How to Travel to Koh Lanta, Thailand: Ferries, Flights & Best Transfers

Getting to Koh Lanta is easier than it might look on the map.

For most visitors, the simplest option is to fly into Krabi Airport and take a shared minivan or private transfer directly to your accommodation on the island.

If you’re already travelling around Southern Thailand, you can also reach Koh Lanta by ferry or speedboat from places such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Mook and Koh Lipe when seasonal routes are operating.

I arrived in Koh Lanta by direct speedboat from Koh Mook and later left the island by ferry to Koh Phi Phi, so I’ve used two of the main island-hopping routes myself.

In this guide, I’ll compare the easiest ways to reach Koh Lanta, including travel times, seasonal differences and which option to choose.

Quick Answer: What Is the Best Way to Travel to Koh Lanta?

The best way to travel to Koh Lanta depends on where you’re coming from.

Koh Lanta doesn’t have an airport, so most tourists arrive overland from Krabi Airport or by boat from another island.

For most first-time visitors flying into Thailand, I recommend travelling via Krabi Airport.

It’s the simplest gateway to Koh Lanta and you can continue directly to your accommodation without needing to spend a night in Krabi or long hours on the road.

Compare Ways on How to Travel to Koh Lanta

Not sure which route makes the most sense? Here are the main ways to reach Koh Lanta, with typical journey times and the option I’d choose from each starting point.

From	Best Option	Approx. Travel Time	Where You Arrive	Availability	Best For
Krabi Airport	Shared minivan or private transfer	2–3 hrs	Your Koh Lanta hotel	Year-round	Most travellers
Krabi Town	Shared minivan	2–3 hrs	Koh Lanta / hotel drop-off	Year-round	Budget & convenience
Ao Nang	Shared minivan or boat	2.5–4 hrs	Hotel or Saladan Pier	Year-round options; boats vary	Combining Krabi & Koh Lanta
Bangkok	Fly to Krabi + transfer	4–6 hrs total	Your Koh Lanta hotel	Year-round	Fastest & easiest
Phuket	Speedboat/ferry or road transfer	1.5–5 hrs	Saladan Pier or hotel	Year-round options; boat schedules vary	Phuket + Koh Lanta trips
Koh Phi Phi	Ferry or speedboat	30–60 mins	Saladan Pier	Schedules vary	Easy island hopping
Koh Mook	Ferry or speedboat	Around 1–2 hrs	Saladan Pier	Schedules vary	Trang island hopping
Koh Ngai	Ferry or speedboat	30–90 mins	Saladan Pier	Schedules vary	Short island connection
Koh Kradan	Ferry or speedboat	Around 1–2 hrs	Saladan Pier	Schedules vary	Trang island hopping
Koh Lipe	Direct speedboat	Around 3–6 hrs	Saladan Pier	Schedules vary	Longer island-hopping routes
Langkawi	Ferry connections via Koh Lipe	Most of a day	Saladan Pier	Seasonal / schedule-dependent	Thailand–Malaysia island hopping

How Do You Get Onto Koh Lanta?

Koh Lanta is actually an archipelago, but when most tourists talk about visiting “Koh Lanta”, they usually mean Koh Lanta Yai.

It is the main island where you’ll find most of the beaches, accommodation and things to do.

Just north of it is the much quieter Koh Lanta Noi, which connects Koh Lanta Yai with the mainland route.

For a full overview of the island, including beaches and itineraries, see the Koh Lanta travel guide and read Best things to do in Koh Lanta.

If you’re travelling to Koh Lanta by minivan, taxi or car, the journey is easier than you might expect.

Your vehicle crosses from the mainland to Koh Lanta Noi by car ferry and then continues across the Siri Lanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai.

This means you don’t normally need to arrange a separate passenger ferry when arriving overland.

Your minivan or private transfer can continue onto the island and, depending on the service you book, take you directly to your accommodation.

Koh Lanta Transport Map

I created the map below to make the different routes easier to understand.

You can see the overland journey from Krabi, the car ferry crossing and the main boat connections from nearby islands.

If you’re arriving from another island by ferry or speedboat, you’ll usually arrive at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta Yai.

I explain what to expect when you arrive and how to reach your accommodation further down this guide.

How to Travel to Koh Lanta From Bangkok

There is no airport on Koh Lanta, so travelling from Bangkok involves at least two stages.

For most people, the easiest option is to fly to Krabi Airport and continue to Koh Lanta by shared minivan or private transfer.

You can also fly via Phuket, travel overnight by bus, or take a sleeper train south if you prefer slower overland travel.

Bangkok to Koh Lanta via Krabi Airport

This is the route I recommend for most travellers coming from Bangkok.

Direct flights to Krabi take around 1.5 hours, and once you land you can continue straight to Koh Lanta without staying overnight in Krabi.

You have two main options from the airport:

1. Shared Minivan From Krabi Airport

A shared minivan is usually the best-value option. The journey takes around 2–3 hours, depending on traffic, ferry waiting times and where you’re staying on Koh Lanta.

Many services include hotel drop-off, although some have limits or charge extra for accommodation farther south, so check exactly where your ticket takes you before booking.

Best for: Solo travellers, couples and anyone looking for an affordable, straightforward transfer.

Private Transfer From Krabi Airport

A private transfer is more expensive, but it’s the easiest option if you want to continue to Koh Lanta as soon as you land.

Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your accommodation, without waiting for other passengers or making multiple hotel stops along the way.

This can be particularly worthwhile for families, groups, if you have lots of luggage or for anyone staying farther south on Koh Lanta.

Best for: Convenience, groups, families and tighter schedules.

What If You Arrive at Krabi Airport Late?

If your flight arrives in the evening, check your onward transport before booking the flight.

Shared minivans become much more limited later in the day, while private transfers can offer more flexibility.

Late transfers may also depend on the operating hours of the car ferry, so don’t assume that you can land late at night and simply find a minivan on arrival.

If your flight lands very late, staying overnight near Krabi Airport or Krabi Town, and travelling to Koh Lanta the following morning may be the simplest option.

Getting From Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport for an Early Flight

If you’re flying out of Krabi early in the morning, check your transfer options before booking the flight.

Shared minivans run on set schedules, and the earliest service may not get you to the airport in time.

For an early departure, a private transfer gives you more control over your pickup time and takes you directly from your accommodation to Krabi Airport.

Allow plenty of time for the journey, especially if you’re staying in the south of Koh Lanta.

For a very early flight, it may be easier to spend your final night in Krabi rather than travelling from the island before dawn.

Bangkok to Koh Lanta via Phuket Airport

You can also fly from Bangkok to Phuket and continue to Koh Lanta from there.

I’d only choose this route over Krabi if you find a much better flight, plan to spend time in Phuket first, or it fits your wider Thailand itinerary.

Phuket is farther from Koh Lanta than Krabi, so the onward journey is usually longer.

You have two main options:

Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta by Boat

You can book combined transfers from Phuket Airport that take you to the departure pier and then continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Lanta.

• The most popular option is to get to the Rassada Pier and change to a speedboat or ferry.

Journey times vary considerably depending on the service, and some boats stop at Koh Phi Phi along the way.

You’ll normally arrive at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta.

Boat departures are more time-sensitive than travelling overland, and services can change with the season and sea conditions.

Best for: Travellers who want to combine Phuket and Koh Lanta or prefer travelling by boat.

Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta by Road

You can also travel overland from Phuket to Koh Lanta by private transfer or a combination of bus/minivan services.

The road journey is longer than travelling from Krabi, but it can be a useful alternative if boat times don’t work with your flight or you’re travelling when sea conditions are less reliable.

A private transfer is the simplest road option, particularly for families or groups, while public transport usually involves more changes.

This journey will take around 4 hours and 30 minutes and will cost more than the trip from Krabi Airport.

Best for: Travellers arriving too late for a convenient boat, families and anyone who prefers to avoid a longer sea journey.

My pick: If Koh Lanta is your main destination, fly from Bangkok to Krabi instead. Choose Phuket if you’re also visiting Phuket, find a significantly better flight, or the connection works particularly well for your itinerary.

Bangkok to Koh Lanta via Trang

Trang is another possible gateway to Koh Lanta, although I’d choose Krabi for most trips from Bangkok.

Trang makes more sense if you find a convenient connection, want to travel by sleeper train, or plan to combine Koh Lanta with the Trang Islands.

From Trang, you can continue to Koh Lanta by minivan or private transfer, with the road journey usually taking around 2–4 hours depending on the service and stops.

Best for: Slow travel and trips combining Koh Lanta with Trang or the Trang Islands.

Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Bus

Travelling by overnight bus is one of the cheaper ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, but it’s a long journey.

Current combined services typically take around 15–18 hours, with most leaving Bangkok in the evening and arriving the following morning.

Depending on the ticket, the journey may involve a bus followed by a minivan or other onward transfer.

The advantage is that you can travel overnight and avoid paying for a flight, but for most travellers I think flying to Krabi is worth the time saved.

Best for: Budget travellers who don’t mind a long overnight journey.

Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Train

There is no train station on Koh Lanta, so you can’t travel all the way from Bangkok by rail.

However, taking an overnight sleeper train to Trang is a good slow-travel alternative to flying.

There are currently two direct overnight trains from Bangkok to Trang, taking around 14 hours. From Trang, continue to Koh Lanta by minivan or private transfer.

This isn’t the fastest route, but it allows you to cover most of the distance while you sleep and can be a more enjoyable option if you prefer train travel to a long overnight bus.

Best for: Slow travellers, train lovers and anyone who wants to avoid flying.

How to Travel to Koh Lanta From Krabi and Ao Nang

Already spending some time around Krabi before heading to Koh Lanta?

You don’t need to return to the airport. You can travel directly from both Krabi Town and Ao Nang, with shared minivans usually being the easiest option.

Krabi Town to Koh Lanta

If you stay in Krabi Town, you can easily get a ferry to Koh Lanta from Klong Jilad Pier.

The journey will take only 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is a busy pier, and it will be quite easy to get there from Krabi Town.

The simplest option from Krabi Town is a shared minivan, which travels overland to Koh Lanta and takes around 2.5–3 hours.

You can leave from Krabi Bus Terminal, and some services also offer pickup from hotels in Krabi Town.

Many continue to hotels on Koh Lanta, although drop-off areas vary by operator, so check your accommodation is included when booking.

Private transfers are also available if you want more flexibility or are travelling as a group.

Best for: Ferry from Klong Jilad Pier or shared minivan for most travellers; private transfer for groups or extra convenience.

Ao Nang to Koh Lanta

From Ao Nang, you can travel to Koh Lanta by shared minivan, private transfer, ferry or speedboat.

If the sea is calm and the schedule works for you, travelling by boat is a particularly convenient option because you can go directly from the Ao Nang area to Saladan Pier.

Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by Ferry or Speedboat

Boats depart from Nopparat Thara and the Ao Nang area and arrive at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta.

The fastest direct speedboats take around 1.5–2 hours, while other ferry services can take longer.

Some tickets also include a transfer to the departure point, so check exactly what is included when comparing options.

Unlike the road journey, boat schedules vary considerably throughout the year.

There may be several departures when you travel, but I wouldn’t rely on a particular boat without checking the schedule for your exact date.

The main advantage is that you avoid the longer road journey and arrive directly on Koh Lanta by sea.

Some ferry and speedboat tickets end at Saladan Pier, while others can be booked with an onward transfer to your Koh Lanta hotel included.

Check the final destination when booking, a combined ferry + hotel transfer can make travelling by boat almost as convenient as a door-to-door minivan.

Best for: Travellers staying in Ao Nang who want a direct and relatively quick journey to Koh Lanta.

Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by Minivan

Shared minivans are the more flexible option and normally take around 2.5–3.5 hours.

Many services include pickup in Ao Nang and continue onto Koh Lanta, with hotel drop-off available depending on the ticket.

I’d choose the minivan if you have lots of luggage, are staying well south of Saladan, the boat schedule doesn’t suit you, or you’re travelling when sea conditions are less reliable.

My pick: If I were travelling in good weather and found a convenient direct boat, I’d choose it over the minivan, especially if the ticket included the onward transfer to my hotel.

How to Travel to Koh Lanta From Nearby Islands

If you’re already island hopping along Thailand’s Andaman coast, travelling to Koh Lanta by boat is usually straightforward.

Direct ferries and speedboats connect the island with Koh Phi Phi, Koh Mook, Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Lipe, although schedules and the number of departures vary throughout the year.

Most services arrive at Saladan Pier in the north of Koh Lanta.

Some tickets can also include an onward transfer to your hotel, so check the final destination when booking.

Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta

Koh Phi Phi is one of the easiest islands to combine with Koh Lanta. Direct ferries and speedboats leave from Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don and travel to Saladan Pier.

A speedboat takes around 30 minutes, while the larger ferries generally take around 1 hour.

There are usually several departures to choose from, although schedules can change throughout the year.

I travelled this route in the opposite direction, from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi, and found it a very easy connection to include in an Andaman island-hopping trip.

If you prefer a larger boat or have plenty of luggage, I’d choose the ferry.

