THE SHORT VERSION
Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) at a glance.
- From
- Koh Samui เกาะสมุย
- Straight line
- 456 km
- Return route
- Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui →
- Border
- Thailand → Malaysia. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Koh Samui to Penang (George Town)?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Koh Samui
Koh Samui is the largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Bus tickets to Samui combine a bus to Donsak or Chumphon with a ferry or catamaran.
- Island ferry piers
Ferries arrive at Nathon and Lipa Noi; catamarans also use other piers.
Arriving in Penang (George Town)
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Keep the essentials offline
Save your ticket, the exact meeting point and the operator's phone number before you set off. Follow the check-in time on your confirmation.
- Check whether your bus ends on the island or at Butterworth.
KEEP GOING
From Penang (George Town), the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Penang (George Town)
More buses from Koh Samui
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) take?+
Journey times depend on the service and any boat connection. Check the duration of your chosen departure on 12Go before booking.
Where does the bus leave from in Koh Samui?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Koh Samui include Island ferry piers, and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui guide.
Where does the bus from Koh Samui arrive in Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. In Penang (George Town), services use Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth). From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Penang (George Town)?+
From Butterworth, ferries and buses cross to George Town.
What kind of vehicle runs from Koh Samui to Penang (George Town)?+
Tickets to Penang (George Town) usually combine a bus or van with a boat. The vehicle type, seat style and boat connection are shown for each departure on 12Go.
Can I book the Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) bus online?+
Yes. 12Go lists departures on this route. You choose a date, compare operators and pay online, and the provider issues the ticket. BusConnects doesn't sell tickets itself.
Where can I go next from Penang (George Town) by bus?+
Direct buses from Penang (George Town) include Ipoh, Hat Yai, Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata), Kota Bharu, Kuala Lumpur and more. See all connections on our Penang (George Town) bus page.
Does the trip to Penang (George Town) include a ferry?+
Yes, Penang (George Town) is an island, so the journey includes a boat crossing. Check whether your ticket covers the boat and the transfer from the pier, and allow for weather delays.
Do I need a visa to take the bus from Koh Samui to Penang (George Town)?+
This journey crosses from Thailand into Malaysia. Check the current entry and visa rules for your nationality before you travel, and keep your passport with you on the bus.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Koh Samui → Penang (George Town) on 12GoFOLLOW THE INFORMATION
Clear sources. Better decisions.
Route listed in 12Go's public route index (checked 2026-10-09). Station information reviewed 2026-10-09. Distance: OpenStreetMap data via OSRM (approximate driving distance). Listings change and are not live inventory. Confirm the departure, pickup, price and conditions before paying.
12Go: Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Ko Samui (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →