Ferries To Koh Lanta: A Complete Guide
What Are The Best Ferry Routes To Koh Lanta?
Are you wondering about all the ferries to Koh Lanta? You’re in experienced hands.
After spending nearly 6 months exploring Thailand (maybe my favorite country in Asia!), including several incredible months on Koh Lanta itself, I’ve become very familiar with all the ferry routes to the island.
As a seasoned traveller who has navigated these waters countless times, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting to Koh Lanta by ferry, from the best routes and timetables to practical tips that will save you time and money.
Whether you’re coming from Phuket, Krabi, or other nearby islands, this comprehensive guide will ensure your journey to Koh Lanta starts smoothly.
My real-world experience and insights will help you avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions about your ferry travel.
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, find out all about the Best Things To Do In Koh Lanta and the Best Restaurants In Koh Lanta.
You can even discover all the Best Beaches In Koh Lanta before you go!
Need a hotel? Find The Best Hotel In Koh Lanta!
Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you make a booking through them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my Privacy Policy.
Map Of Krabi Ferry Piers
Koh Lanta Vlog
Here is a comprehensive ferry timetable for reaching Koh Lanta from major locations.
Remember, you can arrange ferry tickets through your hotel or guesthouse. Any time we stayed in Southern Thailand, the reception made this a breeze.
Alternatively, you can book a ticket with any of the vendors on the streets of Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, or Krabi and arrange your transport that way:
| Route | High Season (Nov-Apr) | Low Season (May-Oct) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Koh Lanta | 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM | 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM | 4-5 hours |
| Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta | 9:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 3:00 PM | 9:00 AM, 3:00 PM | 1-1.5 hours |
| Krabi Pier to Koh Lanta | 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM | 10:30 AM, 2:00 PM | 2-3 hours |
| Koh Lipe to Koh Lanta | 9:30 AM, 2:30 PM | No service | 4-5 hours |
| Langkawi to Koh Lanta | 2:00 PM | No service | 4-5 hours |
Note: Ferry schedules may vary based on weather conditions and seasonal demands. Always check current timings when booking.
During monsoon season (May-October), many routes operate on reduced schedules or may be suspended.
The car ferry between mainland Krabi and Koh Lanta operates year-round.
How To Get To Koh Lanta From Phuket
There are two options to get to Koh Lanta from Phuket.
One option is to take a minivan, which takes between 3.5–5 hours depending on the number of stops.
The other is a ferry.
Ferry To Koh Lanta From Phuket
You can also get the ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta.
During our first trip to Thailand, we took the ferry from Saladan Pier to Rassada Pier in Phuket. While we didn’t make the journey to Lanta ourselves, I’m familiar with the routes and can guide you on what to expect and what to do.
Be prepared to make a stop at Koh Phi Phi when traveling between Koh Lanta and Phuket.
It was a quick stop where many passengers disembarked and others boarded for Phuket.
This really shows how reliant travelers in southern Thailand are on the ferry services. The trip lasted for about 4.5 hours and I loved every second.
The Andaman Sea can be very chaotic or very calm depending on when you travel across it.
When we visited in September, it was extremely bumpy, throwing us out of our seats a few inches, but the smiles of the driver and staff put us at ease. Kind of.
Travelling in high season, we found the water to be much calmer.
We booked through our hotel, Lanta Palm Beach Resort, and everything went smoothly! I would recommend staying there if you have the chance.
You can buy tickets to Koh Lanta from Phuket or purchase them below.
How To Get To Koh Lanta From Krabi
There are several ways to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi.
If you’re moving from Krabi Airport or Krabi town, your options include a shared minivan, private taxi, or ferry.
I have another in-depth post covering all you need to know about traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta, including taking the ferry.
My personal preference is by ferry.
Normally, it’s more scenic and comfortable, especially in high season.
However, I had an unfortunate experience when traveling to Koh Lanta from Koh Lipe on a ferry when a staff member dropped my suitcase containing my drone into the water at the pier.
Moral of the story is: if you’re using a ferry, be prepared that your suitcase could end up in the sea.
How To Get To Koh Lanta From Koh Phi Phi
Take the ferry from Koh Phi Phi for another scenic way to Koh Lanta.
You will depart from Ao Ton Sai Pier, where you might encounter one of the blue floating walkways. Be careful, as these can be difficult to cross when the sea is rough.
Hold onto your bags for dear life (see again what happened to my bag in Koh Lipe).
If you are lucky like us, you can get a seat on top of the ferry with stunning 360-degree views around the Andaman Sea.
Seriously, these trips in southern Thailand are so aesthetically pleasing that I urge you to do it at least once.
We had plenty of friendly encounters up there with other travelers who were loving their time in Thailand.
If you’re in Thailand between October and March, don’t take chances.
The good news is that the trip only takes about an hour and is really affordable. You can book your tickets below a few days in advance to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
In a rush? You can also arrange a speedboat to Koh Lanta from Koh Phi Phi, and it takes about 30 minutes.
Koh Lanta Car Ferry
Every time we visited Koh Lanta, we needed to take the car ferry.
From Hua Hin Pier, you will arrive at Khlong Mak Pier. Congratulations, as you have made it to the island at this point!
The trip is slow and beautiful, making the journey even more enjoyable in my view.
However, when leaving Koh Lanta to travel to Ao Nang, we encountered a long wait at the Khlong Mak Pier.
There were hundreds of cars and motorbikes standing idle, waiting patiently. While I don’t know the reason for the delay, I hope this doesn’t happen to you, especially if you have a plane to catch.
You can walk around on the car ferry and climb the steps for a much higher and nicer view of Koh Lanta’s beauty.
You must take this ferry to get to Koh Lanta unless you take a ferry direct to Saladan Pier.
How Much Do Ferries From Koh Lanta Saladan Pier Cost
Generally, the cost of a ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket is about 700 Baht. While prices may vary slightly between companies, the differences are minimal.
Some of the best ferry companies include:
- Popular ferry companies serving Koh Lanta:
Where To Stay In Koh Lanta
Travel Insurance – Safety Wing
Don’t even think about traveling to Thailand without proper travel insurance.
When my Guada needed an operation in Kazakhstan, we were incredibly thankful we had Safety Wing coverage.
I’ve actually written a detailed review about our experience with them.
The coverage they provide is absolutely worth it, especially when visiting Thailand, where unexpected medical issues or travel disruptions can occur.
Their service is straightforward, reliable, and surprisingly affordable compared to many other travel insurance options.
I know that for any future travels (touch wood) I will be in safe hands.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Ferries to Koh Lanta run frequently throughout the high season, but it’s a little harder to get there in the low season from some places.
Koh Lanta is worth visiting for sure.
When we were in Koh Lipe in September, there were no ferries going directly to Koh Lanta, so we had to make our way there differently.
You can get a private boat, but it would be extraordinarily expensive. Don’t forget to visit Koh Lanta Night Market if you get there! It has amazing food and atmosphere!
Also, make sure you pack the correct items in your bag.
My Southeast Asia Packing List covers all you need to know. What to bring and what not to bring, so make sure you check that out.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
How Long Is The Ferry From Phuket To Koh Lanta?
I took the ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket, which took a couple of hours. This included a short stop at Koh Phi Phi, where many people disembarked and others joined for the journey to Phuket. The views and timing of the trip made for a pleasant experience, especially if your ferry allows passengers up to the roof to look out across the Andaman Sea.
Where Do You Get The Ferry To Koh Lanta?
You can get the ferry to Koh Lanta from several locations, including Ao Nang, Krabi, and Phuket. You can also visit Koh Lanta from Koh Lipe (only in high season) as well as Koh Phi Phi. The transport system in Thailand is epic—there are almost always ferries running to Koh Lanta from most places in the Andaman Sea during high season. Low-season travel is more challenging.
How Do I Get To Koh Lanta From The Mainland?
You must cross the car ferry at Hua Hin Pier, which takes about twenty minutes. It’s a truly beautiful experience. You can see all the way to the mainland and out to Koh Phi Phi, with karst limestone cliffs jutting dramatically from the sea. It’s one of the most scenic island approaches I can remember. Just be prepared for potential waiting times, as busy periods can bring long lines of traffic.
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