Koh Lanta is one of the most beautiful and popular holiday islands in Krabi province. We definitely recommend that you include it for at least a few days on your Thailand itinerary. In this post, we will show you the best ways to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
There are a few different options that can get you from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta or from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta.
Cost, journey time and comfort levels vary depending on the option that you choose, so we have pulled together all the information that you need to ensure that your travel to Koh Lanta from Krabi goes smoothly.
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Getting to Koh Lanta from Krabi
Koh Lanta is an island just off the coast of mainland Thailand. For years there has been talk of building a bridge to the island, but so far that has not materialised. This means that however you choose to travel to Koh Lanta from Krabi, you will be restricted by the sea crossing.
Unless you have a private boat, access to and from Koh Lanta is not possible between 10 pm and 6 am as there is no passenger or vehicle ferry outside of these hours. This is worth bearing in mind if you have an early or late flight either side of your visit to Koh Lanta.
Krabi to Koh Lanta by Sea
Krabi to Koh Lanta by Speedboat
This is probably the best way to travel between Krabi and Koh Lanta. It is fast, comfortable and scenic.
It takes just over an hour from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta and about 1 and a half hours from Ao Nang. It is twice as fast as the ferry (and twice the cost).
The seas are usually flat in high season (which is the only time the speedboat is available), but it can be bumpy if there are a few waves about, so they aren’t the best option if you have back issues or are in Thailand with an infant.
Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta
From November to April, you can catch a ferry to Koh Lanta from Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Railay Beach. This is a really pleasant way to travel as you can soak in the fabulous views of the Andaman Sea and its stunning islands whilst you are travelling.
Being on a ferry also gives you a bit more opportunity to wander about on your journey. Sitting outside on the top deck is an attractive option but remember that the sun is strong and there is limited shade available.
Klook.comKrabi Town to Koh Lanta Ferry
The boat from Krabi town leaves from the Krabi Passenger Pier and will stop in at Koh Jum on the way. It takes about 2 hours and costs 400 baht. The ferry departs at 11 am. You can get to the pier by catching a transit bus for 30 baht, or grab a taxi (or Grab).
Ao Nang to Koh Lanta Ferry
If you are in Ao Nang you can get the ferry from the Nopparat Thara Pier. The journey time is around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The ferry waits off Railay Beach for passengers to get on board via a longtail boat, so if you are staying at Railay there is no need to head to Ao Nang first.
There are two ferries per day, one at 10:30 and one at 15:30. The cost is 470 baht and this includes pick up in the town.
Book your Ferry ticket HERE
Krabi to Koh Lanta by Road
The journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta by road involves heading south along Route 4 before taking the turn to Hua Hin pier. From here there is a short crossing on a vehicle ferry/floating bridge.
It only takes a few minutes for the tug boats to pull the floating platform across the straight but you can get out and climb upstairs for a nice view.
The last ferry leaves Hua Hin pier at 10 pm every night. It is quite common for there to be a long queue to get on the ferry.
This ferry will get you to Koh Lanta Noi but you need to keep going to Koh Lanta Yai which is where all the beaches and tourist accommodation can be found. Fortunately, the two Lantas are joined by a bridge that will take you across the water to Saladan.
Krabi to Koh Lanta Low Season
Getting to Koh Lanta from Krabi by road is possible all year round and this route is your only option if you are here in the offseason. The standard way is to get a vehicle and use the ferry but you can also use the express service from the airport and us a speedboat to cross the sea.
Read our post on the best time to visit Krabi
Krabi to Koh Lanta by Private Transfer/Taxi
The easiest and most comfortable way to travel to Koh Lanta is to book a private transfer in a taxi or private vehicle. The great advantage of this option is that it will go where and when you want it to.
You can be picked up straight from your hotel and taken to your hotel at the other end with no hassle at all. You can also arrange a time that suits you. (Need a hotel in Koh Lanta? This is our favourite place to stay)
A private transfer is particularly good for families and groups as the price is the same no matter how many people are travelling (up to 6). Vehicles will be comfortable and spacious with enough room to transport all your luggage.
These vehicles can be arranged from your hotel in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, or from Krabi airport. We suggest booking these online for added peace of mind.
