Koh Lanta islands are among the most beautiful in Thailand. Dotted with miles of beaches and fantastic snorkeling spots, Koh Lanta has everything you’d expect from a paradise destination in Thailand, but is much quieter than other famous islands. Although Koh Lanta consists of three islands, Koh Lanta Yai is the most visited because it is the most developed in terms of tourism. Therefore, you will definitely stay on this island. Once you’ve enjoyed the beaches, you can head to Krabi Airport to travel to Bangkok and explore the big city or other places in Asia. Or maybe Krabi is your place of home as there are many flights from its airport during the season. Read on to find out the best way to get from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport.
Find out more:
• From Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport by speedboat and van
• From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by van
• From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by taxi
• From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by ferry
• From Krabi to Koh Lanta (Guide)
• From Ao Nang to Koh Lanta (guide)
A car ferry that covers the short distance between the mainland and Koh Lanta Noi © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Travel options from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport
The distance from Koh Lanta to Krabi airport is quite short. The road is only 72 kilometers, and the distance would be even less if you could go in a straight line. Although Koh Lanta is an island, it is not far from the mainland, so it is very easy and quick to get there. This also means that as a paradise destination, Koh Lanta can attract many travelers who do not like boating, as the ferry crossing is very short compared to other popular routes. If you like to travel by boat, you can also take a longer trip by water. But if you’re heading towards Krabi Airport, the easiest option might be a van or a taxi. We will then give details of each mode of transport so that you can make the best decision.
From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by speedboat and van
There are several reasons why you might not want to travel by speedboat from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport. Firstly, these boats sail only during the peak season, that is between November and April. At other times of the year they cannot sail because the sea is too rough. Even in high season, there are days when the sea is not in optimal sailing conditions and fast boats stop at the harbor for safety reasons. If you buy tickets in advance, it can be a big hassle.
Still, taking a fast boat from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport has its advantages as well. For starters, it is possible to purchase a combined ticket for the entire cruise, not just for the boat trip. This ticket includes pick-up by van from your hotel in Koh Lanta, transfer to the port, transfer to Krabi Pier and a 45-minute van ride to Krabi Airport. The boat ride takes no more than 15 minutes and offers fantastic views. If you like speed, you will definitely like it.
From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by van
The van journey also includes a short ferry crossing © Andrey Burstein / Shutterstock.com
Traveling by van from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport is always a safe option as vans run all year round, whatever the weather. This solution also includes the ferry section. The good thing is that the ferry crossing is short, takes about half an hour and runs all year round.
You can buy combo tickets from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport that include a van and ferry crossing online 12Go.asia. The trip lasts approximately 2.5 hours in total. There are several travel agencies that offer their tickets through 12Go with different departure times each day.
From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by taxi
Toyota vehicle commonly used as a van in Thailand © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
Another option is a taxi, which offers more flexibility as you can request a pick-up from any hotel in Koh Lanta at any time of the day. Instead of sticking to fixed schedules, you can leave the hotel whenever you want and arrive at Krabi Airport in time to catch your flight. Taxis also have the advantage of being faster than vans as they cover the journey in around two hours. Instead of making stops along the way, as is the case with vans, taxis go directly to the airport.
Taxis are of course more expensive than vans as they allow you to enjoy a private service. However, there are several types of vehicles available when booking a taxi, so you can choose the one that best suits your situation. For example, if you are traveling with a group of friends or family, you can choose a 9-seater van. Sharing the cost among everyone, the price per person is quite cheap and can even be cheaper than a shared van service.
From Koh Lanta to Krabi airport by ferry
We have already talked about the fact that the fast boat is only available during the season, but there is another option you can consider. There is a standard ferry service that also operates in high season and does not offer its services in low season. Instead of a half-hour crossing, this route is much longer, as it departs from Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta. You can also buy combo tickets through 12Go which include this section of the ferry and a van transfer to Krabi Airport. The ferry that goes to Krabi Town takes about two hours to get there. If we add the transfer to the airport, the trip will take about three hours in total.
A boat ride can be relaxing and provide great views, but it’s the slowest option to get from Koh Lanta to Krabi Airport. It’s inexpensive, and if you’re not in a hurry, it can be a good way to make your trip. Please note that during low season, neither ferries nor fast boats operate, but ferries that make the short journey to Koh Lanta operate all year round.