How to Get From Koh Lanta to Bangkok
Train + Minivan · Flight + Minivan · Bus
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 835 kilometre (519 miles) distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Bangkok as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Koh Lanta to Bangkok?
There are three ways to travel the 835 km distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok. You can choose between the train, flight, and bus.
The journey takes between 3h 50m–15h 30m and the quickest way is by flight (3h 50m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 915 THB ($28).
15h 30m - 21h
915 THB ($28)
3h 50m - 5h 10m
1,058 THB ($33)
13h 30m - 18h 30m
1,113 THB ($34)
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Already in Bangkok?
Onward from Bangkok
Once you're in Bangkok, here's where to next — 18 researched onward routes to pick from.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok by Train + Minivan
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 6h - 9h 30m.
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 661 THB ($21). From Surat Thani Train Station, you can board your train going to Bangkok.
Ready to book your minivan?
Booking Tip
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From the Surat Thani Train Station, it will take around 9h 20m - 11h 30m 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.
Ready to book your train?
Booking Tip
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eying the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on Baolau.
You can directly book your ticket on the links provided. For a more detailed description, read our page about Surat Thani 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 2h 20m - 3h 40m and the ticket cost starts at 309 THB ($9.50).
Carefully compare the flight schedules to the minivan schedules from Koh Lanta before booking any of the two.
Ready to book your minivan?
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 ($23). There are several low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air that depart from Krabi Airport.
After 1.5 hours, 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.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
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 Koh Lanta to Bangkok, so you can sleep for the largest part of the journey and be ready to explore the city upon your arrival.
Koh Lanta to Bangkok
Ready to book your bus?
Booking Tip
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Bus or Minivan
There are two companies that can take you to Krabi from Koh Lanta: Jijie Tour and Travel and Good Luck Lanta Tour.
Jijie Tour and Travel offers free pick-up from any hotel in Koh Lanta. The earliest departure is 06:00 in the morning.
Good Luck Lanta Tour operates on this route for a cheaper price starting 309 THB ($9.50) however, the schedule is only once every other day. The bus departs from Saladan Pier which is just 25 minutes away from the centre.
Ready to book your minivan?
Booking Tip
Step 2: Krabi to Bangkok by Bus
Transport Co. Ltd and Lignite Tour are the most popular bus companies operating from Krabi to Bangkok.
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.
Ready to book your bus?
Booking Tip
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you'll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Treat YourselfdusitD2 Samyan
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
Treat YourselfThe One Smart Living
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won't want to leave your room it's so nice!
It's a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you're constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It's hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Mid-RangeNaga Residence
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that's exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There's also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Mid-RangePhranakorn-Nornlen
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They'll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
BudgetGreenery Hostel
As you've probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It's in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok's attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Lanta to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Koh Lanta to Bangkok is 835 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Bangkok?
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren't the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
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About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
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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.
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