Bangkok to Koh Chang: Train, Bus & Ferry Route Breakdown (2026)

Bangkok to Koh Chang transport guide: Train, Bus & Ferry Route Breakdown 2026

Bangkok to Koh Chang transport guide: Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island and one of its most underrated — but it sits 315km from Bangkok, which requires some planning to reach. The good news: the journey is straightforward once you know the route, and there’s a clear best option for most travelers. Here’s every way to do it, broken down honestly.

The Route: Bangkok → Trat → Laem Ngop → Ferry → Koh Chang

Every route to Koh Chang follows the same geography: Bangkok to the town of Trat (or nearby Laem Ngop Pier) by bus, minivan, train or flight, then a 30-minute ferry crossing to the island. The variables are how you cover the Bangkok–Trat section.

Option 1: Minivan from Ekkamai Eastern Bus Terminal (Recommended)

For most travellers, a direct minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal straight to the Koh Chang ferry pier is the easiest option.

How it works:

1. Take the BTS to Ekkamai station (E7, Sukhumvit Line). Exit to the Eastern Bus Terminal directly below.
2. Buy a minivan ticket to Koh Chang / Laem Ngop from the ticket counters. Operators include Cherdchai Tour and several others. No advance booking usually needed except on long weekends and Thai holidays.
3. The minivan takes you directly to Laem Ngop (Center Point Pier or Tha Dan Pier) for the Koh Chang ferry.
4. At the pier, buy your ferry ticket and board. Ferries run throughout the day and don’t need pre-booking.

Cost: Minivan Bangkok–Laem Ngop: approximately 200–280 THB per person. Ferry: 80–120 THB per person (vehicle surcharge if bringing a scooter).
Total journey time: Approximately 4–5 hours door-to-door from central Bangkok.
Departures: Multiple daily, typically 5:00am–12:00pm. Early departures recommended.

Option 2: Bus from Ekkamai (Cheaper, Slower)

Government BKS buses and private buses also run from Ekkamai to Trat. This is cheaper than the minivan but takes longer (4–5 hours to Trat bus station, then a local songthaew or taxi to Laem Ngop pier, then ferry). Total door-to-door: 6–7 hours.

Cost: Bus to Trat: 180–250 THB. Songthaew/taxi to pier: 50–100 THB. Ferry: 80–120 THB.
Best for: Budget travellers with time flexibility who prefer a larger, more comfortable bus seat to a packed minivan.

Option 3: Fly Bangkok to Trat (Bangkok Airways)

Bangkok Airways operates flights from Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Trat Airport (TDX). The flight takes 55 minutes. From Trat Airport, it’s around 40 minutes by taxi or transfer to Laem Ngop pier, then the ferry.

Cost: Bangkok Airways BKK–TDX from approximately 1,500–2,500 THB one-way (no budget carriers serve this route — Bangkok Airways has the monopoly).
Total journey time: 2.5–3 hours door-to-door, including transfers.
Best for: Travellers short on time, those combining Koh Chang with Bangkok hotel points, or those who’d otherwise be making a very long journey from further away in Thailand.

Option 4: Train + Bus/Taxi (Scenic but Slow)

State Railway of Thailand runs trains from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (or Bang Sue Grand Station) to Chanthaburi or Sattahip — neither of which is particularly close to Koh Chang. The train leg gets you to the general southeastern region but you still need road transport to Laem Ngop. This route is more scenic and enjoyable as a journey in itself rather than being the most practical choice for Koh Chang.

Best for: Rail enthusiasts and travellers who want to stop in Chanthaburi (famous for gemstones and fruit) en route.

The Ferry to Koh Chang

Once at Laem Ngop, you have two main pier options:

• Center Point Ferry — departs from Center Point Pier, arrives Ao Sapparot on Koh Chang. Most popular, most frequent. Runs approximately 6:00am–7:00pm, every 45–60 minutes.
• Koh Chang Ferry — departs from Tha Dan Pier, arrives at the same northern end of Koh Chang. Similar frequency and price.

Ferry fare: 80–120 THB per person, payable at the pier. Journey time: 30 minutes.
No advance booking needed for the passenger ferry. If you’re bringing a vehicle, arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes early during busy periods.

