Planning a trip from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
You can reach this island in eastern Thailand by bus or minivan with a ferry, private transfer, or flight to Trat Airport followed by a transfer to the pier.
This guide compares travel options, journey times, and costs, with a practical guide to Koh Chang ferries to help you choose the best route for your trip.
Which Is the Best Way to Get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?
The best way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang depends on your budget, travel time, and preferred level of convenience. You can travel by bus or minivan with a ferry, book a private transfer, or fly to Trat Airport and continue by road and ferry.
Here is a quick comparison of the three main options.
| Transport | Best for | Journey overview |
|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | Convenience and door-to-door travel | Private car to the ferry pier, followed by a ferry crossing |
| Bus/Minivan + Ferry | Travelers who want a combined transport option | Shared transport from Bangkok, with a ferry crossing to the island |
| Flight (via Trat) | Travelers who prefer to reduce road travel | Flight to Trat Airport, followed by a road transfer and ferry |
- Travel times and prices vary depending on your departure point, operator, travel date, and destination on Koh Chang. When comparing fares, check whether the ferry and transfers to your accommodation are included.
How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
Koh Chang is located in Trat Province, around 300 km east of Bangkok. Since the island has no airport, you need to travel by road and ferry, or fly to Trat Airport and continue by road and ferry.
There are three main ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang: private transfer, bus or minivan with a ferry, and flight to Trat Airport followed by a transfer.
🚖 Private Transfer from Bangkok to Koh Chang
A private transfer from Bangkok to Koh Chang is a convenient option for travelers who prefer a direct journey without arranging separate transport connections.
To catch the last ferry departing at 6:00 PM, it is recommended to book a pickup from Bangkok (including BKK Airport) no later than 12:30 PM.
Many transfer services also include a combined ticket covering the ferry fare for the vehicle and driver, while passenger ferry tickets are usually paid separately.
🚍 Bus or Minivan + Ferry from Bangkok to Koh Chang
The bus and ferry option is the most popular and affordable way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang. It is ideal for budget travelers who have enough time for the journey.
Buses and minivans are available from several locations, including Ekkamai Bus Terminal, Khao San Road, and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
From Bangkok, you will travel to Trat province and then continue to the ferry pier before taking a ferry to Koh Chang. Some services from Khao San Road offer combined bus and ferry tickets, making the journey easier to arrange.
The total travel time is usually around 6–8 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules.
✈️ Flight from Bangkok to Trat Airport + Transfer to Koh Chang
There is no airport on Koh Chang Island, so travelers cannot fly directly to Koh Chang. The nearest airport is Trat Airport, followed by a transfer to the ferry pier and a ferry ride to the island.
Flying via Trat Airport is a good option for travelers who want to reduce travel time, especially during a short trip. However, it is usually more expensive than traveling by bus and ferry.
Koh Chang Ferry Guide: Pier, Crossing Time & Ticket Prices
The ferry is an essential part of any trip to Koh Chang, whether you travel from Bangkok by bus, private transfer, or plane. Most travelers use Ao Thammachat Pier on the mainland in Trat Province to cross to Koh Chang.
The ferry arrives at Ao Sapparot Pier on the island’s northeast coast. Before traveling, check the operating hours, crossing time, and current ticket prices so you can plan the rest of your journey.
Ao Thammachat Pier: The Main Ferry Terminal
Ao Thammachat Pier (also spelled Ao Thammachart) is the main operating ferry terminal for travel between mainland Trat and Koh Chang. The ferry connects the mainland with Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang.
The former Centrepoint Ferry service has been suspended, so check that your directions and transfer booking refer to Ao Thammachat Pier.
- Departure: Ao Thammachat Pier, mainland Trat
- Arrival: Ao Sapparot Pier, Koh Chang
- Crossing time: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Koh Chang Ferry Crossing Time and Operating Hours
Ferries operate daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM between Ao Thammachat Pier and Ao Sapparot Pier. Although timetables show scheduled departures, ferries generally leave when full, with more frequent departures during peak periods.
The crossing takes around 25–35 minutes. Allow extra time for queues and check the latest schedule before departure.
Koh Chang Ferry Ticket Prices
From April 10, 2026, the one-way ferry fare between Ao Thammachat Pier on the mainland and Ao Sapparot Pier on Koh Chang was revised.
| Passenger | One-way fare |
|---|---|
| Adult | THB 130 |
| Child, student, or monk | THB 70 |
These fares are based on the reported rate revision approved by Trat provincial authorities. Fares may change with fuel costs, so check the latest prices displayed at the pier before boarding.
If you book a bus-and-ferry ticket or a private transfer, check whether the ferry fare is already included in the total price.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Koh Chang
Summary: Choosing the Best Way to Get to Koh Chang
The best way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Chang depends on your budget, schedule, and preferred level of convenience.
- Bus or minivan + ferry: A practical option if you want to combine the journey and ferry crossing in one booking.
- Private transfer: Ideal if you prefer a door-to-door journey from your Bangkok hotel to your accommodation on Koh Chang.
- Flight to Trat Airport + transfer: Worth considering if you want to spend less time traveling by road, although you will still need a transfer and ferry.
Whichever option you choose, check the departure times, total travel time, and whether ferry tickets are included before booking. If you are traveling during a Thai public holiday, allow extra time for traffic and queues at the pier.
Compare available transport options and choose the route that best fits your Koh Chang itinerary.
