Overview Compare Ferry Bus + Ferry To Stay
How to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is one of the less explored islands in the Andaman Sea of Thailand. Its stunning beaches, blue waters and amazing viewpoints will make you fall in love with the island life.
Besides relaxing on one of Koh Lanta’s fabulous beaches, you can join a boat tour, explore waterfalls or even practise the art of Muay Thai fighting.
But first, how to get to this tropical paradise?
2 ways to get from Phuket to Koh Lanta
The distance from Phuket to Koh Lanta is 80 km (50 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 best options to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta: by fastboat (1.5-2 hours), by ferry (4 hours) and by a combination of bus + ferry (4.5-5 hours). Ticket costs range between 500 THB ($14.50) – 900 THB ($26.50).
The fast ferry is the most convenient way to travel from Phuket to Koh Lanta. The journey takes only 1.5-2 hours and fares start from 1 THB ($38.50). This fare includes hotel pick-up from the most popular destinations in Phuket.
Another option is to book the standard ferry which will bring you to Koh Lanta in about 4 hours. The ferry ticket cost only 900 THB ($26.50), but you will need to find your own way to the pier on the east side of Phuket.
If you’re on a budget and have time to spare, you can also divide your journey by bus or minivan and ferry. This option includes a stopover in Krabi and costs about 500 THB ($14.50) for the combined journey. Travel time is between 4.5-5 hours.
TIP: Another great destination to visit around the Andaman sea is Krabi. Travelling from Phuket to Krabi takes around the same time as travelling 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.
Prices start from 900 THB ($26.50) 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 THB ($38.50). 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 ($8.50).
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.
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 ($6.50).
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 ($10.00) 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.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta
Sweet Life Community Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Located in Old Town Lanta, you will get a firsthand experience of life in this small fishing village. You can enjoy the amazing views of the village and surrounding islands from this excellent location.
Owners and staff are known to be extremely friendly and welcoming. The rooms are cozy, light and comfortable rooms and 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
Chom Dao Resort - Mid Range
Located just 1 kilometre from Klong Nin Beach, this resort is situated in a wonderful location surrounded by lush greenery and gardens. Enjoying the outdoor swimming pool, barbeque or sun terrace are the perfect way to cool off and relax after a day spent exploring the island.
You can even enjoy a drink at the on-site bar. The rooms are clean and spacious and the staff is known to be extremely friendly and welcoming. A fabulous breakfast is included with your stay.
- Breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- On-site bar
- Great location
Rooms start at $33 per night
Siam Lanta Resort - Mid Range
Located just 300 metres from Klong Nin Beach and 600 meters from Klong Tob Beach, this resort is ideally located. Siam Lanta Resort provides a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace for guests to enjoy.
The resort also offers a tour desk and ticket service on-site, as well as car and bicycle rentals. The beds are big and comfortable, the rooms are clean and the staff is very friendly offering you a great place to stay.
- Ideal location
- Bicycle and car rentals available
- Garden and terrace area
- Big comfortable beds
Rooms start at $43 per night
Koh Lanta Travel Guides
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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.