How to Get to Lamai Beach: Complete Transportation Guide 2025
Reaching Lamai Beach involves multiple transportation options, each offering different experiences and price points. Whether you're arriving from Koh Samui Airport, other parts of the island, or neighboring destinations, understanding your options helps you choose the best method for your travel style and budget.
🚗 Quick Summary: Airport to Lamai costs ฿150-600 (20-40 minutes). Private taxi most convenient (฿400-600), shared minibus most economical (฿150-200). Local transportation uses songthaews (฿50-400) or Grab app.
From Koh Samui Airport
Koh Samui Airport sits conveniently close to Lamai Beach, making transfers relatively quick and affordable. The journey typically takes 25-40 minutes depending on your chosen transportation method and traffic conditions.
Shared Minibus/Van
Cost: ฿150-200 per person
Journey Time: 30-40 minutes
Best For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, light luggage
Shared minibuses offer the most economical airport transfer option. These vehicles depart when full and may include multiple stops at different hotels and areas, extending journey time but significantly reducing costs. Book at the airport transportation counter or arrange through your accommodation.
💡 Booking Tip: Shared minibus services operate on demand rather than fixed schedules. During quiet periods, you may wait 15-30 minutes for the vehicle to fill up with passengers.
Private Taxi
Cost: ฿400-600
Journey Time: 25-30 minutes
Best For: Families, groups, heavy luggage, comfort priority
Private taxis provide direct, air-conditioned transportation to your exact destination in Lamai. Rates are typically fixed rather than metered, so confirm the price before departure. This option offers the fastest journey time and most convenience, especially for families with children or travelers with substantial luggage.
Private Transfer Services
Private car (≤3 people): ฿475
People carrier (≤4 people): ฿520
Journey Time: 25-30 minutes
Best For: Pre-arranged transfers, guaranteed service
Pre-arranged private transfers can be booked through hotels or online services. These often cost slightly more than regular taxis but guarantee vehicle availability and eliminate negotiation. Many accommodations offer complimentary airport transfers—check when making reservations.
From Other Parts of Koh Samui
From Chaweng Beach
Distance: 9-12 kilometers
Normal Traffic: 10-15 minutes
Peak Traffic: 20-30 minutes
The Chaweng-Lamai route is one of Koh Samui's most traveled connections. Multiple transportation options serve this route throughout the day, though evening hours may require higher fares or longer wait times.
Private Taxi: ฿250-400 depending on time of day
Songthaew (shared): ฿50-100 per person
Grab App: ฿300-400 (similar to taxi pricing)
✅ Route Tip: The main ring road provides the most direct route between Chaweng and Lamai. During sunset hours (5-7 PM), traffic can be heavier as day-trippers return to accommodations.
From Bophut/Big Buddha
Journey Time: 20-30 minutes
Private Taxi: ฿400-500
Songthaew: ฿100-150 per person
This route crosses the northern part of the island, offering scenic views of coconut plantations and local villages. The journey provides glimpses of authentic island life away from tourist areas.
From Nathon Town (Ferry Port)
Journey Time: 45-60 minutes
Private Taxi: ฿600-800
Songthaew: ฿150-200 per person
Nathon serves as the main ferry terminal for connections to the mainland and other islands. The route to Lamai crosses the island's mountainous interior, providing beautiful scenery but longer journey times.
Local Transportation in Lamai
Songthaew (Local Transport)
Songthaews—converted pickup trucks with bench seating—serve as Lamai's primary public transportation. These colorful vehicles operate both as shared transport and private hire, adapting to passenger needs and destination requests.
Shared Service: ฿50-100 per person for routes within Lamai or to nearby areas
Private Hire: ฿250-400 (similar to taxi rates when empty)
Night Service: Primarily operates as private hire with higher rates
⚠️ Communication Tip: Most songthaew drivers speak limited English. Having your destination written in Thai or using translation apps helps ensure clear communication about routes and fares.
Ride-Sharing Apps
Grab: Widely available throughout Koh Samui, including Lamai area
Bolt: Also operates with competitive pricing
Ride-sharing apps provide transparent pricing and eliminate negotiation, making them popular with international visitors. Availability is generally good in Lamai, though fewer drivers operate during very early morning hours or late night periods.
Ferry Connections to/from Lamai
To Mainland Thailand
Ferry services to the mainland depart from Nathon Town. Transportation from Lamai to Nathon port typically takes 45-60 minutes by taxi or songthaew. Book ferry tickets in advance during peak season (December-April).
Popular Mainland Destinations:
- Surat Thani (mainland connection point)
- Don Sak Pier (vehicle ferry services)
- Chumphon (train connections to Bangkok)
To Other Islands
Inter-island services operate from multiple piers around Koh Samui. Most require transportation to departure points, then ferry services to destinations like Koh Phangan or Koh Tao.
Rental Vehicle Options
Scooter/Motorbike Rental
Daily Rate: ฿200-300
Weekly Rate: ฿1,200-1,800
Requirements: International driving permit recommended, helmet mandatory
Scooters provide maximum flexibility for exploring Lamai and surrounding areas. However, Koh Samui has high accident rates, particularly involving scooters. Consider your experience level honestly and always wear protective equipment.
Car Rental
Small Car: ฿900-1,600 per day
SUV: ฿1,500-2,500 per day
Requirements: International driving permit, left-hand driving experience helpful
Rental cars offer safety and comfort for exploring the entire island. Parking in Lamai is generally easy, though popular restaurants and beaches can become crowded during peak hours.
🛣️ Island Driving Tips: Koh Samui uses left-hand traffic. The ring road can be steep and winding in places. Allow extra time during monsoon season when roads may be slippery.
Seasonal Considerations
Peak Season (December-April): Higher transportation costs, advance booking recommended, longer wait times for shared services
Monsoon Season (October-December): Potential weather delays, some services may be reduced, road conditions require extra caution
Low Season (May-September): Lower costs, more negotiation flexibility, fewer service options during very quiet periods
Budget Planning
Airport to Lamai (economy): ฿150-200 per person
Airport to Lamai (comfort): ฿400-600 per group
Local transportation daily: ฿100-300 depending on usage
Island exploration day: ฿300-800 depending on method and destinations
Understanding transportation costs helps budget effectively for your Lamai Beach experience. While costs are generally reasonable, convenience options like private taxis and ride-sharing apps do command premium pricing, especially during peak travel times and late evening hours.