Krabi to Koh Lanta

Last updated on August 23, 2023

Posted on

Whether you’re in Krabi Town, arriving at Krabi Airport, or staying at one of the beach towns on the coast of Krabi Province, there are several different ways that you can travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta. Koh Lanta is an island (in fact it’s three islands, but more on that later), so getting there will involve a ferry ride. The island is very close to the coast of mainland Thailand, so the car ferry ride is quick. Because Koh Lanta is so easily accessible, it’s a popular choice for tourists who want to taste Thai island life. Koh Lanta has beautiful beaches, limestone outcrops, and even rainforests.

Read about:
Travel by Road from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Catch a Taxi to from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Shared Minivan/Minibus to Koh Lanta
Ferries from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Express Speedboat to Koh Lanta

Krabi to Koh Lanta bridge

Because Koh Lanta consists of three major islands it can get a little confusing. The first island is called Koh Klang and it’s right by the mainland, separated only by a small river which you’ll cross by a road bridge. The next island is Koh Lanta Noi, meaning Small Lanta, and it’s linked to Koh Lanta Yai by another road bridge. Koh Lanta Yai (Big Lanta Island) is where all the major hotels and resorts are. This island boasts a long coastline with nine beautiful white sand beaches and plenty more attractions. For the purpose of this guide, when we refer to Koh Lanta we’re really referring to Koh Lanta Yai as this is where you’ll be heading on your travels between Krabi and Koh Lanta.

Travel by Road from Krabi to Koh Lanta

Car Ferry Krabi to Koh Lanta
Car ferry that takes you the short trip between mainland and Koh Lanta © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com

Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta is easy as there are many different travel possibilities for your journey. Koh Lanta is an island and getting there involves a ferry ride, however, because the ferry crossing is so short, it’s barely mentioned in travel guides because it’s all part of the journey by road. So, bear this in mind. The other thing to bear in mind is the time of year you are traveling. It is possible to travel to Koh Lanta from Krabi by road throughout the year, regardless of season, unlike the other two options discussed below.

So, what are your options for traveling by road from Krabi to Koh Lanta? Well, you can rent a car yourself if you’re comfortable driving and navigating Thailand’s roads. The benefit of having your own car is that you can run to your own schedule and make stops along the way if you want to. You’ll also be able to use the car while visiting Koh Lanta. Cars can be rented from Krabi Airport.

Catch a Taxi to from Krabi to Koh Lanta

Andaman Taxis Van
Andaman Taxis offers both minivans and normal cars.

If you’re arriving at Krabi Airport and don’t feel like driving yourself, there are a couple of options available. Book a Private minivan for up to 9 passengers or a normal 4-passenger taxi. These are great if you’re traveling with your family or friends as the cost will be split between the group. You pay for the taxi as a whole, not just for the seats you use, so whether you’re a couple or there are 9 of you, the price will stay the same. The nice thing is that you have the car all to yourselves. Make the most of the air conditioning and less cramped conditions compared to a public minivan (see below). And, when you arrive in Koh Lanta you can get dropped right at the entrance to your hotel. It is also possible to book private taxis for pickups from your hotel, not only from the airport.

Shared Minivan/Minibus to Koh Lanta

Road travel Krabi to Koh Lanta
Toyota commuter most commonly used as minibus/minivan in Thailand © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com

Shared minivans can also be booked to pick you up at the airport, or from your Krabi hotel. The advantage is that these are cheaper but there are drawbacks – the public minivans are always crowded and tend to be hot. There is often not enough space for your luggage, which can be a huge problem. Add to this that the minivan will then stop at lots of hotels for drop-offs off other customers in Koh Lanta, so you can see why families prefer a private taxi!

Ferries from Krabi to Koh Lanta

During the low season, the option of taking a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta is not available. The low season starts in May and continues to late October. This is because of the waves and the rough seas. But, if you’re visiting between November and April the passenger ferry is a very scenic way to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta.

You can either catch a ferry from Krabi Town itself, or from the Krabi Passenger Pier. If you’re in Ao Nang you can get a ferry from the Nopparat Thara Pier and they include free pick-ups from Ao Nang Beach. The ferry crossing takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Ao Nang beach, and about 2 hours from Krabi Town.

Express Speedboat to Koh Lanta from Krabi

Express Speedboat Krabi to Koh Lanta

One other option you might like to consider for the high season is an express speedboat service. If you’re traveling to Koh Lanta from Krabi between November and April, this is the fastest way to get there. A combined ticket will include pickup by private minivan from Krabi Airport. You will then be driven to a speedboat pier where you will get on your speedboat for the 10 to 15-minute express ride to Koh Lanta Pier. Once there, you will be met and driven directly to your Koh Lanta hotel.

In all honesty, this route only saves you a short amount of time but, it’s a fun and thrilling way to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi!

How do you get to Koh Lanta?

The three islands of Koh Lanta are just off the coast of Southern Thailand, in the Andaman Sea. Close to both Krabi and Trang, from here you can buy combined tickets to Koh Lanta. You can also get airport pickup by minivan or taxi if you search online at 12Go. Enter your departure point and you’ll see results for many different ways you can get to Koh Lanta, then book easily on their website.

How much is a taxi from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta?

It will cost you 2000 THB to book a private taxi from Krabi Airport all the way to your hotel in Koh Lanta. If you need a 9-person minivan, prices start at 2500 THB. The ride should take about 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

How long does it take to go from Krabi to Koh Lanta?

There are a few different ways to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta. You can take a minibus, a minivan, or a taxi. The journey usually takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the traffic.

Did you find this guide useful?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating: / 5. Vote count:

Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun
About Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun

My name is Kamolchat - a writer with a passion for travel who loves sharing stories of new destinations and unforgettable adventures. I was born and raised in Thailand and I have always been captivated by the beauty and diversity of my homeland which inspired me to venture out and discover the world.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of contributing to various travel publications and websites, such as Lonely Planet and Viator. I strive to provide an authentic representation of the places I visit, get into the heart of local cultures and finding authentic experiences that nourishes the soul.

As I continue to journey across the globe, I want you to join me in experiencing the wonders of our world through my stories. Together, we can learn, grow, and be inspired by the incredible people, places, and cultures that make our planet such an extraordinary place to explore.