How to Get to Koh Chang from Bangkok: Ferry, Roads & Real Timing

Planning a trip to Thailand’s second-largest island can feel overwhelming when you look at the map. Located in the eastern province of Trat, near the Cambodian border, Koh Chang is an absolute paradise of dense jungle, stunning waterfalls, and white sandy beaches. However, unlike Phuket or Koh Samui, there is no airport on the island itself.

If you are wondering how to get to koh chang, the journey involves a mix of overland travel and a short sea crossing. Whether you are an adventurous solo backpacker looking for the cheapest route, a family traveling with heavy luggage, or a couple seeking a smooth and stress-free transfer, knowing the real timings, the road conditions, and the exact koh chang ferry schedule is crucial to avoiding travel day disasters.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about reaching the island. We will compare the three main travel methods, provide the most up-to-date ferry timetables, and give you the real-world timings so you can plan your itinerary with confidence.

The Short Answer: How to Get to Koh Chang

To get to Koh Chang from mainland Thailand, you need to travel by road to the piers in Trat province and then board a vehicle ferry to cross the sea to the island. The total journey from Bangkok takes roughly 5 to 7 hours depending on your chosen transport method: a private taxi, a public bus, or a shared minivan.

Comparing Your 3 Travel Methods: Taxi, Bus, or Minivan?

There are three primary ways to make the journey from Bangkok (or the airports) down to the piers in Trat. Each comes with its own pros, cons, and price points. Let’s break down the reality of each method.

1. Private Taxi or Transfer (The Fastest & Most Comfortable)

For families, groups, or anyone who values their time and comfort, a private transfer is undeniably the best way to travel. The journey from Bangkok to Trat is around 310 kilometers. A private car will take you directly from your hotel lobby in Bangkok (or straight from the arrivals gate at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airport) all the way to your resort on the island.

• How it works: Your driver picks you up, drives you to the pier (usually Ao Thammachat), drives the car straight onto the vehicle ferry, and drops you off directly at your hotel on Koh Chang.
• The Pros: It is a true door-to-door service. You do not have to drag your luggage on and off buses, walk under the hot sun, or negotiate with local songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) once you reach the island. You also have the flexibility to stop for food, bathroom breaks, or coffee whenever you want.
• The Cons: It is more expensive than public transport if you are traveling alone. However, if you have a group of 3 or 4 people, splitting the cost makes it highly economical.
• Best for: Families, groups, travelers with bulky luggage, and those who want to avoid the stress of navigating public transport.
• Check rates: If you are ready to book, check out our detailed guide and pricing for a Bangkok to Koh Chang private transfer.

2. Shared Minivan (The Budget Direct Route)

Minivans are a highly popular option for solo travelers and backpackers. These leave from various points in Bangkok, including Ekkamai (Eastern Bus Terminal), Mo Chit (Northern Bus Terminal), and the Khao San Road area.

• How it works: You buy a ticket that usually includes the minivan ride and the ferry ticket. The van drives to the pier in Trat. In most cases, you will take your luggage and walk onto the passenger deck of the ferry. Once you arrive at Koh Chang’s Sapparot Pier, you will need to pay for a local songthaew to take you to your beach.
• The Pros: Cheap and faster than the large public buses. Tickets usually range from 600 to 900 THB depending on the starting point.
• The Cons: Minivans are notoriously cramped. If you have large suitcases, the driver may charge you for an extra seat just to hold your bag. The driving style can sometimes be erratic, and you will have to wait for the van to fill up with passengers before it leaves.
• Best for: Solo travelers, backpackers, and those traveling light with only a backpack.

3. Public Bus + Ferry (The Cheapest, Slowest Route)

The large public buses are the most traditional way to travel. You can catch a First Class (air-conditioned) bus from the Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal directly to the Ao Thammachat pier or the Trat bus station.

• How it works: You ride a large 40-seater bus down the coast. If the bus stops at the Trat bus station, you will need to take a local songthaew for about 30 minutes to reach the ferry pier. From there, you buy a ferry ticket, cross the water, and take another songthaew to your hotel.
• The Pros: Very cheap (around 250-300 THB for the bus ticket). The large buses have more legroom than minivans and safely store large luggage underneath the cabin.
• The Cons: It is very slow. The bus makes multiple stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. You will have to manage multiple transit connections (Bus -> Songthaew -> Ferry -> Songthaew), dragging your bags at every stop.
• Best for: Budget travelers who have plenty of time and prioritize saving money over comfort.

The Ultimate Koh Chang Ferry Guide

A major part of understanding how to get to koh chang is understanding the sea crossing. Because Koh Chang is so close to the mainland, you do not need to take a speedboat. Instead, you will take a large, roll-on/roll-off vehicle ferry.

There are two main ferry piers on the Trat mainland that service Koh Chang. Knowing which one to use will save you time.

1. Ao Thammachat Pier (Ferry Koh Chang) – Recommended

This is the most popular, fastest, and most efficient pier. If you book a private taxi with us, this is the pier we use.

