Koh Lanta had been on my travel list for a while, but I always thought it would be a bit of a hassle to get there. I recently spent 4 days on this southern Thai island and found out that getting to Koh Lanta is much easier than I expected.
I travelled to Koh Lanta from Bangkok, so the most sensible way was to take a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Krabi Airport. We landed half an hour early, at 8 AM, and continued our journey to Koh Lanta in a van that I had pre-booked online through 12Go Asia.
The journey from Krabi Airport included a short ferry crossing and took around 3.5 hours on the way there. On the way back to Krabi Airport, it only took around 2 hours because we didn’t have to wait long for the ferry.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Bangkok. I’ll also cover the difference between vans, ferries, and private transfers, plus my own experience booking transport to Koh Lanta.
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Quick Overview: Best Ways to Get to Koh Lanta
| From | Best Way | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok | Fly to Krabi + shared van | Fastest and easiest option. This is what I did. |
| Bangkok | Bus or train | Cheaper, but takes much longer and involves more connections. |
| Krabi Airport | Shared van | Best budget-friendly option with hotel drop-off included. |
| Krabi Airport | Private transfer | Best if you want comfort, travel with family, or have lots of luggage. |
| Krabi Town | Shared van or private transfer | Easy route if you are already staying in Krabi Town. |
| Ao Nang | Shared van | Most practical option, especially in shoulder or rainy season. |
| Ao Nang | Ferry or speedboat | More scenic, but usually better in high season when the sea is calmer. |
| Phuket | Speedboat or van | Speedboat is faster, van is usually better with luggage or rough seas. |
| Koh Phi Phi | Ferry or speedboat | Short island-hopping route, but schedules can be limited in rainy season. |
Once you know how to get to Koh Lanta, the next step is choosing where to stay and what to do on the island. I cover all of that in my full Koh Lanta guide.
➞ Read my complete Koh Lanta Travel Guide
How to Get to Koh Lanta from Bangkok: My Experience
I travelled to Koh Lanta from Bangkok by flying to Krabi Airport with VietJet airline. The great news is that there are many flights each day between Bangkok and Krabi, both from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang.
I booked the flights about a week in advance. For two people with one 20 kg checked-in bag, we paid around 4,000 THB (123 USD) one way. After I had to sort out transport from Krabi Airport to our hotel in Koh Lanta. I did what I always do: I headed to 12Go Asia and started looking for options.
I was hesitating between a private transfer, which was just over 2,000 THB (62 USD), and a shared van, which was around 800 THB (25 USD) for two people. In the end, I chose the shared van and booked it for 9:30 AM to make sure we had enough time between landing and the van departure.
But because we landed 30 minutes early and our checked-in luggage arrived immediately, we were out of the arrival hall by 8:20 AM. The van I had booked departs every hour, and there was one waiting right by the exit door, departing at 8:30 AM. We were lucky there was space, so we got on the earlier one.
The van was pretty small, with a maximum of around 15 seats, and there wasn’t much space to stretch our legs. By the time we left, it was full. Thai drivers also often pick up random locals along the way, sometimes with their shopping, so the vans tend to fill up quickly.
On the way to Koh Lanta, the van journey took almost 3.5 hours. The main reason was that we spent quite some time waiting for the ferry, although the ferry crossing itself was short. We were dropped off right at our hotel. On the way back from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport, it only took around 2 hours because we drove almost straight onto the ferry.
➞ Overall, I found the route very easy and would book it again. The van picked us up at Krabi Airport, the ferry crossing was included, and we were dropped off directly at our hotel in Koh Lanta.
How to Get from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Since Koh Lanta doesn’t have an airport, you’ll need to fly to Krabi Airport, which is about 70 kilometres away. If you are flying from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or another destination in Thailand, this is usually the best route.
There are a few options for how to get from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta. Most road transfers include the short car ferry crossing to the island and then drop you directly at your hotel.
Option 1: Shared Van from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 400 THB
Length: 2–3.5 hours
A shared van is one of the most popular and affordable ways to get from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta. This is the option I used, and it was very straightforward.
The main advantage is that it’s usually good value and easy to book in advance. We got picked up right by the exit door at the airport and dropped off directly at our hotel.
The downside is that the journey can take longer if you need to wait for other passengers, stop at different hotels, or queue for the ferry. So, if you are taking the van back from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport, make sure you allow enough time so you don’t miss your flight.
Option 2: Private Transfer from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 2 500 THB
Length: 2–2.5 hours
This is the most comfortable and most expensive option. The driver will wait for you in the arrival hall with a sign showing your name and take you straight to your hotel.
It’s a great solution for families or couples with lots of luggage. It’s also likely to be faster, as you will not have to wait for other passengers. I also noticed that cars are usually a bit faster than vans. A private transfer is also a good idea if your flight arrives later in the day and there are no more shared van connections available.
Option 3: Hotel Shuttle from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Where to book: email your hotel
Price: complimentary or from 2 800 THB
Length: 2–2.5 hours
When I was looking for a hotel in Koh Lanta, I noticed that Avani Plus Koh Lanta Hotel, for example, offers a complimentary shared airport shuttle. However, it only runs three times a day, so if you want to use it, you have to fit into their set times.
Some other hotels and resorts in Koh Lanta also offer their own shuttle service from Krabi Airport, but you usually have to pay for it. The price is often a few thousand baht one way.
How to Get from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 400 THB
Length: 2–3 hours
Krabi Town is another easy starting point for travelling to Koh Lanta. If you are spending a night in Krabi Town before heading to the island, you can usually book a minivan, private transfer, or sometimes a boat connection, depending on the season.
Like airport transfers, many vans include the ferry crossing and can drop you off directly at your accommodation.
How to Get from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Ao Nang is a popular beach destination in Krabi, and I visited it earlier this year. It’s pretty common for travellers to visit Koh Lanta after spending a few days in Ao Nang.
If you are already staying in Ao Nang, you don’t need to return to Krabi Airport. You can book transport directly from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by shared van, ferry, speedboat, or private transfer.
Option 1: Shared Van from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 560 THB
Length: 3–3.5 hours
If I were travelling from Ao Nang, I’d book a shared van, as it seems to be the most practical option. This is especially true if you want hotel pick-up and hotel drop-off.
If you are travelling in the shoulder season or rainy season, a road transfer via the mainland ferry is more reliable than relying on passenger boats.
Option 2: Ferry or Speedboat from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 950 THB
Length: 1.5–2 hours
A speedboat or ferry might be a more fun option, especially in high season when the sea is usually calmer. Boats usually leave from Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang and arrive at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. This means you’ll still have to arrange your own transport to and from the pier.
Option 3: Private Transfer from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 2 800 THB
Length: 2–3 hours
If you want to travel comfortably door-to-door, book a private transfer. It will usually cost somewhere between 2,000 and 3,000 THB.
How to Get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
You can get from Phuket to Koh Lanta by speedboat, ferry, van, or private transfer. The best option depends on your budget, luggage, season, and how comfortable you are travelling by boat.
Option 1: Phuket to Koh Lanta by Speedboat
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 1 350 THB
Length: 1.5 hours
The speedboat is usually the fastest option between Phuket and Koh Lanta. It can be a good choice if you are island hopping and want to save time. However, speedboats can be less comfortable if the sea is rough, and luggage space may be more limited. If you want to take the slower ferry, then it takes 4 hours and cost around 850 THB.
Option 2: Phuket to Koh Lanta by Van
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 650 THB
Length: 4.5–5 hours
A van from Phuket to Koh Lanta is usually slower, but it can be more practical if you are travelling with luggage or prefer to avoid a boat journey. This route usually goes via Krabi and includes the ferry crossing to Koh Lanta.
Option 3: Phuket to Koh Lanta by Private Transfer
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 4 700 THB
Length: 4–6 hours
A private transfer from Phuket to Koh Lanta is the most expensive option, but it can make sense if you are travelling as a group and can share the cost. For example, if you are a group of nine people, the price per person can end up being only a few hundred baht.
How to Get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 4 700 THB
Length: 4–6 hours
Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are very easy to combine in a Thailand island-hopping itinerary. The two islands are relatively close, and the journey by ferry or speedboat can be quite short.
You’ll arrive at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta. From there, you can take a taxi, use a hotel transfer, or walk around 10 minutes to the closest bike rental, Self Drive Motorbike Rental Koh Lanta.
Just be aware that during rainy season, connections may be more limited, so it’s always worth checking the latest timetable before planning your route.
How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
The easiest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is to fly to Krabi Airport and then take a van or private transfer to Koh Lanta. This is what I did, and it was actually super easy.
Option 1: Fly from Bangkok to Krabi, Then Transfer to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book flight here and van here
Price: from 2,500 THB
Length: 1-hour flight + 2–3.5-hour van journey
If you only have ten, twelve, or fourteen days in Thailand, you don’t want to waste too much time moving from one place to another.
If you are travelling to Koh Lanta from Bangkok, I would definitely take a flight to Krabi. As I mentioned above, there are many airlines serving this route, so even if you book last minute, which I don’t recommend, you should still be able to get a seat.
Once you arrive at Krabi Airport, you can continue to Koh Lanta by shared van, private transfer, or hotel shuttle. I explain these options in more detail above.
Option 2: Bus or Train from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Where to book: Book here
Price: from 1 200 THB
Length: 15–17 hours
I’d recommend this option only to those who have a fear of flying or those who have plenty of time and want to make stops along the way. You can take a train to Surat Thani and then continue by van, or take a bus all the way from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, which honestly takes forever.
What You Need to Know About the Ferry to Koh Lanta
To be honest, I thought Krabi Province was connected to Koh Lanta by a bridge, so I was a bit surprised when I saw that we were getting on a ferry.
