Troubleshooting Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier by Taxi

[mattfromtexas]

I'm looking for updated information regarding (a.) time, (b.) cost, and (c.) feasibility of taking a taxi from Surat Thani International Airport directly to Donsak Pier and onward to Koh Tao under a considerable time crunch. I am trying to determine whether or not I should change my flight, or if my existing itinerary is possible. Any insights anyone might have on the subject would be greatly appreciated.

The specifics of my situation are as follows:

i. My domestic flight arrives on a Friday at 14:20 to Surat Thani International Airport (Airport code: URT).

ii. The last Lomprayah high speed catamaran to Koh Tao leaves Donsak Pier at 16:00.

iii. Assuming my flight is on time, and the walk from the gate to the taxi stand will take 10 minutes, I have exactly 1.5 hours to get from the airport taxi stand to Donsak pier.

The questions I need answered are:

1. What is the cost of a taxi or private car from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier?

2. Can direct taxis be arranged upon arrival to Surat Thani Airport? Or should I reserve a car ahead of time?

3. What is the actual door-to-door travel time from Surat Thani Airport to Donsak Pier via direct taxi or private car?

4. How many minutes before departure do I need to be present at Donsak Pier to ensure I actually get on the ferry?

5. Does the Lomprayah high speed catamaran to Koh Tao generally leave on time? Or do I have an extra 15 mins of loading time to work with?

Thank you in advance for your insights. I am new to this forum, but look forward to contributing my own advice where I can.

[PoorSucker]

10 min from landing to Taxi stand?

No luggage?

I would take Nok Air instead, they have a flight, bus and boat ticket combo to Koh Tao.

Departing 12:35 Don Muang and arrival 19:00 on Koh Tao.

http://www.nokair.com

[mattfromtexas]

No luggage. Only carry-on baggage. The flight is already booked and it is a group of 4, so changing our flight from AirAsia to NokAir would be a considerable cost we'd rather not incur.

[PoorSucker]

Moved to Samui forum for local knowledge.

[Gulfsailor]

Just try it. Worst that can happen is you miss the lomprayah ferry. In which case you ask the taxi to drop you at the Seatran or Raja ferry a little further to take a ferry to Samui or Phanghan. Then stay the night there and next morning take ferry from Samui or Phanghan to Koh Tao.

[mattfromtexas]

Just try it. Worst that can happen is you miss the lomprayah ferry. In which case you ask the taxi to drop you at the Seatran or Raja ferry a little further to take a ferry to Samui or Phanghan. Then stay the night there and next morning take ferry from Samui or Phanghan to Koh Tao.

A good fallback plan. Thank you. Do these ferries ever get overbooked? Would I be at risk of arriving at the dock to find that my ferry trip is sold out?

[PoorSucker]

Just try it. Worst that can happen is you miss the lomprayah ferry. In which case you ask the taxi to drop you at the Seatran or Raja ferry a little further to take a ferry to Samui or Phanghan. Then stay the night there and next morning take ferry from Samui or Phanghan to Koh Tao.

A good fallback plan. Thank you. Do these ferries ever get overbooked? Would I be at risk of arriving at the dock to find that my ferry trip is sold out?

Book online.

http://www.lomprayah.com/E/booking_buffet_1.aspx

[craigt3365]

10 minutes from touch down to taxi is a bit aggressive. Depending on your seat, it can take 10 minutes just to deplane, much less get to a taxi.

Google shows the route taking 1 hour and 20 minutes. It's quite a long drive and you never know about traffic. I did this route about 6 months ago and there was a fair amount of traffic. Plus, that's prime time for islanders returning to Samui from the mainland. The long stretch from the highway to the pier can be quite crowded with traffic.

https://www.google.com.sg/maps/dir/Donsak+Pier/Surat+Thani+International+Airport,+73,+Maluan,+Phunphin+District,+Surat+Thani,+Thailand/@9.3113137,99.646598,12z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x0:0x939352cd4dd95ea8!2m2!1d99.704361!2d9.322717!1m5!1m1!1s0x3056abb17b382b27:0xf0223bd0b5f3a40!2m2!1d99.139167!2d9.136111

If you miss it, not too far south is Khanom. A very nice place to spend the night.

[samuijimmy]

Book through Lomprayah ferries online, the bus will wait, as will their ferry if bus is en-route... (link above on Poorsuckers post) ^

I had several occasions where they wait for the bus to arrive before ferry departs...

