How to get from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta

From Krabi International Airport (KBV), getting to Koh Lanta is a straightforward combination of road and short car ferries, with options ranging from cheap shared vans to private transfers and self-drive rentals depending on your budget and comfort level.

At A Glance (Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚐 Shared Minivan / Bus + Car Ferry (KBV → Koh Lanta hotel)	~2–4h door-to-door (traffic & ferry queues)	Budget travelers, solo, couples
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 350–600 per person one-way » compare vans & buses | KBV→Hua Hin Pier options
🚖 Private Taxi / Transfer + Car Ferry	~2–3h door-to-door	Families, groups, lots of luggage, late arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 2,500–4,000 per vehicle » private transfers | airport taxis
🚌 Airport Shuttle to Krabi Town + Public Minivan	~3.5–5h (connection-dependent)	Cheapest option, flexible schedules
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 450–600 total (shuttle + minivan) » Krabi Bus Terminal→Lanta
🚗 Self-Drive Rental Car + Car Ferry	~2.5–3.5h (incl. ferry queues)	Road-trippers, island-hopping with full flexibility
🏷️ Cost: Car rental from ~THB 800–1,400/day + fuel & ferries » KBV car rental
⛴️ Taxi + Seasonal Boat / Ferry Combo	~2.5–4h (pier connections & sea conditions)	Scenic journey, those combining other Andaman islands
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 800–1,800 per person (combo tickets) » bus + ferry tickets | speedboat / ferry tickets

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest & Most Convenient: A private taxi/transfer is usually the quickest door-to-door, especially if you arrive late in the day or want a guaranteed, comfortable ride for your group.
• Best Balance of Cost & Convenience: The shared minivan / bus + car ferry from Krabi Airport directly to Koh Lanta hotels is the go-to for most travelers, with frequent departures and fair prices.
• Cheapest / Most Economical: If you don’t mind a change in Krabi Town, combining the airport shuttle and a public minivan from Krabi Bus Terminal can shave a bit off the price, at the cost of time and comfort.
• Most Flexible / Road-Trip Friendly: Renting a car at KBV and driving yourself via the car ferries to Lanta (see self-drive rental car option) gives you full control over stops and timing, ideal for exploring Krabi and surrounding provinces.
• Most Scenic / Island-Hopping: If you’re pairing Koh Lanta with Ao Nang, Railay or the Phi Phi islands, consider a boat + transfer combo for a more scenic route across the Andaman Sea.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Compare routes & operators online: Use platforms like 12Go Asia to compare shared vans, buses, ferries and taxis on one page (departure times, reviews, vehicle types).
• Private transfers for peace of mind: For late arrivals, kids or lots of luggage, pre-book a car or van with GetYourGuide or similar, or arrange a curated airport pick-up with Welcome Pickups.
• Ride-hailing apps: In and around Krabi Town and Ao Nang, Grab is the main ride-hailing app and can sometimes be used to reach the pier or bus station; it’s a handy alternative to pre-booked transfers from sites like GetTransfer when availability allows.
• Check seasonality for boats: Speedboat and ferry services between Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are more frequent in the dry season; cross-check schedules on Trip.com or 12Go before planning tight connections.
• Self-drive only if you’re confident: If you plan to rent a car at KBV, book ahead via Booking.com Cars and be sure you have a valid licence (and ideally an International Driving Permit). The route is straightforward but can be busy around ferry ramps.
• Travel light where possible: Shared vans are often packed full. If you have bulky suitcases, a private transfer or self-drive car will be much more comfortable. For onward journeys around Thailand, consider luggage storage solutions like those featured in Radical Storage’s Thailand guides.
• Getting around Koh Lanta: Once on the island, most travelers rent a scooter or bike for local exploring; you can compare scooter and bike rentals in Krabi via BikesBooking before deciding whether to rent on the mainland or directly on Lanta.

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

Low cost Door-to-door Can be cramped

• Overview: Join a shared minivan (sometimes called a bus/van) from Krabi Airport that drives south through Krabi Province, crosses the short car-ferry hops to Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, then drops passengers at hotels along the main west-coast road.
• Typical duration: Around 2–4 hours door-to-door depending on traffic, how many hotel drop-offs the van needs to make, and the queue at the ferries.
• How to book (with price): Expect to pay roughly THB 350–600 per person. You can reserve seats in advance on platforms like 12Go Asia, which lists different companies and reviews, or book on arrival at counters in the arrivals hall.
• Where they go: Most vans go all the way to popular beach areas (Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Nin etc.). Some may end at Saladan or central Lanta and switch you to a pickup for final short hops.
• Pros: Cheapest door-to-door option from the airport; frequent departures in high season; simple logistics once you’re in the van.
• Cons: Vans can be tightly packed with luggage, and you may be the last drop-off; limited late-night departures; less comfortable if you’re tall or carrying very large bags.

