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How do you take a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui in 2026? Traveling around the islands in south Thailand is a great way to experience an affordable paradise. With crystal clear waters, amazing diving spots and beautiful jungles, Koh Samui and Ko Phangan are well worth exploring.
Lots of things have changed in the past few years. Some ferry services that ran in the past are no longer running and some schedules have changed. It’s hard to find accurate up to date information online. Until now.
We’re here to help with accurate and up to date information so you can plan your trip to Koh Phangan. OK, we have to admit. This article is pretty niche. But lots of people are asking “How to take a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui?” – so we want to help.
If you’re looking for a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui there are several options. The best option depends on your budget, time, preferred travel style and whether you need to take a car or bike.
Don’t miss our epic guide – How to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
Why not visit Krabi? – Find out how to travel from Koh Phangan to Krabi
And if you’re heading to Koh Tao check out our step-by-step guide: Traveling from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao
Do you need to book a ticket in advance for a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui?
No, you don’t necessarily need to book your ticket in advance. Booking in advance is likely to be a little more expensive (may be 50-100 baht more depending how you book, this is £1 – £2 or $1.30 – $2.50). In high season and at busier times it may be helpful to book your tickets a day or two in advance.
You can do this online or pop into a travel agent on the island. Hotels and hostels may also be able to help with tickets. The cheapest way to book tickets for a ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui is to do it at the ferry terminal.
Top tip: If you plan to book your ticket on the day we recommend arriving around 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Remember to bring documents (e.g. vaccine certification and Test and Go documents)
Can you buy food and drinks on the ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui?
Yes. The bigger ferries tend to offer a small range of food and drinks for a reasonable price. You can normally buy soft drinks and some snacks. Raja Ferry sells pot noodles, crisps, snacks and drinks. Lomprayah sells a small range of drinks and snacks.
Where are the ferry terminals in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan
If you are planning to take a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui it is important to plan based on the ferry ports: There are three ferry companies offering boats from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. All of the ferry companies go to the main Thong Sala pier in Koh Phangan town (south west of the island).
Lomprayah and Marine Passion both depart from the Bangrak district in Koh Samui (this is in the main town close to the airport). Raja Ferries (the slow ferry) departs from Lipa Noi Pier on the south west of Koh Samui. The journey to Lipa Noi from the Bangrak district takes around 45 minutes or more by road – so remember to factor this into your planning.
Which ferry company is best to take a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
It all depends what your needs are. If you need to take a car or bike between the islands consider Raja ferry but be aware that it is slow. If you need to travel quick and light, then Marine Passion or Lomprayah are the best option. If you’re on a budget Raja may be better – but consider the cost of traveling to the ferry port in Samui.
How long is the ferry journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan?
The ferry journey takes 30 minutes – 90 minutes depending on the company. Raja operate slow ferries taking around 90 minutes. Marine Passion and Lomprayah offer a faster service taking around 30 minutes.
Can I take a car or bike on the ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui?
Yes you can take a car or bike from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan on Raja Ferry for a small additional fee (around 50 baht or £1 or $1.30). Lomprayah and Marine Passion are not able to take cars or bikes.
Schedules for ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui
Here are the current schedules for ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. Be aware that schedules can change over time and may also depend on the weather. So it is also worth checking a day or two before you plan to travel.
Ferry Pier Locations in Koh Samui
From Koh Samui to Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier)
Be aware that these schedules can change.
| Company and departure port | Departure time | Journey time | Boat type | Price |
| Lomprayah (Bangrak Lomprayah Pier) | 8.00am | 30 minutes | Speed boat | 350 baht (promotions for 300 baht) |
| Raja Ferry (Lipa Noi Pier, south west Koh Samui) | 9.30am | 90 minutes | Large slow boat (can take cars and bikes) | 150 baht |
| Lomprayah (Bangrak Lomprayah Pier) | 12.00pm | 30 minutes | Speed boat | 350 baht (promotions for 300 baht) |
| Marine Passion (Bangrak Marine Passion Pier) | 12.30pm | 30 minutes | Speed boat | 350 baht (promotions for 250 baht) |
| Lomprayah (Nathon Beach Lomprayah Pier) | 12.30pm | 30 minutes | Catamaran | 350 baht (promotions for 300 baht) |
| Raja Ferry (Lipa Noi Pier, south west Koh Samui) | 2.00pm | 90 minutes | Large slow boat (can take cars and bikes) | 150 baht |
| Lomprayah (Bangrak Lomprayah Pier) | 4.30pm | 30 minutes | Speed boat | 350 baht (promotions for 300 baht) |
| Raja Ferry (Lipa Noi Pier, south west Koh Samui) | 6.30pm | 90 minutes | Large slow boat (can take cars and bikes) | 150 baht |
Can the ferry schedules change?
The ferry schedule is relatively reliable. Later in the day ferries may be slightly delayed (especially if you are waiting for a ferry service that has come from somewhere else first). The ferry schedule can also change in bad weather. Ferries may be delayed or canceled. This is more likely to happen in the monsoon season (roughly July – December). If you are planning to take a ferry before a flight we recommend leaving at least one day buffer uncase of delays or cancellations.
Options to take a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui
Option 1: Raja Ferry Company – cheap but slower and not as convenient
If you want to take a cheap ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui and don’t mind a slow service, then Raja Ferry Company is your best option. Raja Ferries are very big and have several seating areas. There is some seating space on the deck including a couple of tables.
You can also sit inside and some of the seats are pretty comfortable. You generally bring your bags onto Raja. The large size means less chance of sea sickness. Remember that Raja operates from the Lipa Noi pier in the south west of Koh Samui. This is a pretty long journey from the main town. Raja ferries also have the advantage of being able to take cars and motorbikes.
Summary of Raja Ferry
- Cheapest tickets – kids go free
- Big Ferry
- Slow ferry
- Can take cars and motorbikes
- Young kids go free
- Can sit inside or on the deck
- Ferry terminal in Koh Samui is located a long way from the main town
Option 2: Lomprayah Ferry Company
If you want a fast and convenient ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui Lomprayah is probably your best option. Lomprayah is a large and well established ferry company in the area. They offer more ferry services per day than the other companies. The large catamaran is as fast as a speed boat but also offers the comfort of a larger boat. The catamarans have three levels – the lowest level has rows of seats in A.C. and backpacks and bags are stored at the front in an impressive pile.
The middle floor has a VIP room and some outdoor seating. The upper deck affords an impressive view, but watch out for sun exposure. The speed of the Catamaran allows for an exhilarating and windy experience on the deck. The Lomprayah Catamaran also sells a small range of drinks and snacks. Lomprayah also operate a speedboat service from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan (12pm) – the price is the same as the catamaran. The main downside of Lomprayah is the higher price. Being more popular Lomprayah ferries are a little more likely to fully book up compared to Raja so consider booking in advance during busy times.
Summary of Lomprayah Ferry
- More services per day for greater flexibility
- More expensive tickets
- Comfortable and fast catamaran
- No cars or bikes
- Range of seating available
- Convenient location of ferry port in Samui (Bangrak)
Option 3: Marine Passion
If tickets are booked up there is a third option to take a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui.
Marine Passion is a small new company offering speed boat services connecting the islands. Their boats are fast and the port is conveniently located in the Bangrak district of Koh Samui town. Marine Passion only offers one service per day from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. Marine Passion is a good alternative to Lomprayah. They also have promotional prices that are cheaper than Lomprayah.
Summary of Marine Passion
- Only one service per day
- More expensive tickets than Raja
- Fast speed boat (bouncy on the waves)
- No cars or bikes
- Convenient location of ferry port in Samui (Bangrak)
- Have some good promotional prices
Can you buy connecting tickets to other locations around Thailand?
Connecting tickets allow you to travel from Koh Tao, Koh Phangan or Koh Samui to a range of other locations around Thailand (e.g Bangkok, Khao Sok, Krabi, Phi Phi or Phuket). This is a convenient and simple way to transfer around Thailand.
Lomprayah and Raja offer connecting tickets to a wide range of other places around Thailand. Lomprayah connecting packages are actually quite expensive (1,500 baht or more depending where you go). If you’re on a budget we recommend going with Raja or arranging your transport independently. Paying more with Lomprayah doesn’t mean the journey will be any faster or more comfortable. They are just more expensive. Connecting tickets normally include trains (for Bangkok) buses and mini buses. Expect journeys to involve several changes and they may take a long time (e.g. 8 – 10 hours from Koh Phangan to Phuket).
Top tip: If you’re based in Koh Tao the prices are even higher. It is possible to take the 9.30am Lomprayah ferry from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan and then quickly transfer to the 11am Raja ferry to Surat Thani.
