How to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Why visit Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta is a laidback archipelago on Thailand’s southwest coast. It’s made up of 52 islands, but you’ll probably spend most of your time on the two main islands: Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.
You can enjoy mostly empty beaches, visit different islands every day, chase waterfalls, and just be in awe of the beauty of unspoiled nature in Koh Lanta. Besides beach bumming, you can get lost in Mu Koh Lanta National Park, explore the island’s Old Town, or even practise the art of Muay Thai fighting.
What are the 5 ways to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
There are 5 ways to travel the 80 kilometre (50 miles) distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta. You can choose between the bus + ferry*, shared minivan, private transport, ferry and bus via Krabi. The journey takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 9 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + ferry* with tickets starting at 500 THB ($15.30).
Where to stay in Koh Lanta?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta at the bottom of this page.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Bus + Ferry*
*The last time we checked (October 2024), there were no available combined buses and ferries from Phuket to Koh Lanta. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
With a combined ticket you don’t need to worry about being on time for the next departure to Koh Lanta and don’t have the risk that one option is sold out. Good Luck Lanta Tour offers cheap fares but it’s best to book early because their schedule is once every other day only.
Combined Bus + Ferry Schedule from Phuket to Koh Lanta
If you decide to travel this route with a combination of bus and ferry, we recommend booking the combined ticket with Good Luck Lanta Tour.
However, if they are not available or already fully booked, you can also book your tickets separately.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Bus via Krabi
Travelling from Phuket to Koh Lanta by bus and ferry via Krabi involves two key steps: First, take a 3 to 3.5-hour bus ride from Phuket to Krabi. Then, board a ferry for a 1.5 to 2-hour journey to Koh Lanta. This option combines overland and sea travel, offering a more scenic and straightforward route between these two popular destinations.
Step 1: Phuket to Krabi by Bus
Buses bound for Krabi depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal. You can buy your tickets online in advance for 235 THB ($7.20).
For more information, read how to go from Phuket to Krabi.
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan + Ferry
Your bus will arrive at the Krabi Bus Terminal, where you will also find the minivans bound for Koh Lanta.
These vans will go to Hua Hin Pier and travel on the ferry across to Koh Lanta. You may have to get out of the van and go to the passenger deck during the ferry ride.
The ferries depart every 2 hours from 08:00 to 16:00 and the trip takes about 2h - 2h 30m. The ferries dock at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta.
A ticket costs 304 THB ($9.30) per person, which already includes the ferry ticket.
If you book this ticket in advance, make sure to book one that departs from Krabi Bus Station.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Phuket to Koh Lanta costs around 549 THB ($16.80). The minivan journey takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Goodluck Lanta operates on this route.
Note that this includes a short ferry ride from the mainland to Koh Lanta.
Minivan schedule from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ferry
Taking a direct boat from Phuket to Koh Lanta is the most popular option among travellers. You can choose from eight ferry companies operating on this route.
Ferry prices start from 602 THB ($18.40). Travel time is 1 hour 30 minutes to 9 hours, depending on whether you book a regular ferry or a speedboat.
Apart from being faster, another advantage of booking a speedboat is that most include pickup service from your hotel.
Departure from Phuket
Ferries and speedboats depart from the Rassada Pier, which is only a 20-minute drive away from Phuket town centre. From Phuket town. you can either go by songthaews, shared minivan or taxi. You can also try Grab taxi to Rassada Pier with fares starting from 300 THB ($9.20).
Luckily, the speedboat options include pickup services if your hotel is in the following areas:
- Kata
- Karon
- Patong Beach
- Phuket town
TIP: Be sure to check the weather prior to booking your speedboat ticket as the waters can get quite rough when crossing the sea.
We suggest booking your ferry or speedboat ride in advance as tickets tend to be more expensive when you book at the pier on the day of departure.
Ferry schedule from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Arrival in Koh Lanta
The last stop of the ferries is at Saladan Pier, which is a 25-minute drive from the centre of Koh Lanta.
Note that slow ferries often include a stopover at either Koh Phi Phi or Ao Nang.
Ferry incl. hotel pick-up
Other departure stations
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Phuket to Koh Lanta.
Rates start from 3,957 THB ($120) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 1,319 THB ($40.50) per person. Travel time is around 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 30 minutes.
The options below include a ferry ride that arrives at Saladan Pier.
Private Transport options from Phuket to Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier)
For a hassle-free transfer from Saladan Pier, book with the options below because their services include drop-off at any hotel in Koh Lanta.
Private Transport options from Phuket to Koh Lanta (any hotel)
Best places to stay in Koh Lanta
Sleep In Lanta Resort - Budget Friendly
Sleep In Lanta Resort is incredible value for money. Rooms start at $13 per night and this place has a swimming pool! The refreshing pool is surrounded by greenery and sunloungers, making it the perfect place to cool off.
The rooms are bright, spacious and surprisingly luxurious considering the price of the resort. It’s only a short walk to Klong Klong Beach and the staff are amazing.
- Swimming pool
- Amazing staff
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start at $13 per night.Â
Sweet Life Community Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Located in Old Town Lanta, staying here will give you a firsthand experience of life in a small fishing village. You can enjoy the amazing views of the village and surrounding islands from this excellent location. We highly recommend spending a little extra and getting a room with a balcony!
The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. The rooms are cosy, bright and very clean. 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.
Green Pepper - Mid Range
Owned by the same family as Sweet Life Guesthouse (one of our budget-friendly accommodations) Green Pepper is a tad more expensive. Those extra few dollars go a long way though. The resort’s design is unbelievably beautiful and the little details put a smile on your face!
There are so many relaxing chill-out areas, and the hosts go above and beyond to ensure you have the perfect stay. That includes the cooking class that they run with charismatic chef, Mon!
- Onsite cooking class
- Stunning design
- Amazing hosts
- Close to Long Beach
Private rooms start at $33 per night.
Lanta Happy Hill - Mid Range
Surrounded by greenery and lush gardens, Lanta Happy Hill is the perfect place to relax on Koh Lanta. A short walk from a local beach and a 5-minute drive from Long Beach, you get a secluded vibe without being too far from civilisation.
Rooms aren’t just rooms here, they’re bungalows with their own balcony. They’re spacious, thoughtfully designed and comfortable. Ying the owner will make sure you have the perfect stay here.
- Cosy bungalows
- Close to the beach
- Surrounded by nature
- Amazing owner
Bungalows start from $31 per night.Â
The Mantra Navi - Treating Yourself
The Mantra Navi is a brand new and small hotel that offers a comfortable stay on Koh Lanta. The rooms are spacious, ultra-modern and very bright. The floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights in the bathrooms really add a magical touch.
The lush gardens surrounding the hotel are beautiful and perfect to overlook from your private balcony. Staying here puts you only 200m from Long Beach, and the owners are there to help you to get anywhere else.
- Ideal location
- Brand new and modern
- Garden and terrace area
- Big comfortable beds
Rooms start at $80 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta. 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 about Phuket to Koh Lanta
What is the distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
The distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta is 80 kilometre (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
The fastest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is by ferry and takes 1 hour 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta is by bus + ferry* with ticket costs starting from 500 THB ($15.30).
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.
