Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi is an easy island-hopping route with daily ferries and speedboats. Discover schedules, travel times, ticket prices, booking tips, pier information, and seasonal advice.
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi is one of the easiest island-hopping journeys in Thailand. The two islands are only about 30 km apart, and direct boats connect Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta with Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi.
The route is served by both conventional ferries and faster speedboats. The crossing can take as little as 30 minutes by speedboat, while a conventional ferry generally takes around 1 hour. Schedules vary by season, operator, and sea conditions, so checking the timetable for the exact travel date is important.
Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure | Saladan Pier, Koh Lanta |
| Arrival | Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi |
| Distance | Approximately 30 km |
| Travel time | About 30–60 minutes for direct services |
| Ferry fare | Approximately THB 500–600 |
| Speedboat fare | Approximately THB 700–750 |
| Typical first departure | Around 08:00–09:00 |
| Typical last departure | Around 15:30–16:00 |
| Service | Daily during periods with regular seasonal service |
Recent 2026 schedules show several direct departures throughout the day, although the exact number of sailings can change. Published schedules have included departures at 08:00, 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00 and 16:00 on different dates.
Ferry or speedboat: which should you choose?
There are two main choices for the journey: a conventional ferry or a speedboat.
Conventional ferry
A conventional ferry is generally the more economical option and provides a slower, steadier crossing.
A current published service from Saladan Pier leaves at 08:00 and arrives at Tonsai Pier at 09:00, with a fare of about THB 600 per adult. Other ferry services can be priced from around THB 500 depending on the departure and booking conditions.
A ferry can be a good choice if:
- You prefer a more spacious vessel.
- You are sensitive to fast or bumpy boat rides.
- You want to keep transportation costs lower.
- You are not in a hurry to reach Phi Phi.
Speedboat
Speedboats are considerably faster and can make the crossing in around 30–40 minutes.
For example, a current Bundhaya service operates from Saladan Pier at 10:00, arriving at Tonsai Pier at 10:40 for approximately THB 700. Another departure at 13:00 takes around 30 minutes and is also listed at THB 700.
Speedboats are useful when:
- You want to maximize your time on Phi Phi.
- You are connecting to another island or tour.
- You prefer a shorter time at sea.
- You are comfortable with a faster, more exposed boat ride.
Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi ferry schedule
There is no single fixed timetable that applies throughout the year. Boat schedules change according to season, demand, weather and operator availability.
Recent 2026 schedules illustrate the range of services that can operate:
| Departure | Arrival | Approx. duration | Boat type |
| 08:00 | 09:00 | 1 hour | Ferry |
| 09:00 | 09:30 | 30 min | Speedboat |
| 10:00 | 10:30–10:40 | 30–40 min | Speedboat |
| 12:00 | 12:30 | 30 min | Ferry/fast boat |
| 12:30 | 13:00 | 30 min | Fast boat |
| 13:00 | 13:30 | 30 min | Speedboat |
| 16:00 | 16:30 | 30 min | Fast boat |
These times are examples from published 2026 schedules rather than a guaranteed daily timetable. For example, one July 2026 schedule showed services at 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 12:30, 13:00 and 16:00, while another current listing showed an 08:00 ferry followed by 10:00 and 13:00 speedboats.
For this reason, travelers should not assume that an 08:00 or 16:00 departure will operate every day of the year.
How much does the ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi cost?
Prices vary according to the vessel, departure time and season.
A realistic one-way budget for an adult is:
- Conventional ferry: approximately THB 500–600
- Speedboat: approximately THB 700–750
- Some services or bundled transfers may cost more.
Current listings show conventional ferry fares from around THB 500–600 and speedboat fares around THB 700.
Prices should therefore be treated as a guide rather than a fixed fare. Always confirm the price for the exact departure before paying.
Where does the boat leave from on Koh Lanta?
Most direct services depart from Saladan Pier, the main passenger pier on the northern end of Koh Lanta.
If your accommodation is in Long Beach, Klong Dao, Klong Khong or further south, allow additional time to reach the pier by road.
When purchasing a ticket, check whether hotel pickup is included. A pier-to-pier ticket may not include transportation from your hotel.
Where does the boat arrive on Koh Phi Phi?
Most direct services arrive at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don.
Tonsai is the principal arrival point and is close to the main village, restaurants, shops and accommodation areas. Once you arrive, you may need to walk or arrange a local longtail boat depending on where your accommodation is located.
It is worth checking your hotel’s location before booking because not all accommodation is within convenient walking distance of Tonsai Pier.
How to book the ferry
There are several practical ways to arrange this journey.
Book through a local travel agency
Travel agencies and hotel reception desks on Koh Lanta commonly sell island-transfer tickets.
This can be particularly convenient if you need:
- Hotel pickup
- Assistance choosing a departure
- A combined transfer
- Advice about current sea conditions
Ask specifically whether the quoted fare includes transportation from your hotel to Saladan Pier.
Buy at Saladan Pier
Tickets can also be purchased locally at or near the pier when services are operating.
This can work well outside the busiest periods, but availability is less predictable than booking ahead. If a particular departure is important to your itinerary, securing the ticket in advance is safer.
Book directly with the boat operator
Some operators provide direct ticket sales through their own offices or official booking channels.
This is useful when you already know which vessel and departure time you want, and it allows you to check the operator’s current cancellation and luggage policies.
How far in advance should you book?
During the busiest travel period, booking one or two days ahead is a sensible approach, particularly if you want a specific morning departure.
Advance booking is even more important when:
- You are traveling during a holiday period.
- You have accommodation booked for a fixed check-in time.
- You need to make another ferry connection from Phi Phi.
- You are traveling as a family or larger group.