It’s not the usual passenger ferry. It was more like a massive moving loading platform that transported our van, plus many other vehicles, to the other side. We didn’t even get out of the van, as it’s not really designed for that.
Also, when people talk about the ferry to Koh Lanta, they may mean two different things. The first is the car ferry from the mainland to Koh Lanta, which I just described. It’s part of the road journey and is usually included in your transfer.
The second is a passenger ferry or speedboat from nearby islands or coastal destinations such as Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, or Ao Nang. These boats may be more seasonal and depend on weather and sea conditions.
The main passenger pier in Koh Lanta is Saladan Pier, located in the north of the island. If you arrive by ferry or speedboat, this is likely where you will arrive. If you are travelling to Koh Lanta during rainy season, road transport via Krabi and the mainland car ferry is usually the more reliable option.
Once you know how to get to the island, the next step is deciding what to do in Koh Lanta.
➞ Read my guide on best things to do in Koh Lanta
Can You Get to Koh Lanta During Rainy Season?
Yes, you can get to Koh Lanta during rainy season. The mainland car ferry generally runs throughout the year, so vans and private transfers from Krabi can still reach the island.
However, I wouldn’t rely on passenger ferries and speedboats from Koh Phi Phi, Phuket, and Ao Nang running all year round. The monsoon season can be pretty rough, especially at sea, so even if they don’t get cancelled, I personally would avoid them.
Should You Book Koh Lanta Transport in Advance?
During high season, definitely, as space in vans is quite limited. I actually always book my transport in advance, just for peace of mind.
I booked our return journey from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport only one day in advance, and it was fine. But that was only because I knew the island had very few tourists at the time.
My Tips for Getting to Koh Lanta
- Allow extra time before flights because ferry queues and traffic can change the journey time.
- Ask your hotel if they offer a shuttle from Krabi Airport, especially if you are staying at a higher-end resort.
- Choose a private transfer if you are travelling with children, lots of luggage, or simply want the easiest journey.
- Choose a shared van if you want a simple and affordable option from Krabi Airport.
- During rainy season, I recommend booking road transport from Krabi, as it’s more reliable than sea transport.
- Keep some cash with you for small expenses, snacks, drinks, or local transport after arrival.
- Don’t plan a very tight connection between your transfer and flight.
Not renting a scooter in Koh Lanta?
➞ Read how I explored Koh Lanta with a private driver
FAQ About Getting to Koh Lanta
What is the best way to get to Koh Lanta?
It really depends where you are coming from. If you are travelling from Bangkok, the easiest way is to fly to Krabi Airport and then take a shared van or private transfer to Koh Lanta.
If you are coming from Phuket, you can take a ferry, speedboat, van, or private transfer, depending on your preferences. From Koh Phi Phi, the best option is usually to take a ferry or speedboat.
Personally, I really like the shared van option because you can book the transfer directly to your hotel.
Is Koh Lanta closer to Phuket or Krabi?
Koh Lanta is closer to Krabi. So, if you want to fly as close as possible to Koh Lanta, the best option is to fly to Krabi Airport.
How long is the ferry ride from Krabi to Koh Lanta?
If you are driving from Krabi and taking the car ferry to Koh Lanta, the ferry crossing itself only takes about 15 minutes.
However, the total journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta usually takes much longer because of the drive, ferry queue, and hotel drop-offs.
Is it worth going to Koh Lanta?
Yes, Koh Lanta is worth visiting, mainly for its wild beaches, calm vibes, and stunning sunsets. It’s way more chilled and less developed than Phuket.
How long does it take from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta?
The journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta usually takes around 2 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic, how many people need to be picked up or dropped off, and ferry waiting times.
Can you fly directly to Koh Lanta?
No, you cannot fly directly to Koh Lanta because the island doesn’t have an airport. The nearest major airport is Krabi Airport.
How to get to Koh Lanta from Chiang Mai?
Take a direct flight from Chiang Mai to Krabi Airport, then continue to Koh Lanta by shared van, private transfer, or your hotel’s shuttle service.
How to get to Koh Lanta from Koh Samui?
From Koh Samui, take a ferry to the mainland and then continue by bus or van to Krabi. From there, you can take a shared van, private transfer, or hotel shuttle to Koh Lanta.
Final Thoughts on Getting to Koh Lanta
From my personal experience, I can confirm that getting to Koh Lanta is much easier than it looks at first. The biggest advantage for me was that I could book a shared van directly to and from my hotel. This meant I didn’t have to think about arranging an additional taxi after arriving on the island.
To sum it up, if you want something cheap and easy, go for a shared van. If you want comfort and don’t mind spending more, choose a private transfer. And if you have no other option, like when coming from Koh Phi Phi, take the ferry or speedboat.
➞ 12Go Asia Review: Is It Worth It? My Honest Take After Booking a Few Trips
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