If getting there quickly matters more, the speedboat cuts the journey roughly in half.

Best for: One of the easiest and quickest island connections with Koh Lanta.

Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan to Koh Lanta

If you’re travelling north through the Trang Islands, Koh Lanta is a natural next stop.

Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan all have boat connections to Koh Lanta, with journey times depending on the island, operator and number of stops.

I travelled from Koh Mook to Koh Lanta by speedboat, and it’s a route I’d happily use again.

It makes much more sense than returning to the mainland if you’re already island hopping north towards Koh Lanta.

As a rough guide:

• Koh Ngai → Koh Lanta: around 30–90 minutes
• Koh Kradan → Koh Lanta: around 45 minutes–2 hours
• Koh Mook → Koh Lanta: roughly 1–2 hours depending on the service

Some boats travel along the same island-hopping corridor and stop at several islands, so a ticket advertised as a direct connection doesn’t necessarily mean the boat won’t make stops along the way.

Schedules vary throughout the year, so check your exact date rather than relying on a timetable you found months before travelling.

Best for: Building Koh Lanta into a longer Trang Islands or Southern Thailand island-hopping route.

Planning several islands? My Southern Thailand island-hopping guide explains how to connect Koh Lanta with Koh Phi Phi, the Trang Islands, Koh Lipe and other stops.

Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta

Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta are connected by direct speedboats, making this one of the easiest ways to continue north without returning to the mainland.

The journey usually takes around 3–5 hours, depending on the operator, boat and stops along the way.

Boats leave from Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe and normally arrive at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta.

It’s a fairly long journey by speedboat, so if you’re prone to seasickness, five hours on a small boat may not be particularly appealing.

Sea conditions can also make a big difference to how comfortable the journey feels.

Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta via Pak Bara

If you’d rather avoid spending several hours travelling by speedboat, you can split the journey between sea and land.

Take a boat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier on the mainland, which takes around 1–1.5 hours, and then continue by taxi or private transfer to Koh Lanta.

The drive from Pak Bara to Koh Lanta takes roughly 5 hours.

This route takes longer overall, but it considerably reduces the amount of time you spend at sea.

It can be a better option if you’re prone to seasickness, travelling with young children or simply prefer a long road journey to several hours on a speedboat.

My pick: Take the direct speedboat if you’re comfortable with a longer sea journey and conditions are good.

Choose the Pak Bara route if minimising your time on the water matters more than getting to Koh Lanta quickly.

How to Travel to Koh Lanta From Langkawi (Malaysia)

Travelling from Langkawi in Malaysia to Koh Lanta involves crossing the border into Thailand.

There are two useful routes: by boat via Koh Lipe, or via Tammalang Pier in Satun and then overland to Koh Lanta.

Langkawi to Koh Lanta via Koh Lipe

This is the most appealing option if you’re island hopping.

First, take the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. The crossing itself takes around 1–1.5 hours, but allow extra time for check-in and immigration because you’re travelling between Malaysia and Thailand.

As you’re entering Thailand from Malaysia, you’ll also need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arrival. It applies to non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by land, air or sea and can be submitted within three days before entry.

The Langkawi–Koh Lipe route is seasonal, so check that it is operating for your dates before planning around it.

From Koh Lipe, allow roughly 3–5 hours to reach Koh Lanta by direct boat. I wouldn’t plan a tight same-day connection.

Spending at least one night on Koh Lipe makes the journey much easier and gives you another island to explore along the way.

The Langkawi–Koh Lipe ferry is seasonal, so check the official Telaga Terminal ferry schedule for your exact dates before planning this route.

The currently published 2026–27 season runs from 16 October 2026 to 31 May 2027

Best for: Island hopping and travellers who want to include Koh Lipe.

Langkawi to Koh Lanta via Satun

Another option is to take the international ferry from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi to Tammalang Pier in Satun Province, where you enter Thailand.

From there, you can continue overland to Koh Lanta by private transfer or public transport.

Public transport is possible, but can be quite complicated. You’ll first need to get from Tammalang Pier to Satun, continue to Trang, and then take another bus or minivan to Koh Lanta.

With several connections and luggage to manage, this can turn into a long travel day.

A private transfer is much simpler, although considerably more expensive.

The main advantage of this route is that it works when the seasonal Langkawi–Koh Lipe ferry doesn’t.

Best for: Travelling outside the Langkawi–Koh Lipe ferry season or anyone who prefers to continue through mainland Thailand.