- You want the last available departure of the day.
During quieter periods, there may be more flexibility, but schedules can also be reduced, so checking the timetable remains important.
High season vs low season
Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are connected by regular boat services for much of the year, but the frequency is not necessarily the same in every month.
The busiest period is generally associated with the drier travel season, when demand for Andaman island trips is higher. Published schedules show daily services during periods in 2026, but operators can adjust departures seasonally.
During the southwest monsoon period, sea conditions can become rougher and some services may be reduced, changed or cancelled.
For travel during the wetter months, avoid building a tight itinerary around the final boat of the day.
What time should you leave Koh Lanta?
The best departure depends on your plans on Phi Phi.
Early morning
An early boat is useful if you want most of the day on Phi Phi.
For example:
08:00 departure → 09:00 arrival
This gives you almost a full day to explore, check in or join an afternoon activity.
Midday
A midday departure works well for travelers who want a relaxed morning on Koh Lanta before moving on.
Recent schedules have included departures around 12:00–13:00, with the crossing taking approximately 30 minutes on faster services.
Late afternoon
Late-afternoon services can be useful for travelers who want to spend most of the day on Koh Lanta.
However, the number of late departures is limited. A recent schedule included a 16:00 departure arriving at Tonsai Pier at 16:30.
If your itinerary depends on a late departure, verify the service for your exact date rather than relying on a general timetable.
Travel time and sea conditions
The direct distance between Saladan Pier and Tonsai Pier is approximately 30 km.
Speedboats can cover the route in about 30–40 minutes, while conventional ferries generally take around one hour, although actual travel time can vary with sea conditions and the vessel used.
The Andaman Sea can become rough during periods of unsettled weather. If you are prone to seasickness, consider:
- Choosing a larger conventional ferry where available.
- Sitting toward the middle of the vessel.
- Avoiding a heavy meal immediately before departure.
- Carrying any medication you normally use for motion sickness.
- Allowing flexibility in your itinerary during periods of poor weather.
Boat operators can alter schedules when conditions are unsuitable.
Luggage information
Most passenger services allow standard travel luggage, but the exact allowance depends on the operator and vessel.
Keep passports, cash, electronics and other valuables in a small personal bag that remains with you.
Before departure, check:
- Maximum luggage allowance
- Extra luggage charges
- Where luggage is stored during the crossing
- Whether hotel pickup has separate luggage restrictions
Important booking tips
A few simple checks can prevent problems on the day of travel.
- Confirm that the departure point is Saladan Pier.
- Check that the arrival point is Tonsai Pier.
- Confirm the exact departure date and time.
- Check whether hotel pickup is included.
- Check the luggage allowance.
- Allow at least 30 minutes at the pier for check-in.
- Avoid relying on the final departure if you have an important onward connection.
- Check weather and sea conditions before traveling.
- If traveling during peak season, reserve ahead.
- Keep your itinerary flexible during periods of rough weather.
Is Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi worth doing by ferry?
For most travelers, the direct boat is the simplest way to travel between the two islands. The route is short, there are multiple departures during periods of regular service, and both conventional ferries and speedboats are available.
The main decision is whether you value lower cost and a slower crossing or prefer to pay more for a faster journey.
For a budget-conscious traveler, a conventional ferry at around THB 500–600 can offer good value. For travelers prioritizing speed, a direct speedboat at around THB 700–750 can cut the crossing to roughly 30–40 minutes.
Final recommendation
Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi is a straightforward island-hopping route, but the timetable should be checked close to the travel date. Recent 2026 schedules demonstrate that departures can range from early morning through late afternoon, while fares generally fall around THB 500–600 for conventional ferries and THB 700–750 for standard speedboats.
For the greatest flexibility, choose an earlier departure rather than relying on the final boat of the day. If comfort and price are more important than speed, consider the conventional ferry. If minimizing travel time is the priority, a speedboat is the faster option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi?
A direct speedboat can take around 30–40 minutes, while a conventional ferry generally takes about 1 hour. Actual travel time can vary with the vessel and sea conditions.
2. How much does the ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi cost?
A conventional ferry generally costs around THB 500–600 per adult one way, while speedboat tickets are commonly around THB 700–750. Prices vary by operator, departure and season.
3. What is the first ferry from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi?
Recent 2026 schedules have shown departures from around 08:00, although the first sailing varies by date and season. An 08:00 ferry has recently been listed arriving at Tonsai Pier at 09:00.
4. What is the last ferry from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi?
Recent schedules have included departures as late as 16:00, arriving around 16:30. However, late-afternoon services are particularly important to verify because schedules change seasonally.
5. Do ferries run every day from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi?
Regular daily services operate during periods with established seasonal service, and recent 2026 schedules show daily departures on several routes. However, the frequency can change depending on season, demand and weather.
6. Where do I catch the ferry on Koh Lanta?
Most direct services leave from Saladan Pier in northern Koh Lanta.
7. Where does the ferry arrive on Koh Phi Phi?
Direct services generally arrive at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don, the island’s principal passenger arrival point.
8. Is a speedboat better than a ferry?
A speedboat is faster, usually taking around 30–40 minutes, but it generally costs more. A conventional ferry takes longer but can be a more economical choice.
9. Should I book the Koh Lanta to Phi Phi ferry in advance?
Booking one or two days ahead is advisable during busy periods, especially if you need a particular departure or are traveling as a group. In quieter periods, local booking may offer more flexibility, but the available schedule should still be checked.
10. Can I travel from Koh Lanta to Phi Phi during the rainy season?
Services can operate outside the main dry season, but schedules may be reduced and rough seas can affect crossings. Travelers visiting during the monsoon period should check the service status and weather before departure and avoid tight onward connections.
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:
