What to expect when visiting Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most visited destinations in the country. The beautiful shores of Karon Beach, the historic charm of Old Town, and the nightlife in Patong beach attract millions of tourists every year.
Surrounded by numerous smaller islands, Phuket also offers unbeatable snorkelling, diving, and water sports adventures. You can explore the colourful marine life while snorkelling at the nearby Koh Phi Phi Island or embark on a diving trip. Located just a short distance from the international airport, Phuket is easily accessible for travellers who want to visit Thailand’s beautfiul beaches without having to travel too far.
2 ways to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket
There are two ways to travel the distance of 80 km (50 miles) from Koh Lanta to Phuket: by bus + ferry (5 hours) and ferry (1h30m-3h45m). The journey takes between 1h30m - 5h and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 550 THB ($15.50) for the bus + ferry.Where to stay in Phuket?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phuket at the bottom of this page.
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Bus + Ferry
Are you travelling on a budget? Travelling by land and ferry takes a few more hours, but saves you some money.
If you are prone to seasickness, this alternative might also be better. You only have to take a 30-minute ferry in the first part of the trip from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry will depart from Saladan Pier, about 25 minutes away from Koh Lanta.
This ferry will then arrive at the Hua in Pier, north of Phuket. From there, you will be transferred to a bus which will bring you in about 4.5 hours to Phuket Bus Terminal 1 station.
The ticket below is for a combined bus and ferry ride, which means you don’t need to buy separate tickets. Goodluck Lanta Tour offers this trip every other day.
Combined Bus + Ferry Schedule from Koh Lanta to Phuket
If this ticket is not available anymore, you can also book each transportation means separately. The steps are explained below:
Booking Tickets Separately
Booking separately via bus and ferry is also another cheap option and can be availed daily. But this method won’t as easy and convenient when booking the combined tickets.
The total cost is 550 THB ($15.00) when buying the tickets separately.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Minivan + Ferry
The first step includes booking a minivan ride from Koh Lanta to Krabi. Conveniently, a minivan picks up guests from any hotel on the island. Just make sure you book a ticket going to Krabi Bus Terminal and not Krabi Airport.
The trip will take about 2 hours and the last stop is at the Krabi Bus Terminal. From the terminal, you can hop on a bus to Phuket.
Make sure you align this trip with the bus departures for your next transfer.
Bus + Ferry options from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Step 2: Krabi to Phuket by Bus or Minivan
From Krabi, you can take either a bus or a minivan going to Phuket. Goodluck Lanta bus has only one schedule every other day. Luckily, there are many van trips operated by 438 Krabi Transport for this route.
The direct bus/van departs from Krabi Bus Terminal and takes 3 hours of travel to reach Phuket. Ticket starts at 210 THB ($5.50) per person for this trip.
The last stop for both options is at the Phuket Bus Terminal 1.
Bus + Ferry options from Koh Lanta to Phuket
You can read how to go from Krabi to Phuket for more details.
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Ferry
Travelling by ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket is the fastest option. It can be pricey but you will reach your destination in just 1.5-2 hours while having a scenic view of the vast and beautiful Andaman sea.
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket departs from Saladan Pier, which is a 25-minute drive away from Koh Lanta centre.
The three companies offering this direct ferry trip from Koh Lanta to Phuket are Satun Pakbara Speedboat, Bundhaya Speedboat, and Ao Nang Travel and Tour.
Satun Pakbara company offers free pick-up in many areas of Koh Lanta. Please check their booking page for the areas and hotels that include free pickup.
The final stop of the ferries is at Rassada Pier in Phuket, which is 5 km away from Phuket town.
Ferry Schedules from Koh Lanta to Phuket
There also used to be a 4-hour slow ferry for this route, operated by Andaman Wave Master. However, there is still no update on their operations since the start of the covid pandemic.
Ferries operate less frequently during the low season (May-October), so always double-check the schedule on the provided link.
Booking your tickets online is often cheaper than at a local travel agent and also assures you of a seat on your preferred ferry.
Our favourite places to stay in Phuket
Aekkeko Hostel - Budget Friendly
Aekkeko Hostel is set in central Phuket Town within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, and sights. It’s a vibrant and colourful place with so many chillout places it’s impossible to keep count.
Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the dorm beds are huge! The staff will welcome you like family making you feel right at home.
- Excellent staff
- Ideal location
- Terrace and many chillout spots
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $19 per night.
Baan Sutra Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Baan Sutra Guesthouse is in the perfect location, just a 1-minute walk from the Old Town. Yet when you step through its doors, you forget about the chaos outside. The hotel is clean, serene and homely.
The rooms are bright and very spacious. You’re guaranteed to have a comfortable stay here, especially with the helpful and friendly staff.
- Beautiful rooms
- Clean and comfortable
- Perfect location
- Helpful staff
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
HOMA Phuket Town - Mid Range
Calling all digital nomads or anyone looking to relax without having to spend too much money. HOMA has everything you could need — a huge rooftop swimming pool, games room, gym, co-working space and an Italian restaurant. You never have to leave!
The rooms are modern with vibrant pops of colour and huge beds. Need any help? The staff are always there to give you recommendations and make sure you have the best stay.
- Huge rooftop swimming pool
- Games room
- Onsite gym and co-working space
- Italian restaurant
Private rooms start from $49 per night.
Hotel Tide - Treating Yourself
Staying at Hotel Tide puts you seconds from the beach and in the middle of luxury. The huge swimming pool overlooks the beach and is the perfect place to escape the heat. Or relax on the terrace or nets overlooking the sea.
Here you’ll be a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, but if you don’t want to make the journey, you can enjoy the onsite delicious restaurant. This is the ideal place to unwind and chill in Phuket.
- Amazing swimming pools
- Right on the beach
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $57 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Lanta to Phuket
What is the distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket is 80 km (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket is by ferry and takes 1h30m-3h45m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 550 THB ($15.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket. 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!
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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.
