Krabi Town to Koh Lanta: Step-by-Step Directions

Thailand’s Krabi province serves as a popular gateway to its stunning southern islands, and among its most cherished gems is Koh Lanta. Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lanta offers a serene escape with its breathtaking sandy beaches and a famously laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for couples, solo travelers, divers, and families alike. While there is no direct airport on the island, Koh Lanta is exceptionally well-connected to Krabi and other parts of Southern Thailand through various reliable transport options.

This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step directions and crucial insights into traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to this island paradise.

Understanding Your Journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta

The journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta typically involves a combination of land and sea travel, depending on your chosen method. The distance by ferry is approximately 42 miles (67 kilometers), or about 70 kilometers by road with a short ferry crossing. Total travel time can range from 1 hour 20 minutes to 4 hours, influenced by the mode of transport and specific conditions.

Key Considerations: Seasonal Availability A crucial factor impacting your travel options is the time of year.

High Season (November to April): This is the peak tourist period with favorable weather conditions, less intense heat, and minimal rainfall. During these months, passenger ferry and speedboat services from Krabi operate regularly, providing direct sea routes.
Off-Season (May to October): This period is characterized by the rainy season, bringing heavier rainfall and rougher seas. Passenger ferry and speedboat services do NOT operate during these months due to challenging sea conditions. Therefore, road travel via minivan, bus, or private taxi (utilizing the car ferry) is the ONLY viable option to reach Koh Lanta from Krabi during the off-season. While costs may be lower, be mindful that the weather can significantly limit water-based activities.

Step-by-Step Directions: Your Transport Options

There are several reliable ways to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta, each offering distinct benefits in terms of cost, speed, and convenience.

Option 1: By Minivan (Most Popular & Budget-Friendly)

Traveling by minivan is widely regarded as the most popular and budget-friendly option, utilizing a land route combined with a short car ferry crossing.

How it Works: Minivans travel overland from Krabi, crossing to Koh Lanta Noi via a small car ferry. Passengers typically remain inside the van during this brief 15-20 minute car ferry ride. From Koh Lanta Noi, the minivan drives across the Siri Lanta Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai, the main tourist island. The car ferry operates daily from 5 AM until midnight or 1 AM.
Departure Points: Minivan services offer convenient pick-ups from various locations in Krabi, including:
- Krabi International Airport (KBV): Often near Exit 15 in Terminal 2.
- Krabi Bus Terminal: Check-in at Counter 11 or 33. Public minivan transfers can be arranged at the bus station.
- Hotels: Pick-ups are also available from hotels in Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
Duration: The journey typically takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, but can fluctuate based on traffic, the number of stops, and car ferry waiting times. Some travelers have reported trips of 3 hours with a 1-hour ferry delay.
Cost: Prices for a shared minivan generally start around ฿350-฿380 THB (approximately $9-11 USD) per person. This competitive pricing usually includes both the bus transportation and the car ferry crossing. Phantip Travel is a primary operator for this route.
Direct Drop-off: A significant advantage of minivans is that they 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. If you have significant or bulky luggage, consider purchasing an extra seat.
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. Some reported experiences include unexpected stops or delays.

Option 2: By Ferry or Speedboat (Scenic High-Season Option)

Ferry and speedboat services provide a direct sea route and are available primarily during the high season.

Availability: 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.
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 AM and 2:30 PM during high season, arriving at Saladan Village on Koh Lanta. A fast ferry service from Klong Jilad Pier is reported to take approximately one hour.
- Nopparat Thara Pier (Ao Nang): Ferries to Koh Lanta also depart from here at 11:00 AM during high season, making stops at Railay and Koh Jum.
- Floating Pier East Railay and Kongka Pier are also mentioned as departure points.
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, and Satun Pakbara speedboats can take around 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.
Cost:
- 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. For example, Lanta Super Concord Tour offers tickets for $12.56 – $14.10 USD.
- Speedboat: Speedboats are typically more expensive than standard ferries, with prices ranging from $20.73 to $53.76 USD. Tigerline Travel speedboats are listed between $22.30 – $53.76 USD, and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club speedboats range from $20.73 – $24.57 USD.
- Combined Tickets (Bus/Minivan + Ferry/Speedboat): 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 including the car ferry can cost around ฿350 – ฿450 THB per person (as low as $10.75 USD). A combination van+ferry ticket with Tigerline Travel from Krabi Bus Station can be ฿1,250 THB for adults.
Luggage Allowance: Ferry services generally offer a larger luggage allowance compared to shared minivans, which is beneficial for travelers with more bags.
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. Arrives directly at Saladan Pier, the main tourist island hub.
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.

Option 3: 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. For example, 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.

Arrival in Koh Lanta: What to Expect

Your arrival experience in Koh Lanta will differ based on your chosen 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 inflated prices, it is highly recommended to arrange a pick-up directly with your resort in advance if you have booked accommodation. 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. Some resorts even offer free pick-up services.

Booking Your Transfer: Essential 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 for your preferred transport option and time.
Utilize Online Booking Platforms: Platforms like Smartenplus and BusOnlineTicket are highly recommended for comparing options, checking schedules, and booking tickets with instant confirmation. Sites like SmartEnPlus also offer various options.
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, as space can be limited.
Check Cancellation Policies: Some services offer free cancellation up to a certain time before departure.

Beyond Transport: Exploring Koh Lanta

Once you’ve successfully reached Koh Lanta, a wealth of experiences awaits. The island is famed for its stunning beaches like Bamboo Beach, Long Beach, and Relax Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying spectacular sunsets.

You can immerse yourself in activities such as:

Island Hopping: Take a 4 Island Tour to destinations like Emerald Cave, Koh Rok, or Koh Phi Phi for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
Exploring by Scooter: Rent a motorbike (around 200-300 THB/day) to discover hidden coves, viewpoints, and jungle trails. Always wear a helmet and ensure you have adequate travel insurance.
Cultural Immersion: Visit Lanta Old Town, a quaint fishing village with traditional wooden houses and unique cultural influences, for a glimpse into authentic island life. You can also engage in ethical tourism by visiting Lanta Animal Welfare or enjoy a Thai cooking class.
National Park Adventures: Explore Mu Koh Lanta National Park at the island’s southern tip, boasting rugged cliffs, a lighthouse with epic views, and quiet beaches.

For authentic, affordable food, venture inland away from beachfront restaurants. The island also 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.