Are you wondering which is the best, quickest or the cheapest route to take to get from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta? Then I think I can help. In this post, I’ll share with you my tips on how to make the journey.
You can get from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by both land and sea. The cheapest and favoured route is to take the bus overland and cross into Koh Lanta on the bridge. But during the peak season, you could instead choose to travel by speedboat which is much more fun, or by ferry via Koh Phi Phi. So keep on reading to find out the best method for you. Along with the names, timetables; (updated in 2023), where you should book tickets to get the lowest price and more useful information.
Mini Van From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta
Having made this journey myself too many times to count. I would recommend travelling from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by road, as the most convenient and cheapest form of transport. The drive is 85 kilometres, taking three hours.
There is only one bus running each day, but don’t worry, if the first bus is full but there is still a demand, then another minibus will be dispatched.
The bus leaves at 11:00 am from Ao Nang and arrives in Koh Lanta at 2:00 pm.
A ticket for the minivan from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta will cost between 350 Baht to 500 Baht a person, depending on the season you’re travelling in. The minibus collects you right from your hotel, which is convenient. But also means that there are no ticket booths to buy a ticket, so booking online is a must. I have found that the best prices with a local travel firm called 12GO, you can check the latest rates and book tickets here.
If you find a cheaper site to book tickets, do let me know in the comments below. You will also be dropped off at your hotel in Koh Lanta, rather than at a central location. The minivan is a door-to-door service.
Minivans run all year round, here is the timetable and schedule for land transport from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta.
| Minivan Timetable | Leave Ao Nang | Arrive at Koh Lanta | Ticket Cost | Booking |
| Time | 11:00 am | 2:00 pm | 500 Baht | BOOK NOW |
There is some outdated information kicking around online that suggests you’ll need to take the car ferry into Ao Nang. But that’s incorrect. You can drive to Koh Lanta, and there is a bridge from the mainland into Lanta. The ‘Koh Lanta Bridge’ was opened in 2016.
Benefits Of Travelling By Minivan
- Quickest travel time compared to boat
- Free collection from your accommodation in Ao Nang
- Direct route with no stop overs
- Cheaper ticket prices compared to boat
You can book tickets for the minivan from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta here.
Private Taxi Transfer From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta
The travel times using the shared minivan can be a little restrictive, with a single departure each day. So if you want to get up and go early in the morning or enjoy an extra day in Ao Nang, travelling to Koh Lanta in the evening then you’ll need to arrange a private taxi.
It costs 3,000 Baht for a private taxi from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta, and you can book this with 12GO.asia.
Or take to the streets and see if you can haggle with the cab drivers you’ll find parked up near the beach. But in my experience I’ve found drivers will quote a much higher price in person. Typically closer to 4,500 Baht.
Speedboat From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta
Travelling by speedboat is the most fun but it’s also the most expensive. Speedboats run from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta during Thailands peak season only, which is from November until April. It’s isn’t a route which is in high demand either so there is no direct connection by speedboat. You’ll find yourself passing by Phi Phi Island, and Koh Yao Islands before arriving at Koh Lanta.
The speedboat runs just once per day, leaving Nopparatthara Pier at 9:30 am and arriving to Saladan Pier at 12:30 in the afternoon. Ticket cost 1,200 Baht.
Ao Nang to Koh Lanta By Speedboat Timetable
| Speedboat Timetable | Leave Ao Nang | Arrive at Koh Lanta | Ticket Cost | Booking |
| Time | 09:30 am | 12:30 pm | 1,200 Baht | BOOK NOW |
Ferry From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta
Ferries leave from Nopparatthara Pier in Ao Nang, but there are no direct sailings to Koh Lanta. Instead, you must transfer at Phi Phi Island which in between Ao Nang and Koh Lanta.
You’ll need to book these tickets separately, and you will have a few hours to kill in Phi Phi Island. Which isn’t the worst thing that could happen. If you decide to travel from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta by ferry and find yourself connection in Phi Phi, you can read my guide to the best things to do in Phi Phi Island here.
Ferry Timetable Ao Nang to Phi Phi Island
| Ferry Timetable | Leave Ao Nang | Arrive at Phi Phi | Ticket Cost | Booking |
| Time | 09:00 am | 10:30 am | 450 Baht | BOOK NOW |
Ferry Timetable Phi Phi Island to Ao Nang
| Ferry Timetable | Leave Phi Phi | Arrive at Koh Lanta | Ticket Cost | Booking |
| Ferry | 3:00 pm | 4:00 pm | 400 Baht | BOOK NOW |
| Speedboat | 1:30 pm | 2:30 pm | 700 Baht | BOOK NOW |
So in total, the ferry from Ao Nang to Koh Lanta takes 7 hours, which includes a 3-hour layover in Koh Phi Phi. And you’ll spend 850 Baht buying ferry tickets for both legs. There is only one pier on Phi Phi Island and both ferries arrive at and leave from the same port, making the transfer simple. There is also a luggage storage at the pier on Phi Phi Island if you want to drop your bags and explore while you wait. It’s cost 50 Baht to store each bag.
Conclusion
Travelling by minivan is the most logical route, but if you want to squeeze in some sightseeing along the way, then travelling by sea might be better for you. Enjoy your stay in Koh Lanta, it’s an epic island. Be sure to check out my other travel guides for Islands nearby Koh Lanta:
Useful Information Getting From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta
Can I Take a Longtail Boat From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta?
Yes, you could make the crossing on a long-tail boat, but there is no reason too. The trip would cost around 6,000 Baht and would be uncomfortable, albeit authentic.
Is There A Bridge In Koh Lanta?
Yes, the Koh Lanta Bridge was opened in April 2016. After the bridge opened demand for ferry routes and speedboats plummeted, which is why driving is now the most convenient method of transport. The bridge links Koh Lanta Yai to mainland Krabi and car ferries no longer operate.
What Is The Distance From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta?
Ao Nang and Koh Lanta Island are both part of Thailand’s Krabi province. They are 85 Kilometres apart from each other, by road.
Where Can I Book The Bus From Ao Nang To Koh Lanta?
You can book the minibus online with 12GO Asia, there are no ticket sellers in person so making a reservation online is a must. You will also have a free collection from your hotel. Book Here.
What Is The Name Of The Pier In Ao Nang?
The main pier in Ao Nang is called Nopparatthara Pier. It is the main hub and departure location for all ferries and speedboats leaving and arriving at Ao Nang.
What Is The Name Of The Pier In Koh Lanta?
Saladan Pier is the main pier on Koh Lanta Island, its located in Saladan village on the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai. You’ll be able to arrange a transfer to the pier with your hotel. There are facilities here such as; restaurants, coffee shops, ATMs and public toilets.
How Much Is A Taxi From Ao Nang to Koh Lanta
Other that chartering a private boat, its the most expensive method of transport. You can book a cab online which will cost 3,000 Baht or you can meet with a driver in person. In my experience it’s cheaper to book online, I was quoted 4,500 Baht when trying to find a taxi locally.