Step-by-step: Shared Minivan / Bus + Car Ferry

1. Arrive at Krabi Airport (KBV): After immigration and baggage claim, follow signs into the public arrivals hall; look for transport counters advertising “Koh Lanta Van” or “Koh Lanta Transfer”.
2. Compare operators & prices: Check departure times and whether the ticket includes hotel drop-off. For advance planning, you can see schedules and reviews on 12Go Asia and simply confirm your booking at the matching desk.
3. Confirm your hotel and pier route: Show your hotel name and map to the staff so they know where to drop you; they’ll group passengers by area (North, Central, South Lanta).
4. Travel to the car ferries: The van heads south to Hua Hin Pier, queues for the short car ferry to Lanta Noi, then continues to the next ferry for Lanta Yai. Each crossing only takes a few minutes, but queues can build at peak times and holidays.
5. Hotel drop-offs on Koh Lanta: Once on Lanta Yai, the van usually drives down the west coast, dropping passengers in turn. Have smaller cash handy for tips or any tolls/fees mentioned when booking.
6. Arrival & check-in: You’ll be dropped at or near your accommodation. If your hotel is in a small side lane, the driver might stop on the main road and point you toward the last short walk.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & Van Pickup)

• Krabi Airport arrivals hall: Minivan counters for Koh Lanta are usually clustered near the exit of the arrivals hall; look for English signs or ask staff at the information desk.
• Ticket desks vs. online vouchers: If you booked via 12Go, show your voucher at the named counter; otherwise, you can buy directly at the desk and board the next available van.
• Waiting area: Most operators will ask you to wait near their desk or outside by their parked vans until enough passengers arrive for departure.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

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

Door-to-door Great with luggage Higher cost

• Overview: A private car or van meets you at the arrivals gate, then drives directly to Koh Lanta via the car ferries, dropping you at your hotel without extra passengers or detours.
• Typical duration: Around 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and ferry queues – usually faster than vans since there’s no need for multiple hotel drop-offs.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly THB 2,500–4,000 per vehicle (1–3 or 1–6 passengers). You can pre-book on GetYourGuide, via 12Go taxi listings, or use a curated service such as Welcome Pickups.
• Vehicle types: Sedans, SUVs and minibuses are available; larger vans are ideal for families or groups with surfboards, dive gear, or multiple large suitcases.
• Ride-hailing alternative: Around Krabi Town and Ao Nang, you can sometimes use Grab for rides to and from the airport or pier, but for the full transfer to Koh Lanta, pre-booking a fixed-price private car is usually easier and more reliable.
• Pros: Fastest and most comfortable; no waiting for other passengers; ideal for late-night or early-morning flights.
• Cons: Higher cost than shared vans; you still depend on the car ferry schedule and queues.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi / Transfer

1. Book in advance: Reserve your transfer with your preferred provider, such as a GetYourGuide private transfer or a car arranged through 12Go. Provide flight details and hotel address.
2. Meet your driver at arrivals: After collecting your luggage, look for a sign with your name or the operator’s logo. Many companies also send WhatsApp/LINE contact details in case of delays.
3. Drive south to the car ferries: Your driver takes the highway towards Koh Lanta, then boards the car ferries (ticket cost is usually included in your transfer price – double-check when booking).
4. Relax during the crossings: You can usually get out of the car during the short ferry rides to stretch your legs and take photos of the mangroves and islands.
5. Hotel drop-off on Koh Lanta: The driver follows your map or the hotel’s pin to drop you at reception. Pay any remaining balance in cash or card depending on the provider’s policy.
6. Return transfer: Consider booking your return trip to KBV at the same time so you have confirmed pickup time for your flight.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & Hotel Pickup)

• Airport meeting points: Most drivers wait just outside the arrivals exit; some may specify a particular door or meeting pole in your confirmation email.
• Hotel pickups on Lanta: For the return trip, confirm your pickup point (lobby, parking area) and time, especially if your hotel is on a small hill or at the end of a narrow lane.
• Alternative booking channels: If you want more flexibility in vehicle type and long-distance routes, you can also compare prices with long-distance transfer platforms such as GetTransfer.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Shuttle to Krabi Town + Public Minivan (Cheapest, More Steps)

Budget More flexible Slower / transfers needed

• Overview: First take a shuttle or local taxi from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town or Krabi Bus Terminal, then continue by public bus/minivan to Koh Lanta via the car ferries.
• Typical duration: Roughly 3.5–5 hours in total, depending on how well your connections line up and how busy the ferries are.
• How to book (with price): Airport shuttle to Krabi Town is usually around THB 100–150. Public minivans Krabi→Koh Lanta are commonly THB 350–450. You can pre-book some services online via 12Go or buy tickets at Krabi Bus Terminal.
• Pros: Lowest overall cost if you’re already staying in Krabi Town; more departure options from different stations and tour shops.
• Cons: Requires handling luggage through at least one transfer; less English signage than airport vans; some vehicles are older and more basic.

