Ferries in Thailand: Timetables & Tickets

Ferries in Thailand

Thailand as a Ferry Destination

Thailand's extensive coastline and numerous islands make ferries an essential mode of transport for travelers exploring the country's stunning maritime destinations. From the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea to the Gulf of Thailand, ferries connect mainland ports to world-renowned islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Tao. These services range from high-speed catamarans and modern speedboats to traditional passenger ferries and longtail boats, catering to various budgets, preferences, and travel distances.

Ferry travel in Thailand offers more than just transportation—it provides breathtaking coastal views, island-hopping opportunities, and access to pristine beaches and vibrant marine life. Whether you're heading to full-moon parties, diving sites, or peaceful beach retreats, Thailand's ferry network makes island exploration convenient and accessible. The country's ferry operators maintain regular schedules year-round, with increased frequency during peak tourist seasons, ensuring travelers can seamlessly navigate between islands and coastal cities while experiencing the natural beauty of Southeast Asia's tropical paradise.

Omio Simplifies Ferry Journeys in Thailand

Omio is thrilled to unveil its expansion into Thailand ferry booking, offering you a seamless and simplified way to explore the Land of Smiles by ferries. Forget the complexities of navigating multiple ferry operators and booking systems… with Omio, your Thai island adventure is just a few clicks away. Choose Omio to help you discover Thailand's stunning archipelagos through trusted ferry partners and comprehensive route coverage.

Shaped by its ancient Buddhist traditions, royal heritage and the famous Thai hospitality known as "sanuk" (fun-loving spirit), Thailand's coastal beauty comes alive through its crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and vibrant island communities. There's a warm and welcoming "mai pen rai" (no worries) attitude that extends to its maritime culture. The country's diverse island destinations, from the party atmosphere of Koh Phi Phi to the diving paradise of Koh Tao, the tranquil shores of Koh Lanta and the tropical beauty of Koh Samui, offer truly unique and enchanting experiences.

Whether you're island-hopping through the Andaman Sea, exploring the Gulf of Thailand's hidden gems, or traveling between coastal cities, Omio makes your Thailand ferry experience smooth, affordable and truly unforgettable. Experience the perfect blend of tropical adventure and maritime convenience. We're excited for the journey ahead.

How to Book Ferry Tickets in Thailand with Omio

Booking your ferry journey in Thailand with Omio is simple and straightforward, especially with the Omio app. Follow these easy steps to secure your tickets:

• Search Your Route: Enter your departure and arrival cities, ports or islands, along with your desired travel dates, into the Omio search bar.
• Compare Options: Browse through a variety of ferry options, and compare ferry operators, departure times and prices to find the perfect fit for your trip.
• Secure Your Booking: Select your preferred ticket and proceed to a secure payment gateway. Omio accepts multiple currencies and payment methods.
• Receive Your Digital Ticket: Your tickets will be sent directly to your email and stored conveniently in the Omio app, ready to show on your phone when you board.
• Travel with Confidence: With your digital ticket in hand and Omio's support, you're all set for a smooth and enjoyable ferry journey across Thailand's beautiful waters!

Popular Ferry Connections in Thailand

• Koh Samui ↔ Koh Phangan: This popular ferry route connects two of the Gulf of Thailand's most vibrant islands, with multiple daily departures taking approximately 30-45 minutes. Koh Phangan is world-famous for its Full Moon Party and offers stunning beaches, jungle waterfalls, and yoga retreats. The frequent ferry service makes day trips convenient, while high-speed catamarans and traditional ferries provide options for different budgets. This route is especially busy during party seasons and peak tourist months.

• Koh Samui ↔ Koh Tao: Journey from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, one of Southeast Asia's premier diving destinations, in approximately 1.5-2.5 hours depending on vessel type. Koh Tao attracts divers and snorkelers with its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life including whale sharks and sea turtles. Multiple ferry operators service this route daily, offering both budget-friendly and premium options. The island's laid-back atmosphere and world-class dive schools make it a must-visit for underwater enthusiasts.

