Krabi to Koh Lanta: minivan, ferry or speedboat, the complete guide

Krabi to Koh Lanta: all options compared

Four ways to go, and not all of them run all year.

For most travellers the minivan is the best choice: it runs all year, picks you up at your hotel and drops you at your resort on Lanta. The boats are more pleasant in calm weather and avoid the winding road, but they only run in the dry season. Coming from further away? Start with our Bangkok to Krabi transport guide.

Minivan and car ferry

The year-round option, with hotel pick-up.

Minivans leave Krabi Town, Ao Nang and Krabi airport several times a day. They drive south to Hua Hin pier (Ban Hua Hin, not the seaside town near Bangkok), cross to Koh Lanta Noi on a short car ferry of about 15 to 20 minutes, then take the bridge onto Koh Lanta Yai, where most resorts are. Many companies drop you at your hotel, from Saladan in the north to Klong Nin or Kantiang in the south.

• From Krabi airport, allow about 2 to 3 hours; from Ao Nang, closer to 3 hours with pick-ups.
• Keep a small bag with water and valuables with you: big luggage often goes on the roof or in the back.
• In peak season, the car ferry can have a queue, which adds waiting time.

The ferry from Krabi Town

Relaxed and scenic, in the dry season.

In the high season, roughly November to April, passenger ferries run from Klong Jilad pier near Krabi Town to Saladan pier in the north of Koh Lanta, taking about 2 hours. Some ferry routes also connect Lanta with Koh Phi Phi and Ao Nang. Tickets usually include a shared transfer from your hotel to the pier and from Saladan to your resort.

Speedboat from Ao Nang

The fastest way when the sea is calm.

In the dry season, speedboats connect Ao Nang (and sometimes Railay) with Koh Lanta, often with a stop at Koh Phi Phi or other islands. The crossing takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours. Speedboats are faster but bumpy and more expensive, and they can be cancelled at short notice if the sea is rough.

• Book with an operator that has a clear office or website, not a random beach seller.
• Ask where the boat leaves: Ao Nang beach or Nopparat Thara pier.
• Pack light: space for luggage is limited.

Private taxi

Worth it for families or groups.

A private car from Krabi airport, Krabi Town or Ao Nang takes about 2 to 2.5 hours door to door, including the car ferry. Prices vary a lot with the vehicle and the season, often around 2,000 to 3,500 THB per car. Ask whether the ferry fare is included.

Arriving on Koh Lanta

Resorts are spread along the west coast. Compare them in our guide to where to stay on Koh Lanta.

If you arrive by boat at Saladan without a transfer, tuk-tuk drivers wait at the pier. Agree on the price before you leave.

Continue from Koh Lanta

A good hub for the southern Andaman islands.

• Koh Phi Phi: ferries in the high season, about 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan: speedboats in the high season, around 1 hour.
• Koh Lipe: seasonal speedboats heading south, about 3 to 4 hours.
• Trang: minivans all year, about 2 to 3 hours with the car ferry.

When to go to Koh Lanta

The Andaman coast has its dry season from November to April. See the Koh Lanta weather month by month.

Mistakes to avoid

What I see most often on this route.

• Confusing Hua Hin pier near Lanta with Hua Hin town near Bangkok.
• Planning a boat to Lanta in the rainy season.
• Booking a minivan without checking that the ferry fare is included.
• Choosing a hotel in the far south without planning how to get around.