How to Get from Koh Chang to Trat Airport

This is the most common and reliable way to reach Trat Airport from Koh Chang. You take a ferry from one of the island's piers to the mainland, then continue by road to the airport. Two sub-options exist: public taxi (shared) or private taxi.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Get to a pier on Koh Chang: Most visitors use Centerpoint Pier (west coast, near White Sand Beach) or Laem Ngop Pier (south end). Taxis from your hotel to the pier cost 100–300 THB (3–9 USD) depending on distance.
2. Take the ferry: Ferries run every 30–60 minutes from 06:00 to 19:00. Crossing time: 30–45 minutes. Fare: 80–150 THB (2.5–4.5 USD) per person. Operators include Koh Chang Ferry and Centerpoint Ferry.
3. Road transfer to Trat Airport: From the pier, Trat Airport is 25–35 km away (30–45 min drive). Options:
   • Private taxi: 300–500 THB (9–15 USD) — faster, direct, no waiting.
   • Shared minivan: 200–350 THB (6–10 USD) per person — cheaper but may wait for full load.

Ferry Operator Comparison

Main Ferry Operators from Koh Chang to Mainland

Operator	Pier (Koh Chang)	Pier (Mainland)	Frequency	Duration	Price (THB / USD)
Koh Chang Ferry	Laem Ngop (south)	Laem Ngop Mainland	Every 30 min	35–45 min	100–150 THB (3–4.5 USD)
Centerpoint Ferry	Centerpoint (west)	Centerpoint Mainland	Every 40–60 min	30–40 min	80–120 THB (2.5–3.5 USD)
Koh Chang Fast Ferry	Various	Laem Ngop	Limited schedule	20–30 min	200–300 THB (6–9 USD)

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Pros: Frequent departures, low cost, no booking needed for ferry, flexible.
• ✘ Cons: Requires coordination between ferry and taxi, luggage handling at pier, shared taxi may have wait time.

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers, small groups, those already familiar with the island. Total door-to-door time: 1.5–2 hours. Total cost per person: 400–650 THB (12–19 USD).

Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — ferry schedules & prices verified 2025.

Many travel agencies on Koh Chang and at the piers sell combined tickets that include both the ferry crossing and a shared minivan to Trat Airport. This is the most hassle-free budget option because you only pay once and don't need to negotiate separate fares.

How It Works

1. Purchase a combined ticket at your hotel, a travel agency, or at the pier. Price: 350–550 THB (10–16 USD) per person.
2. Take the designated ferry (usually with the same operator).
3. On the mainland, look for a minivan with the company logo or your name on a board. The driver will take you directly to Trat Airport.

What's Included

• Ferry crossing (standard fare).
• Shared minivan transfer from the mainland pier to Trat Airport.
• Sometimes hotel pickup on Koh Chang (check when booking).

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Pros: Single payment, no negotiation, guaranteed seat, good value.
• ✘ Cons: Fixed schedule, may wait for other passengers, less flexible than private taxi.

Best for: Solo travelers, couples, anyone wanting simplicity. Total time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost per person: 350–550 THB (10–16 USD).

Source: Koh Chang Tourism Association — combined ticket providers list.

A door-to-door private transfer picks you up from your hotel (or any location on Koh Chang) and takes you all the way to Trat Airport, including the ferry crossing. The vehicle (car, SUV, or minivan) travels on the ferry with you, so there's no need to change transport.

Typical Pricing

Private Transfer Prices (Hotel to Trat Airport)

Vehicle Type	Max Passengers	Price (THB)	Price (USD)	Notes
Standard Car (Toyota Vios / similar)	3	1,200–1,500	35–44	2–3 suitcases
SUV (Toyota Fortuner / similar)	4–5	1,500–1,800	44–52	More luggage space
Minivan (Toyota Commuter)	8–10	1,800–2,200	52–64	Groups & families

Where to Book

• Your hotel concierge (often the easiest).
• Local travel agencies on Koh Chang.
• Online platforms like 12Go or Bookaway.

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Pros: Maximum comfort and privacy, door-to-door, no luggage handling, flexible schedule, great for groups or families.
• ✘ Cons: Significantly more expensive than other options, must book in advance during peak season.

Best for: Families with children, groups of 3+, travelers with lots of luggage, those with mobility issues, or anyone prioritizing comfort. Total time: 1.5–2 hours. Cost: 1,200–2,200 THB (35–64 USD) total, not per person.

Source: Trat Airport Official Information — transfer recommendations.

For travelers who are extremely short on time or want to minimize sea time, a private speedboat from Koh Chang to the mainland followed by a taxi is the fastest route. Speedboats cut the crossing time by roughly half.

Speedboat Details

• Crossing time: 15–25 minutes (vs. 30–45 min for ferry).
• Cost: 800–1,500 THB (23–44 USD) per person for a shared speedboat, or 2,500–4,000 THB (73–116 USD) for a private charter.
• Departure points: Mainly from White Sand Beach or Bang Bao Pier.
• Frequency: Limited — usually 2–3 departures per day. Booking essential.

Total Journey (Door-to-Door)

1. Hotel to speedboat pier: 10–20 min (taxi).
2. Speedboat crossing: 15–25 min.
3. Mainland pier to Trat Airport: 30–45 min (taxi).

Total time: 50–70 minutes (best case). Total cost per person: 1,100–2,000 THB (32–58 USD).

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Pros: Fastest way, exciting ride, less sea sickness risk (shorter time).
• ✘ Cons: Expensive, limited schedule, not suitable for very rough seas, less luggage space than ferry.

Best for: Those with very tight flight connections, VIP travelers, or anyone who wants a mini-adventure. Not recommended for families with very young children or travelers with heavy luggage.

Source: Koh Chang Ferry — Speedboat Service.

If you prefer to be in control of your schedule, renting a car on Koh Chang and driving to Trat Airport is a viable option. You take the car ferry to the mainland and drive directly to the airport.

Rental Car on Koh Chang

• Daily rate: 800–1,500 THB (23–44 USD) for a standard car (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz).
• Rental companies: Local agencies on the island (e.g., Koh Chang Car Rental) or international chains with island branches.
• Car ferry cost: The driver pays the ferry fare (100–150 THB / 3–4.5 USD) plus the vehicle fee (200–300 THB / 6–9 USD).

Driving from Mainland Pier to Trat Airport

• Distance: 25–35 km.
• Time: 30–45 minutes via Route 3156 and Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road).
• Parking at Trat Airport: Short-term and long-term parking available (free for first 30 min, then approx 20 THB / 0.6 USD per hour).

One-Way Drop-Off?

Most rental companies on Koh Chang do not allow one-way rentals to Trat Airport or elsewhere on the mainland. You typically need to return the car to Koh Chang. However, some premium companies offer one-way drops for an additional fee (500–1,000 THB / 15–29 USD). Inquire directly.

Pros & Cons

• ✔ Pros: Total freedom, no waiting, can explore the mainland en route, ideal if you're continuing to other destinations.
• ✘ Cons: One-way drop is tricky, car ferry adds cost and time, driving on the left may be unfamiliar, parking fees at airport.

Best for: Independent travelers, those planning a longer road trip, or families who prefer their own vehicle. Total time: 1.5–2 hours (including ferry). Cost: 800–1,500 THB (23–44 USD) rental + ferry fees.

Source: Thailand Driving Guide — rental & road rules.

Based on frequent traveler feedback and local knowledge, here are 7 essential tips for a smooth journey from Koh Chang to Trat Airport:

1. Book your ferry + taxi combo in advance during high season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug). Queues at the pier can be long, and shared taxis sell out. Use your hotel reception or a reputable online platform.
2. Allow at least 3 hours before your flight departure. Trat Airport is small, but domestic check-in closes 30–40 min before departure. For international connections, allow 4–5 hours total.
3. Use the Takkyubin (luggage delivery) service if you're continuing to Bangkok. Some hotels on Koh Chang can forward your luggage to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport via long-distance bus or courier — ask at reception.
4. Check the weather forecast. Ferry crossings can be canceled in very rough seas (rare, but possible in Oct–Nov). Have a backup plan.
5. Carry small bills for the ferry and taxi. Drivers and pier vendors often have limited change for large notes.
6. The ferry ride is short but can be windy. Sit on the lower deck if you're prone to seasickness or have heavy luggage.
7. Trat Airport has limited facilities. A small café and a duty-free shop (for domestic flights). Eat before you arrive or bring snacks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Assuming a direct transport exists: There is no direct ferry or bus from Koh Chang to Trat Airport. You always need to change at the mainland pier.
• ❌ Waiting until the last minute to arrange transfer: Especially during holidays, availability drops and prices rise.
• ❌ Overpacking for a speedboat: Speedboats have strict luggage limits (usually 20 kg per person). Extra baggage may be refused.
• ❌ Forgetting your flight confirmation: Some transfer providers require flight details to schedule the pick-up.

Insights compiled from TripAdvisor Koh Chang Forum and Thailand Travel Guide.