Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from Trat Airport (TDX) to Koh Kood is by pre-booking a combined minivan and speedboat ticket (e.g., with Boonsiri Ferry). The journey takes 3 to 3.5 hours total and costs 900 â 1,200 THB (~$25 â $35 USD). The key steps are: 1) Van from airport to Laem Sok Pier (1 hr), 2) Speedboat to Koh Kood (1.5 hrs). For the cheapest option, take a local minivan to the pier and the public car ferry (under 500 THB, but 4+ hours).
Option 1: Pre-Booked Combined Minivan & Speedboat (Recommended)
This is the most popular and hassle-free method for tourists. You book a single ticket that covers both the land transfer from the airport and the high-speed catamaran or ferry to Koh Kood.
How It Works:
- Booking: Book online in advance via the ferry companyâs website (e.g., Boonsiri Ferry, Koh Kood Princess). Your voucher will be emailed.
- Arrival at Trat (TDX): Look for the companyâs representative holding a sign in the arrivals hall. They will direct you to the air-conditioned minivan.
- Land Transfer: A 45-60 minute drive to Laem Sok Pier. The van usually waits for all passengers from a flight.
- At Laem Sok Pier: The staff handles your luggage onto the boat. You check in at their booth and board.
- Sea Journey: A 1.5-hour speedboat ride to Koh Kood (typically arriving at Ao Salad Pier).
| Company | Boat Type | Total Travel Time | Approx. Price (One Way) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boonsiri Ferry | Speed Catamaran | ~3 hours | 1,200 THB | Free hotel pickup on Koh Kood (main areas) |
| Koh Kood Princess | Speedboat | ~3.5 hours | 1,000 THB | Frequent daily departures, reliable |
| Bang Bao Boat | Large Ferry | ~4 hours | 900 THB | More stable ride, carries vehicles |
Pros & Cons:
Pros: Seamless connection, no haggling, meet-and-greet service, luggage handled, guaranteed boat seat. Cons: Slightly more expensive than piecing it together yourself, you must wait for other passengers, fixed schedule.
Option 2: Private Taxi & Speedboat (Fastest & Most Flexible)
Ideal for families, groups, or those with lots of luggage who value speed and privacy over cost.
The Process:
- Step 1 - Taxi: Hire a private taxi at Trat Airport arrivals. Fixed price to Laem Sok Pier is 800 â 1,200 THB per car (negotiate before getting in). Travel time: ~45 minutes.
- Step 2 - Boat Ticket: Buy a speedboat ticket at Laem Sok Pier from available operators (Speedboat or Bang Bao). Cost: ~600 THB per person.
- Step 3 - Boarding: Take the next available speedboat (schedules vary by season).
Total Cost & Time Analysis:
For 2 people: Taxi (1,000 THB) + Speedboat Tickets (1,200 THB) = 2,200 THB total. Time: 45-min taxi + waiting/boarding + 1.5-hr boat = ~2.5 to 3.5 hours total.
When to Choose This:
Choose this if your flight arrives just before a boat departure, you are 3-4 people (making cost per person reasonable), or you simply want door-to-pier convenience without shared transfers.
Option 3: Public Minivan / Songthaew + Car Ferry (Cheapest)
The budget backpacker's choice. This involves local transport and the slower, public car ferry.
Detailed Step-by-Step:
- Trat Airport to Trat Bus Station: Take a local songthaew (shared pick-up truck) from outside the airport. Fare: ~50 THB. Time: 20 mins.
- Trat to Laem Sok Pier: At Trat Bus Station, find a shared minivan to Laem Sok Pier. Fare: ~120 THB. Departs when full. Time: 45 mins. (Alternatively, a direct songthaew from the airport to the pier might be available for ~150 THB but is less reliable).
- Laem Sok to Koh Kood: Board the public car ferry (Bang Bao Boat). Fare: ~250 THB. Sails 1-2 times daily, takes about 2.5 hours, arrives at Bang Bao Pier on Koh Kood.
Cost Breakdown:
Songthaew (50) + Minivan (120) + Ferry (250) = ~420 THB (~$11.5 USD).
Important Considerations:
Time: This route can take 4 to 5+ hours due to waiting for vans and ferry schedules. Luggage: Not ideal for large suitcases. Ferry Schedule: The car ferry often departs around 1:00 PM. Check the latest timetables on Thailand's Transport Co. Ltd website (in Thai) or ask locally. Miss it, and you're stranded for the night.
Laem Sok Pier & Boat Guide: Speedboat vs. Ferry
Understanding your sea options is crucial for a comfortable journey.
