Koh Lanta's Airport: Does It Exist?

Koh Lanta is a popular tourist destination in Thailand. The island is accessible by plane, speedboat, minivan, taxi, bus, and ferry. Krabi Airport is the nearest airport to Koh Lanta, with numerous daily flights from various locations. Travellers can then take a taxi, minivan, or ferry to Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport. Phuket Airport is another option, with a longer travel time to Koh Lanta. This can be done via taxi and car ferry or speedboat. Additionally, travellers can take a bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, which includes a combination of bus and ferry tickets.

Travel from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Krabi International Airport on mainland Krabi.

The total trip from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta should take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. However, if there is heavy traffic at the ferries, expect some delays.

• Private Minivan Transfer: This is an air-conditioned minivan that you can book in advance. It will take you directly from the airport to your hotel in Koh Lanta. The cost for a private minivan transfer is around 2,200-2,800 baht.
• Public Minivan: These are also available at Krabi Airport, but they wait until they have enough passengers before departing. The public minivan uses the car ferry and bridge to get to Koh Lanta and then drops guests off at their hotels. This option is not recommended if you are travelling with large luggage or children, as it can be very cramped and hot. The cost for a public minivan is around 350 baht.
• Taxi: Taxis are plentiful at the airport and can take you directly to your hotel in Koh Lanta. The cost for a taxi is around 3,000 baht.
• Ferry: There is a ferry to Koh Lanta from Krabi Town Pier, which leaves at 11:30 am and costs 400 baht. You can take a taxi to the pier from the airport and then catch the ferry.
• Bus: There is a bus that goes from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta, with a combination of bus and ferry tickets. The journey is typically overnight and takes 12 to 15 hours. You will need to know your hotel in advance to book this option.

Travel from Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta does not have an airport. The nearest airport to the island is Krabi Airport. Phuket Airport is another option for those travelling to Koh Lanta.

There are several ways to travel from Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta. The most popular way is by ferry, which takes around 4 hours. The ferry departs from Ban Sala Dan Pier in Koh Lanta and docks at Rassada Pier in Phuket. There are also direct high-speed ferries and speedboats that can get you to Phuket from Koh Lanta in just 1.5 hours.

If you prefer to travel overland, you can take a van or taxi from Phuket Airport to Krabi Town and then proceed to Koh Lanta. This option can take anywhere from 5 to 6.5 hours. The road distance between Phuket and Koh Lanta is about 240 km.

You can also opt for a combination of boat and car/taxi. This option can take around 3 to 4 hours. For example, you can take a 30-minute speedboat from Koh Lanta to the mainland and then drive for about 3 hours to Phuket Airport.

Several operators offer transfers from Phuket Airport to Koh Lanta, including Tigerline Travels, Lanta Gardenhill, Andaman Taxi Service, and Bookaway. Prices vary depending on the operator and the type of vehicle, but they generally range from THB 1,750 to THB 5,300.

Speedboat transfers to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to the island is Krabi Airport.

Speedboat transfers are available from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta. This option combines a minivan transfer from the airport to a private pier, a speedboat ride to Koh Lanta island, and then transport to your hotel. This is the quickest way to get to Koh Lanta.

You can also get a speedboat transfer from Phuket to Koh Lanta. This involves a taxi to Phuket's Rassada pier, a speedboat to Koh Lanta, and then a taxi to your hotel.

It's important to note that the speedboat and ferry options can be impacted by bad weather, and there is a risk of cancellations or delays. It is recommended that you print out your e-ticket and present it to the speedboat and ferry staff, who will then provide you with a destination sticker.

The views from the speedboat and ferry can be spectacular, especially when approaching Koh Phi Phi, with its giant limestone rocks and turquoise sea.

If you are travelling from Krabi Airport, you can also consider the Private Minivan Transfer option, which is an air-conditioned minivan that takes you directly from the airport to Koh Lanta. This option may be preferable if you are travelling with large luggage or children, as the public minivan option can be cramped and hot.

Minivan transfers to Koh Lanta

Koh Lanta does not have its own airport. The nearest airport to the island is Krabi Airport.

If you're travelling to Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport, the quickest option is to book a private or shared minivan transfer. The private minivan transfer is an air-conditioned minibus that travels directly from the airport to your hotel in Koh Lanta. The minivan is exclusively for you, your friends, and family. You can book a private minivan transfer in advance or upon arrival.

The shared minibus service is also available at Krabi Airport. However, the minivan will wait until there are enough passengers to fill the vehicle before departing. The shared minibus will also make stops at each passenger's hotel, which can be a lengthy process if your hotel is in the south of Koh Lanta. If you are travelling with large luggage or children, the public minivan is not recommended as it can be cramped and hot.

The journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta takes approximately 1.5 hours. The minivan will take you to Hua Hin Pier, from where you will board the car ferry to Koh Lanta. The ferry runs from 6 am to 10 pm daily, and the entire journey will cost around 3,000 baht by taxi or minivan.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was also possible to book an express transfer that combined a minivan transfer from the airport with a speedboat ride to Koh Lanta. This option may become available again in the future.

Ferries to Koh Lanta

If you're looking for a scenic journey, the ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta via Phi Phi Island is a great option. This route offers stunning views of the islands, including the giant limestone rocks against the turquoise sea as you approach Phi Phi. You can book the journey as one ticket, with a brief stop to change boats, or book separate tickets to allow for more time to explore Phi Phi. The ferry is also a good choice if you're travelling with young children, as it offers more space to move around and has toilets on board.

If you're travelling from Krabi Airport, the ferry is a slower option compared to other modes of transport like the Transfer Express or taxi transfer. The ferry journey from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta involves taking a taxi or minivan to Hua Hin Pier, which takes about 50 minutes, and then a 1.5-hour car ferry to the island.

Ferry prices vary depending on factors such as the route, season, operator, and type of ship. For example, ferry prices from Saladan Pier range from £31 to £237. You can compare prices and book tickets online through websites like Direct Ferries and 12Go.

Frequently asked questions