How to Get from Koh Chang (Ranong) to Ranong Airport

Speedboats are the quickest water crossing from Koh Chang (Ranong) to the mainland. They depart from the main pier at Ban Ao Yai and arrive at Laem Son Pier in Ranong province. From there, a taxi or songthaew takes you directly to Ranong Airport (UNN), about 25 km away.

Step-by-Step Journey

• Step 1: Arrive at Ban Ao Yai Pier on Koh Chang (Ranong) at least 20 minutes before departure.
• Step 2: Board the speedboat — travel time 45 minutes across the Andaman Sea.
• Step 3: Disembark at Laem Son Pier on the mainland.
• Step 4: Take a taxi (300–500 THB / $8–$14) or shared songthaew (200 THB / $6) to Ranong Airport — 30–40 minutes.

Speedboat Schedule & Seasonality

Season	Departures (Koh Chang → Mainland)	Frequency
High Season (Nov–Apr)	07:00, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00	4 daily
Low Season (May–Oct)	08:00, 12:00	2 daily (weather permitting)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Speedboat ticket	600–800	$17–$22
Taxi to airport (private)	400–500	$11–$14
Songthaew to airport (shared)	200	$6
Total (private taxi)	1,000–1,300	$28–$36
Total (shared songthaew)	800–1,000	$22–$28

Pros & Cons

• ✓ Fastest option: 1.5–2 hours total door-to-door.
• ✓ Reliable in high season — departures run on time 90%+.
• ✗ Limited luggage: max 20 kg per person; extra bags 50–100 THB ($1.50–$3).
• ✗ Cancellation risk in low season — rough seas can ground speedboats.

Best for: Travelers with carry-on luggage only, those on tight schedules, and anyone taking an afternoon flight from Ranong Airport. Check current speedboat schedules on the Ranong transport board.

The public ferry is the most economical way to get from Koh Chang (Ranong) to the mainland. It is slower than a speedboat but far cheaper and more weather-resistant. Ferries dock at Tha Chai Pier, about 28 km from Ranong Airport.

Step-by-Step Journey

• Step 1: Arrive at Ban Ao Yai Pier — ferries depart from the same pier as speedboats.
• Step 2: Board the ferry — travel time 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
• Step 3: Disembark at Tha Chai Pier (mainland).
• Step 4: Take a shared songthaew (200–300 THB / $6–$8) or private taxi (400–500 THB / $11–$14) to Ranong Airport — 35–45 minutes.

Ferry Schedule & Frequency

Season	Departures (Koh Chang → Mainland)	Frequency
High Season (Nov–Apr)	06:30, 10:00, 14:00	3 daily
Low Season (May–Oct)	07:00, 13:00	2 daily (more reliable in rough weather)

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Ferry ticket	300–400	$8–$11
Songthaew to airport (shared)	200–300	$6–$8
Taxi to airport (private)	400–500	$11–$14
Total (shared songthaew)	500–700	$14–$19
Total (private taxi)	700–900	$19–$25

Pros & Cons

• ✓ Cheapest option: from 500 THB ($14) per person.
• ✓ More weather-resistant — ferries run in conditions that ground speedboats.
• ✓ No strict luggage limit — large suitcases accepted for 20–50 THB ($0.60–$1.50).
• ✗ Slower: 2.5–3 hours total journey time.
• ✗ Fewer departures: only 2–3 per day, so timing is critical.

Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers with large luggage, and those traveling in low season when speedboats may be cancelled. View the official ferry timetable for Koh Chang (Ranong).

Many travel agencies on Koh Chang (Ranong) sell combined minivan + ferry tickets that include a shared minivan from your accommodation to the pier, the boat crossing, and a connecting minivan from the mainland pier to Ranong Airport. This is the most hassle-free option for travelers who prefer not to negotiate transport at each leg.

How It Works

• Step 1: Book at a travel kiosk near Ban Ao Yai or at your hotel/resort the day before.
• Step 2: A minivan picks you up from your accommodation (included) and takes you to the pier.
• Step 3: Board the ferry (or speedboat, depending on the package) to the mainland.
• Step 4: A waiting minivan takes you from the mainland pier directly to Ranong Airport.