It's not a huge airport and buses are out side the front door!!

Edited December 9, 2014 by samuijimmy

[mattfromtexas]

Book through Lomprayah ferries online, the bus will wait, as will their ferry if bus is en-route... (link above on Poorsuckers post) ^

I had several occasions where they wait for the bus to arrive before ferry departs...

It's not a huge airport and buses are out side the front door!!

Thanks Samuijimmy... but according to the schedule posted online, the Lomprayah bus from the airport departs 50 minutes before my flight arrives. So that won't work. Certainly that bus is not going to wait around an hour for my flight to arrive, right?

[cornishcarlos]

The trip from the airport to Donsak will take up to 1.5 hrs but normally about 1hr only, depends on which road you take.

I think you are cutting it fine with those timings !

I have on several occasions offered to pick people up or drop them at the airport from the ferry, this service has been terminated now though due to ungrateful no shows

Good luck and enjoy Koh Tao...

[mattfromtexas]

The trip from the airport to Donsak will take up to 1.5 hrs but normally about 1hr only, depends on which road you take.

I think you are cutting it fine with those timings !

I have on several occasions offered to pick people up or drop them at the airport from the ferry, this service has been terminated now though due to ungrateful no shows

Good luck and enjoy Koh Tao...

Heck yes!!! This is what I'm talking about! Thank you. So if my flight is on time, and I can find an 'aggressive' taxi driver, and there's not a lot of traffic, then I could maybe make it. I'll take those odds! Thank you!

It sounds like you know your stuff. As far as 'which road to take'... is there a specific route I should encourage the driver to take? How about cost? I've heard 1,000 baht is the standard 'airport to ferry' fare. Does that sounds about right?

[cornishcarlos]

I think you will pay 1500 baht minimum...? That is a guess from a vague memory of another thread.

I find the best route is via the new bridge, which crosses the Tapei river but that is my preference only, it cuts out most of Surat town.

Traffic once out of Surat is not bad at all.

[CaptainS]

I think you will pay 1500 baht minimum...? That is a guess from a vague memory of another thread.

I find the best route is via the new bridge, which crosses the Tapei river but that is my preference only, it cuts out most of Surat town.

Traffic once out of Surat is not bad at all.

I would recommend that route too, just not sure how tell it to the taxi driver.

Even not travelling from the airport to donsak a lot actually I discovered it already when driving on my own, but I was suprised that many buses and vans are not using it yet. Many seem to prefer to go thru the city, even they don´t have a stop on the way, probably its just what they are used too.

[mattfromtexas]

I think you will pay 1500 baht minimum...? That is a guess from a vague memory of another thread.

I find the best route is via the new bridge, which crosses the Tapei river but that is my preference only, it cuts out most of Surat town.

Traffic once out of Surat is not bad at all.

I would recommend that route too, just not sure how tell it to the taxi driver.

Even not travelling from the airport to donsak a lot actually I discovered it already when driving on my own, but I was suprised that many buses and vans are not using it yet. Many seem to prefer to go thru the city, even they don´t have a stop on the way, probably its just what they are used too.

Hey CaptainS, how do you feel about the timeline? You think I can get it done in the time allowed? Is an hour door-to-door my best-case scenario considering no traffic and a competent/aggressive taxi driver?

[islandguy]

Try the road south to the Krabi highway and then to the main road near Donsak (look at a map). Pretty much no traffic and no trouble passing slow car

[CaptainS]

I think you will pay 1500 baht minimum...? That is a guess from a vague memory of another thread.

I find the best route is via the new bridge, which crosses the Tapei river but that is my preference only, it cuts out most of Surat town.

Traffic once out of Surat is not bad at all.

I would recommend that route too, just not sure how tell it to the taxi driver.

Even not travelling from the airport to donsak a lot actually I discovered it already when driving on my own, but I was suprised that many buses and vans are not using it yet. Many seem to prefer to go thru the city, even they don´t have a stop on the way, probably its just what they are used too.

Hey CaptainS, how do you feel about the timeline? You think I can get it done in the time allowed? Is an hour door-to-door my best-case scenario considering no traffic and a competent/aggressive taxi driver?

I think you will need luck to make it. I don´t know about the taxi situation at Suratthani Airport, even considering you get a taxi right away its definitely a tight schedule.

Try to get out of the plane as fast as possible. I think in Suratthani you can often leave the plane in the front and in the back as well, but no guarantee on that

[ikbenhet]

I would totally forget to try to make it and would head straight to Khanom to spend the night.

