How to Get to Koh Lanta: Every Route Explained

From Krabi Airport, Phuket, Phi Phi, Koh Lipe, Bangkok, and everything in between. Current prices, ferry schedules, which route saves you money, which saves you time, and what to expect at Saladan Pier. Written by people who take these ferries regularly.

From Krabi Airport — The Main Route (2.5 Hours, ฿350)

Krabi International Airport is the gateway for most visitors to Koh Lanta. It's only 40km from Krabi Town, and from there, the journey to Koh Lanta takes you through two car ferry crossings — a journey that looks longer on a map than it actually feels on the road.

The Shared Minivan Option (฿350–400)

Walk out of Krabi Airport terminal, past the taxis, and find the minibus counter marked "Koh Lanta" or "Long Tail" or "Andaman" — the names vary but they're all heading the same direction. A shared minivan holds 10–12 people and departs when full (usually within 15–30 minutes). The driver stops to fill up at a gas station, then heads south through mangrove forests toward the first ferry at Hua Hin Pier.

Hua Hin is the short crossing to Koh Lanta Noi (the northern, smaller island). The ferry is a car ferry — your minivan drives on, and you stay inside for a 10-minute crossing. No hassle, no leaving your seat. It's included in your ticket price. The minivan then drives across Koh Lanta Noi toward the second ferry at Khlong Khong, which crosses to Koh Lanta Yai (the larger southern island where most tourist facilities are). This second crossing is also 10 minutes and is also included.

Why Two Ferries? (Koh Lanta Geography Explained)

Koh Lanta isn't one island — it's actually two separate islands connected by ferries and causeways. Koh Lanta Noi is the smaller, quieter northern island where you'll see fishing communities, mangrove forests, and far fewer tourists. Koh Lanta Yai is the larger southern island where the beaches, resorts, dive shops, and restaurants are. If you're heading to a hotel on Koh Lanta Yai (which most visitors are), both ferries are unavoidable.

Private Transfer Option (฿2,000–2,500)

If you're not keen on sharing a minivan, or if you're arriving on a late flight, book a private transfer. The driver will be waiting at arrivals with a sign, you'll have your own AC vehicle, and the journey is the same — just without the stops and without waiting for the minivan to fill up. Private transfers cost roughly 5–7 times more than shared minivans, but they cut 20–30 minutes off the journey and give you control over timing.

From Phuket — Two Routes Depending on Season

High Season (November–April): Direct Ferry via Phi Phi (3 Hours, ฿900–1,200)

During high season, Tigerline and Andaman Wave Master run high-speed ferries from Phuket Town to Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta. These are fast boats — the journey is 3 hours total, and they run almost daily (usually once per day in the early morning, 7:30–8:00am departure). Prices range from ฿900 to ฿1,200 depending on whether you book directly with the operator or through a tour agent.

The boat departs Phuket's central pier, stops at Phi Phi Leh or Phi Phi Don for 15–30 minutes (usually just enough time to take a photo), then continues to Koh Lanta's Saladan Pier. It's a scenic route and much faster than overland, but it's also dependent on weather — if the seas are rough, boats can be cancelled or delayed.

Off-Season (May–October): Overland via Krabi (5 Hours, ฿400–600)

The high-speed ferries don't run in low season — seas are too rough. Instead, you'll go overland to Krabi and catch the minivan route described above. This means taking a minivan or bus from Phuket to Krabi Town (about 2.5–3 hours, ฿150–300), then catching the Krabi-to-Koh Lanta minivan (another 2–2.5 hours, ฿350). Total journey time is roughly 5 hours plus waiting time between connections. It's not expensive, but it's long.

If you're stuck in Phuket during the rainy season and want to reach Koh Lanta, this is your only option (unless you fly). Book everything through 12Go Asia to avoid scrambling for connections.

From Phi Phi — Quick Hop (1 Hour Ferry, ฿350–450)

If you're island-hopping through the Andaman and want to visit Koh Lanta from Phi Phi Don, it's a straightforward 1-hour ferry crossing. Multiple operators run this route daily: Tigerline Ferry, Andaman Wave Master, and smaller local ferries. Prices are consistent at ฿350–450 per person depending on the operator and season.

The ferry arrives at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta Yai. There are usually 2–3 departures daily from Phi Phi (morning around 7–8am, afternoon around 1–2pm). The journey is scenic, mostly calm, and the ferry is reliable.

Which Operator?

Tigerline is the most popular — widely booked, consistent schedules, modern boats. Andaman Wave Master is also reliable. Smaller operators are sometimes cheaper but less predictable. Stick with Tigerline if schedule matters; it's usually worth the marginally higher price.

From Koh Lipe — Seasonal Ferry (4 Hours, ฿1,500)

Koh Lipe is a small island in the far south of the Andaman, near the Malaysian border. It's further away than it sounds. The ferry from Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta is only available during high season (November–April), runs once daily, and takes about 4 hours. Tigerline Ferry is the main operator.

