THE SHORT VERSION
Koh Samui to Railay at a glance.
- From
- Koh Samui เกาะสมุย
- To
- Railay ไร่เลย์
- Straight line
- 209 km
- Return route
- Railay to Koh Samui →
Ready to travel from Koh Samui to Railay?
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 Railay
Check whether your ticket includes the boat. At low tide you may need to wade to the boat.
- Longtail boat landings
Boats from Ao Nang beach and from Krabi Town.
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.
- Pack light: there's no road access and the boats are small.
KEEP GOING
From Railay, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Railay
More buses from Koh Samui
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Koh Samui to Railay 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 Railay to Koh Samui?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Railay to Koh Samui guide.
Where does the bus from Koh Samui arrive in Railay?+
It depends on the operator. In Railay, services use Longtail boat landings. Check whether your ticket includes the boat. At low tide you may need to wade to the boat.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Railay?+
Check whether your ticket includes the boat. At low tide you may need to wade to the boat.
What kind of vehicle runs from Koh Samui to Railay?+
Tickets to Railay 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 Railay 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 Railay by bus?+
Direct buses from Railay include Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Surat Thani, Phuket Town, Patong and more. See all connections on our Railay bus page.
Does the trip to Railay include a ferry?+
Yes, Railay 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.
Still deciding? Check today's departures, then book your seat.
Book Koh Samui → Railay 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 Railay bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: Ko Samui (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ao Nang (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →