Koh Lanta, nestled in Thailand’s Krabi province, offers a serene escape with its stunning sandy beaches and laid-back atmosphere, making it a popular destination for couples, solo travelers, divers, and families. While there is no direct airport on the island, it is well-connected to Krabi and other parts of Southern Thailand by various transport options.
The journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta typically involves a combination of land and sea travel. Understanding the costs and nuances of each option, especially ferries, is crucial for planning your trip.
Understanding Krabi to Koh Lanta Travel
The distance between Krabi and Koh Lanta by ferry is approximately 42 miles (67 kilometers), or 70 kilometers by road with a short ferry crossing. The total travel time can range from 1 hour 20 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the mode of transport and specific conditions.
There are several reliable ways to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta, each offering different benefits in terms of cost, speed, and convenience. The main options include:
- Minivan: Often combined with a car ferry, this is generally the most popular and budget-friendly option.
- Ferry or Speedboat: Providing a direct sea route, these are available primarily during the high season.
- Private Taxi: The fastest and most convenient, especially for groups.
Cost of Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta
The cost of a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta can vary based on the type of vessel (standard ferry vs. speedboat), the operator, and whether it includes a prior road transfer.
Ferry Ticket Prices
For direct passenger ferries, prices generally range:
- Ferry: Expect to pay around ฿450 – ฿550 THB (approximately $12.56 – $16.89 USD) for a standard ferry ticket from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta. Some sources cite prices starting from $11.06 USD.
- For example, Lanta Super Concord Tour offers ferry tickets for $12.56 – $14.10 USD.
- A ferry from Krabi Town to Koh Lanta (09:00 – 12:00) is advertised at ฿450 THB.
- Speedboat: Speedboats are typically more expensive than standard ferries. Prices can range from $20.73 to $53.76 USD.
- Tigerline Travel speedboats are listed between $22.30 – $53.76 USD.
- Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club speedboats range from $20.73 – $24.57 USD.
Combined Tickets (Bus/Minivan + Ferry)
Many services offer combined tickets that include a land transfer to the pier followed by a ferry ride. This is often the most common way to book.
- A minivan service from Krabi, which includes the car ferry ride, costs around ฿350 – ฿450 THB per person. This competitive pricing includes both the bus transportation and the ferry crossing.
- This combined bus/minivan and ferry option can be as low as $10.75 USD.
Ferry & Speedboat Services from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Availability
Crucially, passenger ferry and speedboat services from Krabi to Koh Lanta only operate during the high season, which typically runs from November to April. During this period, sea conditions are generally calmer. These services are not available during the off-season (May to October) due to rougher seas, making road travel the only viable option then. While one source indicates the “Krabi Koh Lanta ferry route is currently not sailing”, this is likely a seasonal or specific operator’s status, as other sources list active high-season schedules.
Departure Piers in Krabi
Ferries and speedboats depart from various piers in the Krabi area:
- Klong Jilad Pier: This is Krabi’s main pier. Passenger ferries depart from here at 11:30 and 14:30 during high season, arriving at Saladan Village on Koh Lanta.
- Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang): Ferries to Koh Lanta also depart from here at 11:00 during high season.
- Floating Pier East Railay.
- Kongka Pier.
Arrival Pier in Koh Lanta
All passenger ferries and speedboats arrive at Saladan Pier, located in the northern part of Koh Lanta Yai. This bustling pier serves as the island’s primary transportation hub.
Duration
- Standard Ferries: Typically take around 2 hours and 15 minutes from Krabi piers. Some sources suggest a travel time of 3-4 hours, which may include prior road transfers.
- Speedboats: Faster, with durations varying. Some can be as quick as 1 hour 20 minutes. For instance, a Tigerline Travel speedboat from Krabi can take 1 hour. Satun Pakbara speedboats can take around 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.
Luggage Allowance
Ferry services generally offer a larger luggage allowance compared to shared minivans.
Pros and Cons of Ferry/Speedboat
- Pros: Offers a scenic journey across the sea, can be faster than road transport (especially by speedboat), and provides a larger luggage capacity. Standard ferries often have amenities like WCs and air conditioning onboard.