Speedboats (Speedboat, Koh Kood Princess)
- Travel Time: 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Pros: Fast, frequent departures (3-4 per day), arrive at the more central Ao Salad Pier.
- Cons: Can be bumpy in rough seas, strict luggage limits (often 20kg), less space.
- Best for: Travelers prioritizing speed, those with pre-booked hotel pickup from Ao Salad.
Car Ferries (Bang Bao Boat, Slow Ferry)
- Travel Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Pros: Smooth, stable ride, can take vehicles/motorbikes, spacious decks, cheaper.
- Cons: Fewer departures (1-2 per day), arrive at the remote Bang Bao Pier on the south of the island.
- Best for: Those with motorbikes, travelers prone to seasickness, budget travelers.
Pier Map Reference: For official pier locations, refer to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Trat page.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table: Trat Airport to Koh Kood
Compare all options at a glance to make your decision.
| Method | Total Est. Time | Est. Cost (per person)* | Convenience | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Book Van+Speedboat | 3 - 3.5 hrs | 900 - 1,200 THB | High (Seamless) | Most travelers (Best Overall) |
| Private Taxi+Speedboat | 2.5 - 3.5 hrs | 1,100 - 1,800 THB** | Very High | Families/Groups, Tight Schedules |
| Public Transport+Ferry | 4 - 5+ hrs | ~420 THB | Low | Solo Budget Travelers (Cheapest) |
*Costs are approximate for one-way travel. **For 2 people sharing a taxi.
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Critical Advice for a Smooth Trip:
- Flight Timing is Everything: Book a morning flight into Trat (TDX). The last speedboats depart Laem Sok between 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. An afternoon flight risks forcing an unplanned overnight in Trat.
- Overnight in Trat/Laem Sok: If you arrive late, don't panic. Trat town has cheap, clean hotels. Staying at a resort near Laem Sok Pier (like Buddha View Guesthouse) lets you catch the first boat the next morning.
- Luggage Strategy: Pack light if possible. Speedboats have luggage limits and require you to handle bags on/off the pier (which can be steep). Use a backpack for easier movement.
- Cash is King: Have enough Thai Baht for taxis, local vans, ferry tickets, and pier fees. ATMs at Trat Airport and card facilities at major ferry company booths are available, but don't rely on them entirely.
- Weather Contingency: In stormy weather (May-Oct), speedboats may be cancelled last minute, while the larger ferry may still operate. Check the forecast and have a flexible schedule.
- Koh Kood Hotel Coordination: Email your hotel your flight and boat details in advance to arrange pier pickup. Mobile signal can be spotty upon arrival.
FAQs: Travel from Trat Airport to Koh Kood
Is there a direct transfer from Trat Airport to Koh Kood?
No, there is no direct service. All routes require a combined land and sea journey. You must first travel from Trat Airport (TDX) to Laem Sok Pier (approx. 30-60 mins), then take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Kood (approx. 1.5-2.5 hours).
What is the fastest way to get from Trat Airport to Koh Kood?
The fastest option is a pre-booked private taxi from the airport to Laem Sok Pier, connecting with a speedboat to Koh Kood. Total travel time can be as little as 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on boat schedules.
What is the cheapest way to get from Trat Airport to Koh Kood?
The cheapest way is to take a shared minivan or local songthaew from Trat Airport to Laem Sok Pier, then board the public car ferry. Total cost can be under 500 THB per person, but travel time is longer (4+ hours).
Can I book a combined ticket for the van and boat?
Yes, several companies like Boonsiri Ferry and Koh Kood Princess offer combined minivan + speedboat tickets sold online or at Trat Airport. This is the most convenient budget option, ensuring seamless connections.
What if my flight arrives late at Trat Airport?
If you arrive after the last boat (usually around 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM), you must stay overnight in Trat town or near Laem Sok Pier. We recommend booking an early flight or planning an overnight stop to avoid getting stranded.
Is the Koh Kood ferry journey rough?
The Gulf of Thailand can be choppy, especially from May to October (monsoon season). Speedboats are more affected by waves than the larger car ferry. If you are prone to seasickness, take medication, choose the ferry, and travel in the calmer morning hours.
Where do I buy ferry tickets at Laem Sok Pier?
Each ferry company has its own ticket booth at the pier. If you don't have a combined ticket, proceed directly to the booths of Speedboat or Bang Bao Boat. Pay in Thai Baht (cash).
How do I get to my hotel on Koh Kood?
Most resorts offer free pickup if you inform them of your boat arrival time and pier (Ao Salad or Bang Bao). Otherwise, shared songthaews or motorbike taxis are available at both piers. Negotiate the price before getting in.