• Phuket ↔ Koh Phi Phi: This popular ferry route takes 1.5-2 hours and connects Thailand's largest island with the spectacular limestone cliffs and turquoise bays of Koh Phi Phi. Made famous by the movie "The Beach", Phi Phi offers dramatic scenery, vibrant nightlife, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Daily ferry services operate from Rassada Pier in Phuket, with increased frequency during high season. The journey itself provides stunning Andaman Sea views, making it as memorable as the destination.

• Phuket ↔ Koh Lanta: Travel from Phuket to the peaceful shores of Koh Lanta in approximately 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on sea conditions and vessel type. Koh Lanta offers a more relaxed alternative to busier Thai islands, featuring long stretches of quiet beaches, mangrove forests, and traditional fishing villages. This route is ideal for travelers seeking tranquility while still enjoying beautiful sunsets, diving sites, and the island's renowned Old Town. Ferry services run regularly during the high season from November to April.

• Krabi ↔ Koh Lanta: The shortest mainland-to-island connection, this ferry route takes just 1.5-2 hours from Krabi's coastal piers to Koh Lanta. This convenient service allows travelers to quickly transition from Krabi's famous limestone karsts and beaches to Koh Lanta's serene island atmosphere. Multiple daily departures make it easy to plan your journey, with ferries accommodating both foot passengers and motorcycles. The route offers scenic coastal views and serves as a gateway to Koh Lanta's pristine beaches and laid-back charm.

Major Ferry Operators in Thailand

• Lomprayah High Speed Ferries: Established in 1996, Lomprayah is Thailand's pioneering high-speed ferry operator offering the fastest sea crossings in the Gulf of Thailand. Operating a modern fleet of seven high-speed catamarans, the company provides approximately 77 daily sailings across 42 routes connecting Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Their vessels feature air-conditioned cabins, outdoor seating, onboard WiFi, and food services, plus integrated bus-ferry combinations to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Krabi, and Phuket for seamless island-hopping throughout southern Thailand.

• Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club: A reputable operator specializing in high-speed boat transfers to southern Thailand's Andaman Sea islands, particularly Koh Lipe, Koh Bulone, and destinations within Tarutao National Marine Park. Their modern speedboats offer significantly shorter journey times than traditional ferries, with all vessels equipped with proper safety equipment meeting Thai maritime standards. Operating primarily during the main tourist season from November to April, the company has established itself as a reliable choice for mainland-to-island connections in the region.

• Tigerline Ferry: A Thai maritime operator providing passenger ferry services connecting mainland Thailand to popular Andaman Sea islands. Primarily serving the Phuket to Koh Phi Phi route, Tigerline operates modern high-speed catamarans featuring air-conditioned cabins, onboard refreshments, and spacious seating. Known for reliable schedules, professional service standards, and strong safety protocols, the company has become a dependable option for travelers island-hopping through Thailand's southern coastal regions.

• Andaman Wave Master: Established in 1999, Andaman Wave Master is one of Thailand's longest-standing Andaman Sea ferry operators. Based in Phuket, their fleet of six high-speed cruisers connects Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi with multiple travel classes including Standard, First Class, and Premium. Notably, they're the only ferry service stopping at Laemtong Beach on Phi Phi's northern side. All vessels feature air-conditioning, sundeck areas, and complimentary hotel or airport pickup services for a seamless travel experience.

• Seatran Discovery: A well-established ferry operator providing passenger and vehicle transportation between mainland Thailand and Gulf of Thailand islands. Operating primarily from Donsak Pier in Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, their modern fleet offers air-conditioned seating and onboard refreshments for journeys ranging from 1.5 to 5 hours. Known for reliable schedules and competitive pricing, Seatran Discovery facilitates seamless island-hopping with convenient bus and minivan transfer integrations.

• Songserm: One of Thailand's most established ferry operators since 2002, Songserm serves popular Gulf of Thailand destinations including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Their fleet consists of modern high-speed catamarans and traditional ferries equipped with air-conditioned seating, life jackets, and onboard refreshments. With a strong safety record, competitive pricing, and multiple daily departures during peak season, Songserm has built a solid reputation as a dependable choice for island-hopping adventures among tourists and locals alike.