Step-by-step: Airport Shuttle + Public Minivan

1. Airport to Krabi Town or Bus Terminal: At KBV, look for counters advertising “Krabi Town Shuttle” or take a local taxi/Grab to Krabi Bus Terminal. Keep small bills ready.
2. Buy your Koh Lanta ticket: At the bus terminal, look for ticket windows or tour agencies selling tickets to Koh Lanta (often marked “Ko Lanta” or “Lanta” on the boards). If you prefer certainty, you can pre-check departure options via 12Go Asia.
3. Board minivan or bus: Vehicles are usually labelled in English; ask staff to confirm “Koh Lanta?” before boarding. Give your hotel name so they know roughly where to drop you.
4. Car ferry crossings: The bus or van boards the car ferries to Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai. You may get a short break during crossings to stretch your legs.
5. Drop-off on Koh Lanta: Some services end at Saladan or central Lanta; others may drop along the west coast road. If needed, you can complete the last short leg with a local tuk-tuk, songthaew or taxi.

Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Bus Terminal & Town)

• Krabi Bus Terminal: Located a few kilometres from the town centre, this is the main hub for buses and minivans heading to other provinces and islands.
• From airport to bus station: Use an airport shuttle, local taxi or Grab ride. Confirm you’re going to the main “Krabi Bus Terminal” used for intercity routes.
• Tickets from town: If you’re already staying in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, many tour shops and guesthouses can sell you a minivan ticket to Koh Lanta that departs from your hotel or a nearby pickup point.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-Drive Rental Car + Car Ferry (Most Flexible)

Maximum flexibility Great for exploring Requires confident driving

• Overview: Rent a car at Krabi Airport and drive yourself to Koh Lanta, taking your vehicle across on the car ferries. Ideal if you’re touring Krabi Province or combining Lanta with other mainland destinations.
• Typical duration: About 2.5–3.5 hours from KBV to most west-coast Lanta beaches, depending on traffic and ferry queues.
• How to book (with price): Economy cars typically start around THB 800–1,400 per day, plus fuel and ferry fees. Compare major rental brands at KBV on Booking.com Cars.
• Road conditions: Main roads are paved and generally in good condition, with occasional potholes and speed bumps; pay extra attention at night, in rain and near villages.
• Ferry costs: Car ferry fees are modest (usually a small fee for the vehicle plus passengers). Pay in cash at the pier booths.
• Pros: Full control over timing and stops; easy to explore viewpoints, beaches, caves, and nearby national parks in Krabi and on Koh Lanta.
• Cons: You must be comfortable driving on the left, navigating Thai traffic and parking; insurance and deposit requirements vary by company.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta

1. Reserve your car: Before you arrive, book a car at KBV via Booking.com Cars, choosing pickup at the airport and confirming insurance coverage, mileage limits and one-way options if needed.
2. Pick up the vehicle: At KBV, follow signs to the rental counters in the arrivals area; present your passport, driver’s licence (and International Driving Permit if required), then inspect the car and take photos of existing scratches.
3. Drive south towards Koh Lanta: Use offline maps or navigation apps to follow the main highway towards Hua Hin Pier; fuel up before the ferry if your gauge is low.
4. Board the car ferries: Join the queue, pay the fee at the toll booth, and follow staff directions onto the ferry. Handbrake firmly on while docked; engines are usually turned off.
5. Continue onto Koh Lanta Yai: After the ferries, continue across Lanta Noi and onto Lanta Yai. The main road runs along the west coast where most hotels are located.
6. Parking at your hotel: Many resorts and guesthouses have small parking areas; if not, your host will show you the nearest safe place to leave the car.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport & Car Ferries)

• Rental car counters at KBV: Look for the branded desks (Thai Rent A Car, Drive Car Rental, etc.) in the arrivals area; allow a little time for paperwork and inspection.
• Hua Hin Pier & second ferry: Follow road signs to the Koh Lanta car ferry; the first crossing leads to Lanta Noi, and a short drive later you’ll reach the second ferry to Lanta Yai.
• Driving on Koh Lanta: Roads are generally quiet but narrow in places, with sharp bends and steep hills on the southern coast; drive slowly at night and watch for scooters and dogs.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

⛴️ Option #5 — Taxi + Seasonal Boat / Ferry Combo (Scenic, For Island-Hopping)