Book Your Private Transfer Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta Here
Book Your Private Transfer Krabi Town to Koh Lanta HereKrabi to Koh Lanta by Shared Minivan
A cheaper way to get from Krabi to Ko Lanta is to take a shared minivan. These are a popular option for backpackers and are a cheaper option for solo travellers and couples. We have taken plenty of these and they are fine but don’t expect to have a lot of space as the van with be crammed with people and luggage.
If you are travelling from Krabi Town or Ao Nang you can arrange for pick up at your hotel. This is great but you may already be on board while they will trundle around all the hotels picking people up.
The same is true at the other end when they drop people off at their Koh Lanta hotel. If you are unlucky you could be picked up first and dropped off last. The total transfer time is at least 3 hours.
You can catch a shared minivan from the airport as well but you will have to sit and wait for it to fill up before they leave.
Krabi to Koh Lanta by Rental Car
For complete flexibility, you could rent a car for the journey and for your time on Koh Lanta.
As it is a big island, having your own transport is a real advantage and it gives you the option to easily explore all the beaches, the National Park, the interior and Old Lanta Town.
Cars can be rented from the airport. For the best deals always book in advance.
Compare the best deals for your dates at Rentalcars.com
If you are driving yourself you will need to pay for the ferry crossing which is 113 baht for a car with 2 people (one-way). You will need to have a valid International Driver’s License to drive in Thailand.
Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Krabi to Koh Lanta Speedboat
The quickest and most fun way to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi airport is to book an express transfer. If you choose this option, you will be met in the arrivals hall by a minivan driver who will whisk you to a private speedboat pier on the coast.
You will then transfer to a private speedboat for a scenic 15-minute ride across the water to Koh Lanta. The final leg of your journey will be by road and you will be dropped right at your hotel. All in all the journey is around 90 minutes to areas in the north of Ko Lanta (Saladan, Khlong Dao, Long Beach).
The express transfer is not that much quicker than going by taxi or private transfer. Families and groups will save money by taking a transfer vehicle as the price is per vehicle, whereas the express transfer is priced per person.
It is a better deal for solo travellers, couples, and young families (under 2’s are free). It is also a good option if your flight arrives later than 8:15 pm as you won’t make it to Koh Lanta that night in any other way.
The price for the express transfer is 2,045 baht per adult and 1,200 baht per child.
Book your Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta Express Transfer online.
Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta by Private Transfer
A private minivan can easily be booked online so that you are met in arrivals and taken all the way to your hotel in Ko Lanta (via the car ferry). It costs 3000 baht for the vehicle and you can fit up to 6 people in so it is pretty good value for groups and families.
If you haven’t booked online you can usually arrange it on arrival but sometimes there will not be any drivers available for this journey.
Book your private transfer by minivan here
If you want to take a shared minivan you will find them waiting outside but you can buy tickets at the counter inside.
In order to make it to the car ferry in time, you will need to make sure that your taxi/minivan has left the airport by 8:15 pm at the latest.
Book your Krabi Airport to Ko Lanta Private Minivan Transfer HERE.
Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta by Ferry
If you want to go from the airport to Koh Lanta by ferry you will first need to go to either Ao Nang or Krabi town and catch the ferry from there. You can do this by taxi, shared minivan or songthaew. See how to get from the airport to Ao Nang in this post.
If you want to do the journey by ferry it is probably worth splitting the journey and spending a night in Ao Nang or Krabi. Both are nice places to spend a night.
Krabi has cheaper accommodation but Ao Nang has its own beach and we would recommend heading there if you plan to stay for more than one night.
Details on how to catch the ferry from Ao Nang or Krabi Town are listed above
Final Thoughts on How to Get to Koh Lanta from Krabi
We hope that you have enjoyed reading about all the different ways to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi. It is not a long journey and all of the options are fairly simple. If you are already in Krabi town or Ao Nang we recommend taking the ferry as the most comfortable, scenic and affordable option.
If you are arriving at the airport and don’t have time to spend a few nights on the mainland coast, we recommend booking a private transfer straight to Koh Lanta.
However, you get there we are sure that you will love Koh Lanta. Have a read of our guide to Koh Lanta. It has loads of relevant information, hotel recommendations, and a rundown of some great things to do on the island.
Read our Koh Lanta Guide HERE