Private Transfers by car, SUV or Minibus to Koh Chang
As of 1 May 2025 I’m no longer arranging transfers. Many thanks to the thousands of people who have booked over the past 18+ years. I’m now looking forward to not having to check my phone 365 days a year and have some free time during the high season. :-) There are various websites that provide transport services which is why I’ve included links to the 12go.com transport booking site below. I’ve used the site before for minibus tickets in Thailand and private transfers in other SE Asian countries and it’s worked well.
BUT for anyone who does prefer some human contact, ‘Koi’, is still arranging transfers. For the past few years she has helped us organise drivers and act as a point of contact in case drivers were late or passengers had problems finding the driver at the airport. She has lived on Koh Chang for over a decade and has a tour agency in Kai Bae. Prices and her contact form are below.
Why Take A Private Transfer?
Maybe you’re independent traveler trying to avoid the overcrowded islands in the South of Thailand, you’re probably looking for the easiest way to get to and from Koh Chang.
Or maybe you’re a little tired of late drivers running on ‘Thai time’, a bit concerned about the language-barrier, or perhaps not even sure where to start when booking safe and inexpensive travel in Thailand.
When traveling to Koh Chang, there are four options to choose from:
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- Public Bus – the cheapest option available, and recommended if you’re on a budget.
- Flying – the most expensive option and you still need to contend with the hassle of getting to and from airports by road.
- Shared Minibus – an inexpensive, convenient but sometimes crowded, service from central Bangkok.
- Public taxi – a public taxi from Bangkok is possible but drivers usually won’t come onto the island and are often in a hurry.
- Private Transfer by Car or Minibus – the fastest, most convenient and direct option and probably more affordable than you think
If flying is too expensive, and the bus or minibus too slow or too crowded, then hiring a private car or minivan is an affordable, safe, and speedy alternative. ( As mentioned above the public bus is a good option, however there are only two direct buses from Bangkok a day. Some info on how to take the 999 bus from Bangkok to Koh Chang. )
✅ Your driver will gladly stop for lunch, toilet breaks or snacks along the way.
✅ No hidden fees or extra charges. Prices include the cost of your transfer, the driver’s fee, tax, gasoline, ferry tickets, and expressway tolls if necessary.
✅ Flexible and convenient. Pick up times are to suit you.
✅ Traveling with Children? Car seats for infants, toddlers and young kids are available for a small surcharge.
What vehicles are used for transfers?
Car – A car is usually used for transfers for 1 or 2 passengers. Luggage will usually be limited to 2 medium size suitcases plus carry bags. An SUV is often ideal for a small family for 3 or 4 Adults. Vehicles will be Toyota Altis, Camry, Innova or Fortuner. Or similar.
Minibus – Toyota Commuter minibuses are by far the most common minibus in use in Thailand. They are suitable for up to 7 passengers plus luggage.
There is a list of Frequently Asked Questions at the bottom of this page that should provide all the information you need.
Transfer Prices
Prefer a Personal Service?
As mentioned, I’m no longer doing transfers. However, Koi is. These are her prices which include tax, driver, gasoline, expressway tolls and ferry tickets to Koh Chang. ( Boat tickets to other islands aren’t included. ) No advance payment is required. You can pay the driver in cash on arrival at your destination.
Car: A car or SUV is usually used for transfers for 1 or 2 passengers. But if one isn’t available a minibus will be used at no additional cost.
Minibus: The Minibus price shown is for 3 – 4 passengers. Each additional passenger is 100 Baht / person. There is a maximum of 7 passengers per minibus. This is to ensure there is enough room for everyone plus all your luggage.
| To / From | Car | Minibus |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Hotel on Koh Chang | ฿5,100 | |
| Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok – Hotel on Koh Chang | ฿4,800 | |
| Hotel in Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport – Laem Sok pier (For Koh Kood) | ฿4,400 | ฿4,900 |
| Trat Airport – Hotel on White Sand, Klong Prao, Kai Bae beach, Koh Chang | ฿1,900 | ฿2,500 |
| Trat Airport – Hotel on Lonely Beach, Bailan, Bangbao, Koh Chang | ฿2,100 | ฿2,700 |
| Trat Airport – Laem Sok pier (For Koh Kood ) | ฿1,500 | ฿1,800 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Hotel in Pattaya | ฿3,900 | ฿4,300 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Utapao Airport | ฿3,700 | ฿4,000 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Ban Phe pier (For Koh Samet) | ฿3,400 | ฿3,900 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Border at Hat Lek (For Phnom Penh / S’ville) | ฿3,300 | ฿3,600 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Aranyaprathet Border (For Siem Reap) | ฿3,600 | ฿4,400 |
| Hotel on Koh Chang – Pailin Border (For Battambang) | ฿3,400 | ฿3,600 |
Babies, toddler’s and children’s car seats can also be provided. They are an additional 200 Baht each
How to Book a Transfer?
