Island in Surat Thani, Thailand
Getting around Koh Tao
How to get around Koh Tao
Small island with steep roads. Walk in Sairee and Mae Haad; use pickup taxis for steep bays. Scooters are common but risky.
Ways to get around Koh Tao
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup taxi | About 100–400 THB | Shared pickups from Mae Haad; set fares, more at night |
| Scooter | 200–300 THB a day | Rented widely; many crashes on steep roads |
| Longtail water taxi | About 200–500 THB | Between bays; weather-dependent |
Taxis in Koh Tao
- No ride-hailing apps operate here. No ride apps. Pickup taxis and boats set prices; agree first. Dive schools and hotels arrange pier transfers.
Arriving in Koh Tao
Via Koh Samui airport (USM)
Lomprayah catamaran from Samui, 1.5–2 h, about 600–900 THB; also boats from Chumphon and Surat Thani.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Widely rented; licence checks are less common, but steep, sandy roads cause many injuries. Take care.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Koh Tao?
No ride-hailing apps work here. No ride apps. Pickup taxis and boats set prices; agree first. Dive schools and hotels arrange pier transfers.
What's the best way to get around Koh Tao?
Small island with steep roads. Walk in Sairee and Mae Haad; use pickup taxis for steep bays. Scooters are common but risky.
How do I get from the airport to Koh Tao?
Lomprayah catamaran from Samui, 1.5–2 h, about 600–900 THB; also boats from Chumphon and Surat Thani.
Is Koh Tao walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Koh Tao
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Sources
- State Railway of Thailand e-ticketing
- Airports of Thailand
- Tourism Authority of Thailand
- Lomprayah ferries
- Bangkok Hospital Samui
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.