Transport

Private Transfers to Koh Chang by Car and Minibus

Private transfers to Koh Chang by car or minibus

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:

    • 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.  

Private transfer by Koi to Koh Chang

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 ฿4,600 ฿5,100 
Don Meuang Airport, Bangkok – Hotel on Koh Chang ฿4,800 ฿5,400
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 :

1 Step 1
Private Transfer Inquiry
Your Family / Group Details
Transfer Details
Pick Up Time
access_time
Return Details (if required)
Do you need a return transfer?
Pick Up Time
access_time
Additional Information
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Private transfer by Koi to Koh Chang

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
  •   Luxury VIP Van 9pax
  •   Comfort Car 3pax
  •   Luxury SUV 4pax
  •   Comfort 3pax
  •   Van 9pax
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   VIP Van 8pax
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   MPV Comfort 4pax
  •   Van 10pax
  •   Comfort 2pax
  •   Economy 3pax
Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,650–8,228 4h 15m – 7h
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Luxury SUV
  •   Comfort Car
  •   Comfort
  •   Van 9pax
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   Van 10pax
  •   Economy
Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Koh Chang ฿ 3,550–8,228 4h 25m – 7h
  •   Luxury VIP Van
  •   Luxury SUV
  •   Comfort Car
  •   Comfort
  •   Van 9pax
  •   SUV 4pax
  •   VIP Van 9pax
  •   SUV Comfort 4pax
  •   Van 10pax
  •   Economy

 

FAQs. Need some more information?

Here are some of the most common questions about transfers that I’ve been asked over the years . . .

What is included in the cost of the private transfer?

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.

How far in advance do I need to book a transfer?
Some people like to plan weeks or months in advance.  Others are more spontaneous. So you can book a day or two in advance in you want.  But if you are travelling during peak season, please book as early as possible to make sure you there will be a driver available.
What if I don’t see my departure point or destination location listed?
If there aren’t any options available on 12go.com, contacting your hotel will be the easiest way to check prices and best mode of transport.
When and how do I pay for my transfer to Koh Chang?
If you book with koi you can pay the driver in cash when you arrive at your destination. On 12go.com you pay online when you book.  Be sure to check the refund policy.  Different transport companies have different policies regarding refunds.
Do you offer any discounts for transfers?
Yes. Koi offers a 500 Baht discount for round trip transfers between Bangkok and Koh Chang ( or mainland pier if you are going to/from Koh Kood or Koh Mak.  Bookings on 12go.com don’t offer return discounts.
Are children's car seats provided?
Car seats for infants and children up to  5 years old can be provided.  The price will depend on the transport company.  It’s usually 200 – 400 Baht. Koi charges 200 Baht for a baby, toddler or child’s car seat.
Where do I meet the driver?
Private transfers will be door to door – meaning you are meet you at your hotel, airport, or train station and drop you off directly at your final destination. ( Please note that picks ups from random locations, such as shopping malls, outside BTS skytrain stations etc usually aren’t possible.)

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.

How long will the transfer to Koh Chang take?
 Travel times depend on the time of year. The trip tends to be longer during high season when the roads and ferries are busier.

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.

Who will be my driver and what kind of vehicle will they use?

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. 

Can we stop along the way during our trip?
Yes. Just let your driver know. Drivers will know the best places to stop for a break. Drinks, snacks and lunch etc are not included in the cost of your transfer, so make sure to bring a few hundred Baht in cash if you want to purchase something.

Can the driver do a detour for sightseeing?
The driver will take you from A to B by the most direct route. But if you want to make a stop on the way that would need to be negotiated in advance.
Can the driver pick up / drop off at two locations?
Yes, that’s possible.  But there is an additional surcharge.  Koi charges 500 Baht for each extra pick up or drop off location in Bangkok. On Koh Chang it’s no problem to pick up or drop off at two different locations on the west coast of the island.
Are pets allowed in the vehicles?
Small dogs and cats which are in a carrying case whilst in the vehicle are often allowed, provided the transport company is notified in advance.
What happens if there are delays due to traffic or the vehicle breaks down etc?
 The driver will do their best to get you to your destination as quickly as possible – without breaking speed limits.  However, if there are unexpected delays due to the ferry being busy; traffic jams; accidents enroute etc the driver wouldn’t be liable for any losses or compensation. 

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.

What happens if the driver is late?
Firstly, please call the number you will have been given if the driver isn’t on time.  Delays and mistakes can happen for various reasons. Fortunately they are rare.  
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
Different transport companies have different policies.  Some are flexible, others more strict. Please read the small print when booking online.  

 

Koh Chang Island Guide For Independent Travellers