Package Types & Prices

Package Type	Boat Type	Total Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Budget package	Ferry	2.5–3 hrs	800–900	$22–$25
Express package	Speedboat	1.5–2 hrs	1,000–1,200	$28–$33
Premium package (private van)	Speedboat	1.5 hrs	1,500–1,800	$42–$50

Pros & Cons

• ✓ Door-to-door service — no need to find transport at each stage.
• ✓ Fixed price — no haggling with taxi drivers at the pier.
• ✓ Includes luggage handling — drivers help load bags into the minivan.
• ✗ Slightly more expensive than booking each leg independently.
• ✗ Fixed schedule — you must depart at the package time, not flexible.

Best for: First-time visitors, families with children, and anyone who values convenience over saving a few hundred baht. Book at least one day in advance during high season. Compare minivan package deals on 12Go.asia.

A private transfer is the most expensive but most flexible option. It typically involves a private taxi from your accommodation on Koh Chang (Ranong) to the pier, a chartered speedboat (or longtail boat) to the mainland, and a private car waiting at the pier to take you to Ranong Airport. This is the only option that offers true door-to-door service without any shared transport.

Private Transfer Cost Breakdown

Service Component	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)
Private taxi (resort → pier)	300–500	$8–$14
Chartered speedboat (Koh Chang → mainland)	1,500–2,500	$42–$69
Private car (mainland pier → airport)	500–700	$14–$19
Total (1–2 passengers)	2,300–3,700	$64–$103
Total (3–4 passengers, shared cost)	575–925 per person	$16–$26 per person

When to Choose Private Transfer

• Very early or late flights — when public boats are not running.
• Groups of 3–4 people — per-person cost becomes comparable to a speedboat + taxi.
• Travelers with mobility issues — no walking or waiting at piers.
• Heavy luggage (multiple large suitcases) — private vehicles have more space.

Pros & Cons

• ✓ Maximum flexibility — depart whenever you want.
• ✓ Private vehicle throughout — no sharing with strangers.
• ✓ Best for groups — cost-effective when split 3–4 ways.
• ✗ Very expensive solo — up to 3,700 THB ($103) for one person.
• ✗ Needs advance booking — at least 24–48 hours notice for charter boats.

Best for: Groups, business travelers, anyone with an early morning flight (before 9:00 AM), and those traveling during low season when public boat schedules are reduced. Book a private transfer through Ranong Taxi Services.

The table below summarizes every transport option from Koh Chang (Ranong) to Ranong Airport, including total time, total cost, number of transfers, and recommended use case.

Complete Comparison Table

Option	Total Time	Cost (THB)	Cost (USD)	Transfers	Best For
⭐ Speedboat + taxi	1.5–2 hrs	1,000–1,300	$28–$36	2 (pier + taxi)	Fastest overall; afternoon flights
💰 Ferry + songthaew	2.5–3 hrs	500–700	$14–$19	2 (pier + songthaew)	Cheapest option; budget travelers
🚐 Minivan package (ferry)	2.5–3 hrs	800–900	$22–$25	1 (door-to-door)	Convenience; families
🚀 Minivan package (speedboat)	1.5–2 hrs	1,000–1,200	$28–$33	1 (door-to-door)	Convenience + speed
🚗 Private transfer (1–2 pax)	1.5–2 hrs	2,300–3,700	$64–$103	0 (true door-to-door)	Early/late flights; mobility needs
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Private transfer (3–4 pax)	1.5–2 hrs	575–925 pp	$16–$26 pp	0 (true door-to-door)	Groups; cost splits well

Where to Book Tickets

• On the island: Travel kiosks at Ban Ao Yai, or at your resort/hotel reception. No commission charged for packages.
• Online: 12Go.asia — books speedboat + minivan combos. Bookaway — ferry and minivan tickets with instant confirmation.
• At the pier: Walk-up tickets available for ferry (300–400 THB) and speedboat (600–800 THB) — arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Money-saving tip: The cheapest combination is ferry + shared songthaew at 500–700 THB ($14–$19). If you are in a group of 3–4, a private transfer (575–925 THB per person) offers far better value than speedboat + taxi (1,000–1,300 THB per person).

Based on traveler reports and local knowledge, here are the most important things to know before making the journey from Koh Chang (Ranong) to Ranong Airport. These insights can save you time, money, and frustration.

1. Pier Transfer — Don't Get Lost

The main departure pier on Koh Chang (Ranong) is Ban Ao Yai Pier, located on the east side of the island. It is well signposted, but if you are staying on the west side (beach bungalows), allow 20–30 minutes by taxi or scooter to reach the pier. Your resort can arrange a pickup — typically 200–300 THB ($6–$8).

