Ferry / speedboat
Fastest direct route with no transfers, about 1.5–3 hours.
Private transfer
Door-to-door service with flexible departure and arrival times.
Van / bus
Lowest-cost option via Krabi, including the ferry crossing.
Late booking
Popular ferries often sell out during the high season.
Quick answer: You can travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket by direct ferry, bus/minivan via Krabi, or private taxi. The direct ferry is the fastest and most scenic option, while the land route via Krabi is usually the cheapest. Private transfers offer the highest level of comfort and flexibility.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 250 km by road or around 100 km by sea.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry 1.5–3 h | Bus 6–9 h | Taxi 4–5 h, depending on the route.
- 💰 Price: Ferry $25–55 | Bus $16–35 | Taxi $70–200 per person or vehicle.
- 🚢 Fastest: Direct ferry from Saladan Pier to Phuket, with scenic sea views.
- 🚍 Budget: Bus or minivan via Krabi, usually the cheapest land option.
- 🚕 Comfort: Private door-to-door taxi transfer, ideal for groups and luggage.
Last updated in October 2026
Koh Lanta to Phuket: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry / Boat | 1.5–3 h | $25–55/person | ★★★★★ | Fast & scenic travel |
| Bus / Van | 6–9 h | $16–35/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Taxi / Car | 4–5 h | $70–200/vehicle | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Phuket is possible by direct ferry or speedboat, bus or minivan via Krabi, or private taxi and car. The ferry takes about 1.5–3 hours and offers a fast and scenic journey, while the bus or minivan takes around 6–9 hours. A private transfer takes about 4–5 hours and provides comfortable door-to-door travel.
How do I get from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
1. FERRY / BOAT from Koh Lanta to Phuket
👉 Direct ferry or speedboat is the fastest and most popular way from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want a fast and convenient sea transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~1.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Price: $25–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct boats with several operators)
- ✅ Best option: Direct ferry or speedboat from Saladan Pier to Phuket
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at Saladan Pier 30–60 minutes before departure.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Book online in advance during the peak season.
The fastest and most popular way to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket is by direct ferry or speedboat. The journey takes about 1.5-3 hours, while ferry tickets cost approximately $25-55 per person, depending on the season and operator.
Boats depart from Saladan Pier and arrive at Rassada Pier, Bang Rong Pier, Naka Island, or other piers in Phuket. It is recommended to arrive at Saladan Pier at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
Several operators serve this route throughout the tourist season, and booking your ferry tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak travel months.
| Ferry Service | Departs in Koh Lanta | Arrives in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Bundhaya Speed Boat | 10:00 | 11:30 |
| Bundhaya Speed Boat | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| Good Luck Lanta | 08:00 | 11:00 |
| Good Luck Lanta | 10:00 | 11:30 |
| Good Luck Lanta | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| Lanta Petpailin | 08:00 | 11:30 |
| Tigerline Travel | 10:00 | 11:20 |
| Tigerline Travel | 13:30 | 14:50 |
| Awaycation Trip | 10:00 | 11:30 |
| Awaycation Trip | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| Gosafe Transport | 10:00 | 11:40 |
| Gosafe Transport | 13:00 | 14:30 |
| Satun Pakbara | 09:00 | 10:30 |
| Wildan Travel | 07:00 | 12:00 |
| Andaman Wave Master | 08:00 | 13:00 |
| Andaman Wave Master | 13:00 | 17:30 |
| Thrive Travel | 10:00 | 11:40 |
2. BUS / MINIVAN from Koh Lanta to Phuket
👉 Bus or minivan via Krabi is the cheapest way to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers who do not mind a longer journey
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–9 hours including the transfer in Krabi
- ✔️ Price: $16–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (minivans are usually faster and more comfortable)
- ✅ Best option: Minivan from Koh Lanta to Krabi, then minivan or bus to Phuket
- 💡 Tip: Arrive 30–60 minutes before departure.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Book a combined ticket to simplify the transfer in Krabi.
A) Bus / Van from Koh Lanta to Krabi
Traveling by minivan or tourist bus from Koh Lanta to Krabi is the cheapest land transport option. The journey takes about 2-3.5 hours and tickets cost approximately $10-22 per person.
Services are operated by Bus Cooperative of Krabi, Jolly Travel, Ao Nang Travel, Andaman Taxis and other companies. It is recommended to arrive 30-60 minutes before departure, and travelers with large luggage may consider booking an extra seat.
For more details, read: How to go to Krabi from Koh Lanta?
B) Bus / Van from Krabi to Phuket
From Krabi you can continue to Phuket by tourist bus or modern minivan. The trip takes about 3-4 hours and tickets cost around $6-10 per person.
Buses depart from Krabi Bus Terminal or Krabi Airport and usually arrive at Phuket Bus Terminal 1. This is the cheapest way to travel from Krabi to Phuket.
