Overview Compare Flight + Minivan Bus + Minivan Train + Minivan To Stay
How to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok
Bangkok is the Capital City of Thailand and is often referred to as “The City of Life”. Year after year, Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. It is home to famous sites such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and over 400 other temples.
When you’re finished exploring Koh Lanta, head to the Capital City to experience an entirely new side of Thailand. Bangkok offers world-famous street food, live music, nightlife, fine dining and so much more. It is full of life, lights and busy streets.
3 ways to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok
The distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok is 835 km (520 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 best options to travel from Koh Lanta to Bangkok: by flight + minivan (4.5 hours), by bus (13.5-15 hours), and by train + minivan (19-20 hours). Ticket costs range between 875 THB ($25) to 1,360 THB ($39).
Flight is the fastest way to reach Bangkok from Koh Lanta. Travel time is 4.5 hours and the fare starts at 1,065 THB ($30.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Taking the bus is cheaper but takes much longer than the flight. The overall bus travel from Koh Lanta to Bangkok takes up to 15 hours.
Taking the train combined with a minivan transfer is the slowest option which takes at least 19 hours. First, you’ll need to take a minivan from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani and from there take a train to Bangkok. The advantage of this option is that you can travel a large part of the journey in a sleeper berth. Still, we think the bus will be a much easier option.
Itinerary from Koh Lanta to Bangkok
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Flight + Minivan
The nearest airport to Koh Lanta is in Krabi. If you prefer to travel by plane from Koh Lanta to Bangkok, you have to head to Krabi first.
From Krabi, you can take a 1.5-hour flight to Bangkok.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Minivan
Bus Cooperative of Krabi offers a minivan transfer from your hotel in Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport. The journey takes 3 hours and the ticket cost starts 335 THB ($9.50).
Carefully compare the flight schedules to the minivan schedules from Koh Lanta before booking any of the two.
Minivan Schedule from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport (KBV)
Step 2: Krabi to Bangkok by Flight
There are numerous flights going to Bangkok from Krabi every day.
If you book early, you can find the lowest-priced tickets, starting from 730 THB ($21). There are several low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air that depart from Krabi Airport.
After a 1.5-hour journey, the flight will land at either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
For the best ticket price, check the Skyscanner link below.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Bus
Travelling by bus takes much more time than flying, but can save you some money when flights get expensive.
If you want to travel this journey by bus, we suggest booking a night bus from Krabi to Bangkok, so you can sleep for the largest part of the journey and be ready to explore the city upon your arrival.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Bus or Minivan
There are two companies that can take you to Krabi from Koh Lanta: Bus Cooperative of Krabi and Good Luck Lanta Tour.
Bus Cooperative of Krabi offers free pick-up from any hotel in Koh Lanta. The earliest departure is 08:30 in the morning and the last trip is at 16:30 in the late afternoon.
Good Luck Lanta Tour operates on this route for a cheaper price starting 270 THB ($7.50) however, the schedule is only once every other day. The bus departs from Saladan Pier which is just 25 minutes away from the centre.
Bus or Minivan schedules from Koh Lanta to Krabi Bus Terminal
You can also book a van transfer from Koh Lanta to Krabi Bus Terminal at one of the local travel agencies or via your hotel.
Step 2: Krabi to Bangkok by Bus
Transport Co. Ltd and Lignite Tour are the most popular bus companies operating from Krabi to Bangkok.
These buses depart from the Krabi Bus Terminal. Transport Co. Ltd arrives at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit) while Lignite Tour completes its journey at the Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Ta Mai).
Both terminals are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre. If you will ride a taxi, it will only take around 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre.
Bus schedules from Krabi to Bangkok
We suggest booking the night bus to save more time and also save a night on accommodation.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Train + Minivan
The train is not the fastest option but it’s another good alternative if you want to travel at night. Because Koh Lanta doesn’t have a railway station, you should travel to Surat Thani first.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Surat Thani by Minivan
Phantip Travel is one of the most popular companies on this route and it also offers free pick-up from your hotel to bring you to the terminal. The Phantip minivans have departures at 08:00 and 12:00 and the travel time is 6.5 hours.
You can book a minivan transfer from Koh Lanta directly to Surat Thani Train Station from the comfort of your hotel for as low as 630 THB ($18). From Surat Thani Train Station, you can board your train going to Bangkok.
Minivan Schedule from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
You also have the option to book a transfer from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani with one of the local agencies. Prices are probably a bit lower, but we prefer booking online via BookAway as they offer great customer service.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From the Surat Thani Train Station, you will take a 12.5-13.5 journey until you reach your stop at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok.
We recommend booking 2nd class sleeper trains with air-conditioning to have a more comfortable trip.
Train Schedule from Bangkok to Surat Thani (2nd Class Sleeper A/C)
You can directly book your ticket on the links provided. For a more detailed description, read our page about Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travelers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night's rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 per night
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
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.
