Surat Thani is Thailand's largest southern province, renowned as the gateway to world-famous Gulf islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The province combines pristine island beaches, the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, making it one of Thailand's most diverse destinations.
- Public
- Songthaews cover the main routes on islands and in the city but run infrequently. Not ideal for tight schedules.
- Taxi
- Grab app is reliable in Surat Thani City. On islands, negotiate fares with songthaew drivers before boarding.
- Rental
- Motorbike rental is the best way to explore all islands independently — essential for reaching remote beaches
- Walking
- Surat Thani City center is walkable but hot. Chaweng and Lamai beach strips are walkable; other island areas require transport.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $15-20 (Surat Thani Airport to city center, 30-40 min)
- Taxi Info
- Metered taxis and airport taxis available outside arrivals. Grab app also works from URT.
- Shuttle
- $5, minivan shared shuttle service
- Shuttle Info
- Airport minivans run to the bus/ferry terminal area and major hotels in Surat Thani City
- Bus
- $1.50, public bus route from airport to town
- Bus Info
- Local buses run to the city center but less frequent and do not take luggage easily
- Private
- $25-30, pre-booked private car to ferry pier
- Private Info
- Hotels can arrange private transfers; useful for early morning or late night ferry connections
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) on Koh Samui circle the ring road for 30-50 THB per ride
Alternatives
Motorbike rental $8-15/day, longtail boat taxi between beaches, bicycle rental $5-8/day
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- 50 THB base fare + 10 THB/km (metered taxis in Surat Thani City)
- Apps
- Grab
- App Names
- Grab
- Typical Fare
- 60-200 THB for typical city ride in Surat Thani. Island taxis (songthaew) are negotiated — expect 100-300 THB for cross-island trips on Koh Samui.
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Air-conditioned coaches to Bangkok from Talat Kaset Bus Terminal, Surat Thani — from $10; overnight buses arrive Don Mueang at dawn
Shared
Shared minivans to Phuket (4 hours, $8), Krabi (2.5 hours, $6), Hat Yai (4 hours, $8) from Surat Thani transport terminals
Flights
Domestic flights Bangkok-Surat Thani from $30 (budget airlines) to $80 (Bangkok Airways)
Private
Private car hire from $80-120/day with driver for custom island or mainland touring
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Surat Thani is the main transport hub for the Gulf of Thailand islands. The province is served by Surat Thani Airport (URT) with domestic flights from Bangkok, and two major ferry terminals connecting to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Within the mainland, songthaews (shared pickup trucks) and buses cover local routes.
Airports
Surat Thani Airport
Koh Samui Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Grab
Best for metered taxi rides in Surat Thani City; also available in Bangkok for connections
12Go Asia
Best for booking ferry and bus+ferry combo tickets in advance for island connections
Lomprayah App
Book Lomprayah high-speed ferry tickets for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao directly
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Book combined bus+ferry tickets from Bangkok directly to your island — available at Bangkok bus terminals and saves hassle
Lomprayah operates the fastest and most reliable express catamarans between all three islands
Always wear a helmet on a rented motorbike — police fines are issued regularly at checkpoints, and accidents are the main tourist injury cause
Ferries can be cancelled during severe weather in October-November — build in flexibility during monsoon season
Night ferries from Surat Thani to the islands offer budget sleeping berths — a great way to save accommodation costs
The Grab app only works in Surat Thani City; on islands, agree on a price with the songthaew driver before you get in