Public transportation on Koh Samui is very different from what many people get used to. The third largest island is only 25 km long and 21 km wide, so your trips will not be a tedious and long. It’s pretty easy to move around the island without any problems, but you have to learn a few things about how to get around in Koh Samui.
Check this ultimate travel guide about how to get around Koh Samui in 2024, including main types of public transport, prices, how to avoid additional expenses and more.
You can use 12go website to find the best transportation options that are available for booking. Click here to check.
Stay connected during your trip to Koh Samui with eSIM from Airalo.
Types of public transport in Koh Samui
Even though, Koh Samui is very popular tourist destination, you’ll not find regular buses circling around the island, as well as tuk-tuk.
You can choose between one of the following options: songthaew, taxi, motobike taxi, rent a car, bicycle, scooter, use ferry and speed boat to travel to nearby islands, or getting around Koh Samui by joining day tours, where you don’t have to worry about any logistics and other organizational issues.
Songthaew Koh Samui
The songthaew is remotely reminiscent buses. The name translates as “two benches”. Usually, it is an old pickup truck or a small truck with two benches in the back, covered with an awning in case it rains.
There are about 8-9 sitting places in songthaew, but up to 15 passengers can be in it at the same time, sitting on the floor or on the back step. If you’re on a budget, songthaew in Koh Samui is the transportation option as it’s really cheap.
Route
Most Koh Samui’s songthaews circling the island’s ring road and some other major roads. There are usually sings, that should help tourists to identify songthaew route, but it’s not the best idea to rely on them.
It’s usually the drive who decides where to go, so always ask the itinerary before jumping in. There are no official stops, so you can ask to stop wherever you want. This is done by ringing the bell, which is usually located on the ceiling or simply knocking on the roof.
Songthaew Prices
As it was mentioned earlier, it’s the driver who decides what’s your next destination will be. That’s why sometimes you can agree to go to the off-route place, if you’ve agreed on proper compensation.
The price per trip can reach up to 50 BHT, depending on the destination point. The best option is to ask other people waiting for songthaew about the prices. Payment usually discussed in advance and paid once you arrived to the destination point.
Songthaew Routes Map
Many shuttles go from Nathon Pier to Chaweng Beach, but from different roads – some on the northern part of Samui (passing through Maenam), others on the southern part (through Lamai). Check the direction directly with the chauffeur.
It’s a quick and convenient way to move between the main Samui beaches – the longest route takes 60 minutes, including traffic.
Van+Taxi from Na Thon Pier to Chaweng Beach
Van + Taxi from Lipa Noi to Mae Nam
Van + Taxi from Lipa Noi to Chaweng
Taxi
Look for branded cars in yellow and burgundy colors. Taxi services on Koh Samui are represented by one company. Being a monopolist, the carrier company does not hesitate to set high fare rates.
Despite the fact that many cars have meters, drivers prefer to ignore them and agree on a fixed price, average price for a trip can be 200-250 BHT. Don’t forget to negotiate about the compensation first, but don’t expect too much.
You can try to compare the prices by asking different taxi drivers but keep in mind that they usually in solidarity with each other when it comes to fares for tourists.
To be ready to bargain and ask for discount, get more information from locals and your hotel staff about prices that are considered acceptable.
Even though taxi is one of the most widespread transportation option in Koh Samui, it’s also the most expensive one.
If you prefer to get around on your own, find out how to rent a bike or car in Samui.
It is worth noting that the cab in Samui is the most convenient mode of transport. The cars are in good condition and have air conditioning.
Motorbike Taxi
Scooter taxi is more affordable transport in Samui, but less comfortable. Motorbike taxi drivers usually wear brightly colored vests.
The scooter’s size and maneuverability allow you to get through traffic jams faster, shortening the way through small hidden streets. The price is also negotiated in advance. Please don’t forget to ask for a helmet and make sure you’re comfortable to hug a stranger while he is driving.
Private Transfers
If you get used to comfort and would like to avoid any kind of unnecessary husstle, private transfer is your best option. It can be the perfect solution for family with kids arriving to Koh Samui, as well as for people who prefer to plan and organise everything in advance.
The most popular routes for this service is from airport or pier to the city and back. For example, ticket price for van is 4 USD per person on 12Go website.
You can also find the private transportation options on Klook, transfers are available to/from Samui International Airport to different locations around the island. Click here to check the rates and reserve your seats.
Rent a car, scooter, bicycle
If you want to have more freedom to move around the island, renting a car or scooter is a great option. Bicycle rentals have also become very popular. This type of transport allows you to get to places where it is impossible to drive even on a scooter or car. Check our guide on how to rent a transport on Koh Samui.
Check available car rental options and prices here.
Things to Know about Koh Samui Transportation
You need to know some tricks to avoid paying extra money:
- All drivers on Koh Samui charge tourists higher prices. Do not ask the songthaew driver about ticket price. You will never be told the price below 100 BHT, although the average fare is no more than 50-60 Baht. It’s always better to ask the locals at the bus stop.
- Drivers don’t give change. Prepare small bills for payment, otherwise you may not receive change
- Be ready to hear compiants if you pay the real cost. You may hear curses and accusations of greed in your address if you give the chauffeur a real amount, not 100-200 Baht for the ride.
- After 6:00 p.m. there is almost no public transportation. Songthaew rides like a taxi in the evening.
