THE SHORT VERSION
Penang (George Town) to Koh Tao at a glance.
- To
- Koh Tao เกาะเต่า
- Straight line
- 523 km
- Return route
- Not listed as direct
- Border
- Malaysia → Thailand. Passport and visa rules apply
Ready to travel from Penang (George Town) to Koh Tao?
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 Tao
Taxis and resort pickups meet boats at Mae Haad.
- Mae Haad Pier
The island's main pier.
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.
- Catamaran crossings can be rough in the monsoon. Consider motion-sickness tablets.
KEEP GOING
From Koh Tao, the road continues.
12Go's list doesn't include onward buses from Koh Tao yet.
All buses from and to Koh TaoThis trip includes a boat crossing. For ferry routes and timetables, see our sister site FerryConnect.
Other ways to reach Koh Tao
More buses from Penang (George Town)
GOOD QUESTIONS
Before you take your seat.
How long does the bus from Penang (George Town) to Koh Tao 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 Tao to Penang (George Town)?+
12Go's public route list doesn't include Koh Tao to Penang (George Town) as a direct route. You may need to change in another town.
Where does the bus from Penang (George Town) arrive in Koh Tao?+
It depends on the operator. In Koh Tao, services use Mae Haad Pier. Taxis and resort pickups meet boats at Mae Haad.
How do I get from the bus stop to the centre of Koh Tao?+
Taxis and resort pickups meet boats at Mae Haad.
What kind of vehicle runs from Penang (George Town) to Koh Tao?+
Tickets to Koh Tao 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 Tao 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.
Does the trip to Koh Tao include a ferry?+
Yes, Koh Tao 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 Tao?+
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 Tao 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 Tao bus route listing ↗Wikivoyage: George Town (Get in) ↗Wikivoyage: Ko Tao (Get in) ↗How BusConnects uses sources →