How to Get from Koh Kood to Trat Airport

The first leg of your journey from Koh Kood to Trat Airport is a sea crossing from the island to Laem Sok Pier on the mainland. Two types of vessels operate this route: speedboats (fast, frequent) and ferries (slower, cheaper, vehicle-carrying). Below is a detailed breakdown.

Speedboat (Fastest Sea Option)

• Duration: 45–60 minutes (direct).
• Frequency: Every 1–2 hours in high season (Nov–May); 2–4 departures daily in low season (Jun–Oct).
• Price: 600–800 THB (17–22 USD) per person.
• Departure piers: Ao Salad Pier (main), Klong Yai Pier (south of the island).
• Operators: Boonsiri, Koh Kood Speedboat, local pier co-ops.

Ferry (Budget & Vehicle-Carrying)

• Duration: 1.5–2 hours.
• Frequency: 2–3 departures daily (less frequent than speedboat).
• Price: 300–400 THB (8–11 USD) per person.
• Can carry: Cars, motorbikes, goods — useful if you're self-driving.
• Comfort: Basic seating, open decks, food & drink available on board.

Which One Should You Choose?

Speedboat vs Ferry – Sea Crossing Comparison

Criteria	Speedboat	Ferry
Time	45–60 min	1.5–2 hr
Cost (per person)	600–800 THB (17–22 USD)	300–400 THB (8–11 USD)
Frequency	High (every 1–2 hr)	Low (2–3/day)
Motion sickness risk	Higher (faster, bumpier)	Lower (slower, steadier)
Luggage allowance	20 kg/person (excess charged)	Generous (vehicle deck available)
Best for	Speed, tight flight schedules	Budget, families, vehicle transport

Tip: If you have a flight from Trat Airport, take the earliest speedboat (usually 7:00–8:00 AM) to ensure you arrive by 9:00–9:30 AM — perfect for Bangkok-bound flights.

For maximum comfort and convenience, book a private door-to-door transfer. This includes a speedboat ticket (sometimes on a shared speedboat) and a private car waiting for you at Laem Sok Pier to drive you directly to Trat Airport. No waiting, no shared songthaew — just seamless travel.

What’s Included?

• Hotel pickup on Koh Kood (or designated meeting point at the pier).
• Speedboat ticket to Laem Sok Pier (often on a premium speedboat with fewer passengers).
• Private air-conditioned car from Laem Sok Pier to Trat Airport.
• Total time: 2–2.5 hours from your Koh Kood hotel to the airport check-in counter.

Price Range

1,800–2,500 THB (50–70 USD) per person, depending on the operator and season. For a group of 2–4 people, this becomes very reasonable compared to buying separate tickets.

Recommended Operators

• Koh Kood Transfer — reliable, online booking, instant confirmation.
• Siam Travel Mart — offers combined ferry + car packages.
• Your hotel reception — many hotels on Koh Kood can arrange this with trusted local drivers.

When to choose this option: Late-night arrival, early-morning flight, traveling with heavy luggage, elderly passengers, or families with young children. It eliminates all coordination stress.

Once you arrive at Laem Sok Pier, you need to cover the final 25 km (15.5 miles) to Trat Airport. Two main land options are available: taxi (private, faster, more expensive) and songthaew (shared pickup truck, budget, slower).

Taxi (Private)

• Duration: 30–40 minutes.
• Cost: 400–600 THB (11–17 USD) per car (up to 4 passengers).
• Availability: Taxis queue at Laem Sok Pier whenever a boat arrives. In low season, you may need to call ahead.
• Comfort: Air-conditioned, direct to airport drop-off.

Songthaew (Shared)

• Duration: 40–60 minutes (makes stops along the way).
• Cost: 200–300 THB (6–8 USD) per person.
• How it works: Shared pickup truck with bench seating. Usually departs when full (8–10 passengers).
• Best for: Solo travelers on a budget; pairs well with the ferry option.

Comparison: Taxi vs Songthaew

Taxi vs Songthaew – Land Connection Comparison

Factor	Taxi	Songthaew
Time	30–40 min	40–60 min
Cost	400–600 THB (per car)	200–300 THB (per person)
Privacy	Private	Shared (may feel cramped)
Air conditioning	Yes	No (open sides)
Luggage	Trunk space	On roof rack or lap

Pro tip: If you're on the ferry + songthaew combo, you can often buy a combined ticket at the pier for 500–700 THB (14–19 USD), saving you the hassle of negotiating separately.

If you have a rental car or your own vehicle, you can take the car ferry from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier and then drive yourself to Trat Airport. This gives you maximum flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the mainland after dropping off your flight.

What You Need to Know

• Car ferry duration: 1.5–2 hours (same as passenger ferry).
• Vehicle cost: 1,200–1,800 THB (33–50 USD) per car, plus 300–400 THB (8–11 USD) per passenger.
• Booking: Reserve at least 1 day in advance, especially in high season. Contact Koh Kood Car Ferry or your hotel.
• Drive from Laem Sok Pier to Trat Airport: 25 km, well-paved road, 30–40 minutes. Follow Route 3156 signs to Trat Airport.
• Parking at Trat Airport: Long-term parking available — 100–200 THB (3–6 USD) per day.

Advantages

• Freedom to stop at Trat city for lunch or supplies.
• No waiting for taxis or songthaews.
• Ideal for families with lots of luggage or sports equipment (diving gear, surfboards).

Important: Not all rental car companies allow their vehicles to be taken on the car ferry. Check with your rental provider (e.g., Hertz Thailand or Budget) before booking. Some require a special permit or charge an additional fee.

After hundreds of trips by travelers and locals, here are the real-world tips that make your journey smoother. These insights go beyond the brochure.

1. Book Your Sea Crossing in Advance (Especially in High Season)

November to May, Koh Kood is busy. Speedboats sell out fast. Book at least 1 day ahead via your hotel or a local travel agency. In low season (June–October), boats may run only 2–3 times daily — pre-booking ensures you don't get stranded.

2. Motion Sickness – Be Prepared

The sea between Koh Kood and the mainland can be choppy, especially in the afternoon. Take Dramamine or ginger tablets 30 minutes before departure. Sit at the back of the speedboat (less bouncing) or in the middle of the ferry (most stable). Avoid heavy meals before sailing.

3. Luggage Delivery Service (Takkyubin-Style)

Some hotels on Koh Kood offer a baggage forwarding service to Trat Airport via local couriers. Ask your reception — they can arrange for your suitcases to be delivered directly to the airport for around 300–500 THB (8–14 USD) per bag. You travel light, your bags meet you at check-in.

4. Keep Small Change for the Pier

There are no ATMs at Laem Sok Pier. You'll need cash for the songthaew or taxi driver (some drivers accept QR payment, but not all). Carry 500–1,000 THB in small notes for the land leg.

5. Flight Connection Buffer Time

Trat Airport is small (one terminal, quick check-in). But don't cut it close. Allow at least 2 hours between your planned arrival at the airport and your flight departure. If your flight is at 11:00 AM, take the earliest speedboat (7:00–8:00 AM) to arrive by 9:00–9:30 AM.

6. What If Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled?

Trat Airport is served primarily by Bangkok Airways. If your flight is cancelled, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight. Stay near the airport — there's a small café and waiting area. For overnight delays, nearby Trat city has affordable hotels (e.g., The Residence Trat).

7. Avoid the Middle of the Day (Heat & Crowds)

The noon speedboat (12:00–13:00) is often the most crowded and the hottest. If possible, take the early morning (7:00–8:00 AM) or late afternoon (15:00–16:00) boat for a more pleasant experience with fewer people.