How to Book Ferries and Transfers to Koh Lanta

You can book most ferries, speedboats, minivans and private transfers to Koh Lanta either online in advance or locally once you’re in Thailand.

I usually prefer keeping my plans flexible, but for Koh Lanta there are a few situations where booking ahead makes sense, like if you have a flight to connect with or you’re travelling during the busiest months.

Booking Online

Booking online is the easiest option if you want to compare different operators, departure times and types of transport before you travel.

I use 12Go to check the available connections because you can compare ferries, speedboats, minivans and combined transfers in one place.

Pay attention to exactly what your ticket includes. Two journeys that look similar may have different:

• pickup points
• arrival points
• hotel pickup or drop-off
• transfers between the pier and your hotel
• journey times
• luggage allowances

This is particularly useful for routes such as Krabi Airport or Ao Nang to Koh Lanta, where you may be able to book the entire journey to your hotel rather than arranging transport again when you arrive.

Booking Locally

If your itinerary is flexible, you can also book transport after you arrive in Thailand.

Hotels, hostels and local travel agencies can usually arrange ferries, minivans and transfers to Koh Lanta.

This can work well if you’re already travelling around Southern Thailand and don’t know exactly which day you want to move on.

Just make sure you know where the ticket actually takes you.

A cheap ticket ending at Saladan Pier isn’t necessarily better value than one that includes the onward journey to your hotel.

When Should You Book in Advance?

I’d book ahead if you’re:

• travelling during December–March, particularly around Christmas and New Year
• travelling on a fixed date
• connecting with a flight
• relying on a specific ferry or speedboat
• travelling between islands with fewer daily departures

If you’re travelling slowly and can change your plans by a day or two, booking locally gives you much more flexibility.

You also don’t need to book every journey months in advance.

For most trips, I’d rather check the available services closer to the date than build an entire itinerary around ferry schedules that may change.

Where Do Ferries Arrive on Koh Lanta?

Most passenger ferries and speedboats arrive at Saladan Pier, at the northern end of Koh Lanta Yai.

From here, you’ll need to continue to your accommodation unless your ticket already includes a hotel transfer.

When booking, check the final destination carefully. Some tickets finish at Saladan Pier, while others include an onward shared transfer to your hotel, often listed as “Koh Lanta Any Hotel” or similar.

If your transfer isn’t included, you can arrange a taxi or local transport after arriving at the pier.

Your onward journey depends on where you’re staying. Klong Dao is closest to Saladan, followed by Long Beach, while Klong Nin and Kantiang Bay are progressively farther south.

This is worth considering when comparing tickets, especially after a long ferry journey.

Not sure which part of the island to choose? My Where to Stay in Koh Lanta guide compares the main areas and explains which base works best for different trips.

Getting to Koh Lanta During the Rainy Season

You can still travel to Koh Lanta during the rainy season.

Road access from the mainland operates year-round, so travelling from Krabi by minivan, car or private transfer is usually the most reliable option.

Boat connections are less predictable. Some ferry and speedboat routes operate less frequently or stop during parts of the low season.

Keep in mind that rough seas can cause delays or cancellations even when a service is scheduled to run.

You can check the Thai Meteorological Department’s marine forecast for current Andaman Sea conditions before travelling.

This is particularly important if you’re travelling between Koh Lanta and other islands.

Check the current schedule for your exact date and leave some flexibility around important connections, especially flights.

FAQs About Travelling to Koh Lanta

Continue Planning Your Trip

Once your transport to Koh Lanta is sorted, you can start planning what you’ll actually do when you arrive, and decide where the island fits into the rest of your Southern Thailand trip.

Explore Koh Lanta

• Koh Lanta Road Trip – follow my route around the island through Old Town, the east coast, national park and southern beaches.
• Best Beaches in Koh Lanta – compare the beaches along the west coast and find quieter places to explore.
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide – use this as your main hub for my Koh Lanta itineraries, activities and practical travel advice.

Planning More of Southern Thailand?

• 3-Week Southern Thailand Itinerary – see how I combined Koh Lanta with Koh Lipe, Koh Mook, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi without unnecessary backtracking.
• Which Andaman Island Should You Choose? – compare Koh Lanta with Koh Lipe, Koh Mook and Koh Phi Phi if you’re still deciding which islands deserve a place in your itinerary.
• Best Islands in Thailand: Andaman Coast – compare more islands by beaches, atmosphere and travel style before building your route.