Ferries to Koh Lanta: Routes, Tips & Real Advice
Trying to figure out the ferries to Koh Lanta? We’ve done the trip twice ourselves and sifted through all the confusing, outdated info so you don’t have to.
As budget-conscious travelers who obsess over the logistics, we’re here to make your journey smoother.
We’ll cover every route – from Krabi, Phuket, and Phi Phi to Koh Lanta – and share what to actually expect when you dock at Saladan Pier.
This isn’t just a transport guide, we’re also sharing where to stay, what to do, and our favorite places to eat once you land.
Plus, we’ll tell you what most guides skip (like how chaotic Saladan Pier can actually be).
By the end of this Koh Lanta ferry guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there stress-free – and where to go once you arrive.
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Ferries to Koh Lanta
There are multiple Koh Lanta ferry routes, with boats departing from Krabi, Phuket, Phi Phi, and nearby islands.
While it may be less developed than some of those other Thai islands, Koh Lanta is still very easy to access from other stunning destinations in the region.
While there are many options for ferries to Koh Lanta, we’ll focus on the most popular routes that we’ve researched thoroughly or have taken ourselves to help make your journey to Saladan Pier stress-free.
Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta (Including Car Ferry Options)
The Krabi to Koh Lanta ferry usually takes around 3–4 hours depending on season and operator.
If you’re traveling by ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta, you’ll likely start your journey with a short van ride before boarding the Koh Lanta car ferry.
We took this route ourselves, and the car ferry was surprisingly smooth – no need to worry if you get seasick.
Upon arriving on Koh Lanta, you’ll cross the Siri Lanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai, which is home to the majority of the island’s hotels.
Most transport services offer convenient door-to-door transfers, picking you up directly from your accommodation in Krabi and dropping you off at your hotel or hostel on Koh Lanta.
👉 If you’re staying in Krabi before heading to Koh Lanta, you can compare accommodation options by vibe, beach access, and budget here.
Ferry and Minivan from Phuket to Koh Lanta (Our Recommended Route)
🚐 The most budget-friendly and convenient way to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta is by minivan + car ferry combo.
This is the option we personally recommend — it’s straightforward, comfortable, and perfect for backpackers trying to keep costs down.
You’ll be picked up right from your accommodation in Phuket, driven south toward Krabi, and then board the short car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi.
From there, you’ll cross the Siri Lanta Bridge onto Koh Lanta Yai, where most hotels and hostels are located.
The total journey takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and ferry timing, and drops you directly at your hotel.
📌 Check up-to-date prices for the minivan/car ferry combo here
⛴ If you’d rather travel entirely by sea, there are also direct ferries from Phuket to Koh Lanta that take around 3 hours.
This option is more scenic but also more weather-dependent – we met several travelers who loved the views but said the seas could get choppy during windy days.
📌 Check up-to-date timetables for the Phuket to Koh Lanta ferry
For those wanting to save a bit of time (and don’t mind spending more), speedboats from Phuket to Koh Lanta take just about 2 hours.
However, they can be rough in bad weather and are best avoided during the monsoon season.
💡 TOP TIP: Can’t decide which beach to stay at before Koh Lanta? We break down the difference between Phuket and Krabi to help you make the choice.
Ferry from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta
The Phi Phi to Koh Lanta ferry is one of the easiest and quickest ways to reach the island.
The journey takes less than an hour, making it perfect if you’re looking to swap Phi Phi’s party vibe for Koh Lanta’s laid-back beaches.
Ferries usually run twice daily during the high season (November–April) and depart from Tonsai Pier in Phi Phi, arriving at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta – the island’s main entry point.
💡 TOP TIP: This route is extremely popular, so it’s smart to book your Phi Phi to Koh Lanta ferry in advance on 12Go, especially from December to February.
If you’re traveling during low season (May–October), services may be limited, so always check updated schedules before planning your route.
Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta Ferry and Island-Hopping Route
If you’re coming from Thailand’s deep south, there are a few different ways to reach Koh Lanta from Koh Lipe.
The most convenient option is to take a direct Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta speedboat or high-speed ferry, which operates mainly in the high season (November–April).
The direct trip takes 3–4 hours and usually costs around $45 USD.
Many boats stop briefly at Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, or Koh Kradan, so it doubles as an easy island-hopping route to Koh Lanta if you’d like to explore more of the Andaman coast.
Because only a few boats run each day, it’s essential to book your Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta ferry ahead of time on 12Go to secure a seat – especially if your travel dates aren’t flexible.
If direct ferries aren’t running, another good option is to travel via Pak Bara Pier on the mainland.
From there, you can connect with a minivan north to Koh Lanta. This route takes longer but usually costs around $30 USD, making it a good choice for budget travelers or off-season trips.
💡 TOP TIP: Coordinating the ferry + minivan combo can be tricky if you book them separately, so using 12Go is the easiest way to keep both segments under one ticket – fewer moving parts, less stress.
Ferries from Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, or Koh Kradan to Koh Lanta
If you’re exploring the smaller islands of the Trang Archipelago, getting to Koh Lanta is straightforward during the high season (November–April).
You can take a direct speedboat or ferry from Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, or Koh Kradan to Koh Lanta, usually departing once or twice daily.
The trip takes between 1–2 hours, depending on how many stops the boat makes.
Routes often connect several islands in a single journey, so you’ll likely see plenty of turquoise water and limestone cliffs along the way.
💡 TOP TIP: Because these services are seasonal, it’s best to check the latest schedules and book your Koh Ngai / Koh Mook / Koh Kradan to Koh Lanta ferry on 12Go before your trip. Boats fill up quickly, especially in December and January.
If you’re traveling in the off-season, your best bet is to return to the mainland (via Trang or Pak Bara) and continue north by minivan and car ferry to Koh Lanta.
It takes longer but ensures you can reach the island year-round.
How to Get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta (Bus, Flight & Ferry Options)
There’s no direct ferry from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, but getting there is still easy with a quick combination of transport options. You can fly, take a bus, or combine both depending on your time and budget.
✈ The fastest route is to fly from Bangkok to Krabi or Phuket, then continue with a minivan + car ferry combo to Koh Lanta.
Flights take around 1 hour 20 minutes, and from either Krabi or Phuket, you can book a door-to-door transfer to Koh Lanta through 12Go.
This is the most reliable and comfortable option, especially if you’re short on time.
🚍 For budget travelers, overnight buses from Bangkok to Krabi or Trang are a solid alternative. The ride takes 9–11 hours, followed by a short car ferry crossing to Koh Lanta.
It’s cheaper and often more dependable than domestic flights, which can be prone to last-minute schedule changes.
💡 TOP TIP: When comparing flights and bus options, remember to factor in luggage fees – a cheap flight isn’t always the best deal once extras are added.
Ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao
Once you’ve soaked up the sunsets and laid-back rhythm of Koh Lanta, you might be tempted to keep exploring – and for us, that next stop was Koh Tao.
It’s a bit of a journey, but definitely doable in one long day if you plan ahead.
- We left Hub of Joys Hostel early in the morning, well-fed and mentally prepared. A minivan picked us up and drove about 2.5–3 hours to Kong Ka Pier on the mainland.
- From there, we switched to another van at the Matcha Tour Office – a tiny, chaotic little hub that connects travelers heading in every direction – and continued another 3 hours to Don Sak Pier in Surat Thani.
- By mid-afternoon, we boarded the ferry to Koh Tao, watching the mainland fade away behind us. The crossing took roughly 3 hours, and we pulled into the island just as the sun was setting – a perfect bookend to the trip.
In total, it was a long but surprisingly smooth travel day, and honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing. It felt like the perfect transition between Koh Lanta’s chill energy and Koh Tao’s diving and nightlife scene.
💡 TOP TIP: You can book this full Koh Lanta to Koh Tao ferry and transfer combo on 12Go. It’s the easiest way to link the minivan + ferry legs without worrying about missed connections.
Leaving Koh Lanta felt like saying goodbye to a friend – the kind that insists you’ll come back someday.
Whether you’re continuing north to Koh Tao like we did or heading home after your traveling through South Thailand, it’s worth knowing when Koh Lanta is at its best.