The route is scenic but subject to weather — rough seas happen, especially in the shoulder months (Nov, April). Departures are usually in the morning, around 9am from Koh Lipe, arriving Koh Lanta around 1pm.

Prices are around ฿1,500 per person. Book through Tigerline or any guesthouse on Koh Lipe at least 1–2 days in advance.

From Krabi Town or Ao Nang — Quick Minivan (1.5 Hours, ฿300)

If you're already in Krabi Town or staying in Ao Nang beach (the main beach town north of Krabi), the minivan to Koh Lanta is straightforward and cheap. Minivans depart from Krabi bus station throughout the morning and early afternoon, with the last one usually around 4–5pm. The route is the same as from the airport: through mangroves, two car ferry crossings, 1.5 hours total, ฿300–350.

Alternative: Ferry from Nopparat Thara (High Season Only)

In high season (Nov–Apr), there's occasionally a ferry from Nopparat Thara Pier (the national park pier in Ao Nang) to Koh Lanta, bypassing the overland route. This ferry doesn't run every day — schedules are sporadic. It's a scenic option if it's running when you're there, but don't plan around it. Ask at your hotel in Ao Nang whether it's operating.

From Bangkok — Fly to Krabi, Then Minivan (4–4.5 Hours Total)

There are no direct flights from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. You must fly to either Krabi or Phuket first. Krabi is the better choice — it's closer, the connections are simpler, and you'll spend less time getting from the airport to the island.

The Bangkok-Krabi Route (Recommended)

Fly Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) to Krabi. Flight time is 1 hour 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. Domestic flights from Bangkok to Krabi cost ฿1,500–3,000 depending on how far in advance you book and which airline: AirAsia is the cheapest, Thai Lion is competitive, Thai Airways is more expensive but reliable. Budget airlines operate from Don Mueang (BKK's older airport, not far from the centre). Major carriers use Suvarnabhumi.

Land in Krabi, take the minivan to Koh Lanta (2.5 hours, ฿350). Total journey from Bangkok hotel to Koh Lanta hotel is roughly 4–4.5 hours including airport procedures, connections, and waiting for the minivan to fill up.

Why Not Fly to Phuket?

Phuket is a common international entry point, so flights are often cheaper. However, Phuket is 3 hours north of Krabi. Flying there adds an entire 3-hour road leg (or waiting for a ferry). You save money on the flight but lose it on ground transfers. Krabi flights are only slightly more expensive and save you a huge amount of time and hassle. Skip Phuket unless you're specifically visiting there first.

Arriving at Saladan Pier — What to Expect

Saladan Pier is the main ferry terminal on Koh Lanta, located on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. It's a working pier with a few beach huts, ferry company offices, souvenir shops, and dive shop signs. When you arrive (whether by minivan, ferry, or speedboat), you'll disembark directly onto the pier. Your hotel or guesthouse may arrange a pickup — if they do, someone will be waiting with a sign or a phone number.

Songthaew (Shared Taxi) from Saladan

If you don't have a hotel pickup, songthaews (colorful shared taxis) wait at the pier for arrivals. The main route from Saladan goes south down the island's only main road, dropping passengers at major beaches and towns: Bamboo Bay, Klong Dao, Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, and so on. Shared fare is ฿50–100 per person depending on distance. Private hire (just you, not shared) costs ฿300–500 — useful if you have luggage or are going far south.

If your hotel is in the northern part of Koh Lanta Yai (Bamboo Bay, Klong Dao), a songthaew to your door costs ฿50–80. If you're heading to the southern beaches (Phra Ae, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin), you're looking at ฿80–100. Songthaew drivers don't always speak English, but they understand "Klong Khong" or your hotel name if you say it clearly.

ATM and Money at Saladan

There's a Kasikornbank ATM at the pier. It's the only ATM at Saladan itself — if it's out of service (rare but possible), the next ATM is in Klong Dao, about 15 minutes south. Withdraw cash before you arrive if you can, or bring some baht with you. Small guesthouses and songthaews only take cash.

Comparison Table: All Routes to Koh Lanta

How to Book Ferries and Transport

Almost all ferry and transport bookings are handled through 12Go Asia, a booking site that aggregates all operators in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Prices on 12Go are usually the same as booking direct with the operator, but you get one platform to compare all options, read reviews, and book everything in advance. Crucially, 12Go handles payment online, so you don't arrive and scramble to find a ferry operator's office.

Booking Direct with Ferry Operators

You can also book direct with Tigerline, Andaman Wave Master, or other operators if you're already on one of the islands. This works fine, but you'll pay the same price, and you lose the convenience of one platform. Most travelers book through 12Go to compare all options at once.

Free Cancellation?

Most ferries allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Check the cancellation policy on 12Go before you book — it's listed in the terms. Weather cancellations (the operator cancels, not you) are refunded in full.