Key hubs
Koh Tao airport and railway station
- Airport
- None on the island. Nearest are Chumphon (CJM), Ko Samui (USM) and Surat Thani (URT), each followed by a ferry; most visitors from India connect through Bangkok
- Railway station
- None on the island. Trains run to Chumphon on the mainland, where ferries connect (Wikipedia)
- Getting around
- Taxis, shared pickup trucks, hired scooters and short boat rides; a hotel transfer is easiest for older travellers
How to reach Koh Tao by air
There is no airport on Koh Tao. The nearest are Chumphon (CJM), Ko Samui (USM) and Surat Thani (URT), each followed by a ferry. Most visitors from India connect through Bangkok; confirm any direct flights from your city.
How to reach Koh Tao by train
There is no railway on the island. Trains run to Chumphon on the mainland, where ferries connect to Koh Tao according to Wikipedia. Check current rail and ferry connections.
How to reach Koh Tao by road
Roads on the island are steep in places and mostly narrow. The mainland piers at Chumphon and Surat Thani connect by road to Bangkok and the rest of Thailand.
Getting around Koh Tao
Taxis, shared pickup trucks and scooters are the usual options. Motorbike accidents are common, so older travellers should prefer hotel transfers or taxis.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Koh Tao
- Avoid hiring a scooter; use taxis or hotel transfers. Motorbike accidents are the main cause of tourist injuries.
- Carry all regular medicines for the whole trip plus a copy of prescriptions.
- 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.