THE SHORT VERSION
Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui at a glance.
- To
- Koh Samui เกาะสมุย
- Straight line
- 456 km
- Return route
- Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) →
- Border
- Malaysia → Thailand. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui?
Check live availability, fares and departure times with 12Go.
THE DETAILS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Right place. Right bus. Better start.
Leaving Penang (George Town)
Penang is a Malaysian island whose capital, George Town, is a UNESCO World Heritage city. Buses from Thailand arrive at Sungai Nibong terminal on the island or at Butterworth on the mainland.
- Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal
On the island, south of George Town. - Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
On the mainland, by the ferry terminal.
Arriving in Koh Samui
Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
- Island ferry piers
Ferries arrive at Nathon and Lipa Noi; catamarans also use other piers.
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.
- Sea conditions can delay boats. Avoid tight flight connections.
KEEP GOING
From Koh Samui, the road continues.
This trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Koh Samui
More buses from Penang (George Town)
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui 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 Penang (George Town)?+
It depends on the operator. Main options in Penang (George Town) include Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, Penang Sentral (Butterworth), and many tourist companies collect from offices or hotels. Your ticket shows the exact boarding point.
Is there a bus back from Koh Samui to Penang (George Town)?+
Yes, 12Go also lists services in the opposite direction. See our Koh Samui to Penang (George Town) guide.
Where does the bus from Penang (George Town) arrive in Koh Samui?+
It depends on the operator. In Koh Samui, services use Island ferry piers. Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Koh Samui?+
Check which pier your boat uses. Taxis and songthaews connect the piers with Chaweng, Lamai and other beaches.
What kind of vehicle runs from Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui?+
Tickets to Koh Samui 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 Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui by bus?+
Direct buses from Koh Samui include Ao Nang, Bangkok, Chumphon, Donsak, Hat Yai and more. See all connections on our Koh Samui bus page.
Does the trip to Koh Samui include a ferry?+
Yes, Koh Samui 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 Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui?+
This journey crosses from Malaysia into Thailand. 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 Penang (George Town) → Koh Samui 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: Penang (George Town) to Koh Samui bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ko Samui (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →