Key hubs
Koh Samui airport and railway station
- Airport
- Samui Airport (USM), privately owned by Bangkok Airways, about 2 km north of Chaweng; most visitors from India connect via Bangkok
- Railway station
- None on the island. The nearest mainland railhead is in Surat Thani province, reached by bus and ferry or car ferry from the Don Sak side.
- Getting around
- Hotel transfers, metered or app taxis where available, shared songthaews on main roads and rented cars; a car with driver is easiest for older travellers
How to reach Koh Samui by air
Samui Airport (USM) is a privately owned, open-air airport run by Bangkok Airways, about 2 km north of Chaweng. Most Indian visitors fly to Bangkok and connect; confirm any direct routes from your city. Surat Thani airport on the mainland is an alternative with a ferry link.
How to reach Koh Samui by train
There is no railway on the island. The mainland rail network reaches Surat Thani province, from where road and ferry connections lead to Samui; this is slower than flying and not a practical choice for most Indian visitors.
How to reach Koh Samui by road
From the mainland, car ferries and passenger ferries link the island via Don Sak, with piers at Lipa Noi and Nathon on the west coast. Bus-and-ferry combinations from Surat Thani take roughly three hours.
Getting around Koh Samui
Taxis and hotel transfers are the easiest option; songthaews run along the main roads and rental cars and scooters are widely offered. A car with driver for the day suits older travellers best. The ring road, route 4169, circles the island.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Koh Samui
- Hire a car with driver for the day instead of renting a scooter. Road accidents involving scooters are common, and many insurance policies exclude riders without the right licence.
- Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers medical care and evacuation. Bangkok Hospital Samui is a well-known private hospital on the island; confirm the current address and emergency number before you travel.
- Rain and rough seas from October to December can cancel boats and delay ferries. Keep a day of buffer before onward flights.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.