How to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta

Beaches & Tropical · Nature & Outdoors · Thailand · Koh Lanta · Krabi

Planning how to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta is actually straightforward, with a handful of land and sea routes that cater to every budget and comfort level.

At A Glance (Krabi to Koh Lanta)

Mode Duration Best For
🚐 Shared Minivan + Car Ferry (Krabi Town/Ao Nang/Airport → Koh Lanta) ~2–3h door-to-door Most travelers, easy & budget-friendly
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 350–600 one-way per person; compare departures and operators on Krabi→Koh Lanta minivans.
🚖 Private Taxi / Charter + Car Ferry ~2–2.5h door-to-door Fastest, families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 2,500–3,500 per vehicle (up to 3–8 passengers); pre-book via Krabi Airport–Koh Lanta transfers or Krabi transport listings.
⛴️ Passenger Ferry / Speedboat (Krabi Piers → Saladan Pier) ~1–2.5h pier-to-pier (seasonal) Dry-season travel, sea views
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 450–1,500 one-way; check routes that bundle Krabi and Koh Lanta on Trip.com speedboat & ferry tickets or compare with minivan+ferry options on 12Go Asia.
🚗 Self-drive Car or Scooter via Car Ferry ~2.5–3.5h including ferry wait Road-trip flexibility, confident drivers
🏷️ Cost: Car rental from ~THB 800–1,500/day via Krabi Airport car rentals plus car-ferry fees (~THB 100–200) and fuel; scooters from ~THB 200–300/day via scooter rentals in Krabi.

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Fastest / Most Convenient: 🚖 Option #2 — Private Taxi / Charter from Krabi Airport or your hotel is ideal if you have limited time, kids, or bulky luggage. You’ll go straight to your Koh Lanta hotel with air-con comfort and minimal waiting around.
  • Cheapest / Most Economical: 🚐 Option #1 — Shared Minivan + Car Ferry is usually the lowest-cost door-to-door option, especially if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. It’s slower and more cramped, but very budget-friendly and widely available.
  • Most Scenic: ⛴️ Option #3 — Passenger Ferry / Speedboat gives you island and Andaman Sea views, but runs mainly in high season and can be canceled in rough seas.
  • Most Flexible Schedule: 🚗 Option #4 — Self-drive Car or Scooter lets you stop at viewpoints and small towns along the way, then keep the vehicle for exploring Koh Lanta’s beaches at your own pace.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Booking online vs on the ground:
  • Flights, hotels, and car rental:
  • Using taxis and ride-hailing:
    • In Krabi, you’ll find local taxis, hotel cars, and app-based services like Grab. For smoother airport arrivals, consider pre-booking with Welcome Pickups Krabi or GetTransfer in Krabi and then continue onward to Koh Lanta.
  • Seasonality and ferry operations:
    • Direct ferries and speedboats between Krabi and Koh Lanta generally operate in high season (roughly November–April). In low season, most travelers use road + car-ferry routes instead.
    • Always check departure times again a day before, as weather and sea conditions can affect schedules.
  • Luggage and storage:
    • Shared minivans may limit big suitcases; if you’re carrying very large luggage, a private transfer might be more comfortable.
    • If you’re breaking your journey via Bangkok or another big hub and need to store bags for a few days, worldwide networks like Radical Storage can be handy so you only bring essentials to Koh Lanta.
  • Tickets and timing tips:
    • For shared minivans, choose a morning or early afternoon departure to avoid traveling too late at night.
    • Allow buffer time between your flight arrival in Krabi and any same-day onward minivan or private transfer.

