Minivan
Affordable and most popular
Private taxi
Fastest door-to-door transfer
Ferry + Bus (Krabi)
Ideal with a Krabi stop
Train / Flight
No direct connections
Quick answer: You can travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani by minivan/bus, private taxi or ferry + bus via Krabi. The minivan is the most popular and affordable option, while a private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable. Ferry + bus is a good choice if you also plan to visit Krabi.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 220 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Minivan 6 hrs | Private Taxi 3.5–5 hrs | Ferry + Bus 6–8 hrs.
- 💰 Price: Minivan US$16–20 | Taxi US$100–200/car | Ferry + Bus US$25–60.
- 🚍 Minivan: Best value and the most popular transfer.
- 🚕 Private Taxi: Fast hotel-to-hotel transfer.
- ⛴️ Ferry + Bus: Via Krabi, ideal for combining destinations.
Last updated in July 2026
From Koh Lanta to Surat Thani you can travel by minivan, private taxi or ferry + bus.
Travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani in Thailand covers about 220 km. The most popular option is a shared minivan, taking about 6 hours and costing $16–20 per person. You can also travel by private taxi, which takes 3.5–5 hours and offers the fastest hotel-to-hotel transfer.
There are no direct flights or trains from Koh Lanta. Another option is to travel by ferry to Krabi and continue by bus or minivan to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani you can easily continue by ferry to Koh Tao.
Travel via Krabi is ideal if you also want to explore this popular destination before continuing to Surat Thani. From there you can travel by ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Lanta to Surat Thani: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus / Van | 6 hours | $16–20/pp |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 3.5–5 hours | $100–200/car |
| Ferry + Bus/Van (via Krabi) | 6–8 hours | $25–60/pp |
How do I get from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
1. VAN / BUS from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani is by minivan. Most transfers include a short ferry crossing from Koh Lanta to the mainland before continuing by road.
The journey takes about 6 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules. Minivans often provide hotel pickup on Koh Lanta and arrive at Surat Thani bus stations or company offices.
Tickets cost about $16–20 per person and can be booked online in advance. Early booking is recommended, especially during the high season, as departures may be limited.
| Bus Company | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 06:00 | 12:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 07:00 | 13:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 08:00 | 14:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 09:00 | 15:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 11:00 | 17:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 12:00 | 18:00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 13:00 | 19:00 |
| Krabi Sea Pearl | 07:30 | 13:30 |
| Sapthaweephol | 11:00 | 20:30 |
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani. You can choose your pickup location on Koh Lanta and travel directly to Surat Thani town, the railway station or the airport.
Companies such as Ramon Transport, Andaman Taxis, Van2Travel, 12GO Transport and others operate modern sedans, SUVs and minivans. Larger vehicles are ideal for families or small groups.
The journey takes about 3.5–5 hours, depending on traffic and ferry schedules. Prices range from $100–200 per vehicle, with smaller cars usually being the cheapest option.
You can book a private transfer online in advance. Check the pickup details and transfer conditions before completing your reservation.
| Taxi Service: | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Happy EV Taxi | 03:45 | From $110.00 |
| Van2Travel | 06:00 | From $170.00 |
| Ramon Transport | 04:00 | From $170.00 |
| Easyride Services | 03:00 | From $160.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 05:00 | From $160.00 |
| Paradies Sea Travel | 04:20 | From $160.00 |
| Krabi Shuttle | 05:00 | From $140.00 |
| At Lanta Vacation | 04:30 | From $130.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | 04:30 | From $160.00 |
3. FERRY + BUS from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani (via Krabi)
Another option is to travel by ferry and bus via Krabi. This route is ideal if you want to visit Krabi before continuing to Surat Thani, but it requires separate ferry and bus tickets.
The journey takes about 6–8 hours. The ferry from Koh Lanta to Krabi takes around 1.5–4 hours, followed by a 3–4 hour bus or minivan ride from Krabi to Surat Thani.
Ferry tickets cost about $15–40 per person, while buses from Krabi to Surat Thani cost around $7–15 per person. Private taxis are also available from Krabi for a faster but more expensive transfer.
Departure and arrival points vary by operator, so check all travel details before booking your tickets online.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
How to book tickets from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
Book minivan tickets, ferries and private taxis online via 12go.asia ➜. You can also book other routes in southern Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
Minivan takes about 6 hours, private taxi 3.5–5 hours, and ferry + bus via Krabi about 6–8 hours.
How far is Surat Thani from Koh Lanta?
The travel distance is about 220 km by road and ferry.
How much does transport from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani cost?
Minivans cost $16–20/pp, private taxis $100–200 per vehicle, and ferry + bus transfers about $25–60/pp.
Is there a train from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
No. Koh Lanta has no railway station, so a minivan or taxi is the most practical option.
Are there direct flights from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
No. Koh Lanta has no airport, and there are no flights between Krabi and Surat Thani.
Can I travel via Koh Phi Phi and Krabi?
Yes. Travel by ferry from Koh Lanta to Koh Phi Phi, then continue by boat to Krabi and travel onward by bus or taxi.
What is the fastest way to get to Surat Thani?
A private taxi is the fastest option, with a journey of about 3.5–5 hours.
Where can you travel from Surat Thani?
Popular destinations include Khao Lak and Khao Sok National Park.
Where to stay in Surat Thani?
Surat Thani offers budget hotels, guesthouses and resorts. Book accommodation in Surat Thani ➜.
Which Thai islands are worth visiting?
Popular islands include Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. See 13 Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani is a popular route for travelers heading to Thailand’s Gulf islands. You can travel by minivan, private taxi or ferry + bus via Krabi.
- Morning Departures: Best for connecting with ferries from Surat Thani.
- Hotel Pickup: Many minivans offer pickup directly from hotels on Koh Lanta.
- Ferry Crossing: Road transfers include a short ferry to the mainland.
- Private Taxi: Best choice for tight ferry or train connections.
- Via Krabi: A good option if you want to spend time in Krabi.
- Island Connections: Surat Thani is the gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Tip: Book your transfer early during the high season, especially for morning departures.