Ferry / speedboat
Direct scenic transfer in about 1.5–2 hours
Private transfer + boat
Flexible hotel transfer with private boat to Railay
Van + boat
Affordable route via Ao Nang or Krabi with boat connection
Taxi only
Railay has no road access, a boat is always required
Quick answer: Traveling from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach is possible by direct ferry/speedboat, van + boat via Ao Nang or Krabi, or private taxi + boat. The direct ferry is the fastest and most scenic option, while the van + boat combination is the cheapest. Private transfers offer the greatest comfort and flexibility. Tickets can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 60 km by sea or around 90 km by road + boat.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry/Speedboat 1.5–2 hrs | Van + Boat 4.5–5 hrs | Private Car + Boat 3–4 hrs.
- 💰 Price range: Ferry US$20–40 pp | Van + Boat US$15–30 pp | Private Car + Boat US$60–140 per vehicle.
- 🚢 Ferry / Speedboat: Direct departures from Saladan Pier to Railay Beach.
- 🚍 Van + Boat: Travel via Ao Nang or Krabi, then continue by longtail boat.
- 🚕 Private Car + Boat: Door-to-door transfer to the pier followed by a short boat ride.
Last updated in April 2026
From Koh Lanta to Railay Beach you can travel by ferry, van + boat or private taxi + boat.
Travel distance from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach is about 60 km by sea or around 90 km by road via Ao Nang. You have 3 transfer options: direct ferry/speedboat, van + boat, or private taxi + boat. The direct ferry is the fastest option, taking about 1.5-2 hours.
Budget travelers usually choose a minivan to Ao Nang followed by a longtail boat to Railay. This option takes about 4.5-5 hours. A private taxi + boat offers more comfort and takes about 3-4 hours. You can also check the best time to visit Railay Beach before your trip.
There are no flights or trains to Railay Beach. The peninsula is accessible only by boat, making it one of the most scenic destinations in Krabi. From nearby Ao Nang you can continue to Koh Phi Phi or travel from Krabi to Surat Thani.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Lanta to Railay: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Boat / Ferry | 1.5-2 hours | $20-40/pp |
| Van/Bus + Boat (via Krabi) | 4.5-5 hours | $15-30/pp |
| Taxi/Car + Boat (via Krabi) | 3-4 hours | $60-140 |
How to get from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach?
1. SPEEDBOAT / FERRY from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach
👉 Speedboat or ferry is the fastest and best way to travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a direct and scenic transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $20–40 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (speedboats or ferries)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Bundhaya Speed Boat or Siri Lanta Speedboats
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your tickets online in advance, especially in high season.
Traveling by speedboat or ferry is the fastest and most convenient way to get from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach. Most boats depart from Saladan Pier and arrive at Floating Pier East Railay. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, although some services may stop at Koh Phi Phi along the way.
Boat transfers are operated by companies such as Bundhaya Speed Boat, Siri Lanta Speedboats and Ao Nang Travel and Tour. Ticket prices range from $20-40/pp depending on the company and season. Ferry schedules are usually more frequent during the tourist season (October-April) and may be limited during the rainy season.
You can easily book ferry tickets online in advance. Arrive at Saladan Pier at least 30-60 minutes before departure and always check the latest schedule, as departures may change due to sea conditions or weather.
2. VAN/BUS + BOAT from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach
👉 Van/bus + boat is a cheaper alternative way to travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–4.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $15–30 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (van/bus + longtail boat)
- ✅ Best Option: Transfer via Ao Nang, then boat to Railay Beach
- 💡 Tip: You need to book 2 tickets (van/bus + boat).
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your tickets online in advance for easier connections.
If there are no suitable direct ferries, you can travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach by minivan/bus and longtail boat via Krabi or Ao Nang. This option includes a short ferry crossing from Koh Lanta to the mainland and is a popular budget alternative.
Minivan services are operated by companies such as Good Luck Lanta Tour, Jolly Travel, Jijie Tour and Travel, Ao Nang Travel and At Lanta Vacation. Most travelers head to Ao Nang, where longtail boats depart regularly for Railay Beach. The total journey takes about 3-4.5 hours and costs around $15-30/pp.