🚐 Option #1 — Shared Minivan + Car Ferry (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost Door-to-door Can be crowded

  • Overview: Shared minivans pick you up in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or at Krabi International Airport and drive south via Route 4 to Hua Hin Pier, board the short car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi, then cross the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai and drop you at or near your hotel.
  • Typical duration: Around 2–3 hours door-to-door, depending on pickup location, traffic, and ferry queues.
  • How to book (with price): Expect to pay roughly THB 350–600 per person one-way. You can compare schedules and operators and reserve online via Krabi to Koh Lanta minivan tickets on 12Go Asia, or book in person at travel desks in Krabi Town and Ao Nang (prices are similar, sometimes slightly negotiable in low season).
  • Pros: Cheapest and simplest option with plenty of daily departures; hotel pickup and drop-off often included; no need to handle ferry tickets separately.
  • Cons: Limited legroom; can involve multiple hotel stops on Koh Lanta; fixed departure times; may feel cramped if you have large luggage.

Step-by-step: Shared Minivan + Car Ferry

  1. Choose your pickup point: Decide whether you’ll board in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or directly at Krabi Airport. Check which stops each operator serves on 12Go Asia’s route page before you book.
  2. Book your ticket: Reserve online (card payment and e-ticket) or buy from a local agency or your hotel. Confirm whether hotel pickup is included or if you must meet at a central office.
  3. Be ready for pickup: Be at your hotel lobby or agreed meeting point 15–20 minutes before pickup. Keep your voucher (printed or on your phone) handy.
  4. Transfer to Hua Hin Pier: Ride the minivan south along the highway to Hua Hin Pier. This usually takes 1–1.5 hours from Krabi Town, longer from Ao Nang.
  5. Cross by car ferry: Stay inside the van while it boards the short car ferry to Koh Lanta Noi (10–15 minutes). Enjoy the views, but follow staff instructions about staying in or near the vehicle.
  6. Bridge to Koh Lanta Yai: Once on Koh Lanta Noi, the van drives across the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. Expect a series of hotel drop-offs along the main west coast beaches.
  7. Arrive at your hotel: Confirm your hotel name with the driver so they know where to stop. In some cases, vans drop you at a central office on Lanta and then arrange a short pickup truck or tuk-tuk transfer to your resort.

Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Town, Ao Nang & Krabi Airport)

  • From Krabi Town: Many minivans start near the Krabi Bus Terminal or central guesthouse areas. You can take a short tuk-tuk or Grab ride to your operator’s office if hotel pickup isn’t included.
  • From Ao Nang: Travel agents along the main beach road sell combined van tickets to Koh Lanta. If your guesthouse is on a side street, allow extra time for the van to navigate pick-ups.
  • From Krabi Airport (KBV): Some minivans run directly from the airport shortly after flight arrivals. Confirm your landing time and choose a departure at least 60–90 minutes later to clear immigration and baggage.
  • Ride-hailing alternative: If your chosen van departs from a central meeting point, use Grab or a pre-booked Welcome Pickups airport ride to reach the office comfortably.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚖 Option #2 — Private Taxi / Charter + Car Ferry (Fastest & Most Comfortable)

Door-to-door Fastest Higher cost

  • Overview: A private taxi, SUV, or minivan picks you up at Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, or Ao Nang and drives directly to Koh Lanta via Hua Hin Pier and the car ferry. You don’t share with strangers, so the ride is faster and more comfortable.
  • Typical duration: Around 2–2.5 hours door-to-door, depending on traffic and ferry waiting time.
  • How to book (with price): Expect around THB 2,500–3,500 per vehicle one-way, depending on vehicle size and pickup point. You can book dedicated transfers via Krabi Airport–Koh Lanta transfers on GetYourGuide, browse private charters under transport in Krabi Province, or arrange a ride through services like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer Krabi.
  • Pros: Most comfortable and time-efficient option; ideal for groups, families, or late arrivals; flexible departure time; more space for luggage.
  • Cons: Significantly more expensive than shared minivans; still dependent on car-ferry queues in peak season.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi / Charter

