Ferry arrival logistics (what to expect at the piers)

Summary

Ferries arrive at five different piers on different sides of Koh Samui - knowing which one you land at saves time and money. Taxis at piers are unmetered and priced by negotiation; songthaews serve the main piers in daytime; Lipa Noi has notably fewer and pricier taxis.

Details

Which pier

Mainland car ferries arrive at Nathon (Seatran) or Lipa Noi (Raja Ferry). Koh Phangan/Koh Tao fast boats arrive at Maenam/Pralarn (Lomprayah), Bang Rak (Seatran Discovery), Big Buddha Pier (Haad Rin Queen) or Petcherat Marina (speedboats). Check the pier name on your ticket before planning onward transport.

Onward transport

Taxis and, in daytime, songthaews wait at the main piers. There are no meters - agree the fare first. Published zone-style prices from piers to main beaches are roughly 400-1,000 THB for a private car (higher from Lipa Noi, which local sources flag as having scarce and expensive taxis). Many ferry tickets can be bought as combined 'ferry + van' tickets that drop you at your hotel area or the airport - often the simplest option.

Timing

Check-in closes 15-60 minutes before departure depending on operator; arrive at least 30 minutes early. In monsoon season (roughly Oct-Dec) boats can be delayed, cancelled or moved to another pier (Lomprayah moves from Maenam to Nathon in strong waves). Leave a generous buffer before flights or trains.

Vehicles

Taking a car or motorbike to the mainland: vehicle ferries run from Nathon (Seatran) and Lipa Noi (Raja) to Donsak. Book vehicle space ahead in high season and Thai holidays; queues form well before departure.

Local tips

• Tell drivers the exact pier name (Nathon, Lipa Noi, Maenam/Pralarn, Bang Rak, Big Buddha, Petcherat) - 'the ferry pier' is ambiguous and piers are up to 20 km apart.
• Combined ferry+bus/van tickets to Surat Thani airport/train station avoid haggling at Donsak, which is about 70 km from Surat Thani city.
• Last car ferries to the mainland leave around 18:00-19:00; miss them and you wait until morning.
• Keep your ferry e-ticket and ID handy; counters check bookings against passenger lists.

Safety

• In rough weather, small speedboats are cancelled before large car ferries - plan island connections with a fallback in monsoon months.
• Wear life jackets provided on speedboats and longtails.

Frequently asked questions

Which pier will my ferry arrive at on Koh Samui?

It depends on the operator: Seatran car ferries = Nathon, Raja car ferries = Lipa Noi, Lomprayah = Maenam/Pralarn, Seatran Discovery = Bang Rak, Haad Rin Queen = Big Buddha Pier, speedboats to Baan Tai = Petcherat Marina. Check your ticket.

How do I get from the pier to my hotel?

Taxi (negotiate), songthaew in daytime from main piers, or a combined ferry+van ticket booked in advance. Lipa Noi has the fewest taxis.

Can I take my rental scooter on the ferry to the mainland?

Yes, on the vehicle ferries from Nathon (Seatran) and Lipa Noi (Raja) - a motorbike costs a few hundred baht extra per 2026 fare tables. Check the rental contract allows leaving the island.

What time is the last ferry to the mainland?

Around 18:00-19:00 for the car ferries, earlier for fast boats. Schedules change seasonally - verify with the operator.