- Cons: Only available during the high season (November to April). Services can be significantly affected by rough weather conditions, potentially leading to delays or cancellations. There is a risk of seasickness, particularly in choppy waters. These services typically do not allow the transport of pets, bikes, or kayaks. Arriving at Saladan Pier can be busy and chaotic, and taxis waiting immediately at the pier are notoriously expensive and overpriced.
Alternative Transport Options from Krabi to Koh Lanta
While ferries are a popular choice, especially in high season, other reliable options exist, and one, the minivan, becomes the sole option in the off-season.
1. By Minivan (The Most Popular & Budget-Friendly)
Traveling by minivan is widely considered the most popular and budget-friendly option for reaching Koh Lanta from Krabi, utilizing a land route and a short car ferry.
- How it Works: Minivans travel overland from Krabi, using a small car ferry to cross to Koh Lanta Noi, and then driving across the Siri Lanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. Passengers typically remain inside the van during the brief car ferry ride, which lasts about 15-20 minutes. The car ferry operates from 5 am until midnight or 1 am daily.
- Duration: The journey usually takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, but can fluctuate based on traffic, number of stops, and car ferry waiting times. One traveler reported a 3-hour trip with a 1-hour ferry delay.
- Cost: Prices for a shared minivan generally start around ฿350-฿380 THB (approximately $9-11 USD) per person. Phantip Travel is a primary operator for this route.
- Convenient Pick-ups: Minivan services offer pick-ups from various locations, including Krabi International Airport (KBV) (often near Exit 15 in Terminal 2), Krabi Bus Terminal (check-in at Counter 11 or 33), and hotels in Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
- Direct Drop-off: A significant advantage is that minivans usually provide direct drop-off at your specific accommodation anywhere on Koh Lanta.
- Seasonal Availability: Minivan services are available year-round, making them the only viable option during the off-season (May to October) when passenger ferries do not operate.
- Luggage Considerations: Minivans can have limited luggage space; consider purchasing an extra seat if you have significant or bulky luggage.
- Pros: Most affordable option, generally comfortable with air conditioning, offers convenient door-to-door service. It’s a good choice for travelers prone to seasickness as the water crossing is minimal and smooth. Available year-round.
- Cons: Can be crowded, especially with luggage. Services may make multiple stops and have potential for delays at the car ferry. Drivers may have limited English.
2. By Private Taxi (Fastest & Most Convenient for Groups)
Booking a private taxi offers a direct, private, door-to-door transfer from your location in Krabi to your hotel in Koh Lanta.
- How it Works: Private taxis use the same land route as minivans, including the car ferry crossing. Your driver will typically meet you at Krabi Airport or pick you up directly from your hotel.
- Duration: This is generally the fastest transport option, taking approximately 2 hours. Some sources indicate 2 to 3 hours.
- Cost: Private taxis are the most expensive option per vehicle, typically starting from ฿1,700-฿2,800 THB (approximately $60-84 USD) for the entire vehicle. This option becomes significantly more cost-effective when splitting the fare among a group, such as four or more people. Private transfers from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta are available starting from $83.94 per group (up to 8 people).
- Flexibility: Offers maximum flexibility regarding departure time and pick-up location.
- Direct Drop-off: The taxi will take you directly to any hotel or address in Koh Lanta.
- Pros: Offers the fastest travel time, provides the most comfortable and private experience, and offers convenient door-to-door service. Excellent for groups and travelers with large or sensitive luggage. Good for those prone to seasickness as the water crossing is short and smooth.
- Cons: Most expensive option when viewed as a total cost per vehicle.
Seasonal Considerations
The time of year significantly impacts the available transport options and overall experience in Koh Lanta.
- High Season (November to April): This is the peak tourist season with favorable weather conditions, less intense heat, and minimal rainfall. Ferry and speedboat services from Krabi operate during this period, providing direct sea routes. March can start to become noticeably hotter.