  1. Choose your pickup: Decide whether you want pickup from Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, or Ao Nang. Make sure your chosen product explicitly lists Koh Lanta hotels as a drop-off area.
  2. Book your transfer: Reserve online through GetYourGuide’s Koh Lanta transfers or Klook’s Krabi transfers, or request a quote from Welcome Pickups Krabi or GetTransfer. Provide your flight number or exact pickup time.
  3. Meet your driver: At Krabi Airport, your driver usually waits at the arrivals hall with a sign. At hotels, wait at reception or the main road at the agreed time.
  4. Drive to Hua Hin Pier: Enjoy the air-conditioned ride on the highway towards Hua Hin Pier. Ask your driver to stop at a convenience store if you need snacks or an ATM.
  5. Board the car ferry: Your driver handles the ticket and boarding. You can either stay in the car or step out briefly to take photos, following safety instructions.
  6. Continue to your hotel: Once on Koh Lanta Yai, the driver follows the main road down the island to your resort. Double-check the hotel name and address to avoid confusion between similarly named properties.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport, Krabi Town & Ao Nang)

  • From Krabi International Airport (KBV): Simply provide your arrival time and flight number when booking. For official airport information, you can also check Krabi Airport’s official website and then coordinate transfers accordingly.
  • From Krabi Town: Most private cars collect you directly from your hotel. If you’re staying in a homestay or guesthouse in smaller lanes, the operator may ask you to meet on the main road.
  • From Ao Nang: Private charters typically provide pickup from Ao Nang hotels; confirm whether there’s any extra fee for resorts outside the main strip.
  • Ride-hailing alternative: You can also arrange a Grab taxi from Krabi to Hua Hin Pier, then negotiate a local taxi on Koh Lanta, but this adds hassle compared with a pre-arranged through-transfer.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #3 — Passenger Ferry / Speedboat (Seasonal, Scenic)

Sea views Less luggage handling Seasonal & weather-dependent

  • Overview: In high season, you can travel by passenger ferry or speedboat from Krabi Town or Ao Nang piers to Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. This avoids the car ferry, and is especially nice if you’re hopping between islands.
  • Typical duration: Around 1–2.5 hours pier-to-pier depending on vessel type and route (direct vs multi-stop services via other islands).
  • How to book (with price): Expect about THB 450–1,500 one-way. You can check Krabi–Koh Lanta ferry products under combined Andaman routes on Trip.com boat tickets, compare departures against land options on 12Go Asia, or buy tickets from local agents and pier offices once you’re in Krabi.
  • Pros: Scenic ride with sea breezes; fewer road hours; convenient if you’re already on another nearby island on a through-ticket.
  • Cons: Operates mainly November–April; subject to weather cancellations; less ideal if you get seasick or are traveling with very young children.

Step-by-step: Passenger Ferry / Speedboat

  1. Confirm season and route: Check whether ferries are running for your travel dates and which pier you’ll depart from (Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara, or Krabi Town). Island-hopping products on Trip.com or local tour offices are a good reference.
  2. Reserve your ticket: Book online via your chosen platform or buy at a pier or travel agency in Krabi at least a day before in peak season.
  3. Get to the pier: Take a tuk-tuk, songthaew, Grab, or hotel shuttle to your departure pier. Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure for check-in and boarding.
  4. Check baggage rules: Confirm baggage allowances when booking; big suitcases may incur extra fees on speedboats.
  5. Board and stow luggage: Staff usually stow large bags at the back or inside the cabin. Keep important items (documents, electronics, medication) in your daypack.
  6. Arrive at Saladan Pier: At Koh Lanta, disembark at Saladan Pier, where you’ll find taxis, tuk-tuks, and hotel transfer trucks waiting. Agree on a price before getting into a local taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Piers)

  • From Krabi Town: Use a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from central Krabi to Klong Jilad Pier or other designated ferry piers, following instructions on your ticket.
  • From Ao Nang: If your ferry leaves from Ao Nang or Nopparat Thara Pier, most agencies include hotel pickup, otherwise a local songthaew or Grab ride along the beach road is easy.
  • From Krabi Airport: Take an airport shuttle, taxi, or pre-booked transfer (for example from Krabi Airport transfers on Klook) into town or directly to the pier if timing works.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-drive Car or Scooter via Car Ferry (Flexible Road Trip)

