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Koh Lanta is a long, laid-back island on Thailand's Andaman coast, 701 kilometres (436 miles) from Bangkok. Its west side is one beach after another, and the old town on the east keeps its stilted shophouses. Flying is the quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, taking 3h 30m - 4h with the onward transfer included. By land, the train is the cheapest option at $25 (828 THB), though it takes 13h 30m - 19h 30m.
Distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Bangkok and Koh Lanta are about 701 km (436 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 836 km by road. The quickest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is by taking the flight + minivan, which takes around 3h 30m - 4h.
3 ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta
There are three ways to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. You can choose between the train, flight, and bus. The journey takes 3h 30m–13h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $25 (828 THB).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Bangkok→Suratthani9h 30m
- Suratthani→Koh Lanta4h
2 legs — see itinerary
- Bangkok→Krabi1h 30m
- Krabi→Koh Lanta2h
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Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Train + Minivan
Travelling by train from Bangkok to Koh Lanta can be a great adventure if you have the time to spend and want to take in the sights.
However, this option will take 13h 30m - 19h 30m and it involves a transfer in Surat Thani. First, you’ll need to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there, you can book a bus that goes from Surat Thani to Krabi, where you will be transferred to a minivan going to Koh Lanta.
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
The nearest train station to Koh Lanta is Surat Thani Railway Station. You can book a second-class sleeper berth so that you don’t lose a day travelling.
These trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station at 18:30 and 19:30 and travel during the night.
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Koh Lanta by Minivan
There are four minivan companies operating on this route: Sapthaweephol Tour and Travel, Phantip 1970, 12Go Transport and Phangan Tour 2000. If you want to travel this route in one go, we recommend booking in advance to secure your tickets.
The journey takes about 4h - 7h 30m and you can expect to pay $17 (568 THB) for this leg of the journey.
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Flight + Minivan
Flying is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. However, Koh Lanta doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airport to Koh Lanta is Krabi Airport.
This route description includes the 1.5-hour flight from Bangkok to Krabi as well as the 3-hour minivan/bus journey from Krabi to Koh Lanta. This bus ride includes the transfer on the ferry to Krabi.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Flight
There are many daily flights going to Krabi from Bangkok. Low-cost carriers such as Air Asia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air offer flights departing from either Don Muang Airport (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).
All flights will land at the Krabi Airport (KBV). The cost of a one-way ticket starts at $21 (700 THB). Because Krabi is a popular tourist destination there are often many promotions, albeit they can still be high during the peak season.
For the best ticket price, check the Skyscanner link below.
More information can be found by visiting our route page from Bangkok to Krabi.
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan
The Bus Cooperative of Krabi company offers minivan transfers from the Krabi Airport (KBV) to Koh Lanta.
These minivans depart as early as 08:00 until 16:30 with prices starting at $10 (342 THB) per person.
The minivan will drive onto the ferry and bring you to Koh Lanta within 2h - 2h 30m. The exact travel time is unpredictable because it depends on the length of the queue at Hua Hin Pier.
If you want to secure your transfer beforehand, we recommend booking your minivan ride online. This already includes a free drop-off to your hotel on the island.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Bangkok to Koh Lanta by Bus
Instead of travelling by plane, you can travel by bus from Bangkok to Koh Lanta.
Several companies offer bus and ferry options from Bangkok to Koh Lanta. Combined prices start from $35 (1,143 THB).
Bangkok to Koh Lanta
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 1: Bangkok to Krabi by Bus
The Lignite Tours which offers 4 night-time trips daily departs from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. On the other hand, the Transport Co. bus departs from Mochit Terminal.
Both bus stations are approximately 10 km from Bangkok city centre. However, Bangkok Southern Terminal (Sai Ta Mai) is more convenient to reach because it is connected to Bangkok’s metro system. By taxi, it will take you about 20-30 minutes to reach either of the two bus terminals from Bangkok city centre.
Both buses arrive at the Krabi Bus Terminal and the journey takes 11h - 16h 30m.
