Van / Bus + Ferry
Best price and convenience
Private Taxi + Ferry
Fast, comfortable transfer
Via Krabi
Visit Krabi or Railay Beach
Train or Flight
No direct connection
Quick answer: Travelling from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao involves a mix of land and sea transport—namely a van or bus + ferry combination, or a private taxi/car + ferry. The van/bus option is budget‑friendly and routes via Surat Thani; the private car route is faster and more comfortable for smaller groups. You can book transfers from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 360 km from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao via Surat Thani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Van/Bus + Ferry ~9–13 hours | Taxi/Car + Ferry ~8–11 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Van/Bus + Ferry US$ 42–60 pp | Taxi/Car + Ferry US$ 170–210 pp.
- 🚍 Van/Bus + Ferry: Shared minivan from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani (~5.5‑6h), then ferry/speedboat to Koh Tao (~3.5‑5h).
- 🚕 Taxi/Car + Ferry: Private car/taxi from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani (~3.5‑5h) + ferry to Koh Tao (~3.5‑5h).
Last updated in July 2026
From Koh Lanta to Koh Tao you can travel by van, bus or private taxi + ferry.
The distance from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao is about 360 km. The most popular option is a van or bus with a ferry via Surat Thani. There are no direct flights, trains, or ferries between these islands. The journey takes about 9–13 hours and costs around $42–60 per person. You can also travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani before boarding a ferry to Koh Tao.
A faster and more comfortable option is a private taxi with a ferry via Surat Thani. The journey takes about 8–10 hours and costs around $170–210 per vehicle. You can also stop in Krabi or visit Railay Beach before continuing to Koh Tao.
The nearest airport to Koh Tao is on Koh Samui. You can also travel from Krabi and take a flight to Koh Samui, then continue by ferry. Koh Tao is famous for diving, snorkeling, and beautiful beaches. From the island you can also travel by ferry to Koh Phangan or to Chumphon.
| Transfer Mode – Koh Lanta to Koh Tao: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bus/Van + Ferry (via Surat Thani) | 9–13 hours | $42–60/pp |
| Taxi/Car + Boat (via Surat Thani) | 8–11 hours | $170–210/pp |
How do I get from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao?
1. VAN/BUS + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Tao
👉 The best-value way to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao is by van/bus + ferry via Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: 9–13 hours total
- ✔️ Price: $42–60 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: modern air-conditioned vans and ferries
- ✅ Best option: Combined van + ferry ticket with one booking
- 💡 Tip: Book in advance during the high season to secure your preferred departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Most ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, the main gateway to Koh Tao.
A) Bus / Van from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
-
- from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani town you can get by tourist bus / minivan, minibus
- transport by bus / minivan from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani takes about 5.5-6 hours
- you can use modern, fast, comfortable, air-conditioned buses and private minivans
- transport companies from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani: Krabi Sea Pearl, Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel, Jijie Tour and Travel, Phantip 1970
- transfer from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani costs about $16-25/pp
- read this article: How to get from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
B) Ferry / Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
-
- transfer by ferry / speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao takes about 3.5-5 hours
- transfer companies to Koh Tao: Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry Port, Krabi Sea Pearl, Seatran Discovery
- travel by speedboat or bus/van + ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao costs about $26-36/pp
- speedboats and ferries from Surat Thani arrive to: Mae Haad Koh Tao
- travel by van + ferry via Surat Thani is the most cheapest way how to reach Koh Tao from Koh Lanta
- read this article: How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
2. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao
👉 The fastest and most comfortable option is a private taxi + ferry via Surat Thani.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups, and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Duration: 8–10 hours total
- ✔️ Price: about $170–210 per vehicle + ferry
- ✔️ Comfort: private car, SUV, or minivan with hotel pickup
- ✅ Best option: Private transfer to Surat Thani with a connecting ferry to Koh Tao.
- 💡 Tip: Minivans are the best value for groups, as you can share the cost.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ferries arrive at Mae Haad Pier, the main port on Koh Tao.
A) Private taxi / car from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani
-
- transfer by private taxi or car from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani takes about 3.5-5 hours
- taxi companies from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani: Ramon Transport, Koh Lanta Sea Tour, Andaman Taxis, Van2Travel, Kanokwan Travel, 12GO Transport, Awaycation Trip, Paradies Sea Travel and Tour, Happy EV Taxi or KrabiShuttle
- there are various modern cars, vehicles, minibuses and modern luxury minivans
- private transfer to Surat Thani costs about $100-200 (car for 4-5 or van for up to 9 passengers)
- read this article: How to travel from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani?
B) Ferry / Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao
-
- travel by ferry / speedboat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao takes about 3.5-5 hours
- transport companies to Koh Tao: Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry Port, Krabi Sea Pearl, Seatran Discovery
- transfer by speedboat or bus/van + ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Tao costs about $26-36/pp
- fast speedboats and ferries from Surat Thani arrive to: Mae Haad Koh Tao
- transfer by van + ferry via Surat Thani is the most cheapest way how to reach Koh Tao from Koh Lanta
- read this article: How to get from Surat Thani to Koh Tao?
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao
How to book tickets from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao?
Book tickets online with 12go.asia ➜. You can also search other routes across southern Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao?
Travel takes about 9–13 hours by van + ferry or 8–11 hours by private taxi + ferry.
What is the distance from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao?
The distance is about 360 km via Surat Thani. Read more about this route.
How much does the transfer cost?
Van + ferry costs about $42–60 per person. Private taxi + ferry costs around $170–210 per vehicle.
What is the best way to travel?
The best option is a combined van + ferry via Surat Thani. It offers the best balance of price and convenience.
Is there a train from Koh Lanta?
No. Koh Lanta has no railway, so travel by train is not possible.
Is there a direct flight to Koh Tao?
No. You can travel to Krabi, fly to Koh Samui, and continue by boat to Koh Tao.
Where to stay on Koh Tao?
Choose from beach resorts, hotels, and bungalows here: Book accommodation in Koh Tao.
Where can you travel from Koh Tao?
Travel by ferry to Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or to Bangkok via Chumphon.
Can you travel via Krabi?
Yes. Travel to Krabi first and continue by van + ferry or via Koh Samui.
Are there direct ferries from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao?
No. All routes require a transfer, usually via Surat Thani.
Do you need to change during the journey?
Yes. Every route includes at least one transfer between land transport and the ferry.
Is there a luggage limit on ferries?
Yes. Luggage policies vary by ferry operator, so check the conditions before departure.
Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
See this guide to The Best Islands in Thailand.
Is Thailand good for solo travel?
Yes. Read our guide to Solo Travel in Thailand.
2 Ways of Transfer from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao:
| 1. VAN / BUS + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao | |
|---|---|
| A) Bus / Van from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani | |
| Transfer Type | Bus / Minivan |
| Travel Time | About 5.5-6 hours |
| Transport Options | Tourist bus / minivan, minibus |
| Transport Companies | Krabi Sea Pearl, Phantip 1970 |
| Transport Cost | About $16-25/pp |
| B) Ferry / Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao | |
| Transfer Type | Ferry / Speedboat |
| Travel Time | About 3.5-5 hours |
| Transport Companies | Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry Port, Krabi Sea Pearl, Seatran Discovery |
| Transport Cost | About $26-36/pp |
| Arrival Point | Mae Haad Koh Tao |
| 2. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Koh Lanta to Koh Tao | |
| A) Private Taxi / Car from Koh Lanta to Surat Thani | |
| Transfer Type | Private taxi / car |
| Travel Time | About 3.5-5 hours |
| Transport Companies | Ramon Transport, Koh Lanta Sea Tour, Andaman Taxis… |
| Transport Cost | About $140-160 (car for 4-5 or van for up to 9 passengers) |
| B) Ferry / Boat from Surat Thani to Koh Tao | |
| Transfer Type | Ferry / Speedboat |
| Travel Time | About 3.5-5 hours |
| Transport Companies | Phantip 1970, Raja Ferry Port, Krabi Sea Pearl, Seatran Discovery |
| Transport Cost | About $26-36/pp |
| Arrival Point | Mae Haad Koh Tao |