2. Luggage — Pack Light for Speedboats

Speedboats have limited space. Travelers report that baggage over 20 kg is often charged 50–100 THB ($1.50–$3) and may be stored on the roof or under seats. If you have a large suitcase, take the ferry instead — no strict weight limit and lower fees (20–50 THB). Consider using Takkyubin (luggage delivery) from Koh Chang to Ranong Airport if you have more than one large bag. Thailand Post offers door-to-door luggage shipping from Koh Chang to Ranong for 300–500 THB ($8–$14) per item.

3. Weather & Sea Conditions

The Andaman Sea around Ranong is notorious for rough conditions from May to October. Speedboat cancellations are common during this period. The ferry is far more reliable in bad weather. Always check the Windy forecast for Ranong province the day before travel. If seas are forecast above 2 meters, book the ferry automatically.

4. Timing Your Arrival at Ranong Airport

Ranong Airport (UNN) is small — check-in counters open 1.5 hours before departure and close 30 minutes before. For domestic flights to Bangkok (DMK), security is quick (5–10 minutes). Aim to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour before your flight. If your flight is at 12:00, depart Koh Chang by 09:00 (speedboat) or 08:00 (ferry) to be safe.

5. Food & Facilities at the Pier

Ban Ao Yai Pier has a small shop selling snacks, drinks, and instant noodles. There is also a basic toilet (5 THB / $0.15). Laem Son Pier and Tha Chai Pier on the mainland have no facilities — bring water and snacks if you think you might be hungry during the taxi ride.

6. Scams & Overcharging

Taxi drivers at the mainland piers may quote inflated prices to tourists. The fair rate to Ranong Airport is 400–500 THB ($11–$14) for a private taxi and 200–300 THB ($6–$8) per person for a shared songthaew. Negotiate before getting in, or book through your accommodation in advance to lock in the price.

Pro tip: If you have a smartphone, download the Grab app (Southeast Asia's Uber) — it works in Ranong province and shows fixed prices for taxi rides from Tha Chai Pier to Ranong Airport, typically 350–450 THB ($10–$12).

These practical tips cover the most common pain points travelers face when navigating the Koh Chang (Ranong) → Ranong Airport route.

Book in Advance During Peak Season

From December to March, Koh Chang (Ranong) sees increased visitor numbers. Speedboat seats sell out 1–2 days in advance, and minivan packages are often fully booked. Reserve your spot at least 48 hours ahead during this period. Check seat availability on 12Go.asia before making plans.

Early Morning Flights — Stay on the Mainland

If your flight departs before 10:00 AM, the first speedboat (07:00–08:00) and first ferry (06:30–07:30) may not get you to the airport in time. The safest solution is to stay overnight in Ranong town (on the mainland) the night before. Budget hotels like Ranong Hotel or Sook Hotel cost 500–800 THB ($14–$22) per night. From Ranong town, a taxi to the airport takes just 20 minutes and costs 200–300 THB ($6–$8).

Longtail Boat Alternative

In an emergency (missed the last ferry or speedboat), you can charter a longtail boat from Koh Chang to the mainland. This is expensive — 1,500–2,000 THB ($42–$56) for the boat alone — and takes 1.5–2 hours depending on sea conditions. Longtail boats are open-air and can get wet in rough weather. Only use this as a last resort. Ask at Ban Ao Yai Pier for availability.

Travel Insurance for Low Season

If you are traveling between May and October, consider travel insurance that covers trip delays and cancellations. Speedboat cancellations due to weather are common, and missing your flight from Ranong Airport could result in rebooking fees. World Nomads covers weather-related transport disruptions in Thailand.

Sim Card & Connectivity

Mobile signal on Koh Chang (Ranong) is generally good (4G from AIS, TrueMove, and dtac). However, the boat crossing has no signal for 30–45 minutes. Download your airport check-in information and boarding pass before departing the island. AIS offers tourist SIMs from 299 THB ($8) with 15 GB data — available at Ranong Airport arrivals.

Backup Plan — What If You Miss the Connection?

If you miss the last boat or your boat is cancelled and you cannot reach Ranong Airport in time, here is your backup: Take a minivan from Ranong town to Chumphon (2.5 hours, 250 THB / $7), then the overnight train to Bangkok (8–10 hours, 800–1,200 THB / $22–$33). Alternatively, stay overnight in Ranong and rebook your flight for the next day — Nok Air and Air Asia both fly Ranong to Bangkok (DMK) daily. Check Nok Air rebooking policies here.