Quick Answer
The best way for most travelers is a pre-booked shared minibus + ferry combo, balancing cost and convenience. The fastest way is a pre-booked private taxi + car ferry. The cheapest way is the local songthaew (shared truck) + public ferry. The total journey from Trat Airport (TDX) to your Koh Chang hotel takes approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours and costs between ฿300 (US$9) to ฿2,500 (US$70) per group. All routes require a road transfer to either Centre Point or Ao Thammachat Pier, followed by a 30-45 minute ferry crossing.
Option 2: Private Taxi / Transfer + Car Ferry – Fastest & Easiest
For families, groups of 3+, or those prioritizing comfort and speed, a private transfer is ideal. The vehicle drives onto the car ferry, and you stay inside during the crossing. This is the only seamless door-to-door option.
Average Cost: ฿1,800 – ฿2,500 for a standard car (1-3 people + luggage). Price is per vehicle and almost always includes the driver's ferry ticket and tolls.
Booking & Key Considerations
Pre-booking is essential, especially for evening arrivals or peak season (November to April). Reputable companies include:
- KohChang.com Taxi Service: Well-established, English-speaking drivers.
- Hotel Arranged Transfer: Often the most expensive but hassle-free.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is available in Trat but may not include ferry booking. Not recommended for this specific route.
When to Choose This: Late-night flights, traveling with young children/elderly, heavy luggage, or when your time is more valuable than money.
Option 3: Local Bus / Songthaew + Ferry – Most Budget
For the ultra-budget traveler or adventurer, local transport is an option. This is not direct from the airport. You must first get to Trat Bus Station.
Step 1: Airport to Trat Town. Take a local songthaew (shared pickup truck) from outside the airport. Fare: ~฿50-100. Tell the driver "Trat Bus Station" (Sathanee Trat).
Step 2: Trat Town to Ferry Pier. From Trat Bus Station, take a public songthaew marked "Ao Thammachat" or "Centre Point". Fare: ~฿60-80.
Step 3: Ferry. Buy a passenger ferry ticket at the pier (~฿80).
Total Cost: ~฿200-250 per person. Total Time: 2.5-3.5+ hours (with waiting).
Only recommended for those with very light luggage, plenty of time, and a sense of adventure.
Option 4: Car Rental & Ferry
While there are no car rental desks at Trat Airport, you can rent a car in Trat town for exploring the island at your own pace. Important: You must rent from a company that allows travel to Koh Chang. Inform them of your plans.
- Ferry Cost for Car: Vehicle ferry fares are separate. Expect ~฿120-180 for a motorbike and ~฿160-250 for a car, plus passenger fares (฿80 each).
- Driving on Koh Chang: Roads are mountainous and winding. A motorbike or small 4x4/SUV is recommended. Drive cautiously.
- Recommendation: For most tourists, it's easier to use transfers to reach the island and then rent a motorbike locally for ~฿200-300/day.
Ferry Guide: Piers, Schedules & Tickets
Understanding the ferry leg is crucial. There are two main mainland piers serving Koh Chang:
| Mainland Pier | Distance from Trat Airport | Koh Chang Arrival Point | Ferry Type & Frequency | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ao Thammachat Pier | ~25-30 mins | Ao Sapparot (West) | Car & Passenger. Every ~45-60 mins from ~6:30 AM - 7:00 PM. | Closer to airport. Often used by shuttles. |
| Centre Point Pier | ~35-45 mins | Tha Dan Kao (Southwest) | Car & Passenger. Every ~45-60 mins from ~6:00 AM - 7:30 PM. | Larger, more facilities. Serves bigger trucks. |
Latest Ferry Schedules & Tickets
Ferry schedules change seasonally. Always verify with your transfer company or check live updates on KohChangFerries.com.
- Ticket Purchase: Foot passenger tickets are bought at the pier kiosk. Drivers pay at the vehicle toll booth.
- Crossing Time: 30 to 45 minutes.
- Last Ferry Warning: Do not rely on ferries after 7:30 PM. If you miss it, your only option is an expensive private longtail boat charter.
Cost & Time Comparison Table: Trat Airport to Koh Chang
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (per person) | Total Door-to-Door Time | Comfort / Convenience | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Minibus + Ferry | ฿300 - ฿500 | 2 - 2.5 hours | Medium (wait for fill, change to songthaew) | Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious |
| Private Taxi + Car Ferry (★ Fastest) | ฿600 - ฿800 (shared cost in group of 3) | 1.5 - 2 hours | High (door-to-door, no changes) | Families, groups, late arrivals, luxury |
| Local Songthaew + Ferry (★ Cheapest) | ฿200 - ฿250 | 2.5 - 3.5+ hours | Low (multiple changes, waiting) | Adventurous backpackers, extreme budget |
| Hotel Private Transfer | ฿800 - ฿1,200+ | 1.5 - 2 hours | Very High (meet & greet) | Those seeking maximum convenience |
Key Takeaway: The private taxi for a group offers the best value-for-speed ratio. The shared minibus is the best solo traveler compromise.
Traveler Tips & Essential Advice
Pre-Arrival & Booking
- Book Ahead in Peak Season: From November to April, and especially during Christmas, New Year, and Songkran (April), pre-book your transfer online to avoid sold-out shuttles or inflated taxi prices.
- Flight Timing: Try to book flights that land by 4:00 PM to ensure a relaxed connection to the last ferry.
- Have Small Bills: Have Thai Baht (฿) ready, especially for the local songthaew on Koh Chang. Many drivers cannot change large bills.
At the Airport & On the Ferry
- Avoid Airport Touts: Politely decline offers from unofficial drivers inside the terminal. Stick to the official counters or your pre-booked driver.
- Confirm Drop-off Point: Ask your shuttle driver which pier and which Koh Chang landing point you are headed to. Tell your hotel the landing point for accurate pick-up directions.
- Ferry Comfort: The crossing is usually calm, but if you're prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication. There is simple seating, a small shop, and toilets on board.
On Koh Chang Arrival
- Songthaew Fares are Negotiable: Fares to your hotel are not fixed. Agree on a price before getting in. A rough guide: White Sands Beach area: ฿80-150/person; Lonely Beach: ฿150-200/person.
- Motorbike Rental: If you plan to rent a motorbike, do it the next day at your hotel or a local shop. Don't feel pressured to rent at the pier.
FAQs: Your Questions About Trat Airport to Koh Chang Answered
Is there a direct ferry from Trat Airport to Koh Chang?
No. All routes require a road transfer (approx. 30-45 mins) to a mainland ferry pier first.
What is the cheapest way to get from Trat Airport to Koh Chang?
The absolute cheapest is the local songthaew + public ferry route (under ฿250). The best value-for-money is the shared minibus + ferry combo (~฿300-400).
How long does the entire journey from Trat Airport to Koh Chang take?
Approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours door-to-door for most pre-booked transfers. Budget extra time for waiting if using local transport or arriving during peak hours.
Can I pre-book a taxi from Trat Airport to Koh Chang?
Yes, and it's highly recommended. Use trusted online platforms like 12Go.asia or contact a Koh Chang-based transfer company directly for a fixed price.
Which ferry pier is better: Centre Point or Ao Thammachat?
For travelers, there's little difference. Your transfer service will choose the pier with the most convenient departing ferry. Both have similar crossing times and facilities.
What if my flight arrives at Trat Airport after 6:00 PM?
Your options become limited and more expensive. You must have a pre-booked private taxi that includes the car ferry, or you will need to spend the night in Trat town. Do not assume there will be a ferry.
Is the ferry crossing suitable for travelers with lots of luggage?
Yes. On vehicle ferries, you stay in your car/van. As a foot passenger, you carry your bags on board, but staff can assist. Packing light is always easier.
Do I need to buy ferry tickets in advance?
Not for standard passenger travel. Tickets are purchased at the pier. However, when you book a transfer package, the ferry fare is included, and the driver handles everything.