Best Time to Visit Koh Lanta (and When Ferries Run Smoothly)
Koh Lanta is one of those islands that feels different depending on when you visit – not just in atmosphere, but also in how easy it is to get there.
Because most ferries to Koh Lanta operate on seasonal schedules, the weather matters more here than you might think.
☀️ High Season (November to April):
This is the best time to visit Koh Lanta. The seas are calm, ferries run frequently from Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, and the southern islands, and you’ll get long days of sunshine.
It’s also the most social time on the island – beach bars are lively, shops and guesthouses are open, and everything hums with relaxed, happy energy.
We visited in March and found it perfect – still hot but not unbearable, with ferries running right on schedule.
The only downside? You’ll want to book accommodation and transport early, especially around Christmas and New Year.
🌧️ Low Season (May to October):
During the rainy months, things slow down dramatically. Many ferry services pause or reduce schedules due to rough seas, and some businesses close for a break.
You can still reach Koh Lanta via the year-round car ferry from the mainland, but expect quieter beaches, afternoon storms, and limited day tours.
💡 TOP TIP: If you’re chasing sunshine and cheaper rates, aim for the shoulder months – late October or early May. You’ll still catch good weather, smaller crowds, and functioning ferry routes before operators wind down for the off-season.
Whether you come for the dry-season buzz or the quiet monsoon calm, Koh Lanta always finds a way to slow you down – in the best way.
🏖 Sold on a visit to Koh Lanta? Read our full guide to one of our favorite Thai islands.
What to Do Once You Arrive on Koh Lanta
After stepping off the ferry to Koh Lanta and settling into island life, you’ll quickly realize how much there is to see – and how relaxed everything feels compared to Krabi or Phi Phi.
Koh Lanta’s charm lies in its balance: enough to do that you’ll never get bored, but slow-paced enough that you’ll actually unwind.
If it’s your first visit, here are a few essential things to do on Koh Lanta to get a feel for the island before diving into the details:
- Explore Lanta Old Town: A colorful stretch of old wooden houses and sea-view cafes – perfect for a half-day wander.
- Visit Lanta Animal Welfare: One of the most heartwarming spots on the island, and a great way to give back during your stay.
- Take the 4 Islands Tour: Snorkel, swim through the Emerald Cave, and visit hidden beaches you can’t reach by road.
- Go Beach Hopping: Start at Long Beach and work your way south — each cove gets quieter and prettier.
- Join a Thai Cooking Class: A fun, interactive way to learn about local flavors (and eat your creations!).
💡 TOP TIP: We’ve shared our full experiences and recommendations – including exact tour links, beaches, and time-saving routes – in our detailed Koh Lanta itinerary and best beaches in Koh Lanta guides.
Where to Eat in Koh Lanta After You Arrive
After a long travel day and a bit of chaos at Saladan Pier, food is probably the first thing on your mind – it definitely was for us. Luckily, Koh Lanta’s food scene makes that first meal worth the wait.
If you’re after a local Thai restaurant, wander a few blocks inland from the beach – you’ll find small family-run spots serving classics like crispy pork for just a few dollars.
One of our favorites was a tiny place near our hostel that didn’t even have a sign – the kind of find that makes travel special. (Click for location).
For coffee and a quick breakfast, Ms Homemade Bakery and Coffee is a reliable favorite (try the banana bread). And if you need a comfort-food reset, KinBurger and Bow’s Pizza both hit the spot without breaking the budget.
💡 TOP TIP: Food near the beach tends to be pricier and less authentic. We usually grab a sunset drink by the water, then head inland for dinner – better value, better flavors.
How to Get Around Koh Lanta
Once your ferry to Koh Lanta docks at Saladan Pier, you’ll see why having your own wheels is the best way to explore.
The island stretches long and thin, with quiet beaches, hilltop viewpoints, and small villages tucked between them – and local transport can be hit or miss.
The easiest option is to rent a motorbike directly from your accommodation. Roads are calm compared to other Thai islands, making it great for beginners.
Just take it slow, wear your helmet, and avoid night rides if you’re new to it.
🛑 Make sure you’re covered in case of any accidents. We always rely on Safety Wing for travel insurance – it’s our trusted companion for every adventure.
