Ko Samui Airport (USM) Flights & Information

Ko Samui (USM) island is easily accessible thanks to its international airport, which is quite unique in the country (let alone the world). After reading this helpful guide, you will soon discover why people like to call it the Disney version of airports. The open-air terminal adds a bit of island breeze, but also stifling humidity. This island is filled with beautiful resorts amidst a dramatic landscape. And I always recommend to keep the window shade open when you land to enjoy the view. This guide can help you learn everything you need to know about Ko Samui’s airport.

Terminal layout

The airport is divided between a domestic and international terminal, but nothing is too far of a walk. On the far busier domestic side, it is more like an open-air patio with a thatched roof, beautiful rattan furnishings, dramatic columns rising to the soaring ceiling with natural light shining through and a few small shops selling refreshments.

You will feel more like you are sitting in a resort lobby than in an airport (were it not for all the carry-on luggage next to each passenger). This relaxed design was intentional by Bangkok Airways, which owns the airport and is responsible for its construction and design.

There is an outdoor shopping mall with a few stores as you walk under the covered path to the security area. I like shopping for family and friends at the famous Jim Thompson Thai silk shop venue although it far out prices the more tourist-friendly shops nearby.

Lotus ponds are found along the grounds, which are shrouded in trees and flowers. You might almost think you were at a resort if not for the sound of jet engines in the distance.

Food options include a Thai street food vendor, and a massage shop is available for one last foot or shoulder rub. If you meander around, you will discover pleasant fountains, picnic tables and even some swings and bean bag chairs to wait out any flight delays. Unfortunately, it is hard to find convenient places to charge devices when waiting for a flight.

The most endearing thing about this airport is that there are no jet bridges, and travelers are herded onto long trolley cars with rows of seats (not like the traditional buses) to be brought to the plane. It can be awkward juggling carry-on bags or strollers though, and bring sunscreen as you might be in the hot sun for a bit. When it rains, they lower clear, plastic tarps on either side for protection.

Interestingly, the airport was actually built by Bangkok Airways, which operates most of the flights here, but it is served by many carriers. Most of its departures are domestic flights, but it has a growing list of international destinations like Hong Kong and Singapore. Bangkok Airways is hoping to expand its network to help travelers avoid an extra stop in Bangkok.

The Bangkok Airways connection and perks

Bangkok Airways is a short-haul airline in southeast Asia that markets itself as a boutique carrier. It offers lounge access to all customers in Bangkok and has hot meals in all cabins on most flights.

In an effort to grow the business, the airline’s CEO invested in building a new airport for Ko Samui. His airline funded the entire thing, and now it operates most of the flights here.

Since the airline does not have a lounge for all passengers here, it offers up free snacks in a courtesy corner like small sandwiches and desserts plus water, coffee, tea or juice in the terminal while passengers wait.

There is also a Blue Ribbon Lounge that offers access to business class travelers and those paying a fee to enter its air conditioned oasis. Other amenities for everyone include free Wi-Fi around the terminal and plenty of fresh air (although I find that the ceiling fans cannot keep up with the heat most days). Still, the airport has won awards for its eco-friendly practices.

And given the monopoly on flights by Bangkok Airways, Star Alliance member and national carrier Thai Airways discontinued service to the airport. It offers a codeshare with Bangkok Airways instead. The private ownership by an airline here can keep prices higher than expected, but don’t let that stop you. Ko Samui is spectacular!

There are not as many low-cost airlines flying from here as compared to other Thai airports, but it is slowly changing. Scoot added a new flight to Singapore as the discount carrier affiliated with Singapore Airlines. And you can bet Bangkok Airways retaliated (good deal alert!). Otherwise, you will have to rely on Bangkok Airways to get your off island for the most part.

If you are connecting on a codeshare itinerary from another city to Ko Samui via Bangkok, your inbound airline will probably give you a colorful sticker to wear that indicates you are transiting Bangkok to Ko Samui. This keeps you from going through the more crowded lines at Bangkok so that you can clear immigration and customs when you land at USM so be sure to keep it on your shirt.

Passengers landing in Ko Samui and transiting from one international destination to elsewhere in Thailand have access to a transit lane, but honestly, this is not very common. Most travelers are coming via Bangkok from other destinations onto their Ko Samui resort vacation.

How to get to USM

The airport is located in the northern half of the island, but getting around anywhere does not take very long. Car rental agencies are plentiful, but keep in mind that taxis cannot wait in line at the airport. These must be arranged in advance or summoned after landing at the taxi desk.

Transfer companies vie for your attention when you exit from the arrivals area, but I recommend organizing something in advance (hotels regularly offer a transfer, but they can be pricey).

These pick up at the pickup meeting areas, but the airport has two separate meeting areas for pickups. Be sure you understand which one to go to (although they are not that far apart). One is reserved for hotels and tour agencies, but it is helpful to know where to go when traveling with heavy luggage.

Drivers get charged an extra fee for idling at the airport (in similar fashion to taxis not being allowed to queue) so be expeditious in getting to your ride to avoid any additional fees tacked onto your fare.

Local rideshare services are available, but not Uber or Lyft. I recommend downloading the Grab app in advance and adding your credit card details. Their rates are very low, and Grab works in several other Asian countries.

In addition, many travelers use this airport to reach neighboring islands (like Ton Sai) via the high-speed ferries that leave from Maenam Beach Pier, which is a short drive away. Big Buddha Pier is not far from the airport either.

Ko Samui airport hotels

The island is so small, there is really no need to concern yourself with booking an airport hotel for an early departure. I tried it once, and the options I found just by the runway were very budget-oriented and not worth the effort.

While it is probably more expensive to stay in your original accommodation or resort, it will be more of a hassle to check out and move closer to the airport just to save a few minutes for an early-morning flight. Such is island life though; it is worth the effort.

Helpful tips when flying to Ko Samui

Since Bangkok Airways is the primary airline that flies here, not every itinerary will offer a convenient codeshare flight from your starting point to reach USM. I suggest pricing your itinerary from your starting point to Ko Samui and back, but then also comparing that with a flight to and from Bangkok.

This advice has saved me a lot of cash over the years. Airfare to and from Bangkok is much more affordable given the competition. From there, you can book a separate (often cheaper) roundtrip ticket to Ko Samui. Just be aware that you will have to allow enough time to collect your bags in the arrivals hall and recheck them with Bangkok Airways.

Another word to the wise: the early-morning hours and days following a national holiday or full moon party are the busiest times here. That’s when you will want to allow a little more than the standard 90 minutes before departure to get here. The airport is small, but so is the number of security checkpoints.

Whenever I fly here, I try to get a seat on the left side of the plane as this is usually where you will enjoy the most panoramic scenery on approach to the airport.

Like other international airports, I never recommend exchanging currency at the airport. It is best to do this at a bank or a bank-affiliated ATM where the rates will be more favorable. If you pre-arrange your transportation, you can pay by credit card.