Travelling from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is one of the easiest island-hopping journeys on Thailand’s Andaman coast. The direct route connects Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi with Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta, with several departures typically available during the day.
The journey is short, but choosing between a conventional ferry and a speedboat can make a noticeable difference in price, comfort and travel time. Current 2026 schedules show departures beginning around 09:30 and continuing into the afternoon, while fares generally start at around THB 350–450 for standard ferry services and around THB 700 or more for speedboats.
Why Travel from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta offer quite different experiences. Phi Phi is known for dramatic limestone scenery, busy beaches and a lively atmosphere, while Koh Lanta is generally more spacious and relaxed.
The direct boat route makes it possible to visit both islands without returning to Krabi or Phuket. For travellers building an Andaman island itinerary, Koh Lanta also works well as a base for exploring nearby islands and beaches.
Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta Ferry Schedule
There is no single fixed timetable throughout the year. Departure times change according to the operator, season, weather and demand.
Recent 2026 schedules show a useful spread of morning and afternoon departures. Typical services include:
| Departure from Phi Phi | Approx. Arrival at Lanta | Journey |
|---|---|---|
| 09:30 | 10:00 | 30 min |
| 10:30 | 11:05 | 35 min |
| 11:00 | 11:30 | 30 min |
| 11:30 | 12:30 | 1 hr |
| 12:00–13:30 | 12:30–14:00 | 30–60 min |
| 15:00–15:30 | 16:00 | 30–60 min |
| 16:00 | 17:00 | 1 hr |
These times illustrate the current operating pattern rather than a permanent timetable. Recent schedules have shown services from around 09:30 through approximately 16:00, with additional departures possible during busier periods.
Morning departures
Morning boats are particularly useful if you want most of the afternoon on Koh Lanta.
A departure around 09:30–11:00 can put you on the island before lunchtime, leaving plenty of time for hotel check-in, lunch and beach activities.
Midday departures
Late-morning and midday services are often a good compromise. They allow for breakfast and a relaxed morning on Phi Phi while still getting you to Koh Lanta early enough for an afternoon of sightseeing.
Afternoon departures
Later boats can be convenient if you want to spend most of the morning on Phi Phi. However, afternoon services leave less flexibility if the boat is delayed by weather or operational changes.
If you are staying on Koh Lanta that night, an earlier departure is generally the safer choice.
Ferry or Speedboat: Which Should You Choose?
The two main choices are a conventional ferry and a speedboat.
| Option | Travel time | Typical fare | Best for |
| Standard ferry | About 1 hour | THB 350–450 | Budget and comfort |
| Speedboat | About 30–45 min | Around THB 700–750+ | Saving time |
| Ferry with transfer | About 1–1.5+ hours | Varies | Travellers needing onward transport |
Current fare listings show standard ferry tickets from approximately THB 350, with other conventional services around THB 375–450. Speedboat fares commonly start around THB 700 and can rise depending on the departure and season.
Prices are indicative rather than fixed. They can change according to the travel date, boat, season and ticket availability.
Standard Ferry: The Better Choice for Comfort
Conventional ferries generally provide more space than speedboats and are a practical option for travellers who do not need to save 20–30 minutes.
They can be particularly appealing to:
- Families with children
- Travellers carrying larger bags
- Those who prefer a more stable boat
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Anyone who enjoys sitting outside and watching the scenery
A typical ferry journey takes around one hour, although sea conditions can affect the actual arrival time. Recent schedules include conventional services taking approximately 60 minutes.
Speedboat: The Fastest Option
Speedboats can reduce the journey to approximately 30–45 minutes.
They are best suited to travellers who:
- Want to maximise their time on Koh Lanta
- Have a tight itinerary
- Prefer a shorter crossing
- Do not mind paying more for speed
The trade-off is that speedboats can feel considerably rougher in choppy conditions. Travellers who are prone to seasickness may therefore prefer a larger ferry, particularly when the Andaman Sea is unsettled.
Where Do You Depart from on Koh Phi Phi?
Most direct services leave from Ton Sai Pier, the main pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Allow enough time to reach the pier, particularly during busy periods. The central area of Phi Phi is close to Ton Sai Pier, but luggage can make the short walk less convenient.
Before departure:
- Check the exact pier and departure time on your ticket.
- Arrive at the pier at least 20–30 minutes before departure.
- Keep your ticket and booking details accessible.
- Allow extra time if you are travelling with children or large luggage.
Where Do You Arrive on Koh Lanta?
Direct boats generally arrive at Saladan Pier, the principal arrival point in northern Koh Lanta.
From Saladan, travellers can continue to accommodation in areas such as Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Khong and Klong Nin.
The boat ticket normally covers the sea journey only unless a separate hotel or land-transfer service is explicitly included. Check the ticket details carefully rather than assuming that transport from Saladan Pier to your hotel is included.
How Much Does the Journey Cost?
For 2026, a useful budget range is:
- Budget ferry: from about THB 350
- Typical standard ferry: approximately THB 350–450
- Higher-priced ferry services: around THB 450–600
- Speedboat: approximately THB 700–750 or more
Current listings show ferry fares starting at THB 350 and speedboat fares from approximately THB 700, while other current schedules show ferry services around THB 600 depending on the service and direction.
For planning purposes, budgeting around THB 400–500 for a ferry or THB 700–800 for a speedboat gives a reasonable allowance, although the actual fare should be checked for the intended travel date.
Is Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta Available All Year?
