Ferry + Minivan
Best balance of price, comfort, easy transfers via Krabi
Private taxi/car
Door-to-door service, flexible timing, fastest and most comfortable option
Local van + bus
Cheapest option, multiple transfers, longer journey with more hassle
Direct transport
No direct route, always requires ferry and land transfers
Quick answer: Travelling from Ko Lanta to Khao Lak, you’ll typically use a minivan/bus or ferry + van combo, or a private car/taxi for greater comfort. The minivan/van is cost-effective, the car/taxi is quicker but pricier. Book the combined transfer or private car to Khao Lak ahead for smoother connection.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance (approx): ~240 km by road via Krabi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Minivan/Bus ~6–7 h | Private Car/Taxi ~3.5–5 h.
- 💰 Price range: Bus/Van ~US$19–29 per person | Car/Taxi ~US$100–300 per vehicle.
- 🚍 Minivan/Bus: Most common choice, picks up from Ko Lanta and drops in Khao Lak – good value.
- 🚕 Private Car/Taxi: Ideal if you have luggage, travel in a group, or prefer flexibility.
Last updated in April 2026
How to Travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak
Khao Lak is about 240 km from Koh Lanta and can be reached by minivan, private taxi, or a ferry + minivan transfer via Krabi. The most popular option is a direct minivan, while private cars offer the fastest and most comfortable journey.
Direct minivans take about 6-7 hours and tickets cost around US$19-29 per person. Private transfers take about 3.5-5 hours and are ideal for families or groups. Another option is a ferry to Krabi followed by a minivan to Khao Lak, with a total travel time of 6-9 hours.
Khao Lak is a peaceful beach destination in Phang Nga Province, popular for its long sandy beaches and easy access to the Similan Islands. From Khao Lak, you can continue to Khao Sok National Park or travel by ferry and minivan to Koh Phangan.
| Transfer modes from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Minivan / Bus / Minibus | 6–7 hours | $19–29 per person |
| Private Car/Taxi with a driver | 3.5–5 hours | $100–300 (minivan, car) |
| Ferry + Van (via Krabi) | 6–9 hours | $25–65 per person |
How do I get from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak?
1. BUS / MINIVAN from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak
👉 Bus/minivan is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers looking for a simple direct transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5.5–7 hours (may vary depending on route and stops)
- ✔️ Cost: $19–29 per person (affordable shared transport)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (air-conditioned buses or minivans)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct minivan from Koh Lanta (hotel or Saladan Pier) to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book tickets online in advance due to limited schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Arrive at your pickup point at least 30 minutes before departure.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak is by minivan or bus. Services are operated by companies such as Good Luck Lanta Tour, Krabi Sea Pearl, Thrive Travel, At Lanta Vacation, and RTC Transport. Most departures are from Saladan Pier or hotels on Koh Lanta.
The journey takes about 5.5-7 hours, depending on the operator and traffic conditions. Most buses arrive near McDonald’s in Khao Lak. As departures are limited, it is recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially during the high season.
BOOK BUS TICKETS to Khao Lak ➜
Bus and minivan tickets cost about US$19-29 per person. Arrive at your departure point at least 30 minutes early and check the latest boarding information when booking your ticket.
| Bus Company | Departs in Koh Lanta | Arrives in Khao Lak |
|---|---|---|
| Krabi Sea Pearl | 08:00 | 13:30 |
| RTC Transport | 08:00 | 15:00 |
| Good Luck Lanta Tour | 07:20 | 13:30 |
| Good Luck Lanta Tour | 08:00 | 13:30 |
| Good Luck Lanta Tour | 09:00 | 14:30 |
| At Lanta Vacation | 08:00 | 13:00 |
| Thrive Travel | 07:00 | 14:00 |
2. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak
👉 Private taxi/car is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers seeking comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door service
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3.5–5 hours (depending on route and traffic)
- ✔️ Cost: $100–300 per car (varies by vehicle type and group size)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (modern private cars, SUVs, or minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private minivan for groups to share costs
- 💡 Tip: Book your private car online in advance for best availability and pricing.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose hotel pickup and drop-off to save time and simplify your journey.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak is by private taxi or car. This option offers hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it ideal for families, groups, or travelers with luggage.
The journey takes about 3.5-5 hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Several companies operate on this route, offering standard cars, SUVs, and larger minivans for groups.
Private transfers cost about US$100-300 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle type. Groups can split the fare, making a minivan a convenient and cost-effective choice.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Easyride Services | 03:00 | From $160.00 |
| At Lanta Vacation | 04:30 | From $150.00 |
| Happy EV Taxi | 03:50 | From $99.00 |
| Paradies Sea Travel | 04:30 | From $150.00 |
| Phuket Transfer | 05:00 | From $170.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 03:30 | From $175.00 |
| Smile on Transport | 04:20 | From $150.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | 03:30 | From $165.00 |
3. FERRY + VAN from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak (via Krabi)
👉 Ferry + van via Krabi is a flexible alternative way to travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who prefer combining boat and land transport with a stop in Krabi
- ✔️ Travel time: ~6–8 hours (including transfer in Krabi)
- ✔️ Cost: $25–50 per person (ferry + bus/minivan tickets)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (speedboat or ferry + minivan transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Ferry from Saladan Pier to Krabi + minivan to Khao Lak
- 💡 Tip: Book ferry and bus tickets separately online in advance for smoother connections.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Allow enough time in Krabi between transfers to avoid missed connections.
Another option is to travel by ferry from Koh Lanta to Krabi and then continue by bus or minivan from Krabi to Khao Lak. This route is a good choice if you want to spend some time in Krabi before continuing your journey.
The total travel time is about 6-8 hours, depending on your connection. Ferries depart from Saladan Pier, while buses and minivans leave from Krabi Town, Krabi Bus Terminal, Ao Nang, or Krabi Airport and arrive in central Khao Lak.
You need to book the ferry and bus tickets separately. Both tickets can be searched and booked online in advance for the best schedules and prices.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak
How to book tickets from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak?
Book bus, minivan, ferry, or private car tickets online at 12go.asia ➜, where you can compare schedules and prices.
How long does it take from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak?
Minivans take 6-7 hours, private cars 3.5-5 hours, and ferry + minivan transfers about 6-8 hours in total.
How far is Khao Lak from Koh Lanta?
The road distance from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak is approximately 240 km via Krabi.
How much does the trip cost?
Minivans cost US$19-29, ferry + minivan US$25-65, and private cars US$100-300 per vehicle.
What is the fastest way to Khao Lak?
A private taxi or car is the fastest option, taking about 3.5-5 hours depending on traffic.
What is the cheapest way to travel?
The cheapest option is a minivan or bus, with tickets starting from about US$19 per person.
Can you fly from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak?
No. Neither Koh Lanta nor Khao Lak has an airport, so flights are not available.
Is there a train to Khao Lak?
No. There is no railway connection between Koh Lanta and Khao Lak at the moment.
How to get to Khao Sok National Park?
Travel by minivan or private car. See How to get from Khao Lak to Khao Sok for more details.
How do you travel from Phuket to Khao Lak?
Travel by bus, minivan, or private car. Read How to reach Khao Lak from Phuket for travel options.
What can you visit before Khao Lak?
Visit Ao Nang in Krabi before continuing your journey to Khao Lak.
Where to stay in Khao Lak?
Khao Lak offers hotels, beach resorts, and guesthouses. Book accommodation in Khao Lak.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Lanta to Khao Lak
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak is easy by minivan, private taxi, or ferry + minivan via Krabi. Direct minivans are the most popular option for most travelers.
- Best Option: Direct minivan offers the best balance of price, comfort, and travel time.
- Fastest Transfer: Private taxis take about 3.5-5 hours with hotel pick-up available.
- Via Krabi: Combine a ferry to Krabi with a minivan if you want to stop there.
- Book Early: Minivans and ferries can sell out during weekends and the high season.
- What to Bring: Pack water, sunscreen, and a light jacket for air-conditioned vehicles.
- Arrival: Most buses and minivans stop in central Khao Lak near popular hotels.
Tip: Bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets from Koh Lanta to Khao Lak can be searched and booked online in advance.