Scenic Good if visiting other islands Weather-dependent

• Overview: Combine a taxi or shuttle from Krabi Airport to a pier (Ao Nang, Railay or Krabi town piers), then board a speedboat or ferry to Koh Lanta. This works best if you’re already planning to visit other Andaman islands like Koh Phi Phi.
• Typical duration: Around 2.5–4 hours including transfer to the pier, boarding, and the sea crossing.
• How to book (with price): Combo tickets that bundle bus/van plus boat typically cost around THB 800–1,800 per person, depending on season and boat type. You can browse options on 12Go Asia, Trip.com boat tickets, or speedboat listings.
• Seasonality: Services are most frequent in the dry season (roughly November–April). Rough seas or storms can lead to cancellations or delays.
• Pros: More scenic than the car-ferry route; convenient if you’re connecting from other islands like Phi Phi or Railay.
• Cons: Less straightforward from the airport than a direct van or taxi; weather- and schedule-dependent; not ideal with heavy luggage if boarding from beaches or floating piers.

Step-by-step: Taxi + Boat / Ferry Combo

1. Check boat schedules first: Before booking flights or transfers, look up current boat times between Krabi/Ao Nang/Railay and Koh Lanta using platforms like Trip.com or 12Go Asia.
2. Book a combo or separate legs: Choose a combo ticket (van + boat) if available for your flight time, or separately book a taxi from KBV to the departure pier plus a boat ticket.
3. Transfer from KBV to the pier: Take a pre-booked car, Welcome Pickups transfer or Grab/taxi to the specified pier (for example, Ao Nang, Nopparat Thara or Klong Jilad pier).
4. Check-in and boarding: Arrive early to exchange your voucher at the pier office; follow staff instructions for boarding the speedboat or ferry and stowing your luggage safely.
5. Boat crossing to Koh Lanta: Enjoy the scenery of limestone cliffs and islands en route. Depending on the operator, you may land at Saladan Pier or a beach pontoon.
6. Final transfer on Koh Lanta: From Saladan Pier, hop in a local taxi or pre-arranged pickup to your accommodation; some combo tickets include this last leg.

Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Piers & Saladan)

• Krabi / Ao Nang piers: Ask your operator exactly which pier you’ll depart from (e.g. Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nam Mao, or Klong Jilad), and give this name to your driver or Grab.
• Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta: The main arrival point for many boats; from here it’s easy to arrange a local pickup truck taxi to most beaches and hotels along the west coast.
• Island-hopping tickets: For multi-leg Andaman trips (Phuket–Phi Phi–Krabi–Lanta), check bundle offers like the Phuket/Phi Phi/Krabi/Koh Lanta speedboat & ferry passes on Trip.com.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map (to Saladan) / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta)

What is the easiest way to get from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta?
Most travelers find the shared airport minivans or a pre-booked private transfer the easiest options. Both pick you up at KBV and take you all the way to your hotel on Koh Lanta via the car ferries.

How long does the journey usually take?
Allow around 2–4 hours from landing to reaching your hotel. Private cars tend to be quickest, while shared vans and public buses can take longer due to multiple drop-offs and possible queues at the car ferries.

Do I need to book my transfer in advance?
In high season (roughly November–April), advance booking via sites like 12Go Asia or GetYourGuide is recommended. Outside peak periods, you can often still arrange vans or taxis at airport counters on arrival, but options may be fewer in the evening.

Can I arrive late at night and still get to Koh Lanta?
Some shared vans stop running in the early evening, and ferry hours can limit very late transfers. For arrivals after late afternoon, a pre-booked private car is strongly recommended so the driver times your trip with the ferry schedule. If your flight lands very late, consider a night in Krabi Town and continue the next morning.

Are the car ferries and roads safe?
The route between Krabi and Koh Lanta is commonly used by locals and tourists. Ferries are short crossings, and main roads are paved. As always, wear seat belts, avoid speeding, and be cautious in rain and at night. If you self-drive, keep an eye out for scooters, speed bumps, and stray animals on the road.

Is ride-hailing like Grab available?
Yes, Grab is widely used in Krabi Town and Ao Nang, and you can often use it for short hops to bus stations or piers. For the full journey to Koh Lanta, a pre-booked van or car is usually simpler, but Grab is a useful backup if you miss a scheduled transfer.

Do I need a car on Koh Lanta?
Not necessarily. Many visitors use scooters or tuk-tuks to get around. If you’re comfortable on two wheels, you can arrange scooter hire through local shops or compare options via BikesBooking. A rental car is most useful if you’re exploring a wider region of Krabi and Trang Provinces.

When is the best time of year to travel from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta?
The classic period is the cool, dry season (roughly November–March) when seas are calmer and boat services are more frequent. During the green/rainy season, transfers still run but some boat routes may have reduced schedules, and heavy rain can occasionally affect ferry operations.