The route operates across much of the year, but schedules are more variable outside the main tourist season.
During the high season, particularly from roughly November to April, there are generally more boat choices and stronger demand. Current ferry schedules show daily services on several operators.
During the lower season, the number of departures may be reduced, and weather can have a greater influence on operations.
If travelling during the quieter months, check the timetable close to the departure date and avoid planning a very tight onward connection.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Travel?
The best departure depends on your priorities.
For the most time on Koh Lanta:
Choose a morning speedboat around 09:30–11:00.
For a balance of comfort and convenience:
A late-morning ferry around 11:30 is a practical option.
For a slower, more relaxed journey:
Choose a conventional ferry and allow around one hour or slightly longer.
If you want to spend the morning on Phi Phi:
An afternoon departure can work, but leave a generous margin for possible delays.
Booking Tips
Booking in advance is sensible during the busiest travel periods, especially if you need a particular departure time.
For a smoother journey:
- Check the departure pier and arrival pier carefully.
- Compare ferry and speedboat prices before choosing.
- Confirm whether hotel transfer is included.
- Book earlier if travelling around Christmas, New Year or other peak holiday periods.
- Arrive at Ton Sai Pier 20–30 minutes before departure.
- Keep valuables and essential items in a small day bag rather than your main luggage.
- Avoid scheduling an important onward connection immediately after arrival.
Schedules can change, so treat published times as indicative until confirmed for your travel date. Recent 2026 timetables demonstrate that several departures can operate on the same day, but the exact combination varies.
Travelling with Children
Families may find the conventional ferry more comfortable because it generally offers more room to move around.
Some services also offer reduced fares for children, although age limits and child-fare policies vary. Check the conditions of the individual boat service before booking.
If children are prone to seasickness, consider choosing a larger ferry and sitting toward the middle of the vessel, where movement is usually less noticeable.
Travelling with Large Luggage
Standard luggage is normally accepted, but space and handling arrangements vary between boats.
Travellers carrying large suitcases, multiple bags or bulky equipment should check luggage conditions before purchasing a ticket. A conventional ferry is generally the more practical choice when luggage volume is a concern.
What Happens If the Sea Is Rough?
The Andaman Sea can become noticeably rough during periods of poor weather. Journey times may increase, and services can occasionally be delayed or cancelled for safety reasons.
This is particularly important when travelling by speedboat, which can feel much more affected by waves than a larger ferry.
If the weather forecast looks unsettled, allow additional time and avoid booking a non-refundable onward activity immediately after your expected arrival.
A Simple Travel Strategy
For most travellers, the choice can be simplified:
Choose a ferry if:
You want to spend less, prefer more space and are not concerned about saving 20–30 minutes.
Choose a speedboat if:
Your priority is reaching Koh Lanta as quickly as possible and you are comfortable with a more active ride.
Choose an early departure if:
You want a full afternoon on Koh Lanta.
Choose a later departure if:
You want to enjoy more of your final morning on Phi Phi.
Recommended New Blog Angle
Instead of focusing only on a timetable, a stronger search-friendly angle is:
“Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta: Ferry vs Speedboat, Costs, Timetables & What to Expect”
This title captures several high-intent searches at once: ferry schedules, speedboat options, ticket prices, journey time and practical arrival information.
Final Thoughts
Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is a short and relatively simple island transfer, with direct boats connecting Ton Sai Pier and Saladan Pier. The fastest services take about 30 minutes, while conventional ferries generally take around one hour.
For 2026 planning, allow roughly THB 350–450 for a standard ferry and THB 700–800 for a speedboat. The best choice depends mainly on whether comfort and price or speed is more important.
The most important point is to check the timetable for the exact travel date. Departure times can change between seasons, and weather conditions can affect both schedules and journey times.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do you get from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
The easiest option is a direct boat from Ton Sai Pier on Koh Phi Phi to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. Both conventional ferries and speedboats operate on the route.
2. How long is the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
A conventional ferry generally takes around one hour. Faster services can take approximately 30–45 minutes. Actual travel time can vary with the vessel and sea conditions.
3. How much is the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Standard ferry fares generally start at about THB 350, with many services falling around THB 350–450. Higher-priced services may cost more.
4. How much is a speedboat from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Speedboat tickets generally start at around THB 700, with typical fares around THB 700–800 depending on the service and travel date.
5. What time is the first boat from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Recent 2026 schedules show departures from around 09:30, although the first departure varies by date and season.
6. What time is the last boat from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
Recent schedules show afternoon departures as late as approximately 16:00. However, later services are not guaranteed every day, so travellers should confirm the timetable for their date.
7. Where does the ferry leave from on Koh Phi Phi?
Direct services normally depart from Ton Sai Pier, the main passenger pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.
8. Where does the ferry arrive on Koh Lanta?
Direct boats normally arrive at Saladan Pier, in northern Koh Lanta. From there, travellers can arrange local transport to their accommodation.
9. Is the ferry or speedboat better for families?
A conventional ferry is usually the more comfortable choice for families because it offers more space and tends to feel more stable. A speedboat is better when reducing travel time is the priority.
10. Should you book the Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta ferry in advance?
Advance booking is recommended during the high season and major holidays, particularly if you need a specific departure. During quieter periods, more flexibility may be available, but schedules can also be reduced.
For a Complete Travel Guide
For more detailed information on transportation options, booking tips, itinerary suggestions, and everything you need to know about planning your trip, visit our full guide:
