Contents
Phuket and Koh Lanta are two different versions of the Thai island experience. Phuket buzzes with resorts, markets and neon-lit nights, while Koh Lanta is the laid-back sibling, where sunsets are long and the pace slows to a crawl. Crossing the Andaman Sea past limestone karsts and turquoise water is part of the trip.
The choice usually comes down to your stomach for waves and your budget. A speedboat is the quickest way across; the road route through Phang Nga and Krabi is the steady alternative when the sea is rough.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ferry
Andaman Wave Master runs a daily speedboat from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Sala Dan Pier on Koh Lanta. It leaves at 09:15 and arrives at 11:05. The adult fare is 1,700 baht (about $50) and includes a pick-up from your hotel in Patong, Kata, Karon, Phuket Town, Rawai, Nai Harn or Chalong.[1]
Other operators add more departures, from early morning to around midday, and slower ferries and combinations of taxi, speedboat and ferry. On booking platforms, boat tickets cost about $22 to $49 (October 2026). Pure speedboats take from about 1 hour 30 minutes, and combinations with a transfer can take up to around 6 hours 30 minutes.[2] Book through GoAsia.cc to secure a seat on the morning departures.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Van
The van is the budget option, popular with backpackers and solo travelers. On booking platforms, shared vans start at about $17 (October 2026), and combinations of van and speedboat or ferry cost up to about $50. Vans take from about 2 hours, and the combined tickets can stretch to around 9 hours, longer with traffic or weather.[2]
The road runs through Phang Nga province and Krabi. Vehicles cross from Ban Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi by car ferry, which runs from 06:00 to 22:00, and continue over the Siri Lanta Bridge to Ko Lanta Yai.[3] If you get seasick or travel in the rainy season, the van is the dependable choice.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Transfer
A private transfer suits groups and anyone who wants door-to-door service without hauling luggage to a pier. On booking platforms, a private car starts at about $130 (October 2026), and larger vans and luxury cars cost more. The drive takes from about 3 hours, longer with traffic and the car-ferry crossing.[2] It takes you from your Phuket hotel straight to your bungalow on Lanta.
Phuket to Koh Lanta by Bus
The bus is a coordinated service that combines a larger bus with a van and the car ferry. On booking platforms, a ticket costs about $19 (October 2026) and the journey takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. It is slower than a speedboat, but you see the mainland scenery of southern Thailand at a low price.[2]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry / Speedboat | $22 - $50[2] | From 1h 30m | Moderate to High |
| Van | $17 - $50[2] | From 2h | Standard |
| Transfer (Private) | From $130[2] | From 3h | Luxury |
| Bus | About $19[2] | About 5h 30m | Standard |
Tips for Traveling from Phuket to Koh Lanta
- Book Ahead: In high season speedboats and popular van slots fill up fast. Use GoAsia.cc to book your tickets at least a few days in advance.
- Check the Pier: Boats leave from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town, so allow time to get there, or choose a ticket with hotel pick-up.
- Prepare for Waves: On a speedboat, sit toward the back where the ride is smoother if you are prone to motion sickness.
- Bulky Luggage: If you carry surfboards or other oversized gear, tell the operator in advance.
Timetable
| Bus Phuket - Koh Lanta $ 19.24 5h 30m | |
|
|
| Taxi Phuket - Koh Lanta $ 131.90–476.68 3h – 6h 30m | |
|
|
| Ferry Phuket - Koh Lanta $ 22.21–48.85 1h 30m – 6h 30m | |
|
|
| Van Phuket - Koh Lanta $ 16.58–50.33 2h – 9h | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phuket to Koh Lanta, including current prices and schedules.
The cheapest way is usually a shared van or the combined bus, with booking-platform prices from about $17 to $19 (October 2026). Both take longer than a speedboat.
A speedboat is the fastest, from about 1 hour 30 minutes on the water. Andaman Wave Master's daily speedboat leaves Rassada Pier at 09:15 and arrives at Sala Dan Pier at 11:05.
By boat it takes from about 1 hour 30 minutes, up to around 6 hours 30 minutes with connections. By van, bus or private car expect from about 2 to 9 hours depending on the service, traffic and the car-ferry crossing.
Yes. Vans, buses and cars cross by car ferry from Ban Hua Hin to Ko Lanta Noi, which runs from 06:00 to 22:00. From there the Siri Lanta Bridge leads on to Ko Lanta Yai.
Yes. Rough seas can delay or cancel boats, so the van, bus or a private transfer is the dependable choice when the weather turns.
Boats arrive at Sala Dan Pier, the main pier and business centre of Ko Lanta Yai. Local taxis and tuk-tuks take you on to your resort.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Andaman Wave Master: Ferry Transfer from Phuket to Lanta Island (speedboat timetable and fares). Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: Phuket - Koh Lanta timetable. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [3] Tourism Authority of Thailand: Ko Lanta. Retrieved October 20, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.