Whether you are catching an onward train, boarding a bus north, or simply heading into Surat Thani province, this crossing is the main artery off the island. Ferries depart from Bangrak Pier, Mae Nam Pier and Nathon Pier on Samui — the pier that suits you most depends on where you are staying. Nathon is the west-coast car-ferry terminal; Bangrak handles high-speed catamaran services toward the northeast of the island.
On the mainland side, ferries arrive at Lomprayah Tapee Pier in Surat Thani city. Connecting services run to the train station, the city bus terminal and the airport, making this one of the most joined-up ferry-to-mainland links in the Gulf. Overnight train departures from Surat Thani to Bangkok are popular — book the train leg separately and time your ferry to arrive a few hours before departure.
The crossing takes around 90 minutes, with early morning departures from 04:00 onwards catering to travellers catching the first connections north. Prices start from THB 408 and 14 operators serve the route. We recommend confirming your onward connection schedule before selecting your ferry departure time.