Minivans may depart from Saladan Pier or directly from your hotel on Koh Lanta. Longtail boats to Railay Beach leave from Ao Nam Mao Pier or Noppharat Thara Pier and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. You need to book two separate tickets: one for the minivan and another for the boat.
3. TAXI / CAR + BOAT from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach
👉 Private taxi/car + boat is the most comfortable but expensive way to travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a private and flexible transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–4 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $60–120 per car (+ boat)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car + short boat ride)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Andaman Taxis or Bangkok Taxi 24
- 💡 Tip: Continue from Ao Nang by longtail boat to Railay Beach.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your transfer online in advance for a smooth journey.
A private car/taxi + boat is the most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Ao Nang or Krabi, where you continue by longtail boat to Railay. This option is ideal for families, groups or travelers with more luggage.
Private transfers are available from companies such as Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman, Bangkok Taxi 24, Koh Lanta Sea Tour, Andaman Taxis, Krabi Shuttle, Ramon Transport and several others. They offer modern cars, SUVs and larger minivans for up to 9-10 passengers.
Travel time is about 3-4 hours, including the boat transfer. Private cars from Koh Lanta to Krabi cost around $60-120 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. You can easily search and book your preferred vehicle online in advance.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Happy EV Taxi | 01:30 | From $40.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | 02:00 | From $65.00 |
| Jijie Tour and Travel | 02:30 | From $90.00 |
| Black Tiger Tour | 02:00 | From $65.00 |
| Phuket Transfer | 02:00 | From $70.00 |
| Paradies Sea | 02:00 | From $65.00 |
| Krabi Shuttle | 02:00 | From $70.00 |
| Torch Taxi | 02:30 | From $90.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | 03:00 | From $85.00 |
| Ramon Transport | 02:30 | From $100.00 |
| Than Car Service | 02:00 | From $70.00 |
| Easyride Services | 01:30 | From $125.00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach:
How to book tickets from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach?
Book ferry, speedboat, van or taxi tickets online via 12go.asia ➜. You can also search other routes across southern Thailand.
How long does the journey take?
Direct ferries take about 1.5-2 hours. Van + boat transfers take around 4.5-5 hours, while private taxi + boat takes about 3-4 hours.
How much does the transfer cost?
Expect to pay about $20-40/pp for a ferry, $15-30/pp for a van + boat, or $60-140 per vehicle for a private transfer.
What is the travel distance?
The direct boat route is about 60 km. Traveling via Ao Nang covers around 90 km by road and boat.
Can I travel via Koh Phi Phi?
Yes. You can first visit Koh Phi Phi and continue by boat to Railay or Ao Nang.
What is the fastest option?
The direct speedboat or ferry is the fastest option, taking about 1.5-2 hours from Saladan Pier.
Can I take a taxi directly to Railay Beach?
No. Railay has no road access, so every taxi transfer must finish with a short boat ride.
Can I continue to Phuket?
Yes. You can travel directly to Phuket by ferry, speedboat, minivan or private car.
Where can I travel from Railay Beach?
Popular next destinations are Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Yao Yai.
How to travel from Bangkok to Railay Beach?
You can fly to Krabi or travel by train/bus via Surat Thani. See this guide.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Lanta to Railay Beach
Railay Beach is accessible only by boat, so planning your transfer from Koh Lanta in advance will help you enjoy a smooth journey.
- Direct Boat: A speedboat or ferry is the fastest and most convenient option.
- Via Ao Nang: Budget travelers can combine a minivan with a longtail boat.
- Weather: Boat schedules are more frequent from October to April.
- Waterproof Bag: Keep valuables protected during boat boarding and transfers.
- Arrive Early: Reach Saladan Pier at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
- Private Transfer: Taxi + boat is ideal for families or travelers with luggage.
Tip: Ferry and combined transfer tickets from Koh Lanta to Railay Beach can be booked online in advance.