Flexible Great for exploring Experienced drivers only

  • Overview: Rent a car or scooter in Krabi and drive yourself to Koh Lanta, taking the short car ferry from Hua Hin Pier to Koh Lanta Noi and then the bridge to Koh Lanta Yai. This is ideal if you want full freedom on both the mainland and the island.
  • Typical duration: Approximately 2.5–3.5 hours depending on where you start (airport, Krabi Town, Ao Nang) and ferry queues.
  • How to book (with price):
  • Ferry fees: Expect a small vehicle fee plus low per-passenger charges at Hua Hin car ferry; bring cash in Thai baht.
  • Pros: Maximum flexibility for detours, viewpoints, and supermarket stops; vehicle available for exploring Koh Lanta’s beaches and inland roads.
  • Cons: Thai driving can feel hectic; you’ll need an appropriate license and travel insurance; scooters are not ideal in heavy rain or at night.

Step-by-step: Self-drive to Koh Lanta

  1. Rent your vehicle: Pick up a car at Krabi Airport via airport car rentals or arrange a scooter in Krabi or Ao Nang using platforms like BikesBooking or local shops.
  2. Plan your route: Set your GPS for Hua Hin Pier (sometimes labeled as Hua Hin Pier for Koh Lanta). From Krabi Town, follow Route 4 south before turning off towards the pier.
  3. Board the car ferry: Queue up, pay the fee, and follow staff directions to drive onto the ferry. Engage the handbrake and stay with the vehicle unless told otherwise.
  4. Drive across Koh Lanta Noi and the bridge: After the short crossing, follow the signs to Koh Lanta Yai across the bridge, then continue along the main road that traces the west coast beaches.
  5. Refuel and park: Top up fuel at mainland or Lanta gas stations and check parking options at your accommodation (many resorts have on-site parking).

Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Town & Hua Hin Pier)

  • From Krabi Airport: Follow signs toward Krabi Town and then Route 4 south, using your navigation app for the final turnoffs toward Hua Hin Pier.
  • From Krabi Town or Ao Nang: Connect to Route 4 heading south, watching for Hua Hin Pier signage; allow extra time in peak season due to increased ferry traffic.
  • Driving tips: Avoid driving in heavy rain or at night if you’re not used to Thai roads; keep headlights on and watch for motorbikes and slow trucks.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Krabi to Koh Lanta)

How long does it take to get from Krabi to Koh Lanta?
Most door-to-door journeys take around 2–3 hours by shared minivan or private taxi, depending on traffic and how long you wait for the car ferry. Ferries and speedboats (when running) take about 1–2.5 hours pier-to-pier, not including transfers to and from the pier.

Do I need to book in advance, or can I just show up?
In high season (December–March) and during Thai holidays, it’s wise to book shared minivans, private transfers, or ferries at least a day or two ahead, using services like 12Go Asia, Klook, GetYourGuide, or Trip.com. In shoulder and low seasons, you can often book same-day via local travel agencies, but specific departure times may sell out.

Is the route from Krabi to Koh Lanta safe?
Yes, this is a very common tourist route. Road conditions are generally good, and the car ferry crossing is short. As with any trip, choose reputable operators, wear seat belts, and follow staff instructions on ferries. If traveling by boat, always use the provided life jacket and avoid trips in obviously rough weather.

Can I bring a lot of luggage?
Private transfers are best if you have multiple large suitcases. Shared minivans usually accept one big bag plus a small carry-on per person, but space can be tight. Ferries have more generous luggage space, though you may pay a small surcharge for oversized items.

Are there ATMs and food stops along the way?
Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Koh Lanta all have ATMs and convenience stores. Many drivers are happy to stop briefly at a petrol station or 7-Eleven en route if you ask politely.

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