route and ferry company. While it takes 12–24 hours, this option provides scenic countryside views and cultural experiences along the way.
No direct transport exists between Koh Chang and Koh Tao. All routes require multiple transfers through mainland Thailand, either via airports (flying) or bus terminals (overland). The journey always ends with a ferry ride, as Koh Tao has no airport.
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