Planning a trip from Bangkok to Koh Samet? The journey involves traveling to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, then taking a ferry to the island.
You can reach the pier by bus or minivan, or book a private transfer directly from Bangkok. This guide compares transport options, travel times, prices, and ferry schedules to help you choose the best way to get to Koh Samet in 2026.
Bangkok to Koh Samet: Bus, Private Transfer & Ferry at a Glance
To get from Bangkok to Koh Samet, travel to Ban Phe Pier in Rayong, then take a ferry or speedboat to the island.
Which Is the Best Way to Get from Bangkok to Koh Samet?
- Private transfer: A direct, convenient option from your hotel or airport to Ban Phe Pier.
- Bus or minivan: A budget-friendly option, with some services offering combined bus-and-ferry tickets.
- Ferry or speedboat: The final leg of the journey from Ban Phe to Koh Samet.
Bangkok to Koh Samet: Travel Time and Transport Costs
| Transport | Approx. travel time | Price guide |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer to Ban Phe Pier | 2.5–3 hours | THB 2,500–3,500 per vehicle |
| Bus to Ban Phe Pier | 3–5 hours | From around THB 155 per person |
| Minivan or bus-and-ferry package | Varies by service | Around THB 600 or more per person |
| Ferry from Ban Phe to Koh Samet | Around 40 minutes | THB 50–80 one way |
| Speedboat to Koh Samet | Around 10–20 minutes | From around THB 150–200 per person |
- Prices are indicative and vary by operator, departure pier, destination beach, and booking date. Check current fares before publishing.
👉 Staying on the island? Explore the best areas and hotels in Koh Samet for your trip.
🚕 Bangkok to Koh Samet by Private Transfer
A private transfer takes you directly from your Bangkok hotel or airport to Ban Phe Pier, the gateway to Koh Samet. Compare vehicle options, fares, and travel times below.
Private Transfer Prices and Travel Time
The drive from central Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier typically takes around 2.5–3.5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact pickup location.
Typical one-way private transfer fares vary by vehicle and provider:
- Sedan: THB 2,000–2,800 per vehicle
- SUV: THB 2,300–3,200 per vehicle
- Van (6–9 seats): THB 2,800–3,800 per vehicle
- These are indicative price ranges and may vary by provider, vehicle type, and travel date. For groups, compare the total vehicle fare and divide it by the number of passengers to estimate the cost per person.
How to Book a Private Transfer
You can compare and book private transfers online before your trip. Check the vehicle capacity, pickup location, cancellation policy, and whether tolls and boat tickets are included.
🚌 Bangkok to Koh Samet by Bus or Minivan
Taking a bus or minivan is an affordable way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Samet. You can book transport to Ban Phe Pier or choose a combined ticket that includes the boat journey.
Where to Catch a Bus or Minivan in Bangkok
Buses and minivans to Ban Phe Pier mainly depart from:
- Ekkamai Bus Terminal (Eastern Bus Terminal) – the most popular departure point
- Mo Chit Bus Terminal – another convenient option in northern Bangkok
- Khao San Road – many travel agencies offer minivan or bus + ferry packages
The journey usually takes 3.5–5 hours, depending on traffic and your chosen service. Minivans are generally a little faster, while buses offer more luggage space and comfortable seating.
Bus and Minivan Prices and Travel Time
The journey from Ekkamai to Ban Phe Pier generally takes around 3–5 hours, depending on the service and traffic.
| Transport | Approx. travel time | Approx. one-way fare |
|---|---|---|
| Bus to Ban Phe Pier | 3.5–5 hours | THB 220 THB~ |
| Minivan to Ban Phe Pier | 3.5–4.5 hours | THB 220 THB~ |
| Bus or minivan + ferry | Around 4–5 hours | From around THB 350 |
- Fares vary by operator, departure time, and whether the boat ticket is included. Check the total journey and arrival pier before booking.
How to Book Bus Tickets Online
You can compare departure times, transport types, and ticket prices online before your trip.
If you want to travel directly to the island, look for a combined bus or minivan and ferry ticket. If you book transport to Ban Phe Pier only, you will need to arrange your boat ticket separately.
How to Get from Bangkok Airports to Koh Samet
A private transfer is a convenient way to travel directly from either Bangkok airport to Ban Phe Pier. Public transport options vary by airport and may require transfers.
Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ban Phe Pier
Buses from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Ban Phe Pier are available on some schedules. Check departure times and ticket availability before your trip.
For a direct journey, you can also book a private transfer from the airport to the pier.
Don Mueang Airport to Ban Phe Pier
There is no direct bus from Don Mueang Airport to Ban Phe Pier. Public transport requires transfers, so allow extra time for the journey.
A private transfer takes you directly from the airport to the pier without changing vehicles.
⛴️ Ban Phe to Koh Samet Ferry Schedule & Prices
To reach Koh Samet, travel from Ban Phe Pier in Rayong to the island by ferry or speedboat. The best option depends on your budget, arrival time, and where you plan to stay on the island.
Which Pier Should You Use in Ban Phe?
Ban Phe has several departure points, including Nuan Thip Pier, Phe Pier, and Ban Phe Municipality Pier. The correct pier depends on your ferry or speedboat operator, so check your ticket before heading there.
Regular ferries generally arrive at Nadan Pier, on the northern coast of Koh Samet. Speedboats may also offer drop-offs at selected beaches, depending on the operator and ticket type. Confirm your arrival point when booking, especially if your hotel is away from Nadan Pier.
Ferry and Speedboat Schedules
Regular ferries and speedboats operate between Ban Phe and Koh Samet during the day, but departure times vary by pier and operator.
Regular ferries typically run at intervals throughout the day, while speedboats have scheduled departures from selected piers. Some operators also offer private speedboat charters.
Check the latest timetable before your trip, and allow enough time to reach Ban Phe if you are traveling from Bangkok on the same day. Do not assume that a boat will be available late in the evening.
Ferry Tickets and Travel Time
Both ferries and speedboats connect Ban Phe with Koh Samet. Here is a general guide to journey times and one-way fares:
| Transport | Travel Time | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Public Ferry | 30–40 minutes | Around 100 THB (one way) |
| Speedboat | Around 10–15 minutes | Around THB 200 per person |
- Fares vary by operator and departure point. Check whether your ticket is one-way or round-trip and if beach drop-offs are included. You can buy tickets at the pier or book online in advance, including combined transport-and-boat tickets from Bangkok.
💰 Koh Samet National Park Fee
Koh Samet is part of Khao Laem Ya–Mu Ko Samet National Park, so visitors must pay an entrance fee.
The standard entrance fees for foreign visitors are:
| Visitor Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | 200 THB |
| Foreign Child | 100 THB |
| Thai Adult | 40 THB |
| Thai Child | 20 THB |
- Thai nationals pay different rates. The fee may be collected at the national park entrance, so keep some Thai baht in cash available. If you book a transfer or boat package, check whether the national park fee is included or must be paid separately.
FAQ: Bangkok to Koh Samet
Summary: How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Samet
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Samet involves reaching Ban Phe Pier in Rayong and continuing by ferry or speedboat.
A bus or minivan followed by a regular ferry is a practical choice for budget-conscious travelers, while a private transfer offers a more direct and comfortable journey. If you are traveling from Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport, compare your transport options and allow enough time for the boat connection.
👉Planning to stay overnight? Read our guide to the best areas and hotels on Koh Samet.
