What to expect when visiting 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.
2 ways to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
There are two ways to travel the distance of 80 km (50 miles) from Phuket to Koh Lanta: by bus + ferry (5h) and ferry (1h30m-4h). The journey takes between 1h30m - 5h and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 575 THB ($16.00) for the bus + ferry.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 cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta is to make separate bookings by bus or minivan + ferry.
On the first part of the journey, you will travel from Phuket to Krabi by bus. Second, you will be transferred to a ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta.
This option takes at least 4.5 hours, which is about 2 hours longer than going by speedboat. If you have time to spare and are travelling on a budget, this can still be a good option.
Combined Bus + Ferry Schedule from Phuket to Koh Lanta
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.
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:
Booking Tickets Separately
This option of booking separately via bus and ferry is not cheaper and does not have the same level of convenience compared with the combined ticket option.
This is recommended only if Good Luck Lanta Tour is already fully booked or not available. See the step-by-step guide below.
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 ($6.00).
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 2 hours. The ferries dock at Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta.
A ticket costs 340 THB ($9.00) per person, which already includes the ferry ticket.
If you book this ticket in advance, make sure to book one that is leaving from the Krabi bus station.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ferry
Taking a direct boat from Phuket to Koh Lanta is the most popular option among travellers.
Prices start from 900 THB ($25.00) if you book the 4-hour ferry from Ao Nang Travel and Tour. Another ferry operator on this route is Andaman Wave Master, but their schedule hasn’t been updated since the start of the pandemic.
A much faster way to travel this scenic route from Phuket to Koh Lanta is with a speedboat. Satun Pakbara and Budhaya operate a speedboat that only takes between 1.5-2 hours.
Tickets for the speedboat ferry start from 1,320 THB ($37.00). 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 ($8.00).
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.
Our favourite 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.
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.
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.
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 km (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 1h30m-4h.
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 575 THB ($16.00).
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!
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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.
Hi !
Thank you so much for these guides, they are the most helpful itinerary I have ever seen.
I wanted to ask a question : for one of the quick ferry option linked in this article, it says that you need to handover your passport to the captain and they have to stay with the ship crew until they have the autorisation of immigration. As one of the rules in travel is to NEVER hand out your passport, is it normal for them to do so ? Or should I just book another ferry ?
Thank you so much for your hard work !
Céline
Hi Celine, I’m so glad that we’re able to help you with our guides! We double-checked this for you and spoke to Bundhaya Speedboat going from Phuket to Koh Lanta. They confirmed that you don’t need to hand over your passport since you’re only travelling between two Thai islands. Immigration checks are only mandatory for cross-border trips, like from Langkawi to Koh Lanta.