From Koh Samui Airport, the time it takes to get to your hotel varies according to where you’ll be staying on the island. If you’re staying at Chaweng Beach, your journey from the airport will take just 15 to 20 minutes.
But before that, you’ll first need to figure out how to get to Koh Samui airport. Many visitors may not be able to fly in directly, and will need to go through one of Thailand’s bigger airports first.
On this page, I’ve outlined the most convenient way to fly to Koh Samui, and categorized a few different airport transfer options by convenience and price. This way, you can choose the flight routes and transfers that best fit your schedule, budget and comfort level.
How to Get to Koh Samui Airport
The most convenient route for most international travelers flying in is via Bangkok or Phuket, with both airports offering daily flights to Koh Samui. Departures to and from Bangkok are scheduled almost once every hour.
There are also several international non-stop flights to the airport from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
Convenient Hotel Transfer Options
These are the comfortable, convenient transfer options which I recommend if you’re not on a tight budget. With these options, you can easily get from Koh Samui Airport to Chaweng Beach in under 20 minutes.
Private Taxi
There are no public taxis available, but you can find airport-approved taxis and limousine services that take you to various locations in Koh Samui at fixed rates.
These private car transfers can be arranged at the transport counter at the arrivals area, or pre-booked online for maximum convenience. Rates start from around 400 THB for a 15-minute journey to Chaweng Beach, and will vary with longer journeys to beaches further away.
Private Minivan
If you’re traveling in a bigger group, you can consider booking a private minivan transfer for a vehicle that seats up to 6 passengers. Like the private car transfers, these can be booked online or arranged at the transport counter at arrivals.
Cheap Hotel Transfer via a Shared Minivan
If time is not a concern and keeping to a budget is more of a priority for you, a shared minivan is the only option available. Like the above transfer options, you can also make an online booking beforehand, or arrange it at the transport counter at arrivals.
With this shared transfer though, the minivan leaves at 10-30 minute intervals, as it will only depart with a minimum of 5 passengers. The fares are more budget-friendly, starting from just 100 THB per person for a trip to Chaweng Beach.
Conclusion
Airport transfer options from Koh Samui airport are fairly straightforward, so choosing the right one is mostly just a matter of picking the one that suits your budget.
If a seamless, comfortable transfer is your priority, book a private taxi or minivan so you can get started on your beach vacation as soon as possible. If you’re on a budget, a shared minivan is your best bet.
Hope this guide gives you a better idea of how to plan your trip to Koh Samui!
P.S. If you’re still searching for a good place to stay, have a look at Koh Samui’s 12 Best Chaweng Beach Hotels, From 5 Star Luxury to Budget.
Credit for the airport picture at the top of this page goes to Effan.