Take the ferry next day and you will have a much more pleasant and saver journey.

Why risk live and limbs to reach your destination within those time limits?

[mattfromtexas]

*** UPDATE & CONCLUSIONS ***

UNSUCCESSFUL

Upon my arrival to Surat Thani I was told the 16:00 Lomprayah high speed catamaran from to Koh Tao had been cancelled "due to bad weather". I immediately thought this was a B.S. line being fed to me by the guys trying to sell me bus tickets to the Koh Phangan pier, so I dismissed it and continued with my original plan to find a taxi to Donsak Pier. After 20 minutes of unsuccessfully searching for a taxi or private car, and repeatedly being told that the Koh Tao ferry was in-fact cancelled, I gave up and booked a Bus + Ferry combo ticket to Koh Phangan, spent the night on Koh Phangan, then caught the early boat the next morning to Koh Tao.

Here's what I learned that might help others:

1. My flight arrived 10 mins early at the gate and I was on the street looking for a taxi within 5 minutes from exiting the plane.

2. I later found out that the "bad weather" explanation was B.S. Apparently, Lomprayah consistently cancels under-booked ferries citing bad weather; and that the 16:00 ferry I was counting on was significantly under-booked on that day. So that's something everyone needs to keep in mind.

3. There are ZERO taxis at the airport. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen to not have a single taxi at the airport. I even left the airport grounds and went out to the street to try and flag one and couldn't find any. I was later told that there are forces at play that prevent taxis from servicing the airport so that the private bus system can dominate the market. In conclusion, if you are looking to try and do what I was trying to do, you need to arrange a private car or taxi beforehand.

4. The drive by bus took forever... 2 hours from boarding to arrival at the Koh Phangan. Of course, the bus didn't leave for 15 minutes after boarding and we hit the Koh Samui pier before we got to the Koh Phangan pier, but it did take freaking forever. They drive slow as hell and there was traffic at certain junctures along the way.

5. The Koh Phangang ferry I ended up taking left about 20 minutes later than it was scheduled. And upon returning to the mainland, the boat was over 30 minutes delayed. So I can only assume that these boats are not punctual and additional scheduling elasticity can be counted on for tight situations like mine.

6. I think I could've made it if I had a taxi pre-arranged and ready to leave immediately upon my arrival. That drive done at the speed limit with a driver who's willing to pass cars and knows how to avoid traffic jams would've shaved significant time off the trip. And the likely delay of the Koh Tao ferry would've added even more time to my cushion. If I were going to do it over again, I would arrange a car and go for it without hesitation.

Thank you all for your help!

[jozefko]

*** UPDATE & CONCLUSIONS ***

UNSUCCESSFUL

Upon my arrival to Surat Thani I was told the 16:00 Lomprayah high speed catamaran from to Koh Tao had been cancelled "due to bad weather". I immediately thought this was a B.S. line being fed to me by the guys trying to sell me bus tickets to the Koh Phangan pier, so I dismissed it and continued with my original plan to find a taxi to Donsak Pier. After 20 minutes of unsuccessfully searching for a taxi or private car, and repeatedly being told that the Koh Tao ferry was in-fact cancelled, I gave up and booked a Bus + Ferry combo ticket to Koh Phangan, spent the night on Koh Phangan, then caught the early boat the next morning to Koh Tao.

Here's what I learned that might help others:

1. My flight arrived 10 mins early at the gate and I was on the street looking for a taxi within 5 minutes from exiting the plane.

2. I later found out that the "bad weather" explanation was B.S. Apparently, Lomprayah consistently cancels under-booked ferries citing bad weather; and that the 16:00 ferry I was counting on was significantly under-booked on that day. So that's something everyone needs to keep in mind.

3. There are ZERO taxis at the airport. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen to not have a single taxi at the airport. I even left the airport grounds and went out to the street to try and flag one and couldn't find any. I was later told that there are forces at play that prevent taxis from servicing the airport so that the private bus system can dominate the market. In conclusion, if you are looking to try and do what I was trying to do, you need to arrange a private car or taxi beforehand.

4. The drive by bus took forever... 2 hours from boarding to arrival at the Koh Phangan. Of course, the bus didn't leave for 15 minutes after boarding and we hit the Koh Samui pier before we got to the Koh Phangan pier, but it did take freaking forever. They drive slow as hell and there was traffic at certain junctures along the way.

