The cheapest and fastest buses from George Town to Koh Samui
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
11 h 43 m
Average duration
11 h 43 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
458 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from George Town to Koh Samui is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from George Town to Koh Samui will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 1 buses that leave George Town for Koh Samui on Sat, Mar 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 21 the direct buses cover the 458 km distance in an average of 11 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 43 m .
On Sat, Mar 21 the slowest buses will take 11 h 43 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Travel Information
Compare flight and bus for George Town to Koh Samui
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from George Town to Koh Samui among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 11h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $159.
Distance: 284 miles (458 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
$51 Average price Cheapest | $290 Average price |
12h 13m Average total duration Fastest 11h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 34m Average total duration 17h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
George Town to Koh Samui bus times
The table below shows live departures for George Town to Koh Samui buses for tomorrow, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 PM George Town | 11h43 | 8:43 AM Koh Samui | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets George Town to Koh Samui by flight or bus
Compare flight and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Bus from George Town to Koh Samui
Buses from George Town to Koh Samui run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $50 (€41) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:00, the last at 09:00. The fastest bus covers the 284 miles (458 km) distance in 11h 43m.
Distance 284 miles (458 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $50 (€41) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 43m |
First bus 09:00 |
Last bus 09:00 |
Cheapest month May |
Cheapest day Thu |
High season Apr - Jun |
Low season Jul - Sep |
Bus from George Town to Ko Samui Cross-Border Travel Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| General Information | Bus travel from George Town (Malaysia) to Ko Samui (Thailand) requires crossing the Malaysia-Thailand border. |
| Visa Required | ❌ |
| Visa Requirement Details | Not required for most nationalities including US, EU, and many others for stays up to 30 days. |
| E-Visa | ❌ |
| Visa On Arrival (At The Border) | ✅ |
| Visa On Arrival (At The Border) Details | Available at land borders for eligible nationalities. |
| Visa On Arrival Validity | 15-30 days depending on nationality. |
| Visa On Arrival Price | FREE for most nationalities (US, EU, etc.) |
| Visa On Arrival Document Needed | Passport valid for at least 6 months. |
| Visa Validity | 15-30 days depending on nationality. |
| Where To Get On Arrival Visa | At the Thai immigration counter after exiting Malaysia. |
| Border Crossing Time | 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on queues. |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date. |
| Immigration Process | Exit Malaysia immigration → Walk to Thai immigration → Get entry stamp → Board connecting transport. |
| Luggage Check Or Custom Inspection | ✅ |
| Luggage Check Or Custom Inspection Details | Random checks possible, especially for electronics and large amounts of cash. |
| Popular Borders Crossing By Bus | Padang Besar is the main crossing for this route. |
| Bus Companies | Transnasional, Plusliner, and local operators. |
| Money Needed Dollars? Local Money | Malaysian Ringgit or Thai Baht accepted. |
| Fees | ❌ |
| Fees Details | No visa fees for most nationalities. |
| Direct Bus After Transfer | ❌ |
| Other Mode Of Transport To The Final Destination | Multiple transfers required - bus to border, walk across, then bus/minivan/ferry to Ko Samui. |
| Food At Border | ✅ |
| Atm At Border | ✅ |
| Atm Details | ATMs available on both sides but carry cash as backup. |
| Toilets At Border | ✅ |
| Toilets At Border Details | Basic facilities available but cleanliness varies. |
| Common Scams | Overcharging for transport after border crossing, fake visa fees, gem scams. |
| Tips For Smooth Trip | Carry passport copies, keep valuables secure, confirm onward transport arrangements, have emergency cash in both currencies. |
| Border Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Border Opening Hours/ Details | Padang Besar operates 24/7 but reduced staff at night. |
| Travel Insurrance | Recommended for medical emergencies and trip cancellations. |
| Vaccination Certificates | Not required for most travelers. |
| Dress Appropriately | Dress modestly, avoid revealing clothing at immigration. |
| Photos And Phones | No photos at immigration counters, keep phones away during processing. |
| Emergency Contact | Keep embassy contacts and travel insurance details handy. |
FAQs: Bus from George Town to Koh Samui
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from George Town to Koh Samui by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Koh Samui, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from George Town to Koh Samui
- 07:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in KOMTAR complex
- Available at KOMTAR complex parking lots
- Food court and various eateries in KOMTAR complex
- Available at designated taxi stands outside KOMTAR
- Wheelchair accessible, elevators available
- Public toilets available in terminal
- Bus: Rapid Penang buses, CAT Free Shuttle
- Local bus services to all parts of Penang Island
- 06:00-18:00
- Free parking available at pier
- Local food stalls and small restaurants near the pier
- Available at pier entrance
- Basic ramp access
- Public toilets available
- Bus: Local songthaews
- Ferry services to mainland
Most popular bus connections from George Town
More options for your journey from George Town to Koh Samui
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