For booking inquiries, please contact Koi :
Book Instantly with 12go.com
If you’re in a hurry and need instant confirmation, want to pay using a credit card or are looking for the cheapest possible option, the prices below are those currently being charged by transport companies on 12go.com
| Taxi Bangkok - Koh Chang ฿ 4,070–9,680 5h – 7h | |
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| Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,650–8,228 4h 15m – 7h | |
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| Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,550–8,228 4h 25m – 7h | |
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FAQs. Need some more information?
Here are some of the most common questions about transfers that I’ve been asked over the years . . .
A good private transfer should include:
- Tax
- Driver
- Gasoline
- Expressway Tolls
- Ferry Tickets to / from Koh Chang
There should be no hidden fees or extras.
Transfer from Trat Airport – The driver will be waiting for you when you exit Baggage Claim holding the sign with your name on it.
Transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport – The driver will usually meet you at the signposted ‘Meeting Point’ next to ‘Entrance 3’ on the Arrivals Level of the Airport. Just follow the signs to it from the Baggage Claim area. In case of problems finding the driver you will be given a contact number you can call for assistance.
Transfer from Don Meuang Airport – There are two terminals at Don Meuang. Terminal 1 is for International flights. Terminal 2 for Domestic flights. The transport company will advise you which entrance to meet the driver.
For most of the High Season the travelling time from Bangkok to Koh Chang will usually be around 6 and a half to 7 hours, depending on where you are staying. This includes time to stop on the way for coffee, snacks, etc. There are, of course, unknown factors such as an accident causing gridlock in an area of Bangkok or roadworks enroute, which thankfully are quite rare.
Bear in mind that Koh Chang is getting increasingly popular, but the number of ferry services hasn’t yet increased to compensate. This is important to remember during Thai holidays and on Friday afternoons and Sundays – since there will be queues at the piers. Unfortunately there isn’t much your driver can do about this. Ferries are timetabled to depart hourly. But in reality they are usually more frequent than this.
Once you’re on Koh Chang, the time it takes to get to your hotel depends on where you’re located. Koh Chang is a pretty big island so if you are on the South coast in Bangbao it will take around an hour to get there from the ferry pier, whereas if you are staying on White Sand beach it’ll only take 10 minutes.
Likewise, if you are staying around Khao San Road in Bangkok, compared to somewhere like Sukhumvit Rd, then it will take 30 mins or so longer to get onto the overhead expressway and out of the city centre.
If you are heading from Koh Chang to Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports, you might be given a pick up time that’s earlier than you request. This is just in case there are any unexpected delays during the journey. It’s better to have to wait an extra hour in the airport than to get stressed about the possibility of missing your flight.
Transport providers will usually only specify a type of vehicle, not a specific make and model. This is because drivers are usually only assigned a day or two in advance. Who drives you will depend on what other jobs drivers have in the lead up to your transfer.
The minibuses will usually be Toyota Commuter minivans. These are by far the most common vehicles used for transfers. Interiors can range from basic to luxury. That often depends on the vehicle owner and how much they want to spend on improving the standard interior.
For transfers by car, in the majority of cases the vehicles are Toyota Camry, Wish, Innova, Altis or Honda CRV or HRV. These are suitable for 2 or 3 adults plus luggage. Or an SUV, eg Toyota Fortuner or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. All vehicles will have air-conditioning.
Ideally avoid public taxis, they are fine for short routes around Bangkok but not so comfortable for longer drives.
Likewise, if there is a mechanical failure with the vehicle. The driver will endeavor to fix the vehicle or head to the nearest garage or we will arrange for a replacement vehicle to come and pick you up you as quickly as possible. Very occasionally breakdowns and delays do occur.
