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How to get from Koh Samui to Phuket
The fastest way from Koh Samui to Phuket is the Bangkok Airways direct flight, about 1 h. The cheapest is a joint boat-and-bus ticket via Donsak or Surat Thani, about 7 to 9 h. With a car, take the car ferry to Donsak and drive about 4 h 30.
Best option: Flight. A one-hour flight replaces most of a day on boats and buses.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| flight Bangkok Airways direct flights from Samui airport to Phuket | about 1 h in the air | a few flights a day | about THB 3,000–7,000 | Samui airport is privately run and fares are high; book early. |
| bus Joint ferry-and-bus tickets (Lomprayah and others) from Samui to Donsak or Surat Thani, then by bus or minivan to Phuket | about 7 to 9 h | a few departures a day | about THB 800–1,300 | Hotel pickups and drop-offs are often included; check what the ticket covers. |
| car Car ferry from Samui to Donsak, then drive via Highway 401 and the west coast to Phuket | about 1 h 30 ferry plus about 4 h 30 drive | car ferries roughly hourly by day | ferry fare plus fuel | Check that your rental company allows taking the car on the ferry. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Bangkok Airways flights early in high season, December to April.
- Ferries can be rough in the monsoon season; check conditions.
- Joint tickets bought on Samui usually include a hotel pickup.
- Allow a buffer if you are connecting to a flight out of Phuket.
Common questions
Is there a direct flight from Koh Samui to Phuket?
Yes. Bangkok Airways flies direct from Samui to Phuket in about an hour, a few times a day. Fares are higher than many domestic flights in Thailand because Samui airport is privately operated, so book early. It is by far the quickest way between the two islands.
What is the cheapest way from Koh Samui to Phuket?
A joint ferry-and-bus ticket, usually THB 800–1,300, taking about seven to nine hours. Lomprayah and other companies sell combined tickets, and many include hotel pickup. You cross to Donsak or Surat Thani, then continue by bus or minivan across the peninsula to Phuket.
Is there a ferry from Koh Samui to Phuket?
No direct ferry links the two, because they are on opposite sides of the Thai peninsula. Sea-and-land combinations go via Donsak or Surat Thani on the mainland. Flying is the only direct option. Some tours combine boats to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, but not to Phuket.
Can I drive from Koh Samui to Phuket?
Yes, with the car ferry from Samui to Donsak, about 1 h 30, and a drive of about 4 h 30 across the peninsula. Check that your rental contract allows ferry travel and leaving the island. One-way rentals between Samui and Phuket may be expensive or unavailable.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.