โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
International โ Domestic
60
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Surat Thani International Airport operates from a compact but efficiently designed two-story terminal building positioned 21 kilometers west of downtown Surat Thani, serving as Thailand's premier 'Fly'n'Ferry' hub and the primary budget gateway to the Gulf of Thailand's world-famous islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. As Thailand's tenth-busiest airport handling over 2 million passengers annually, this facility represents the crucial first step in the popular combined flight-bus-ferry journey that has revolutionized access to southern Thailand's tropical paradise destinations.
The terminal's ground floor is entirely dedicated to arrivals and check-in operations, featuring airline counters for Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and Thai Airways, alongside specialized travel company offices including Phantip Travel, Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, and Seatran Ferry where passengers can purchase integrated transportation tickets combining bus transfers to Donsak Pier with ferry connections to the islands. The baggage claim area seamlessly connects to these transportation booking counters, enabling visitors to arrange their complete island journey immediately upon arrival without external coordination.
The second-floor departure zone provides comfortable waiting lounges, security screening for domestic and international flights, passport control facilities, and airside amenities including shops and cafes serving southern Thai cuisine and travel essentials. Recent infrastructure improvements completed in 2024 included enhanced security systems and expanded passenger processing capabilities, while the airport received critical aerodrome certification from Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority in December 2024, affirming compliance with international safety standards.
Strategic expansion plans announced by Thailand's Transport Minister in October 2025 envision transforming Surat Thani into the primary international gateway for Gulf of Thailand tourism, with capacity increases from 4 million to 8 million passengers annually by 2031. The terminal currently coordinates with seven ferry companies providing direct airport-to-island services, supporting an estimated 9,300 jobs in regional tourism and hospitality sectors while contributing 5-7% of Surat Thani province's GDP through enhanced connectivity that has made the remote islands accessible to budget travelers worldwide. The facility's dual role as a Royal Thai Air Force base adds strategic importance while maintaining focus on civilian operations that have revolutionized southern Thailand's tourism accessibility.
๐ Connection Tips
Surat Thani International Airport (URT) serves as the primary 'FlyโnโFerry' hub for travelers heading to the world-renowned islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. During the monsoon season (October to December), ferry schedules can be affected by sea conditions, so maintaining a flexible travel plan is essential. The airport is a major hub for low-cost carriers like Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air, making domestic connections to Bangkok's Don Mueang (DMK) very frequent. Always allow at least three to four hours for the total journey from the airport to the islands to account for bus transfers and ferry boarding times.
These 'joint tickets' include a comfortable shuttle bus ride to the Donsak Pier, which takes about 90 minutes, followed by a ferry or speedboat transfer to your chosen island. Located approximately 21 kilometers west of Surat Thani city, the airport is a much more cost-effective alternative to flying directly into Samui. Upon arrival, the most critical logistical tip is to visit the dedicated transportation counters in the arrival hall (such as Phantip Travel or Lomprayah) to purchase combined bus and ferry tickets.
If you are connecting from a late-night flight, be aware that the last ferry departures from Donsak usually occur around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, so you may need to spend a night in Surat Thani city if you arrive late. For those heading to Surat Thani city, shuttle buses run frequently and take about 45 to 60 minutes, while fixed-rate taxis are also available for roughly 500-700 THB. The single-terminal facility is modern and efficient, offering essential amenities like local Thai eateries, small retail shops, and free Wi-Fi.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chumphon Airport (CJM), also known by its ICAO code VTSE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Chumphon and the surrounding province in Southern Thailand. Located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center in the Pathio District, the airport acts as the definitive gateway for travelers heading to the world-famous diving destination of Koh Tao and the neighboring islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The facility is managed by the Department of Airports and has seen steady growth as an efficient alternative to the more congested hubs in Surat Thani or Samui.
The airport features a modern and functional single passenger terminal building that was specifically designed to handle high-volume domestic tourist traffic. The terminal is organized on a single level, ensuring that check-in counters, security screening, and the departure lounge are all within close proximity. The architectural design emphasizes natural ventilation and a bright, airy atmosphere characteristic of Thai regional airfields. The facility has undergone recent modernization to improve passenger flow and accommodate the larger turboprop and narrow-body aircraft that connect the mainland with the national capital.
Amenities at Chumphon Airport are well-appointed for its size, catering primarily to adventure travelers and island-bound tourists. The terminal houses several cafes and snack bars serving both local Thai refreshments and international coffee. For the convenience of travelers, the main hall features dedicated transport desks for 'Lomprayah' and 'Boonsiri' high-speed ferries, where passengers can purchase combined bus and boat tickets directly upon arrival. Other facilities include several retail shops selling beach gear and regional souvenirs, multiple ATMs, and an information booth. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the airport provides ample car rental options for those looking to explore the scenic Chumphon coastline.
CJM provides robust connectivity to Bangkok, serving as a key operational point for carriers like Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Frequent daily flights connect Chumphon with Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), providing a rapid link for both international tourists and local residents. Ground transportation is well-coordinated with flight arrivals, with dedicated shuttle buses waiting to take passengers to the various ferry piers, such as Thung Makham Noi, for their onward journey to Koh Tao. Its role as a strategic transport node is fundamental to the tourism economy of the Gulf of Thailand, offering one of the fastest ways to reach the islands from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a strategic transit point for travelers heading from Bangkok to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly Koh Tao. Most visitors use this airport as a link to the Lomprayah or Boonsiri high-speed ferry services. For the most seamless connection, it is highly recommended to book a 'joint ticket' or 'Island Transfer' directly with Nok Air or AirAsia. These packages bundle the flight from Bangkok (DMK), a 60-minute shuttle bus ride to the pier, and the subsequent ferry crossing.
Note that only early morning flights (typically departing DMK around 6:00 AM) align with the afternoon ferry departures; later arrivals will likely require an overnight stay in Chumphon town. Upon arrival at CJM, proceed to the ferry operator counters in the arrivals hall to collect your transfer stickers and boarding documents. The shuttle to Thung Makham Noi Pier (used by Lomprayah) takes about an hour. From the pier, high-speed catamarans reach Koh Tao in approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
If you have not pre-booked a bundle, you can purchase shuttle-plus-ferry transfers at the airport desks for roughly 800โ1,100 THB. Sea conditions in the Gulf can be choppy during the monsoon season (November to January), so motion sickness medication is advisable. For your return, ensure your ferry departs Koh Tao at least 5 hours before your flight to account for potential sea delays and the land transfer. The airport itself is a small, quiet facility with basic cafes, so it is best to buy essential supplies in Bangkok or upon reaching the islands.
โ Back to Surat Thani Airport