Koh Lanta and Ao Nang sit within the same Krabi province, yet they feel like different worlds: Lanta is a long, low-key island of beach villages and mangrove bays, while Ao Nang is the mainland gateway to Railay, the Phi Phi islands and the Andaman’s best-known limestone scenery. Linking the two is straightforward, and the right choice comes down to how much time you have, how you feel about boats, and whether you want a door-to-door transfer.
Three options are available: a speedboat, a passenger ferry and a shared minivan. A private car is also possible for groups and families.
At a glance
| Option | Typical journey time | Indicative fare per person | Operating season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speedboat | About 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes | THB 1,100 to THB 1,250 | High season, roughly November to late April |
| Passenger ferry | About 2 hours | From THB 700 | High season, roughly November to May |
| Shared minivan | About 3 to 4.5 hours | THB 350 to THB 600 (around THB 500 is typical) | All year |
| Private minivan or taxi | About 1.5 to 2 hours of driving, plus a short car-ferry crossing | THB 2,500 to THB 2,800 per vehicle | All year |
Fares and timings are indicative. They vary by operator, date and pickup location, so confirm current details when you book.
By speedboat: the fastest crossing
Speedboats run between Saladan Pier, the main pier at the northern tip of Koh Lanta, and Nopparat Thara Pier, the departure point for Ao Nang. The crossing generally takes between 1 hour 30 minutes and 1 hour 50 minutes, and the typical fare is around THB 1,200.
Listed departures from Koh Lanta include a morning boat at 09:00 and an afternoon boat at 13:30, although exact times change with the season and the operator. Some services call at Railay or Koh Phi Phi on the way, which can lengthen the journey, so check whether your boat is a direct service.
Speedboats operate in the calmer months only. Services generally start in November and wind down towards the end of April, when the Andaman monsoon makes open-water crossings less reliable. Travellers prone to seasickness may prefer a larger ferry or the road.
By passenger ferry: slower, but cheaper
The passenger ferry covers the same piers in about two hours, with fares starting from around THB 700. It is a steadier ride than a speedboat and suits travellers with more luggage or those who prefer a larger vessel. The service runs in high season, from roughly November to May, and some sailings include a short stop at Railay to pick up or drop off passengers. Allow extra time if your onward plans are tight.
By shared minivan: the all-year option
A shared minivan travels by road across the Koh Lanta bridges and a car-ferry link, and it is the only option that runs throughout the year. The journey typically takes 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on traffic and the waiting time at the car ferry. Fares are usually around THB 500, with a range of THB 350 to THB 600 depending on the season and where you are collected.
The main advantage is convenience. Most services collect passengers from their accommodation and drop them near their destination, which avoids the pier transfers that boat travel requires. Departure times are fixed, so seats on the most popular departures are worth reserving ahead.
Private transfer: for groups, families and tight schedules
A private minivan or taxi with the car ferry costs about THB 2,500 to THB 2,800 per vehicle and takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. For a group of four or more, or a family with luggage and children, the per-person cost can compare well with a speedboat while offering a direct hotel-to-hotel journey at a time of your choosing.
Getting to and from the piers
Boat fares cover the sea crossing only. Saladan Pier is on the northern tip of Koh Lanta, and many beach resorts on the west coast are 20 to 40 minutes away by road, so arrange a taxi or hotel transfer in advance. Nopparat Thara Pier is about 20 minutes from central Ao Nang and roughly 30 minutes from Krabi Airport. Some boat tickets include a hotel pickup in the Ao Nang area, so confirm what is included before you pay.
Practical tips
- Arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure, and earlier in busy periods.
- Book ahead between December and February, when seats on the most convenient departures fill quickly.
- Buying through your accommodation is simple but may add a small service charge of roughly THB 50 to THB 100.
- Boat schedules are weather-dependent, so keep a buffer if you have a flight or tour on the same day.
- Pack valuables and medication in a small day bag, as large suitcases are usually stowed separately on boats.
Which option should you choose?
- Shortest travel time: the speedboat, in high season and calm weather.
- Lowest fare: the shared minivan.
- Steadier sea travel at a moderate price: the passenger ferry.
- Travelling outside high season, or prone to seasickness: the minivan or a private transfer.
- Group or family with heavy luggage: a private transfer.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to travel from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang? By speedboat the crossing takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, by passenger ferry about 2 hours, and by shared minivan about 3 to 4.5 hours.
- What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Ao Nang? A shared minivan is usually the cheapest, at about THB 350 to THB 600 per person. The passenger ferry starts from around THB 700.
- How much does the speedboat cost? Expect roughly THB 1,100 to THB 1,250 per person, with THB 1,200 a common fare. Prices vary by operator and date.
- When do the boats run? Speedboats and passenger ferries operate mainly in high season, from about November to late April or May. Services reduce or pause during the monsoon months, while minivans run all year.
- Which piers does the boat use? Boats depart from Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta and arrive at Nopparat Thara Pier near Ao Nang.
- What time do boats leave Koh Lanta? Listed departures include 09:00 for the speedboat and 13:30 for both the speedboat and the ferry. Timetables change by season, so confirm yours when you book.
- Does the journey time include the transfer to my hotel? No. Boat times cover the pier-to-pier crossing only. Allow additional time for transfers on both ends, unless your ticket includes a hotel pickup.
- Is a direct boat always available? Not always. Some services stop at Railay or Koh Phi Phi, which adds time, so ask whether your sailing is direct.
- Is the minivan a good choice if I get seasick? Yes. The minivan travels by road over the Koh Lanta bridges and a short car-ferry link, so there is little open-water travel.
- Should I book in advance? In high season, especially from December to February, booking ahead is advisable for boats and for popular minivan departures. In quieter months, booking a day or two ahead is usually enough.
