How to Travel From Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta

Travel on the scenic journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta, and within just 90 km or 50 miles, you’ll find yourself at the beaches of Koh Lanta in about 50 miles or 90 km. Your final destination on this vast island determines the exact distance, so let the adventure begin!

Transport	Time	Price	Tickets
Minivan or Bus to Koh Lanta	3 h	$10	Book Online
Private Taxi/Car from Krabi Airport	2-3 h	$60	Book Online
Speedboat/Ferry from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta	3-4 h	$48	Book Online
Self-Drive Car Rental	2-3 h	$30	Book Online

Minivan or Bus to Koh Lanta

Time – 2.5-3 hours (can range up to 4 hours depending on route and stops)
Price – $9-10 USD per person (340-380 Baht)
Pickup Location – Direct airport pickup at Krabi Airport outside the arrival terminal.
Luggage Limits: – 1 suitcase and 1 small carry-on bag per passenger, 15-20 kg total.
Comfort – 3/5

First, let’s consider the option of taking a minivan or bus to Koh Lanta. This is the most common and affordable choice, with air-conditioned minivans running throughout the day.

Companies like Jijie Tour and Travel and Good Luck Lanta Tour have bookable direct transfers from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta Pier multiple times daily. Their first departs at 08:30 AM and the last leaves Krabi Airport at 4:30 PM. Tickets are priced from 340-380 Thai Baht ($9-10 USD) per person.

Departure	Operator	Arrival	Destination	USD
08:30	Jijie Tour and Travel	11:00	Koh Lanta Hotel	$10
10:30	Jijie Tour and Travel	13:00	Koh Lanta Hotel	$10
12:30	Jijie Tour and Travel	15:00	Koh Lanta Hotel	$10
14:30	Jijie Tour and Travel	17:00	Koh Lanta Hotel	$10
14:40	Good Luck Lanta Tour	17:00	Na Lanta Restaurant	$9
16:30	Jijie Tour and Travel	19:00	Koh Lanta Hotel	$10

Minivans do provide an affordable and convenient option. However, it’s important to note that travel times can range from 2.5-4 hours depending on the route and number of stops. If you pick one at the airport, prices also range from 300-500 Baht ($10-15 USD) per person depending on the season.

Something to bear in mind is that minivans often drive quickly and pass other cars recklessly, therefore, those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly. Furthermore, it’s wise to book minivan tickets 1-2 days in advance to secure seats, especially during high season.

Tickets can be purchased onsite at airport kiosks or in advance through operator websites.

Minivans are usually comfortable, with reclining seats and enough room for small bags, but the drivers tend to play loud music or movies! so headphones are recommended if you want some quiet. The journey can feel long, with stops to pick up other passengers. However, nothing beats the value of these low-cost, but still direct airport transfers.

Private Taxi/Car from Krabi Airport

Time – 2-3 hours
Price – $60 up to around 130 for VIP 9-person minivan
Pickup Location – Meet at the airport arrival gate. Drop off directly at your Koh Lanta hotel.
Luggage Limits: – A lot of flexibility!
Comfort – 5/5

Another option worth considering is Taxis for their flexible timing and maximum comfort. Taxi cars or minivans starts from $60 and take 2-3 hours door-to-door.

Moreover, for those seeking a comfortable transfer, I recommend booking a private taxi or minivan online before your arrival to compare different companies and prices. In my experience prebooking, drivers have met me outside the baggage claim with a name sign for a relaxed airport pickup.

Another thing to keep in mind is that the car ferry crossing from mainland Krabi to Koh Lanta Noi can have long waits of 30-45 minutes during peak seasons. Be prepared for potential delays at this stage of the transfer. However, the ferry crossing itself is a quick 20 minutes and you can stay inside your vehicle.

Having a private ride after a long flight is perfection for family travelers.

The air-conditioned Toyota Commuter minivans have comfortable forward-facing seats and ample room for luggage if you travel in a big group.

Speedboat/Ferry from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta

Time – 3-4 hours (1 hour 45 min for the boat journey)
Price – $48 for Tigerline Travel (plus additional costs to get to the pier)
Pickup Location – Chaofar Pier in Krabi Town. Drop-off is at the Koh Lanta Saladan pier
Comfort – 2/5

For those looking to experience a sea journey, speedboats and ferries are available to take you from Krabi to Koh Lanta. However, it’s important to note that this option requires an additional transfer from Krabi Airport to the departure pier.

Tigerline Travel offers a ferry journey departing at 10:45 from Chaofar Pier in Krabi Town and arriving at 12:30 at Koh Lanta Saladan Pier.

However, while the boat journey can be an unique experience, it’s essential to factor in the additional transfer time and potential wait at the pier. If convenience is a priority, direct transfer options like minivans might be more suitable and cheaper.

Self-Drive Car Rental

Time – 2-3 hours (depending on traffic and ferry wait times)
Price – Starting from $30 per day
Pickup Location – Pickup at Krabi Airport rental desks.
Luggage Limits: – Generally spacious enough for multiple suitcases and bags
Comfort – 5/5

For those who prefer the freedom of driving themselves, car rental is an option to consider. However, there are some important considerations. Here are the details:

While Krabi Airport offers car rentals like Avis, Hertz, and Thai Rent-A-Car. Nevertheless, I don’t recommend driving yourself without experience. Thailand’s roads can be hazardous, with a lack of common sense in the traffic. Motorbikes regularly drive against traffic and trucks pass on curves or hills with little to no view. Unless you know what you are getting yourself into, it’s safest to use one of the transfer options above, especially after a tiring flight.

With that said, if you are planning on doing a bit of exploration of your own around Koh Lanta? Then it’s probably worth renting a car from Krabi Airport when you land. This way, you can enjoy the ultimate freedom during your transfer and for the rest of your holiday. RentalCars.com is the place to go to check out deals on hire vehicles, here you can compare all the famous rental brands. All of these companies require drivers to present an International Driver’s License upon arrival and be above the age of 21.

The drive from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta is relatively simple, with road signs conveniently written in both Thai and English

The drive from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta is relatively simple, with road signs conveniently written in both Thai and English. Just remember, they drive on the left-hand side in Thailand! If you’re not too tired from the flight, there are a few things you can check out along the way, including the stunning beaches, local markets, or the famous Lanta Old Town.

In conclusion, after considering the various transportation options, each option has its own advantages and considerations. Here are my recommendations based on different travel situations:

For solo travelers or couples, I suggest the minivans as the cheapest and most convenient way to reach Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport. In contrast, for families or small groups, the private taxi/minivan is my top choice for flexibility, comfort, and luggage room. Furthermore, the ferry crossings allow bringing cars to Koh Lanta, making it comfortable to stay in the vehicle for the whole trip. However, the speedboat option, despite its faster travel times, may not be the most convenient due to the additional inconvenience of getting to the pier.

I hope this transportation guide from my experience traveling between Krabi Airport and Koh Lanta assists you in choosing the best option for your needs.