Thailand Koh Lanta

How to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta

In this in-depth route guide, you can compare the best ways to travel the 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Phuket to Koh Lanta. Our team of indpendent travel experts researched each route — breaking down each option by travel time, price, and comfort. Plus, we’ll share the best booking options to help you get the best deal.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: October 4, 2024

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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 kilometers (50 miles) 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).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus + Ferry*

5h 30m

From 500 THB ($15)

Book Tickets

Bus via Krabi

5h - 5h 30m

From 552 THB ($16.50)

Shared Minivan

5h 30m

From 562 THB ($16.80)

Book Tickets

Ferry

1h 30m - 9h

From 615 THB ($18.40)

Private Transport

4h 30m - 5h 30m

From 4,045 THB ($120)

Book Tickets

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*

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 500 THB ($15)

Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes

Costs: 500 THB ($15)

*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

Phuket

Koh Lanta

Every other day 11:00-15:30

Good Luck Lanta Tour

500 THB ($15)

Get Your Tickets

The last time we checked (October 2024), Goodluck Lanta was not available. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.

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

Duration: 5h - 5h 30m

Costs: 552 THB ($16.50)

Duration: 5h - 5h 30m

Costs: 552 THB ($16.50)

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

Duration: 3h

Costs: 241 THB ($7.20)

Duration: 3h

Costs: 241 THB ($7.20)

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 241 THB ($7.20).

For more information, read how to go from Phuket to Krabi.

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

VIP

Krabi Bus Terminal

06:30

09:30

08:20

11:20

10:40

13:40

11:30

14:30

12:20

15:20

13:15

16:15

14:15

17:15

15:40

18:40

16:50

19:50

Minibus 1996

241 THB ($7.20)

Get Your Tickets

Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan + Ferry

Duration: 2h - 2h 30m

Costs: 311 THB ($9.30)

Duration: 2h - 2h 30m

Costs: 311 THB ($9.30)

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 311 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.

Krabi Bus Terminal

Regional 13pax

At Lanta Restaurant

14:30

16:30

15:30

17:30

Goodluck Lanta

311 THB ($9.30)

Get Your Tickets

Krabi Bus Terminal

Standard

Koh Lanta Hotel Transfer

08:00

2h 30m

10:30

09:00

2h 30m

11:30

10:00

2h 30m

12:30

11:00

2h 30m

13:30

12:00

2h 30m

14:30

13:00

2h 30m

15:30

14:00

2h 30m

16:30

15:00

2h 30m

17:30

16:00

2h 30m

18:30

Jijie Tour and Travel

338 THB ($10.10)

Get Your Tickets

Krabi Bus Terminal

Standard

Koh Lanta Hotel Transfer

11:40

2h 30m

14:10

Thubthim Siam Travel

451 THB ($13.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket to Koh Lanta by Shared Minivan

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 562 THB ($16.80)

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 562 THB ($16.80)

A minivan ride from Phuket to Koh Lanta costs around 562 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 Bus Terminal 1

Regional 13pax

At Lanta Restaurant

11:00

5h 30m

16:30

Goodluck Lanta

562 THB ($16.80)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ferry

Duration: 1h 30m - 9h

Costs: 615 THB ($18.40)

Duration: 1h 30m - 9h

Costs: 615 THB ($18.40)

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 615 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).

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

Rassada Pier

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

08:30

7h 20m

15:50

13:30

17:30

Phi Phi Cruiser

615 THB ($18.40)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier Phuket

Standard

Saladan Pier Koh Lanta

08:30

12:30

Lanta Petpailin

846 THB ($25)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

08:30

1h 30m

10:00

Seatran Travel & Tour

1,006 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier Phuket

High Speed

Koh Lanta Ban Sala Dan Pier

12:30

1h 30m

14:00

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club

1,193 THB ($36)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier Phuket

Speedboat

Saladan Pier Koh Lanta

12:00

1h 45m

13:45

TigerlineSirilanta

1,307 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier Phuket

Speedboat

Saladan Pier Koh Lanta

08:30

1h 30m

10:00

12:30

1h 30m

14:00

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

1,407 THB ($42)

Get Your Tickets

Rassada Pier

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

12:00

1h 30m

13:30

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Show 2 more operator(s)

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

Patong Hotel Transfer

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:00

8h 50m

15:50

12:20

5h 10m

17:30

Phi Phi Cruiser

725 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Kata Karon Transfer

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:00

8h 50m

15:50

12:20

5h 10m

17:30

Phi Phi Cruiser

725 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Naihan Transfer

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:00

8h 50m

15:50

12:20

5h 10m

17:30

Phi Phi Cruiser

725 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Rawai Transfer

High Speed

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:00

8h 50m

15:50

12:20

5h 10m

17:30

Phi Phi Cruiser

725 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Patong Phuket Hotel Transfer

Standard

Saladan Pier

07:00

8h 30m

15:30

Call Me Taxi Thailand

1,180 THB ($35)

Get Your Tickets

Kata Karon Transfer

Standard

Saladan Pier

06:30

15:30

Call Me Taxi Thailand

1,180 THB ($35)

Get Your Tickets

Patong Hotel Transfer

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

11:00

14:00

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Kata Beach Hotel Transfer

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

10:30

3h 30m

14:00

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Karon Beach Hotel Transfer

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

10:40

3h 20m

14:00

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Town Hotel Transfer

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

11:45

2h 15m

14:00

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Siray Bay Hotel Transfer

Speedboat

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

11:30

2h 30m

14:00

Bundhaya Speedboat

1,427 THB ($43)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket Town Hotel Transfer

Standard

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:15

5h 15m

12:30

08:45

2h 45m

11:30

Seatran Travel & Tour

From 1,722 THB ($52)

Nai Thon Transfer

Standard

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:15

5h 15m

12:30

08:45

2h 45m

11:30

Seatran Travel & Tour

2,006 THB ($60)

Show 8 more operator(s)

Other departure stations

Phuket Airport

Standard

Koh Lanta Saladan Pier

07:15

5h 15m

12:30

08:45

2h 45m

11:30

Seatran Travel & Tour

From 1,722 THB ($52)

Phuket Airport

Standard

Saladan Pier

09:30

13:30

Call Me Taxi Thailand

1,755 THB ($53)

Get Your Tickets

Phuket to Koh Lanta by Private Transport

Duration: 4h 30m - 5h 30m

Costs: 4,045 THB ($120)

Duration: 4h 30m - 5h 30m

Costs: 4,045 THB ($120)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Phuket to Koh Lanta.

Rates start from 4,045 THB ($120) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 1,348 THB ($40) 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)

Standard

Standard Car 3 PAX

Price per person = 1,348 THB ($40)

Vecay Phuket

4,045 THB ($120)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 8 PAX

Price per person = 631 THB ($18.90)

Vecay Phuket

5,048 THB ($150)

Get Your Tickets

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)

Standard

Standard Ferry 3 PAX

Price per person = 1,649 THB ($49)

Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman

4,948 THB ($150)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Car 2 PAX

Price per person = 2,474 THB ($74)

Bangkok Taxi 24

4,948 THB ($150)

Get Your Tickets

VIP

VIP Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = 602 THB ($18)

Bangkok Taxi 24

5,416 THB ($160)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Ferry 8 PAX

Price per person = 757 THB ($23)

Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman

6,051 THB ($180)

Get Your Tickets

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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 kilometers (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).

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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About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

Abegail

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.