Popular Island Combinations

Travelers frequently search for island-hopping routes in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. Here are the most popular multi-island combinations:

• Koh Samui → Koh Phangan → Koh Tao: This classic Gulf of Thailand triangle is ideal for travelers seeking diverse experiences. Start in Koh Samui for beaches and luxury resorts, continue to Koh Phangan for the famous Full Moon Party and wellness retreats, then finish in Koh Tao for world-class diving and snorkeling. The short ferry connections (30 minutes to 2.5 hours) make this combination efficient and popular among backpackers and island-hoppers.

• Phuket → Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta: Perfect for exploring the Andaman Sea's stunning landscapes, this route takes you from Phuket's vibrant atmosphere to Koh Phi Phi's dramatic cliffs and crystal waters, ending in Koh Lanta's tranquil beaches. This combination suits travelers wanting a mix of nightlife, adventure, and relaxation, with each island offering progressively more peaceful settings.

• Krabi → Koh Phi Phi → Koh Lanta: Starting from Krabi mainland (famous for its limestone cliffs and Railay Beach), this route offers convenient access to both Koh Phi Phi's dramatic scenery and Koh Lanta's peaceful beaches. Krabi serves as an excellent starting point with its airport and bus connections, making this a practical three-destination combination for travelers with limited time.

Ferry Types in Thailand

Thailand's diverse ferry network offers various vessel types to suit different travel needs, budgets, and routes. Understanding the differences between ferry types helps you choose the best option for your island-hopping journey.

• High-Speed Catamarans: Modern double-hulled vessels offering the fastest and most comfortable ferry experience. Benefits: Air-conditioned cabins provide relief from tropical heat, spacious seating with ample legroom, onboard WiFi and entertainment, food and beverage services, and smooth rides even in moderate seas due to their stable hull design. Journey times are significantly reduced—typically 30-50% faster than traditional ferries. Ideal for travelers prioritizing comfort and time efficiency, especially on longer routes like Phuket to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Samui to Koh Tao.

• Traditional Passenger Ferries: Larger, slower vessels that form the backbone of Thailand's inter-island transport. Benefits: Most affordable ticket prices, ability to transport motorcycles and bicycles, spacious outdoor deck areas perfect for enjoying sea breezes and coastal views, multiple seating options including air-conditioned cabins and open-air sections, and reliable year-round schedules. These ferries are perfect for budget-conscious travelers, those bringing vehicles, and passengers who enjoy a more leisurely journey with scenic views.

• Speedboats: Small, fast vessels typically accommodating 10-40 passengers. Benefits: Fastest travel times to remote destinations, access to smaller piers and beaches inaccessible to larger ferries, flexible scheduling with more frequent departures during high season, and direct routes to less-touristed islands within national marine parks like Tarutao. Popular for reaching Koh Lipe, Koh Bulone, and other southern islands. Best suited for adventurous travelers willing to trade comfort for speed and access to off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Key Ferry Ports in Thailand

• Rassada Pier, Phuket: Located on Phuket's eastern coast, Rassada Pier is the island's main ferry terminal for Andaman Sea destinations including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe and Krabi. The large, well-organized facility handles numerous daily departures from multiple ferry operators including Andaman Wave Master and Tigerline Ferry. Amenities include air-conditioned waiting areas, restaurants, luggage storage, and tour booking services. Situated approximately 3km from Phuket Town, the pier offers convenient minibus and taxi connections to all major beach areas and Phuket International Airport.

• Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi: The only major ferry pier on Phi Phi Island, Tonsai Pier serves as the island's main arrival and departure point for all ferry services connecting to Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe. Located on the island's southern tip between Tonsai Village and Loh Dalum Beach, the bustling pier area is the heart of island activity with ferry operators' offices, tour agencies, restaurants, and dive shops lining the waterfront. Due to the island's car-free policy, longtail boats and porters with carts wait at the pier to transport luggage to accommodations. The pier becomes particularly busy during peak seasons, handling thousands of day-trippers and overnight visitors daily, making it essential to arrive early for departure times.

