Planning a beach escape to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao? The first question that almost always comes up is how to get to Donsak Pier — the main gateway to all three islands from the Surat Thani side of the Gulf of Thailand. Whether you’re arriving by train, bus, or plane, getting there is easier than you’d think. This guide covers every option, with updated prices and schedules for 2026, so you can start your island trip without a hitch.
Donsak Pier sits in Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province, roughly 60–70 kilometers from the city center. Think of it as the region’s main ferry hub for crossing the Gulf of Thailand — and once you’re there, the islands are just a boat ride away.
Donsak Pier has two main terminals that travelers use: Seatran Ferry and Raja Ferry. Both accept private vehicles on board, so road-trippers can drive their cars straight onto the boat. Nearby, Lomprayah’s speedboat terminal serves passengers who want to reach the islands faster.
Donsak Pier Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZHtCS56TAcb7Azhi
Arriving by train? Good news — onward transport from Surat Thani Train Station to Donsak Pier is straightforward, with four solid options to choose from.
Book your bus ticket to Donsak Pier at the best price: https://12go.asia/en
Arrived by long-distance bus? Surat Thani Bus Terminal is a well-connected hub with regular minivan services heading straight to Donsak Pier. Head to the Kaset 2 Market area just outside the terminal, where you’ll find rows of minivan ticket counters. Fares run 150–170 baht per person, departures leave roughly every hour from 6:00 AM to around 5:00 PM, and the ride takes just over an hour.
Flying into Surat Thani Airport? Getting to Donsak Pier couldn’t be simpler. After collecting your bags, head to the arrivals hall on the ground floor — you’ll find several transport counters there, including Phantip Travel and direct ferry company desks.
Airport Transfer + Ferry Combo The most hassle-free option. Combined tickets (airport shuttle + ferry) typically run 400–500 baht and save you from queuing separately for each leg. Your seat is guaranteed and the timing is coordinated.
Phantip Travel Bus Phantip Travel runs buses from the airport to Donsak Pier nearly all day. A one-way ticket costs 300 baht, and the journey takes around 1 hour 45 minutes. You can also board from Phantip’s office in Surat Thani city. Departures from the airport run as follows:
| Departure | Arrival | Price |
| 9:00 AM | 10:45 AM | 300 THB |
| 9:30 AM | 11:15 AM | 300 THB |
| 11:00 AM | 12:45 PM | 300 THB |
| 11:30 AM | 12:15 PM | 300 THB |
| 12:00 PM | 1:45 PM | 300 THB |
| 1:15 PM | 3:00 PM | 300 THB |
| 2:15 PM | 4:00 PM | 300 THB |
| 3:15 PM | 5:00 PM | 300 THB |
| 4:15 PM | 6:00 PM | 300 THB |
👉 Book your bus to Donsak Pier: https://www.phantiptravel.com/
A smooth start to your Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao trip depends heavily on getting the pier leg right. Miss your transfer and you risk missing your ferry — which nobody wants. Here’s what experience has taught us:
Book Online in Advance In 2026, booking your ticket through an app or website at least one to two weeks ahead is the safest move, especially during high season when vehicles and seats fill fast. It takes ten minutes and eliminates a lot of uncertainty.
Build in Buffer Time This one deserves a highlight. Aim to leave the city or airport at least three hours before your ferry departs. Traffic, check-in queues, and the unexpected happen — padding your schedule means you arrive calm, not sprinting.
Double-Check Your Terminal Donsak has two main piers — Seatran Ferry and Raja Ferry — and they’re not in the same spot. Check your ticket carefully before you go, or confirm with staff on arrival. Heading to the wrong terminal is a fixable mistake, but not one you want to make with a ferry to catch.
How long does it take to get to Donsak Pier from Surat Thani city?
Roughly one to two hours, depending on the mode of transport and traffic conditions. Always leave earlier than you think you need to.
Are there late-night services to Donsak Pier?
Most public transport stops running around 5:00–6:00 PM. If you’re arriving late, either stay overnight in Surat Thani city or book a private taxi — it’s the most straightforward solution after dark.
Can I buy tickets at Donsak Pier on the day?
Yes, walk-up tickets are available, but booking ahead is strongly recommended, particularly during festivals and holidays. Walk-up seats aren’t guaranteed, and if a service is full, you’ll be waiting for the next departure — which could push back your whole day.
No matter how you’re getting to Surat Thani — whether by rail, road, or air — the province handles tourist traffic well and getting to Donsak Pier is one of the more manageable legs of any southern Thailand itinerary. A little planning goes a long way: book ahead, give yourself time, and confirm which terminal you need. Do that, and your island adventure starts the moment you walk onto the boat.