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Step 2: Krabi to Koh Lanta by Minivan
Minivans depart from the bus terminal in Krabi every two hours from 08:00 to 16:00. This is the same terminal as where the buses from Bangkok arrive.
The journey includes the ferry to Koh Lanta and you can buy your tickets at the bus terminal. The total travel time from Krabi to Koh Lanta is around 1h 30m - 4h 45m. Prices start from $9.40 (312 THB).
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta
Here are our favourite places to stay in Koh Lanta for every budget.
BudgetSleep In Lanta Resort
Sleep In Lanta Resort is incredible value for money. Rooms start at $13 per night and this place has a swimming pool! The refreshing pool is surrounded by greenery and sunloungers, making it the perfect place to cool off.
The rooms are bright, spacious and surprisingly luxurious considering the price of the resort. It's only a short walk to Klong Klong Beach and the staff are amazing.
- Swimming pool
- Amazing staff
- Spacious and comfortable rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start at $13 per night.
BudgetSweet Life Community Guesthouse
Located in Old Town Lanta, staying here will give you a firsthand experience of life in a small fishing village. You can enjoy the amazing views of the village and surrounding islands from this excellent location. We highly recommend spending a little extra and getting a room with a balcony!
The staff are extremely friendly and welcoming. The rooms are cosy, bright and very clean. They also offer beautifully designed community areas with a kitchen, living room and an on-site coffee shop.
- Great location
- Excellent sea and village views
- Comfortable and clean
- Friendly staff
Rooms start at $16 per night.
Mid-RangeGreen Pepper
Owned by the same family as Sweet Life Guesthouse (one of our budget-friendly accommodations) Green Pepper is a tad more expensive. Those extra few dollars go a long way though. The resort's design is unbelievably beautiful and the little details put a smile on your face!
There are so many relaxing chill-out areas, and the hosts go above and beyond to ensure you have the perfect stay. That includes the cooking class that they run with charismatic chef, Mon!
- Onsite cooking class
- Stunning design
- Amazing hosts
- Close to Long Beach
Private rooms start at $33 per night.
Mid-RangeLanta Happy Hill
Surrounded by greenery and lush gardens, Lanta Happy Hill is the perfect place to relax on Koh Lanta. A short walk from a local beach and a 5-minute drive from Long Beach, you get a secluded vibe without being too far from civilisation.
Rooms aren't just rooms here, they're bungalows with their own balcony. They're spacious, thoughtfully designed and comfortable. Ying the owner will make sure you have the perfect stay here.
- Cosy bungalows
- Close to the beach
- Surrounded by nature
- Amazing owner
Bungalows start from $31 per night.
Treat YourselfThe Mantra Navi
The Mantra Navi is a brand new and small hotel that offers a comfortable stay on Koh Lanta. The rooms are spacious, ultra-modern and very bright. The floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights in the bathrooms really add a magical touch.
The lush gardens surrounding the hotel are beautiful and perfect to overlook from your private balcony. Staying here puts you only 200m from Long Beach, and the owners are there to help you to get anywhere else.
- Ideal location
- Brand new and modern
- Garden and terrace area
- Big comfortable beds
Rooms start at $80 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Koh Lanta?
Koh Lanta is a laidback archipelago on Thailand’s southwest coast. It’s made up of 52 islands, but you’ll probably spend most of your time on the two main islands: Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi.
You can enjoy mostly empty beaches, visit different islands every day, chase waterfalls, and just be in awe of the beauty of unspoiled nature in Koh Lanta. Besides beach bumming, you can get lost in Mu Koh Lanta National Park, explore the island's Old Town, or even practise the art of Muay Thai fighting.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Bangkok to Koh Lanta, roughly 701 kilometres (436 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $25 (828 THB). The quickest trip takes 3h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is 701 kilometres (436 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is by flight and takes 3h 30m - 4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Koh Lanta is by train with ticket costs starting from 828 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
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