Travelling from Phuket to Koh Samui can be a long journey as they are on either end of the mainland. Fortunately, there are airports on both ends, so you can shorten this journey drastically by opting to fly. 

Direct Flight

Bangkok Airways offers direct flights from Phuket to Koh Samui. There are usually four flights a day, with the flight time being 55 minutes. This is the quickest travel time available, but also the most expensive option. There are no nighttime flights. You can book your ticket with them online. 

Bus To Surat Thani, Ferry To Koh Samui

The next option is to take a bus journey from Phuket to Surat Thani. Surat Thani is the closest mainland city to Koh Samui. This bus journey will take about six hours to the Donsak Pier. The ferry ride from the pier to Koh Samuiā€™s Nathon Pier will take another one and half hours. Total travel time will be at least seven and a half hours. You do not need to pay for the travel separately. You can get a combined ticket when starting your journey to cover the cost of the bus ride and ferry crossing. 

While you can get an air-conditioned bus that will make your journey more comfortable, they do not typically have toilets on board. Though there are usually a couple of planned rest stops along the way if you need them. If you have kids along with you, plan accordingly. Sometimes you may however find a luxury bus from transport companies like Lomprayah available that has its onboard toilet. Confirm with the ticket booking office to see what is available. 

Be sure to make a note of the bus departure time and arrange for transport to the bus terminal. 

Private Car Hire

Another option for those that do not mind being behind the wheel would be to hire a private car and drive from Phuket to Surat Thani, before taking the ferry crossing to Koh Samui. You can easily find car rental service providers at Phuket Airport. Driving the car yourself is most economical if going for this option. Hiring a taxi or driver will likely cost even more than taking a direct flight. However, if travelling as a group or large family with luggage, you may find a better deal to hire a private van for the journey. 

Travelling privately by road to Donsak Pier should take you less than four hours. The journey is longer by bus due to the slower speed they have to travel at and stops that need to be made along the way.