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Koh Lanta lies southeast of Phuket, along Thailand's Andaman coast. It trades the crowds for long, quiet beaches and a slower pace. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket at $16 (525 THB), and the ride takes 4h 15m - 9h 10m. The ferry crosses direct in 40m - 5h. There's also a shared minivan, and a private transfer if you'd rather not share.
Distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Koh Lanta and Phuket are about 80 km (50 miles) apart. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 40m and 9h 10m.
5 ways to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket
There are five ways to travel from Koh Lanta to Phuket. You can choose between the bus, minivan, indirect ferry + van, ferry, and private transport. The journey takes 40m–5h 30m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $16 (525 THB).
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Koh Lanta to Phuket by Bus + Ferry
*The last time we checked (October 2024), there were no available combined buses and ferries from Koh Lanta to Phuket. Please click the link provided to see if anything has changed.
Are you travelling on a budget? Travelling by land and ferry takes a few more hours, but saves you some money.
If you are prone to seasickness, this alternative might also be better. You only have to take a 30-minute ferry in the first part of the trip from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry will depart from Saladan Pier, about 25 minutes away from Koh Lanta.
This ferry will then arrive at the Hua in Pier, north of Phuket. From there, you will be transferred to a bus which will bring you in about 4.5 hours to Phuket Bus Terminal 1 station.
The ticket below is for a combined bus and ferry ride, which means you don’t need to buy separate tickets. Goodluck Lanta Tour offers this trip every other day.
Combined Bus + Ferry Schedule from Koh Lanta to Phuket*
Bus + Ferry tickets are available on Bookaway.
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Koh Lanta to Phuket costs around $16 (542 THB). The minivan journey takes about 5h 30m - 8h 10m, depending on traffic.
There is one company operating on this route: Goodluck Lanta.
Note that this includes a short ferry ride from Koh Lanta to the mainland.
Shared Minivan schedule from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Indirect Ferry + Van
There is also an option to take an indirect ferry and van via Krabi. This allows you to spend some time in Krabi (if you haven't already) before continuing to Phuket.
Combined prices start from $17 (578 THB) and travel time is around 5h 30m - 6h 10m.
Step 1: Koh Lanta to Krabi by Minivan + Ferry
The first step includes booking a minivan ride from Koh Lanta to Krabi. Conveniently, a minivan picks up guests from any hotel on the island. Just make sure you book a ticket going to Krabi Bus Terminal and not Krabi Airport.
The trip will take about 2h 30m - 3h 10m and the last stop is at the Krabi Bus Terminal. From the terminal, you can hop on a bus to Phuket.
Make sure you align this trip with the bus departures for your next transfer.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Step 2: Krabi to Phuket by Bus or Minivan
From Krabi, you can take either a bus or a minivan going to Phuket. Luckily, there are many van trips for this route.
The direct bus/van departs from Krabi Bus Terminal and takes 3h of travel to reach Phuket. Ticket starts at $7.40 (246 THB) per person for this trip.
The last stop for both options is at the Phuket Bus Terminal 1.
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Booking Tip
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Ferry
Travelling by ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket is the fastest option. It can be pricey but you will reach your destination in just 40m - 5h while having a scenic view of the vast and beautiful Andaman Sea.
Departure and arrival stations
The ferry from Koh Lanta to Phuket departs from Saladan Pier, which is a 25-minute drive away from Koh Lanta centre.
The seven companies offering this direct ferry trip from Koh Lanta to Phuket are TigerlineSirilanta, Lanta Petpailin, Goodluck Lanta, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat, Jolly Travel and Bundhaya Speedboat.
Satun Pakbara company offers free pick-up in many areas of Koh Lanta. Please check their booking page for the areas and hotels that include free pickup.
The final stop of the ferries is at Rassada Pier in Phuket, which is 5 km away from Phuket town.
Ferry schedule from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Booking Tip
There also used to be a 4-hour slow ferry for this route, operated by Andaman Wave Master. However, there is still no update on their operations.
Ferries operate less frequently during the low season (May-October), so always double-check the schedule on the provided link.
Booking your tickets online is often cheaper than at a local travel agent and also assures you of a seat on your preferred ferry.
Koh Lanta to Phuket by Private Transport
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
Rates start from $150 (4,920 THB) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $50 (1,640 THB) per person. Travel time is around 4h 30m - 5h 30m.
Private Transport options from Koh Lanta to Phuket
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Koh Lanta to Phuket, roughly 80 kilometres (50 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $16 (525 THB). The quickest trip takes 40m.
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 Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The distance from Koh Lanta to Phuket is 80 kilometres (50 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
Journey times from Koh Lanta to Phuket overlap: bus + ferry 4h 15m - 9h 10m, shared minivan 5h 30m - 8h 10m, indirect ferry + van 5h 30m - 6h 10m, ferry 40m - 5h, private transport 4h 30m - 5h 30m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Lanta to Phuket is by bus with ticket costs starting from 525 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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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