For schedules and tickets, read: How to get from Krabi to Phuket?
3. PRIVATE TAXI/CAR from Koh Lanta to Phuket
👉 Private taxi is the most comfortable and flexible way from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Duration: ~4–5 hours
- ✔️ Price: $70–200 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private hotel pickup and direct drop-off)
- ✅ Best option: Private car or taxi with hotel pickup on Koh Lanta
- 💡 Tip: Book your private transfer online in advance.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Choose an airport drop-off if you are flying from Phuket.
A private taxi or car is the most comfortable way to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket. The journey takes about 4-5 hours, while prices range from approximately $70-200 per vehicle, depending on the type of car.
Private transfers include hotel pickup on Koh Lanta and drop-off anywhere in Phuket, including Phuket Airport, Phuket Town, Patong, Karon, or your hotel. Services are provided by Bangkok Taxi 24, Andaman Taxis, Koh Lanta Sea Tour, Happy EV Taxi, Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman, Easyride Services, Smile on Transport, and other companies.
From Patong you can also travel to Ao Nang or Khao Lak by private taxi. Booking your private transfer from Koh Lanta to Phuket online in advance is highly recommended.
| Taxi Service | Departure in Koh Lanta | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Taxi 24 | Any time | 05:00 |
| Andaman Taxis | Any time | 04:30 |
| Andaman Taxis | Any time | 05:00 |
| Andaman Taxis | Any time | 04:30 |
| Koh Lanta Sea Tour | Any time | 05:00 |
| Koh Lanta Sea Tour | Any time | 03:45 |
| Firstplan Trans. Services | Any time | 04:30 |
| Paradies Sea Travel | Any time | 05:30 |
| Happy EV Taxi | Any time | 03:40 |
| Tigerline Travel | Any time | 03:15 |
| Kanokwan Travel | Any time | 04:30 |
| Easyride Services | Any time | 03:30 |
| Smile on Transport | Any time | 04:55 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket:
How can you book tickets from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
Book ferry, bus, minivan or private taxi tickets online via 12go.asia ➜. You can also search many other routes across southern Thailand.
How long does the journey from Koh Lanta to Phuket take?
Ferries take about 1.5–3 hours, private taxis about 4–5 hours, and buses or minivans via Krabi around 6–9 hours.
What is the travel distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The route is about 100 km by ferry or around 250 km by road via Krabi.
How much does the Koh Lanta to Phuket transfer cost?
Ferries cost about $25–55 pp, buses $16–35 pp, and private taxis about $70–200 per vehicle.
Can I travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket by train or plane?
No. Koh Lanta has no airport or railway station, so you need a ferry, road transport or private taxi.
Where can I rent a motorbike or scooter in Phuket?
You can compare and book scooters or motorbikes online through Bikesbooking.
Is a private taxi available from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
Yes. Private cars, SUVs and minivans offer hotel pickup on Koh Lanta and drop-off anywhere in Phuket.
What is the cheapest way to travel to Phuket?
The cheapest option is usually a bus or minivan via Krabi, with tickets starting at about $16 per person.
What is the best way to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
Many travelers choose the direct ferry or speedboat because it is fast and offers scenic views of the Andaman Sea.
Where can I travel from Phuket after arriving?
From Phuket you can visit Khao Sok National Park, fly to Bangkok, or continue to Koh Samui.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Lanta to Phuket
Traveling from Koh Lanta to Phuket is easy by ferry, minivan or private taxi. The best option depends on your budget, travel season and destination in Phuket.
- Fastest Option: Direct ferries and speedboats save the most travel time.
- Budget Travel: Minivans via Krabi are the cheapest way to reach Phuket.
- High Season: Ferries operate more frequently from October to April.
- Hotel Pickup: Many minivans and taxis collect passengers directly from hotels.
- Book Early: Ferry tickets often sell out during holidays and peak season.
- Private Transfer: Ideal for families, groups or travelers with lots of luggage.
Tip: Ferry, bus and taxi tickets from Koh Lanta to Phuket can be searched and booked online in advance.
From Koh Lanta to Phuket you can travel by ferry, minivan/bus or private taxi.
The distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket is about 100 km by ferry and around 250 km by road via Krabi. There are 3 ways to travel: direct ferry/speedboat, tourist minivan/bus or private taxi. The fastest option is the ferry from Saladan Pier, taking about 1.5-3 hours and costing around $25-55/pp.
Minivans and buses via Krabi are the cheapest option, taking about 6-9 hours and costing $16-35/pp. Private taxis take about 4-5 hours and cost around $70-200 per vehicle, offering the most comfortable door-to-door transfer.
There are no flights or trains between Koh Lanta and Phuket. From Phuket you can continue by ferry to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Yai or travel to Ao Nang.