• Destination Pier on Koh Chang: Ao Sapparot Pier.
• Crossing Time: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
• Ticket Price: 120 THB for an adult one-way, 120 THB for a standard 4-wheel car.
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes.

2. Center Point Pier

This pier is located further down the coast. The ferries here are generally older, and because the distance across the water is slightly longer, the travel time increases.

• Destination Pier on Koh Chang: Center Point Pier (Dan Kao).
• Crossing Time: Approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
• Ticket Price: Often sold as a round-trip ticket, but generally similar pricing (around 100-120 THB one way).
• Frequency: Every 1 hour.

Koh Chang Ferry Timetable (Ao Thammachat Pier)

Note: During peak season (November to April), ferries run continuously as soon as they are full. During the rainy season (May to October), they strictly follow the schedule below.

Departure from Mainland (Trat)	Departure from Koh Chang
06:30 AM (First Boat)	06:30 AM (First Boat)
07:45 AM	07:45 AM
08:45 AM	08:45 AM
09:45 AM	09:45 AM
10:45 AM	10:45 AM
11:45 AM	11:45 AM
12:45 PM	12:45 PM
01:45 PM	01:45 PM
02:45 PM	02:45 PM
03:45 PM	03:45 PM
04:45 PM	04:45 PM
05:45 PM	05:45 PM
06:30 PM (Last Boat)	06:30 PM (Last Boat)

Crucial Advice for the Last Ferry: The absolute most important thing to remember about the koh chang ferry is the final departure time. The last boat leaves the mainland at 18:30 (6:30 PM). If your flight lands at Suvarnabhumi Airport after 13:30 (1:30 PM), it is extremely risky to try and make it to the island on the same day. You will likely miss the last boat and have to spend a night in Trat.

Real Timing: What to Expect on the Road

Travel times in Thailand can be unpredictable. When looking at Google Maps, it might tell you the drive takes 4.5 hours. However, real-world timing requires factoring in traffic, toll booth lines, rest stops, and ferry boarding queues.

Here is a realistic breakdown of the journey from Central Bangkok:

• Bangkok to Trat Pier: 4.5 to 5.5 hours. (Highway 7 and Highway 344 are well-paved, but passing through Chonburi can sometimes have traffic).
• Ferry Wait Time: 15 to 45 minutes. (During long holiday weekends like Songkran or New Year, the queue for cars to board the ferry can stretch for miles, adding 1-3 hours to your trip. If you are a foot passenger, you just walk right on).
• The Sea Crossing: 30 to 45 minutes.
• Pier to your Koh Chang Hotel: 15 minutes to 1 hour. (White Sand Beach is just 15 minutes away, but reaching Lonely Beach or Bang Bao at the far south can take 45-60 minutes due to the extreme mountain roads).
• Total Real Travel Time: Expect a solid 6 to 7 hours door-to-door.

Traveling from Other Popular Cities

Not everyone starts their journey in Bangkok. If you are combining different beach destinations into one epic holiday, you might be coming from other coastal cities.

• From Pattaya: Traveling from the party capital is much quicker. It takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours to reach the ferry pier. For a smooth ride, check out our direct Pattaya to Koh Chang private transfer service.
• From Hua Hin: This is a massive cross-country journey spanning the Gulf of Thailand. You have to bypass Bangkok entirely. Expect an 8 to 9-hour travel day. We highly recommend booking a comfortable private car for this long haul. Learn more about the Hua Hin to Koh Chang route.

Island Logistics: Navigating Koh Chang’s Roads

Once the ferry docks on the island, the journey isn’t entirely over. Koh Chang is famous for its incredibly steep, winding, and sometimes treacherous mountain roads.

If you arrived as a foot passenger (via bus or minivan), you will find a fleet of white shared songthaews waiting at the pier. They charge fixed rates depending on which beach you are going to. Expect to pay between 50 to 150 THB per person. They will not leave until the truck is fully loaded with passengers, so you may have to wait.

If you are not comfortable riding in the back of an open-air truck over steep mountain passes, or if you simply want a private ride for your family to your resort, you will need a dedicated local service. You can arrange a reliable Koh Chang taxi to pick you up at the pier, ensuring you travel safely over the hills with air-conditioning and ample space for your luggage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Setting Off to Elephant Island

Figuring out how to get to koh chang doesn’t have to be a headache. While the journey involves a few moving parts—highway driving, catching the koh chang ferry, and navigating the island’s steep hills—the destination is entirely worth the effort.

For budget travelers, the minivans and buses provide an excellent and affordable adventure. But if you want to maximize your vacation time, avoid the heat, and step straight from your home or hotel right into your resort lobby with zero stress, booking a private vehicle is the ultimate travel hack.

Plan ahead, watch the clock so you don’t miss that 18:30 final boat, and get ready to enjoy one of Thailand’s most beautiful and untouched islands!