One of the most stressful parts of travelling is getting to and from the airport. But, it doesn’t have to be — you just need to do your research and know what to expect. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. Located just a few kilometres from popular areas like Chaweng and Bophut, you can get to and from the airport easily. Whether that’s via taxi, an airport shuttle organised by your hotel, or a private airport transfer, prices are reasonable and the journey is a breeze, taking around 10 minutes to get to Samui’s central tourist hub of Chaweng. 

Located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui, Samui Airport is just a few minutes away from the island’s bustling tourist areas. You’ll be anywhere between 5 and 15 minutes away from some of the biggest tourist attractions in Samui, like the Big Buddha Temple, the iconic Wat Plai Laem temple, and the island’s most popular beach, Chaweng Beach. 

There are several airport transfer and shuttle options available to and from Samui Airport, and depending on your preferences, you’ll find a service that best suits your needs easily.

Readily available and one of the most popular ways to get to and from the airport in Samui is by taxi. Just flag one down, which is pretty easy to do in busy areas like Chaweng, Lamai, or Bo Phut, and let them know you’re going to the airport. 

Taxis in Samui aren’t metered, so make sure you negotiate the price for your trip before you get in. If you’re getting a taxi from Chaweng or Bo Phut, expect to pay AU$12-20. If you’re coming from Lamai, AU$20-30 is a reasonable fare.

Grab drivers aren’t able to get to the airport for pick ups or drop offs. Furthermore, while Grab exists, it’s not widely used in Samui compared to larger cities like Bangkok. 

In Samui, you’ll see songthaews as the island’s form of a ‘public bus’. However, it’s just a shared open-air pickup truck with no designated stops. You can flag them down wherever you see one drive by and hop onto one that’s heading to the airport. 

Hopping onto a songthaew is the cheapest way to get to and from the airport, typically costing around AU$2-6 for your ride. But as mentioned, there’s no real timetable, and multiple stops are expected to accommodate other passengers. Further, it doesn’t take you directly into the airport like taxis or private transfers; therefore, some walking may be involved, too. 

Looking for the fastest, fail-proof way to get to Samui Airport? A private transfer or taxi will be your best bet — both deliver private door-to-door service, ensuring there are no delays. 

You may see a bit of traffic during peak tourist seasons or rush hours in the morning and evening; however, overall traffic isn’t a massive issue in Samui, but give yourself some leeway just in case, especially when you’re heading to the airport.