Getting Around Koh Chang Once You Arrive

From the Koh Chang ferry pier (Ao Sapparot) at the island’s north, songthaews wait to take passengers to the main beaches:

• White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao): 15 minutes, 50–80 THB per person
• Lonely Beach / Bailan: 45 minutes, 100–150 THB per person
• Klong Prao Beach: 25 minutes, 60–100 THB per person

Most Koh Chang hotels and resorts will also arrange a pickup from the pier for a fixed fee — ask when you book.

Bangkok to Koh Chang transport guide: Journey Comparison Summary

Booking Tips

• Book the minivan in advance on Thai public holidays (Songkran, New Year, Labour Day) — these routes fill up. 12Go.asia has online booking.
• Aim for an early departure (7–8am minivan) to arrive at Koh Chang by early afternoon with time to settle in before dark.
• Don’t pay for a “combined” package at tourist shops near Khao San Road — these add a 20–40% markup for the convenience of being sold together. Buy your minivan ticket at Ekkamai.

For hotels on Koh Chang, see our best beachfront hotels in Koh Chang guide →

Where to Stay on Koh Chang

Koh Chang’s beaches vary significantly in character. White Sand Beach (Hat Sai Khao) is the most developed with the widest range of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Klong Prao Beach is quieter and better for couples and families. Lonely Beach is the budget backpacker hub. Compare live prices across all platforms:

Practical Tips for the Journey

• Book minivan tickets on Thai public holidays (Songkran, New Year, Chinese New Year) — these routes sell out. Use 12Go.asia for advance booking.
• Go early. A 7–8am minivan from Ekkamai gets you to the ferry pier by noon, giving you a full afternoon on the island. Later departures risk arriving after dark.
• Don’t buy combined packages on Khao San Road. Tourist shops near Khao San sell “Koh Chang package tickets” with a 20–40% markup. Buy your minivan ticket at Ekkamai terminal directly.
• The ferry doesn’t need pre-booking. Ferries run throughout the day from both Laem Ngop piers. Turn up and board — the 30-minute crossing is straightforward.
• Get a Thailand eSIM before you travel. Mobile signal on Koh Chang is decent on the main west coast but patchy in some inland areas. An AIS-based eSIM gives the best rural coverage. Best Thailand eSIM compared →

Bangkok to Koh Chang guide: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

By minivan and ferry (the recommended route): approximately 4–5 hours total from central Bangkok. Flight (Bangkok Airways to Trat) plus transfer and ferry: approximately 2.5–3 hours but significantly more expensive. By bus plus taxi plus ferry: 6–7 hours.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

The minivan from Ekkamai terminal to Laem Ngop pier, plus the ferry, totals approximately 280–400 THB per person (~£6–8.90). The government bus is marginally cheaper but adds 1–2 hours to the journey and requires an additional transfer to the pier. For most travellers the minivan is the best balance of cost and convenience.

Is there a direct bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang?

There are direct minivans from Ekkamai Bus Terminal to the Koh Chang ferry pier at Laem Ngop — these are the closest thing to a direct service and require no transfer at Trat. Operators including Cherdchai Tour run this route multiple times daily. You still need the short ferry crossing once at the pier.

Can I bring a scooter or car to Koh Chang on the ferry?

Yes — vehicle ferries operate from both Center Point and Tha Dan piers. A scooter surcharge is typically 80–100 THB on top of the passenger fare. Cars and larger vehicles are accommodated but arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes early during busy periods, particularly on Thai holiday weekends.

What is Koh Chang like — is it worth visiting?

Koh Chang is Thailand’s second-largest island and significantly less developed than Koh Samui or Phuket. It suits travelers who want a beach holiday with fewer crowds, lower prices and genuine jungle interior. The west coast beaches (White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae) are well developed enough for comfortable stays; the east coast and interior remain largely wild. It is not a nightlife destination — for that, Koh Samui or Phuket are more appropriate.

When is the best time to visit Koh Chang?

November to April (dry season on the Gulf coast). Koh Chang sits on the Gulf side of Thailand and receives its main monsoon from May to October — the same season as Koh Samui rather than Phuket. Some resorts close entirely during the wettest months (September–October). November and December are the best months: dry, relatively uncrowded and green from the recent rains.

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