If you’d rather not drive, tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pick-up taxis) run up and down the main road, though schedules are flexible at best.
For short trips – like getting from Saladan Pier to Long Beach – these are cheap and easy.
💡 TOP TIP: One of our favorite Koh Lanta moments was getting lost on a backroad and ending up at a hidden viewpoint overlooking the sea. If you’re comfortable on a bike, let curiosity lead – it’s the best way to see the island.
Koh Lanta Map
To make your island exploration even easier, we’ve created a map highlighting all our favorite spots to eat, swim, and stay. Be sure to save this map for your trip to ensure you hit all the best locations!
Where to Stay on Koh Lanta (From Saladan Pier to the Southern Beaches)
Once your ferry to Koh Lanta pulls into Saladan Pier, you’ll find plenty of places to stay – from budget hostels right near the pier to beachfront resorts farther south.
Where you choose really depends on how you like to travel.
💰 Budget Travelers:
If you’re after sociable vibes and affordability, Hub of Joys Hostel is a solid pick.
It’s clean, friendly, includes breakfast, and sits just across from Long Beach – perfect if you want to be close to the action without the chaos. We stayed here!
🌿 Midrange Hideaways:
Green Pepper Hotel is an ideal next step up, with cozy bungalows tucked into tropical gardens and a laid-back, boho style. It’s peaceful but still within a short scooter ride of beaches and restaurants.
🌅 Luxury Stays:
If you’re ready to splurge, Avani Plus Koh Lanta Krabi Resort and Layana Resort & Spa (Adults Only) both combine beachfront tranquility with world-class service.
For ultimate seclusion, Pimalai Resort & Spa sits at the far south of the island – it’s the kind of place you’ll dream about long after you leave. We’re already dreaming of staying here next time we visit Koh Lanta.
👉 Click here for more of our accommodation recs based on your budget and travel style.
FAQs About Ferries to Koh Lanta
Are there year-round ferries to Koh Lanta?
Yes – but it depends on the route. The mainland car ferries run all year, connecting Koh Lanta Noi to the Krabi mainland.
However, speedboats and high-speed ferries from Phuket, Phi Phi, or Koh Lipe usually operate only during the dry season (November–April) when seas are calm.
If you’re traveling during the rainy months, check schedules in advance or plan to go via Krabi – we’ve outlined both options in our ferries to Koh Lanta guide above.
Where do ferries to Koh Lanta arrive?
Almost all ferries dock at Saladan Pier, the island’s main arrival point. It’s a lively spot with cafes, ATMs, and taxis waiting to take you south along the island.
If you’re arriving late, it’s smart to stay nearby the first night – we’ve listed great options in our Where to Stay on Koh Lanta section above.
Can I take a car ferry to Koh Lanta?
Absolutely. The car ferry from Hua Hin Pier (near Krabi) to Koh Lanta Noi operates daily from around 5:00 AM to midnight, year-round.
You’ll then cross the Siri Lanta Bridge to reach Koh Lanta Yai, where most hotels are located. This is the most reliable route during the rainy season.
How long is the ferry from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
The Phi Phi to Koh Lanta ferry usually takes 45–60 minutes, depending on sea conditions and operator.
It’s one of the quickest and most scenic routes to the island – ideal for travelers hopping between popular Andaman destinations.
Can you book Koh Lanta ferries online?
Yes, and we highly recommend it. Platforms like 12Go let you compare prices and schedules for ferries, minivans, and combo tickets – all in one place.
It’s the simplest way to avoid confusion at the pier and ensure a smooth arrival at Saladan.
Ready to Plan Your Koh Lanta Trip?
Now that you know how to reach Koh Lanta (and when to go), you’re ready for the fun part – exploring.
Check out these next guides to plan your island stay:
- 🗓️ Ultimate Koh Lanta Itinerary – how to spend 3–5 perfect days on the island
- 🏖️ Best Beaches in Koh Lanta – our favorite spots for swimming, sunsets, and solitude
- 🗺 Our South Thailand Itinerary – to see how Koh Lanta fits into the bigger picture
- 🇹🇭 Fit Koh Lanta into your Thailand itinerary with our 10 days in Thailand, 3 weeks in Thailand, and one month in Thailand guides