• Donsak Pier, Surat Thani: The primary mainland gateway to the Gulf of Thailand islands, Donsak Pier is located approximately 60km from Surat Thani town and serves as the main departure point for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. This modern port handles both vehicle ferries and passenger-only services, with multiple operators including Seatran Discovery and Lomprayah offering frequent daily departures. The pier features ticket offices, convenience stores, and parking facilities, with integrated bus connections from Surat Thani Airport and town making it easily accessible for travelers.

• Nathon Pier, Koh Samui: Koh Samui's main ferry terminal on the island's western coast serves as the central hub for both vehicle ferries from the mainland and inter-island connections to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Located in Nathon, the island's administrative center, the pier area features numerous ticket offices, shops, restaurants, and transportation options including songthaews (shared taxis) and private transfers to all beach areas. The port handles the highest volume of ferry traffic on the island, making it the primary arrival and departure point for most travelers.

• Thong Sala Pier, Koh Phangan: The main and busiest pier on Koh Phangan, Thong Sala serves as the island's primary ferry gateway connecting to Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and the mainland. Located on the southwestern coast, the pier becomes especially busy during Full Moon Party periods, handling thousands of party-goers alongside regular travelers. The surrounding area offers abundant facilities including ATMs, 7-Eleven stores, restaurants, motorbike rentals, and taxi services to all parts of the island. Multiple operators provide frequent daily services, making it the most convenient entry point to Koh Phangan.

• Mae Haad Pier, Koh Tao: Koh Tao's only major ferry pier is situated on the island's western coast and serves as the sole arrival and departure point for all ferry services. Despite being a relatively small facility, Mae Haad Pier efficiently handles daily connections to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. The pier area features dive shop offices (reflecting the island's diving reputation), restaurants, convenience stores, and easy access to nearby Mae Haad Beach and village. Taxi boats and songthaews wait at the pier to transport arriving passengers to accommodations across the island.

Travel Essentials for Ferry Journeys in Thailand

Required Documents

• Ferry Ticket: Your ferry booking confirmation, either printed or saved on your mobile device.
• Passport or ID: Valid passport for international travelers or Thai National ID for residents, required for check-in at all terminals and international routes.
• Visa: Ensure your Thailand tourist visa or visa exemption is valid for your entire travel period.
• Travel Insurance: Recommended for coverage of medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.

Best Time to Travel

• High Season (November - February): The ideal time with calm seas, clear skies, and minimal rainfall. Pros: Best weather and full ferry schedules. Cons: Higher prices and crowded ferries.
• Shoulder Season (March - May & September - October): Hot and dry in spring, transitional weather in fall with occasional rain. Pros: Lower prices and fewer crowds. Cons: Very hot in April-May, some rain and rougher seas possible.
• Low Season/Monsoon (June - August): Southwest monsoon affects Andaman Sea routes while Gulf islands remain more accessible. Pros: Lowest prices and empty beaches. Cons: Heavy rain, rough seas, and potential cancellations.
• Month-by-Month Highlights:
• November-December: Perfect weather begins, peak holiday season
• January-February: Optimal conditions, Chinese New Year festivities
• March-April: Hot and dry, Songkran water festival mid-April
• May: Transitioning weather, good value before monsoon
• June-August: Andaman monsoon, Gulf islands accessible, lowest prices
• September-October: Improving conditions, shoulder season deals

Tips for Ferry Travelers

• Book in Advance with Omio: Secure best prices and preferred times, especially during high season and holiday periods.
• Check Weather Updates: Monitor forecasts 24-48 hours before travel as rough seas can cause delays or cancellations.
• Arrive Early: Reach the pier 30 minutes before departure (60 minutes during peak season) for check-in and boarding.
• Motion Sickness Prevention: Take medication 30-60 minutes before departure and sit in the middle of the vessel where motion is minimal.
• Pack Smart: Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned cabins, keep valuables in carry-on, and use waterproof bags for electronics.
• Luggage Limits: Most operators allow one checked bag (up to 20kg) and one carry-on; inform operator in advance for oversized items.
• Stay Connected: Download Omio tickets and map offline and take screenshots of important bookings and addresses.
• Safety First: Always wear life jackets when instructed and follow crew instructions during boarding and emergencies.
• Be Flexible: Build buffer days into your itinerary as weather-related delays are common in tropical island travel.