Overview Compare Flight + Minivan Bus + Minivan Train + Bus To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of the hidden gems in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. This island has stunning beaches, blue waters and amazing viewpoints that are breathtaking.
Aside from relaxing on Koh Lanta’s fabulous beaches, you can also explore the island by boat tours, see the waterfalls or even learn the art of Muay Thai fighting.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is 835 km (520 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 best options to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta: by flight + minivan (4.5 hours), by bus + minivan (12.5-14 hours), and by train + bus (18-18.5 hours). Ticket costs range between 870 THB ($25) to 1,330 THB ($38).
Flight is the quickest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta via Krabi Airport. The flight to Krabi takes only 1.5 hours and the minivan from the Krabi airport to Koh Lanta takes 3 hours. The combined cost of fare starts at 1,035 THB ($29.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Alternatively, you can also take the bus which is much cheaper but takes a longer time. The journey usually takes 14 hours including the minivan from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
Lastly, if you don’t worry about time, you can take the train to Surat Thani and then continue by van to Koh Lanta. This will be a very long journey of at least 18 hours. A sleeper train is recommended for this option for maximum comfort.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Flight + Minivan
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. However, Koh Lanta doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport to Koh Lanta is Krabi Airport.
This route description includes the 1.5-hour flight from Bangkok to Krabi as well as the 3-hour minivan/bus journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta. This bus ride includes the transfer on the ferry to Krabi.
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Flight
There are many daily flights going to Krabi from Bangkok. Low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air offer flights departing from either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
All flights will land at the Krabi Airport (KBV). The cost of a one-way ticket starts at 700 THB ($20). Krabi is a popular tourist destination, so there are often many promotions, although these prices can be high during the peak season.
For the best ticket price, check the Skyscanner link below.
More information can be found by visiting our route page from Bangkok to Krabi.
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan
The Bus Cooperative of Krabi company offers minivan transfers from the Krabi Airport (KBV) to Koh Lanta.
These minivans depart as early as 08:00 until 16:30 with prices starting at 335 THB ($9.50) per person.
The minivan will drive onto the ferry and bring you to Koh Lanta within 3 hours. The exact travel time is unpredictable because it depends on the length of the queue at Hua Hin Pier.
If you want to secure your transfer beforehand, we recommend booking your minivan ride online. This already includes a free drop-off to your hotel on the island.
Minivan Schedule from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Bus + Minivan
Instead of travelling by plane, you can also travel by bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.
First, you’ll have to take a bus heading to Krabi and from there, you can hop on a minivan going to the beautiful island of Koh Lanta. This minivan will also board the ferry to Krabi.
Pre-pandemic, there used to be a combined bus and ferry option offered by Paradive Travel and Songserm from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. This would include all tickets from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. The last time we checked (June 2022), they haven’t resumed their operations for this route yet.
As for now, you will need to book your tickets separately, which we will explain below:
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Bus
Buses departing from Bangkok to Krabi either depart from Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Ta Mai) or Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit).
The Lignite Tours which offers 4 night-time trips daily departs from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. On the other hand, the Transport Co. bus departs from Mochit Terminal.
Both bus stations are approximately 10 km from Bangkok city centre. However, Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Ta Mai) is more convenient to reach because it is connected to Bangkok’s metro system. By taxi, it will take you about 20-30 minutes to reach either of the two bus terminals from Bangkok city centre.
Both buses arrive at the Krabi Bus Terminal and the journey takes 11 hours.
Bus Schedule from Bangkok to Krabi
Since it takes half a day to travel from Bangkok to Krabi by bus, we suggest booking a night bus. This way, you can catch up on some sleep so you’re ready to enjoy the island life upon arrival!
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Bus or Minivan
Minivans depart from the bus terminal in Krabi every two hours from 08:00 to 16:00. This is the same terminal as where the buses from Bangkok arrive.
The journey includes the ferry to Koh Lanta and you can buy your tickets at the bus terminal. The total travel time from Krabi to Koh Lanta can be as fast as 1.5 hours, but more often it’s closer to 3 hours.
Good Luck Lanta Tour has cheaper bus services starting Origin currency no defined but it has only one trip every other day. We recommend checking the schedule below to plan your trip well.
Bus or Minivan Schedule from Krabi Bus Terminal to Koh Lanta
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Train + Bus
Travelling by train from Bangkok to Koh Lanta can be a great adventure if you have the time to spend and want to take in the sights.
However, this option will take 18-18.5 hours and it involves a transfer in Surat Thani. First, you’ll need to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there, you can book a bus that goes from Surat Thani to Krabi, where you will be transferred to a minivan going to Koh Lanta.
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
The nearest train station to Koh Lanta is Surat Thani Railway Station. You can book a second-class sleeper berth so that you don’t lose a day travelling.
These trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 18:30 and 19:30 and travel during the night.
Train Schedules from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Step 2: Surat Thani to Koh Lanta by Bus
There is only one bus per day from the train station in Surat Thani to Koh Lanta, operated by Phantip. If you want to travel this route in one go, we recommend booking in advance to secure your tickets.
Also, note that the bus leaves at 09:00, which means you may be rushing from the train to board your bus.
The bus will travel to Krabi first. From there, you will be transferred to a minivan to Koh Lanta. The journey takes about 5 hours and you can expect to pay 600 THB ($17) for this leg of the journey.
Bus Schedule from Surat Thani to Koh Lanta
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta
Sweet Life Community Guesthouse
Located in Old Town Lanta, you will get a firsthand experience of life in this small fishing village. You can enjoy the amazing views of the village and surrounding islands from this excellent location.
Owners and staff are known to be extremely friendly and welcoming. The rooms are cozy, light and comfortable rooms and they also offer beautifully designed community areas with a kitchen, living room and an on-site coffee shop.
- Great location
- Excellent sea and village views
- Comfortable and clean
- Friendly staff
Rooms start at $16 per night
Chom Dao Resort
Located just 1 kilometer from Klong Nin Beach, this resort is situated in a wonderful location surrounded by lush greenery and gardens. Enjoying the outdoor swimming pool, barbeque or sun terrace are the perfect way to cool off and relax after a day spent exploring the island.
You can even enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. The rooms are clean and spacious and the staff is known to be extremely friendly and welcoming. A fabulous breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- On-site bar
- Great location
Rooms start at $33 per night
Siam Lanta Resort
Located just 300 meters from Klong Nin Beach and 600 meters from Klong Tob Beach, this resort is ideally located. Siam Lanta Resort provides a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace for guests to enjoy.
The resort also offers a tour desk and ticket service on-site, as well as car and bicycle rentals. The beds are big and comfortable, the rooms are clean and the staff is very friendly offering you a great place to stay.
- Ideal location
- Bicycle and car rentals available
- Garden and terrace area
- Big comfortable beds
Rooms start at $43 per night
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About the author(s)
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
