Quick Answer
Best way: Speedboat + Taxi. Total time ~1.5–2 hours | Total cost 1,100–1,500 THB (≈31–43 USD). Take a speedboat from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier (30–45 min, 600–800 THB), then a private taxi to Trat Airport (30–40 min, 500–700 THB). For budget travelers, a shared minivan from the pier costs just 200–300 THB (≈6–9 USD).
Cheapest way: Ferry + Shared Minivan. Total time ~2.5–3 hours | Total cost 600–800 THB (≈17–23 USD). The ferry takes longer but is more stable and allows more luggage.
Speedboat from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier
The speedboat is the fastest and most popular way to cross from Koh Kood to the mainland at Laem Sok Pier. Multiple operators run daily services, especially during the high season (November–April).
Key Operators & Details
| Operator | Travel Time | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Daily Departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BoonSiri Speedboat | 30–40 min | 700–800 THB | ≈20–23 USD | 4–6 (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) |
| Koh Kood Princess | 35–45 min | 650–750 THB | ≈19–21 USD | 3–5 (8:30 AM – 1:30 PM) |
| BoonSiri Express | 30–35 min | 750–850 THB | ≈21–24 USD | 2–3 (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) |
Source: BoonSiri Ferry Official Site & Tourism Authority of Thailand — schedule data confirmed for 2025 high season.
What to Expect
- Boarding point: Ao Salad Pier or Klong Hin Pier (Koh Kood) — check your ticket.
- Luggage: 1 suitcase (≤20 kg) + 1 hand bag included. Oversize items: 100–300 THB surcharge.
- Seating: Indoor air-conditioned cabin with life jackets under seats.
- Sea conditions: Speedboats can be bumpy in choppy water — avoid if you have severe motion sickness.
Best For
Travelers on a tight schedule, those catching specific flights at Trat Airport, and anyone who prefers to minimize sea time.
Ferry from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier
The car ferry is the budget-friendly, stable alternative to the speedboat. It takes longer but is far more comfortable in rough weather and allows much more luggage — including bicycles and large equipment.
Ferry Operators & Details
| Operator | Travel Time | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Kood Princess Ferry | 1.5–2 hr | 400–500 THB | ≈11–14 USD | 2–3 daily |
| Laem Sok Ferry Co. | 1.5–1.75 hr | 450 THB | ≈13 USD | 2 daily |
Source: Koh Kood Princess Official — fares and schedules verified for 2025.
What to Expect
- Boarding: Vehicles, bicycles, and large luggage accepted — no strict weight limit (50+ kg typical).
- Facilities: Open deck with seating, basic snack counter, and restroom.
- Stability: Much less motion than speedboats — ideal for families with young children.
- Arrival: Same pier (Laem Sok) as speedboats — easy to find onward transport.
Best For
Budget travelers, those with excess luggage, families with small children, and anyone prone to seasickness. Also the only option if you need to transport a vehicle.
Taxi & Private Transfer from Laem Sok Pier to Trat Airport
Once you arrive at Laem Sok Pier, you need to cover the final ~30 km to Trat Airport. A private taxi or pre-booked transfer is the most convenient (and fastest) option.
Taxi Details
| Type | Travel Time | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meter Taxi (from pier) | 30–40 min | 500–700 THB | ≈14–20 USD | Negotiate fixed price before boarding |
| Pre-booked Private Car | 30–40 min | 650–850 THB | ≈19–24 USD | Includes meet & greet at pier |
| SUV / Family Car (4–6 pax) | 30–45 min | 800–1,200 THB | ≈23–34 USD | Good for groups with luggage |
Source: TransferThailand.com & local driver cooperatives at Laem Sok Pier — prices as of 2025.
Where to Find Taxis
At Laem Sok Pier, a dedicated taxi stand is located just outside the main arrival area. Official drivers wear green vests with a registration number. Always agree on the fare upfront — prices to Trat Airport are standardized but confirm to avoid confusion.
Best For
Travelers with tight flight connections, groups of 2–4 people, those with heavy luggage, and anyone arriving late when shared minivans have stopped running.
Important Note
Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt are not available at Laem Sok Pier. You must rely on local taxis or pre-booked transfers.
Shared Minivan & Public Transport (Pier → Airport)
For independent travelers on a budget, the shared minivan is the most economical way to get from Laem Sok Pier to Trat Airport. Vans depart when full (usually every 30–60 minutes).
Minivan Details
| Service | Travel Time | Price (THB) | Price (USD) | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Minivan (public) | 40–50 min | 200–300 THB | ≈6–9 USD | ~6:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Songthaew (pickup truck) | 50–70 min | 150–200 THB | ≈4–6 USD | Irregular, usually morning only |
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand – Trat Guide — local transport information.
How It Works
- Boarding point: The minivan stop is about 200 m from the pier exit — follow signs or ask staff.
- Luggage: One large bag per person goes in the rear; keep valuables with you.
- Comfort: Air-conditioned, 12–14 seats. Can be cramped with full load.
- Last departure: Usually around 4:30–5:00 PM — plan accordingly for late arrivals.
Best For
Solo travelers, backpackers, and anyone looking to save 400–500 THB compared to a private taxi. Not recommended if you are in a hurry or have more than one large suitcase.
Combined Tickets & Tour Packages
Many Koh Kood hotels, travel agents, and online platforms sell combined tickets that include both the boat crossing and onward land transport to Trat Airport. This is often the most hassle-free option.
Combined Ticket Options
| Package | Included Transport | Total Time | Price (THB) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat + Private Taxi | Speedboat (30–40 min) + Taxi (30–40 min) | ~1.5–2 hr | 1,200–1,500 THB | ≈34–43 USD |
| Speedboat + Shared Minivan | Speedboat (30–40 min) + Minivan (40–50 min) | ~1.5–2 hr | 850–1,100 THB | ≈24–31 USD |
| Ferry + Shared Minivan | Ferry (1.5–2 hr) + Minivan (40–50 min) | ~2.5–3 hr | 600–800 THB | ≈17–23 USD |
Source: 12Go.asia – Koh Kood to Trat Airport — combined ticket marketplace.
Where to Book
- Online: 12Go.asia (reliable platform, instant confirmation).
- At your hotel: Most Koh Kood resorts offer combined transfer packages — often with a small markup (100–200 THB).
- At the pier: BoonSiri and Koh Kood Princess ticket counters sell combined tickets for same-day connections.
Best For
First-time visitors, those with language concerns, and anyone who wants a guaranteed connection to their flight. Highly recommended during peak season when individual transport sells out.
Cost & Time Comparison — All Transport Options
Use this table to quickly compare every possible combination from Koh Kood to Trat Airport via Laem Sok Pier. Best overall and cheapest options are highlighted.
| Transport Combo | Total Time | Total Cost (THB) | Total Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⭐ Speedboat + Private Taxi | ~1.5–2 hr | 1,200–1,500 THB | ≈34–43 USD | Best overall — speed & convenience |
| Speedboat + Shared Minivan | ~1.5–2 hr | 850–1,100 THB | ≈24–31 USD | Good balance of speed & cost |
| 💰 Ferry + Shared Minivan | ~2.5–3 hr | 600–800 THB | ≈17–23 USD | Cheapest option — budget travel |
| Ferry + Private Taxi | ~2.5–3 hr | 900–1,200 THB | ≈26–34 USD | Budget sea + comfort land |
| Private Speedboat + SUV Transfer | ~1.5 hr | 2,500–4,000 THB | ≈71–114 USD | Groups of 4+ / VIP experience |
Prices include all pier fees and airport drop-off. Based on 2025 data from BoonSiri, 12Go, and local operators at Laem Sok Pier.
Key takeaway: The speedboat + private taxi combo is the best overall for most travelers. The ferry + shared minivan is the cheapest and works well if you are not in a rush.
Traveler Tips & Local Insights
Real-world advice from frequent Koh Kood visitors and local transport operators to help you avoid common pitfalls.
⏱ Timing Your Departure
- For a morning flight (10:00–11:00 AM): Take the first speedboat at 8:00 AM. You'll arrive at Trat Airport by ~9:15 AM, with plenty of time for check-in and security.
- For an afternoon flight (2:00–4:00 PM): Any speedboat departing between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM works. Avoid the last boat (1:30–2:00 PM) — if it's delayed, you risk missing your flight.
- Low season (May–Oct): Boat schedules are reduced. Always confirm 24–48 hours in advance via your hotel or the operator's Facebook page.
🧳 Luggage Strategy
- Takkyubin (luggage delivery): Not available on Koh Kood. Use left luggage at your hotel if you want to explore before heading to the airport.
- Speedboat bag limits: Strictly enforced in high season. If you have a large backpack + a suitcase, book a ferry or pay for an extra seat (200–300 THB).
- Wet bags: Bring a dry bag for electronics — speedboat cabins can have splash at the boarding steps.
🌊 Sea Conditions & Motion Sickness
- Best months: November–April (calm seas). May–October has rougher water, especially in September–October.
- Motion sickness: Take medication 30 minutes before boarding. The speedboat is particularly bouncy in the rear seats — sit near the front for a smoother ride.
- Ferry advantage: In rough weather, the car ferry is significantly more comfortable and rarely cancels, while speedboats may be delayed or cancelled.
🎒 What to Bring for the Journey
- Passport / ID card (needed for flight check-in).
- Printed or digital ticket (speedboat + flight).
- Small amount of cash (THB) for taxi/minivan — most drivers don't accept cards.
- Water and snacks — no shops at Laem Sok Pier after 4:00 PM.
Tips compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand traveler forums and local operator interviews (2025).
FAQs: Koh Kood to Trat Airport via Laem Sok Pier
Is there a direct transfer from Koh Kood to Trat Airport?
No direct transfer exists. All journeys require a two-stage route: first by boat (speedboat or ferry) from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier, then by land (taxi, minivan, or private car) from the pier to Trat Airport. Combined tickets are available through some operators.
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Kood to Trat Airport?
The fastest way is by speedboat (30–45 min) from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier, followed by a private taxi (30–40 min) to Trat Airport. Total door-to-door time is approximately 1.5–2 hours, costing around 1,200–1,500 THB (≈34–43 USD).
How much does the speedboat plus taxi combination cost?
A speedboat ticket from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier costs 600–800 THB (≈17–23 USD), and a taxi from the pier to Trat Airport costs 500–700 THB (≈14–20 USD). Total combined cost: 1,100–1,500 THB (≈31–43 USD). Shared minivans are cheaper at 200–300 THB (≈6–9 USD) per person for the land leg.
What time does the first speedboat depart from Koh Kood?
The first speedboat from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier typically departs around 8:00 AM, with operators such as BoonSiri Speedboat and Koh Kood Princess. Exact schedules vary by season (high season Nov–Apr vs low season May–Oct). Always confirm 24 hours in advance.
Can I book a combined boat and taxi ticket in advance?
Yes. Several Koh Kood tour operators and hotels offer combined speedboat + taxi/minivan tickets to Trat Airport. You can also book via 12Go.asia or directly with BoonSiri Speedboat. Advance booking is recommended during high season (Dec–Mar) and for early morning flights.
How early should I depart Koh Kood for a morning flight from Trat Airport?
For a morning flight (e.g., Bangkok Airways PG307 at 10:25 AM), depart Koh Kood no later than 7:00 AM by speedboat. This allows 30–45 min boat ride, 30–40 min taxi, plus 60–90 min buffer at the small airport. Total recommended lead time: 3–3.5 hours before flight.
Are there luggage restrictions on the Koh Kood speedboats?
Yes. Speedboats generally allow one standard suitcase (≤20 kg) and one small bag per passenger. Excess luggage (e.g., surfboards, large coolers) may incur fees of 100–300 THB (≈3–9 USD) or be refused. Ferries have more generous limits (50 kg+). Always confirm with your operator.
Is it better to take a ferry or speedboat from Koh Kood to Laem Sok Pier?
Choose the speedboat (30–45 min, 600–800 THB) if you are catching a flight or prefer minimal sea time. Choose the ferry (1.5–2 hr, 400–500 THB) if you are prone to seasickness, have excess luggage, or want the cheapest option. Ferries are more stable and operate in rougher conditions.