5. The Koh Phangang ferry I ended up taking left about 20 minutes later than it was scheduled. And upon returning to the mainland, the boat was over 30 minutes delayed. So I can only assume that these boats are not punctual and additional scheduling elasticity can be counted on for tight situations like mine.

6. I think I could've made it if I had a taxi pre-arranged and ready to leave immediately upon my arrival. That drive done at the speed limit with a driver who's willing to pass cars and knows how to avoid traffic jams would've shaved significant time off the trip. And the likely delay of the Koh Tao ferry would've added even more time to my cushion. If I were going to do it over again, I would arrange a car and go for it without hesitation.

Thank you all for your help!

Hi Mattfromtexas,

how much did you pay for Bus + Ferry combo ticket to Koh Phangan? I am actually in the similar situation like you - I am arriving from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani at 14:20 but I need to get to Koh Phangan instead of Koh Tao. What would you recommend? I looked that the only ferry I cane make to get on is Raja Ferry at 18:00. Or do you think i am able to catch something sooner? I would like to avoid using a taxi from airport to donsak.

Thanks a lot for your help!

[slightlychilled]

When we got off the plane we were approached by several private taxi drivers who asked THB 1000 to the pier. As this was a first offer on their part with no haggling whatsoever, I imagine you can get the fare much cheaper depending on your negotiating skills.

[thailanddogerator]

Hello, any telephone number of a taxi at donsak or any surathani pier to go to airport after boat ?

Thanks.

[samuijimmy]

Hello, any telephone number of a taxi at donsak or any surathani pier to go to airport after boat ?

Thanks.

Just ask at the ticket counter or information station.... A taxi will show up in short order, if none waiting.... that has been my experience anyway!

[robsamui]

*** UPDATE & CONCLUSIONS ***

UNSUCCESSFUL

Upon my arrival to Surat Thani I was told the 16:00 Lomprayah high speed catamaran from to Koh Tao had been cancelled "due to bad weather". I immediately thought this was a B.S. line being fed to me by the guys trying to sell me bus tickets to the Koh Phangan pier, so I dismissed it and continued with my original plan to find a taxi to Donsak Pier. After 20 minutes of unsuccessfully searching for a taxi or private car, and repeatedly being told that the Koh Tao ferry was in-fact cancelled, I gave up and booked a Bus + Ferry combo ticket to Koh Phangan, spent the night on Koh Phangan, then caught the early boat the next morning to Koh Tao.

Here's what I learned that might help others:

1. My flight arrived 10 mins early at the gate and I was on the street looking for a taxi within 5 minutes from exiting the plane.

2. I later found out that the "bad weather" explanation was B.S. Apparently, Lomprayah consistently cancels under-booked ferries citing bad weather; and that the 16:00 ferry I was counting on was significantly under-booked on that day. So that's something everyone needs to keep in mind.

3. There are ZERO taxis at the airport. It was the strangest thing I've ever seen to not have a single taxi at the airport. I even left the airport grounds and went out to the street to try and flag one and couldn't find any. I was later told that there are forces at play that prevent taxis from servicing the airport so that the private bus system can dominate the market. In conclusion, if you are looking to try and do what I was trying to do, you need to arrange a private car or taxi beforehand.

4. The drive by bus took forever... 2 hours from boarding to arrival at the Koh Phangan. Of course, the bus didn't leave for 15 minutes after boarding and we hit the Koh Samui pier before we got to the Koh Phangan pier, but it did take freaking forever. They drive slow as hell and there was traffic at certain junctures along the way.

5. The Koh Phangang ferry I ended up taking left about 20 minutes later than it was scheduled. And upon returning to the mainland, the boat was over 30 minutes delayed. So I can only assume that these boats are not punctual and additional scheduling elasticity can be counted on for tight situations like mine.

6. I think I could've made it if I had a taxi pre-arranged and ready to leave immediately upon my arrival. That drive done at the speed limit with a driver who's willing to pass cars and knows how to avoid traffic jams would've shaved significant time off the trip. And the likely delay of the Koh Tao ferry would've added even more time to my cushion. If I were going to do it over again, I would arrange a car and go for it without hesitation.

Thank you all for your help!

Just gotta chuckle. Whatever they are on, get them to bottle some and sell it in Samui, where the exact opposite is in play!

I was later told that there are forces at play that prevent taxis from servicing the airport so that the private bus system can dominate the market