- Off-Season (May to October): This is the rainy season, bringing heavier rainfall, rougher seas, and potential storms. Passenger ferry and speedboat services from Krabi (and other islands) do NOT operate during these months due to challenging sea conditions. Therefore, road travel (via minivan, bus, or taxi utilizing the car ferry) is the only way to reach Koh Lanta from Krabi during the off-season. While accommodation and travel costs may be lower, the weather can significantly limit water-based activities.
Booking Your Transfer: Tips for a Smooth Journey
To ensure a hassle-free trip to Koh Lanta, consider these booking tips:
- Book in Advance: This is especially important during the peak season (November to April) to guarantee availability.
- Utilize Online Booking Platforms: Platforms like Smartenplus and BusOnlineTicket are highly recommended for comparing options, checking schedules, and booking tickets with instant confirmation.
- Look for Hotel Drop-off Combos: When booking online, services that explicitly include hotel drop-off in Koh Lanta are highly recommended. This avoids the chaotic and potentially overpriced transport options at Saladan Pier upon arrival.
- Confirm Pick-up Details: For airport pick-ups, be aware that the meeting point is frequently near Exit 15 in Terminal 2 at Krabi Airport. For hotel departures, be prepared in the lobby at least 30 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.
- Review Luggage Policies: Pay attention to luggage allowances, particularly with shared minivans.
- Check Cancellation Policies: Some services offer free cancellation up to a certain time before departure.
Arriving in Koh Lanta: What to Expect
Your arrival experience will differ based on your mode of transport:
- Road Arrival (Minivan/Taxi): If you travel by minivan or private taxi, you will cross the car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi and then drive directly to your accommodation on Koh Lanta Yai, providing a seamless, door-to-door service.
- Saladan Pier Arrival (Ferries/Speedboats): If arriving by passenger ferry or speedboat, you will disembark at Saladan Pier in the north of the island. This area can be quite busy and potentially chaotic, especially during peak arrival times.
- Getting from Saladan Pier: Be aware that taxis and tuk-tuks waiting directly at Saladan Pier are known to be expensive and overpriced, potentially charging as much as ฿500 per person for relatively short distances. To avoid this, it is highly recommended to arrange a pick-up directly with your resort if you have booked accommodation in advance. Alternatively, you might find more reasonably priced local taxis or songthaews by walking a short distance (around 5 minutes) away from the immediate pier area and into the main part of Saladan town.
Beyond Transport: Exploring Koh Lanta
Once you’ve arrived, exploring Koh Lanta’s attractions is part of the adventure:
- Getting Around the Island: The most convenient way to explore Koh Lanta is by renting a motorbike. Koh Lanta’s roads are relatively quiet, making them suitable even for beginner riders. Safety is paramount – always wear a helmet, avoid excessive speed, and ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
- Things to Do: Consider taking a 4 Island Tour to destinations like Emerald Cave, or explore Lanta Old Town for a glimpse into the island’s cultural history. You can also visit Lanta Animal Welfare or the Following Giants Ethical Elephant Sanctuary for ethical wildlife experiences. Beach hopping is a must, with popular spots like Beautiful Beach, Long Beach, and Nui Bay. Engaging in a Thai cooking class is also a highly recommended cultural activity.
- Eating Local: For authentic, affordable food, venture inland away from the beachfront restaurants. Recommended spots include Ms Homemade Bakery and Coffee, Bamboo Restaurant, KinBurger for Western comfort food, and Bow’s Pizza.
- Koh Lanta at Night: The island offers a relaxed nightlife with beachfront bars and restaurants, some featuring live music or fire shows.
Conclusion
Traveling to the serene island of Koh Lanta from Krabi is a well-established route with reliable transport options available throughout the year. Whether you opt for the cost-effective minivan, the scenic high-season ferry, or the convenient private taxi, choosing the method that best suits your budget, travel style, and the season is key. Planning and booking your transfer in advance, especially during peak tourist months, will help ensure a smooth start to your island getaway. Prepare for a relaxing escape and enjoy the ease of reaching the beautiful paradise of Koh Lanta.