How To Get To Koh Lanta
Your not so complicated guide on how to get to Koh Lanta, the chillest island in the Andaman Sea
Koh Lanta is one of those places where the journey feels like a warm up. You’ll take a boat or a van that has seen some things in life and by the time you arrive you’re already in holiday mode. Here’s how to get there from the usual starting points.
Quick answer: The fastest way to reach Koh Lanta is to fly into Krabi Airport, then take a shared minivan or private transfer for the 1.5 to 2.5 hour drive that ends with a short car ferry to the island. From Phuket allow 4 to 5 hours by van or seasonal ferry, and from Koh Phi Phi a direct ferry takes about 1 to 1.5 hours (45 minutes by speedboat). During high season, book ferries and transfers a day ahead.
Coming From International Destinations
If you’re flying in from overseas your best bet is landing at Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi since they have the most convenient connections to Lanta.
How it works
- Fly into one of the big airports
- Grab a domestic flight to Krabi or Phuket
- Jump into a ferry or a shared minivan
- Celebrate the fact you made it without arguing with anyone
Krabi is the closest airport by far so if you can, aim for that. Your future self will thank you.
Getting to Koh Lanta From Bangkok
Bangkok is the universal starting point for most Thai adventures. Luckily getting to Lanta from here is pretty painless.
Option 1: Fly to Krabi
This is the easy route.
- Fly from Bangkok to Krabi (around 1.5 hours)
- Take a shared van or a private transfer from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
- There’s a short vehicle ferry for the last hop to the island
Total time: roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on how spicy the traffic feels that day.
Option 2: Fly to Phuket
Not as close as Krabi but still a popular path.
- Fly to Phuket
- Jump into a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta or grab a van transfer
Total time: 4 to 5 hours.
Option 3: Take the Train and Bus
Only for people who enjoy chaos and snacks from 7-Eleven.
- Night train from Bangkok to Trang
- Bus or van to Koh Lanta
Cheaper but definitely adds an edge to the adventure.
Getting to Koh Lanta From Phuket
Phuket is packed with tourists but also convenient.
Option 1: Direct Ferry
During high season you can ride a ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta. It’s scenic and breezy. Bring sunscreen unless you enjoy looking like a tomato.
Option 2: Van Transfer
Simple door to door service.
- Pick up in Phuket
- Drive across the mainland
- Hop on the short car ferry to Lanta
This takes around 4 hours and is the most reliable all year long.
Getting to Koh Lanta From Krabi
This is the shortest route and the one locals use.
From Krabi Airport
You can book:
- A shared minivan
- A private taxi
- A hotel pickup if your accommodation is fancy like that
Travel time is 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Half of it is a normal road. The other half is judging how the minivan driver overtakes people.
From Krabi Town or Ao Nang
Same deal. Vans run all day and you just hop on and enjoy the view. Total time around 2 hours.
Getting to Koh Lanta From Koh Phi Phi
This route is one of the easiest in the Andaman. No vans. No long detours. Just boats and vibes.
Direct Ferry
The classic route.
- Hop on a ferry from Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi
- Cruise straight to Koh Lanta’s Saladan Pier
Travel time is about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the boat and how dramatic the waves feel like being.
Speedboat
If you’re in a hurry or you just want that “look at me I’m on a speedboat” moment.
- Book a speedboat transfer
- Arrive faster than your sunblock can melt
Travel time is around 45 minutes.
What to Expect
The ride is usually smooth but windy so hold onto your hat unless you want to donate it to the sea gods. Schedules change with the seasons so it’s best to book a day before or ask your hotel to sort it for you.
Getting to Koh Lanta From other Popular Places Nearby
From Koh Lipe
- Ferry to Koh Lipe
- Change in Trang or Pakbara depending on the season
More time but a beautiful journey.
From Koh Samui, Koh Tao or Koh Phangan
You’ll need to:
- Take a ferry to Surat Thani
- Bus or van to Krabi
- Continue on to Koh Lanta
It’s a bit of a travel marathon but doable in one day.
From Railay or Tonsai
- Longtail boat to Ao Nang or Krabi Town
- Van to Koh Lanta
If you’re carrying a giant backpack prepare for a splash or two.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to get to Koh Lanta?
The easiest route is to fly into Krabi Airport and take a shared minivan or private transfer, which takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours and includes one short vehicle ferry to the island. It is the closest airport and the route most locals use.
Is there an airport on Koh Lanta?
No, Koh Lanta does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Krabi (closest, 1.5 to 2.5 hours away) and Phuket (around 4 to 5 hours away by van or ferry).
How do you get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Take a direct ferry from Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. A speedboat transfer covers the same trip in around 45 minutes.
Do you need to book Koh Lanta ferries in advance?
During high season it is best to book ferries and transfers a day ahead, or ask your hotel to arrange them, since schedules change with the seasons and boats fill up.
Final Tips Before You Go
- Book ferries ahead during high season
- If you get seasick bring tablets unless you enjoy turning green
- If time matters go through Krabi
Once you’ve made it to Koh Lanta you can finally stop thinking about transport and start thinking about the fun stuff. Check out our guide on what to do in Koh Lanta so you can plan your beach days scooter adventures and sunset missions. If the ocean is calling your name, dive into our snorkeling tour guide too. It’ll show you the best spots around Lanta and help you pick the right trip so you spend more time in the water and less time guessing. After all the journey is great but the real magic starts once you’re here. Planning your trip and not sure which route or transfer suits you? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll help you sort it.
