The Koh Chang ferry is the only way onto the island, and it’s actually pretty straightforward once you know what to expect. Two piers, frequent departures, and a crossing that takes under 40 minutes. But if it’s your first time, the Koh Chang ferry system can feel confusing, especially when you’re arriving from Trat with a heavy bag and no idea which pier you need.
This guide covers everything: schedules, prices, vehicle transport, and a few things first-timers consistently get wrong.
How long is the ferry from Trat to Koh Chang?
The boat from Trat to Koh Chang takes about 30–45 minutes, depending on the boat operator and weather conditions.
Where Does the Koh Chang Ferry Depart From?
The Koh Chang ferry departs from two piers on the mainland: Ao Thammachat Pier (also called Ferry 1) and Centerpoint Pier (Ferry 2), both located near Laem Ngop, approximately 17 km from Trat town. Ferries arrive at Ao Sapparot or Dan Khao Pier on Koh Chang, depending on which mainland pier you use.
Main Ferry Piers Serving Koh Chang
Both piers are close to each other, maybe 10 minutes apart by road, so it doesn’t matter dramatically which one you use. That said, Centerpoint tends to be the one most travellers end up at, especially if they’re coming by minivan from Bangkok or Pattaya. Ao Thammachat is slightly less busy and can be a good option during peak season when queues build up.
On the island side, Dan Khao Pier connects to the west coast and drops you closer to White Sand Beach and Klong Prao. Ao Sapparot connects to the northern part of the island. Most beach resorts are a 10–30 minute drive from either pier, and shared songthaews (pickup taxis) wait at the arrival pier.
Koh Chang Ferry Timetable and Ticket Prices
Use this table as your quick reference before heading to the pier; departure times are consistent year-round but can shift slightly in low season.
| Pier | First Departure | Last Departure | Frequency | Crossing Time |
| Ao Thammachat → Koh Chang | 6:00 AM | 7:00 PM | Every 30–45 min | ~30 min |
| Centerpoint → Koh Chang | 6:30 AM | 7:00 PM | Every 45–60 min | ~35 min |
| Koh Chang → Mainland | 6:00 AM | 6:30 PM | Both directions | ~30–40 min |
Here’s the breakdown of ticket prices so you can budget properly, no surprises at the counter.
| Passenger / Vehicle Type | One-Way Price (฿) | Notes |
| Adult passenger | ฿80 | Standard foot passenger |
| Child (under 3) | Free | Must sit on adult’s lap |
| Motorbike + rider | ฿150–฿200 | Varies slightly by pier |
| Car (standard sedan) | ฿600–฿800 | Driver + passengers included |
| Large SUV / van | ฿900–฿1,200 | Subject to space availability |
How Long Does the Koh Chang Ferry Take?
The Koh Chang ferry crossing takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on which pier you depart from and the sea conditions. Ao Thammachat is slightly faster at around 30 minutes. Add 15–20 minutes for boarding, especially if you’re traveling with a vehicle. In rough weather during the monsoon season (May–October), crossings can feel a bit choppier- nothing dangerous, but worth knowing if you’re prone to seasickness.
Can You Take a Car or Motorbike on the Koh Chang Ferry?
Yes, and this is one of the more practical things about Koh Chang compared to some Thai islands. Vehicles are loaded onto roll-on/roll-off decks, and the process is generally efficient. That said, during Songkran (April) and New Year holidays, the vehicle queues at Centerpoint Pier can stretch back 1–2 hours. I’ve seen travellers wait nearly 90 minutes with their car on a long weekend in April. Plan accordingly.
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early if travelling with a vehicle in peak season
- Motorbike rentals on the island are cheaper and more practical for most visitors
- Rental cars can be taken on the ferry, but check your rental agreement first; some companies restrict it
- Large trucks and buses use a separate vehicle ferry service
Booking a Koh Chang Ferry Ticket: Online vs. At the Pier
Honestly, for foot passengers, just buy at the pier. The ticket counters are fast, prices are fixed, and there’s no real advantage to pre-booking for individuals. If you’re travelling with a vehicle during a public holiday, arriving early is far more effective than online booking.
Koh Chang Ferry tickets are sold directly at both Ao Thammachat and Centerpoint piers. Some Bangkok travel agencies and minivan operators bundle the ferry into a combined ticket; this is worth considering if you’re doing the full Bangkok–Koh Chang route in one go. Lomprayah and other operators run combined bus-ferry packages starting from around ฿700–฿950 per person from Bangkok’s Ekkamai or Mo Chit stations.
Everything You Need to Know About Koh Chang’s Location: Read more in White Sand Beach Koh Chang: Don’t Book Your Trip Until You Read This.
Is Pre-Booking the Koh Chang Ferry Worth It?
For foot passengers, pre-booking the Koh Chang ferry is generally not necessary. Ferries run frequently throughout the day and sell out only during extreme peak periods. Pre-booking is worth considering for: vehicle transport on national holidays, combined bus-ferry packages from Bangkok, and group travel with tight schedules. Outside these cases, buying at the counter is faster and easier.
What to Expect During Peak Season and Bad Weather
Koh Chang’s busy period runs roughly November through April, when the island is packed with European winter sun-seekers and domestic Thai tourists. The Songkran holiday in mid-April is the absolute peak; both piers get genuinely chaotic. If you’re visiting then, it’s either worth arriving extremely early or waiting out the midday rush.
During the monsoon months (May–October), the ferry still runs; this is Thailand, not somewhere that shuts down completely for rain. But the Marine Department of Thailand occasionally suspends services during storms or if sea conditions become unsafe. Always check weather forecasts if you’re crossing in monsoon season, particularly between July and September when tropical depressions pass through the Gulf of Thailand.
- Peak season (Nov–Apr): arrive at least 45 min early with a vehicle
- Monsoon season (May–Oct): check the weather the day before, especially in August–September
- Songkran (April 13–15): expect serious queues, plan around it or embrace the wait
- Early mornings (6–8 AM): consistently less crowded in both directions
How Peak Season and Weather Can Affect Your Trip: Read more in Best Time to Visit Koh Chang: What 32°C Days & Surprise Rains Really Mean.
Getting From Trat Airport to the Koh Chang Ferry
Trat Airport (TDX) is the closest airport, roughly 40–45 minutes from the mainland piers. Bangkok Airways operates flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Trat; flight time is about 1 hour. From the airport, shared minivans to the ferry pier cost around ฿200–฿250 per person and operate in connection with flights.
Alternatively, minivans from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Koh Chang run daily and take approximately 5–6 hours, including the ferry crossing. This is how most budget travellers make the trip, and it’s comfortable enough for the price (around ฿300–฿450 all-in from Bangkok).
Tips for a Smoother Koh Chang Ferry Experience
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early as a foot passenger; 45–60 minutes if you have a vehicle
- Bring cash; card machines exist at some counters but aren’t always reliable
- Sit on the upper deck for the views and breeze; the crossing is genuinely pretty
- Shared songthaews wait at the arrival pier on Koh Chang; agree the price before you get in
- The last ferry back is around 6:30 PM; missing it means an unplanned night on the mainland
Common Mistakes First-Time Travellers Make
The biggest one: confusing the pier names. ‘Ferry 1’ and ‘Ferry 2’ are used interchangeably with their actual names, and minivan drivers don’t always tell you which pier they’re heading to. Double-check before you get dropped off.
Second most common: arriving in the evening expecting frequent departures. After about 5:30–6:00 PM, services thin out. Missing the last boat isn’t a disaster; Laem Ngop has guesthouses, but it’s not the start to a holiday anyone wants.
FAQs About the Koh Chang Ferry
What time does the first Koh Chang ferry depart?
The first ferry departs from Ao Thammachat Pier at 6:00 AM and from Centerpoint Pier at approximately 6:30 AM daily.
How much does a Koh Chang ferry ticket cost?
A foot passenger ticket costs ฿80 one way. Motorbikes cost ฿150–฿200 with a rider, and cars range from ฿600 to ฿1,200 depending on vehicle size.
Do I need to book the Koh Chang ferry in advance?
No, for foot passengers there is no need to pre-book. Ferries depart frequently between 6 AM and 7 PM. Vehicle passengers during public holidays should aim to arrive early rather than pre-book.
How long is the Koh Chang ferry crossing?
The crossing takes approximately 30–40 minutes depending on which pier you depart from and current sea conditions.
Can I take a car on the Koh Chang ferry?
Yes. Both main piers accommodate cars, motorbikes, and vans on roll-on/roll-off decks. During peak holiday periods, arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to secure vehicle space.
What is the last ferry to Koh Chang?
The last ferry departs the mainland at approximately 7:00 PM from both piers. The last return ferry from Koh Chang leaves around 6:00–6:30 PM. Times can vary slightly by season.
