Everything You Need to Know to Get from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta is one of the most common routes for visitors to southern Thailand. Whether you are coming for tourism, vacation, or to join a diving course at a professional dive center like Lux Divers in Koh Lanta, this ultimate guide will clearly and comprehensively explain all available options: ferry, minivan, private taxi, schedules, prices, actual travel times, best companies, and local tips.
This route is especially important for travelers flying into Krabi Airport (KBV), as most trips to the islands of the Andaman Sea depart from here. Many backpackers and families also travel from Ao Nang, Railay, Phuket, or Phi Phi, often stopping in Krabi before reaching Koh Lanta.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll find fully updated information suitable for tourists as well as divers looking to reach our diving center in Koh Lanta to explore spectacular sites like Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, or even encounter leopard sharks.
Throughout this detailed guide, we cover everything: real prices, exact times, maps, local tips, mistakes to avoid, comparisons, and specific recommendations for divers—including the best option if you arrive tired after a flight, if you travel with diving gear, or if you’re heading directly to your Open Water Diver course in Koh Lanta.
1. Where is Koh Lanta and Why is It So Popular?
Koh Lanta is an island in the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand, part of Krabi Province. Unlike other famous islands like Phuket, Phi Phi, or Samui, Koh Lanta is calmer, less crowded, and preserves a more authentic, relaxed atmosphere. Its long beaches, local Muslim culture, natural scenery, and slow-travel vibe make it increasingly popular with tourists.
For divers, the waters around Koh Lanta are considered among the best in Thailand due to marine life, visibility, gentle currents, and proximity to some of the country’s most spectacular dive sites.
Many divers travel specifically for:
Open Water Diver courses
Advanced Adventurer courses
Specialties like Nitrox, underwater photography, or deep diving
Fun dives at Koh Haa, Hin Daeng, and Hin Muang
A complete guide for reaching Koh Lanta from Krabi is essential for travelers and divers alike.
2. Distance Between Krabi and Koh Lanta
The distance depends on the exact starting point, as the Krabi area includes the airport, city center, and beaches like Ao Nang.
From Krabi Airport (KBV) to Koh Lanta: 80–90 km
From Krabi Town to Koh Lanta: 65–75 km
From Ao Nang to Koh Lanta: 90–100 km
Travel times usually range between 2–3 hours by private taxi, or 3–4 hours by shared minivan. Direct ferry options (seasonal) take 1.5–2.5 hours.
3. Travel Options from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Here is a detailed look at all the ways to travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta, including pros, cons, exact prices, and recommendations:
Common options:
Private taxi (fastest and most comfortable)
Shared minivan
Direct ferry (high season only)
Minivan + short ferry combination
Speedboat (less common)
Hotel or diving center organized transfers
4. Private Taxi from Krabi to Koh Lanta
What is it?
A private taxi is the easiest, fastest, and most comfortable way to reach Koh Lanta, especially recommended if:
You arrive tired from your flight
You’re traveling with family or a group
You’re carrying diving equipment or multiple bags
You want a stress-free experience
The taxi picks you up from:
Krabi Airport
Your hotel in Krabi or Ao Nang
Bus station
And drops you directly at your Koh Lanta hotel without transfers.
Travel time: 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic and the queue at the small ferry connecting the mainland to Koh Lanta Noi.
Price:
From Krabi Airport → Koh Lanta: 2,000–2,500 THB
From Ao Nang → Koh Lanta: 2,300–2,800 THB
From Krabi Town → Koh Lanta: 1,800–2,300 THB
Advantages:
Fastest option
Pickup exactly where you are
No waiting or schedules
Comfortable, air-conditioned ride
Ideal if you want to start your diving course or activities immediately
Disadvantages:
More expensive
5. Shared Minivan from Krabi to Koh Lanta
The most economical option for solo travelers or backpackers.
How it works:
Pickup from your hotel or a central point, then travel to the ferry pier. The minivan boards the ferry with other vehicles.
Travel time: 3–4.5 hours depending on:
Number of stops
How many passengers are picked up
Traffic
Ferry queues
Price: 350–500 THB per person.
Advantages: Cheap, available almost every day.
Disadvantages: Long, sometimes uncomfortable, may not be ideal with diving gear, sometimes drops you at the island entrance instead of your hotel.
6. Direct Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lanta (High Season Only)
Available from November to April, departing from Ao Nang or Krabi pier.
Travel time: 1.5–2.5 hours
Price: 700–1,200 THB
Advantages: Beautiful views, relatively quick
Disadvantages: Not available in low season, weather-dependent, not suitable if prone to seasickness
7. Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Fast but less common, usually 45–60 minutes.
Price: 1,500–2,500 THB
8. Minivan + Short Ferry Combination
Some agencies sell a combined ticket: minivan to the ferry, walk across, then another minivan pickup. Economical but can be slow.
9. Practical Tips for Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta
Avoid traveling after 5 PM — ferry queues can be long.
For divers, choose a private taxi — easier to transport gear.
Book early in high season — minivan seats sell out.
Bring water and snacks — the trip can take a while.
10. Arriving in Koh Lanta: Tips for Divers
Koh Lanta is perfect for:
Open Water Diver
Advanced Adventurer
Nitrox
Fun dives
If you’re coming to dive with Lux Divers, plan to arrive at least one day before your course.
11. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta at night?
Yes, but it’s not recommended.
Is there a 24-hour ferry?
No.
Can I bring diving equipment?
Yes, but private taxi is preferred.
12. Conclusion
Traveling from Krabi to Koh Lanta is simple, with options for all budgets. Whether you prioritize comfort or cost-saving, you now have all the information to reach the island safely and stress-free.
If you plan to dive, take a course, or join a dive trip, Lux Divers is ready to welcome you to Koh Lanta.