The five options at a glance
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | One vehicle from the airport to the hotel | Priced per car, so it suits groups better than solo travellers |
| Shared minivan | Travelling light on a flexible day | Services listed in guides often start in Krabi, so you may need two legs |
| Boat from Phuket | Travellers who like the sea route | Seasonal, starts from a pier, and takes a long part of the day |
| Taxi or ride-hailing app | Deciding on the spot | 205 km and a ferry: agree the full fare first, or check the app offers it |
| Rental car | Staying long and exploring the island | Left-hand traffic, ferry queues and where to return the car |
Fares and timetables for everything except the private transfer change, so check them on the day.
Private transfer
The driver meets you at Gate 2 next to Exit 2 for international flights, or at Gate A for domestic ones. The car takes the ferry and goes on to your hotel, without a change of vehicle. The price is fixed per car, from 5,299 THB for a sedan to 7,199 THB for a VIP minibus. The car ferry fare is not included and is paid separately. The ferry has operating hours, so check them if you land late. The route page has the booking details and the price page the figures.
Shared minivan
Shared minivans use the same car ferry, and travel agents sell tickets. Guides list the minivan services mainly from Krabi, not from Phuket airport, so check where yours starts and whether you would need to reach Krabi first. Expect pick-ups and drop-offs on the way, and fit your bags to the seat you are given. This route usually takes longer than a private car.
Boat from Phuket
Passenger boats run between Phuket and Ko Lanta in the high season, often calling at Phi Phi, and guides describe them as running from roughly November to April. They leave from Rassada Pier on the east side of Phuket Town, not from the airport, and the whole trip takes a good part of a day. Weather and season decide whether a boat runs at all, so check the current timetable and book ahead for your date.
Taxi or ride-hailing app
A taxi at the airport can be hired for a long trip, but this one is 205 km and ends with a ferry. Settle the full fare, and who pays the ferry, before the car moves. An app ride this long is unusual, so check whether the app offers it, what it shows as the price, and whether a driver will accept the booking.
Rental car
A rental car makes sense if you are staying for weeks and want to explore the island. Ask the rental company whether the car may take the ferry and be returned elsewhere, check the licence rules, and plan for ferry queues. Traffic keeps to the left. If you only need to reach the hotel, a transfer is simpler, and you can rent a vehicle on the island later.
Which one to pick
- Landing in the afternoon or evening, with luggage or children: private transfer.
- One light bag and a lot of time: shared minivan.
- Travelling in the high season and enjoying the sea: boat from Phuket.
- Staying long and exploring: a transfer now, a rental later.
Questions about this transfer
What is the cheapest way from Phuket airport to Koh Lanta?
A shared minivan or a boat usually costs less for one traveller, but both take longer and have their own timetable. Compare the current fares and times before you choose.
Can I get to Koh Lanta from the airport late at night?
A private transfer runs 24/7, but the car ferry has operating hours, and guides say it runs until around 10 pm. Check the last departure for your date and send us your flight number.
Do boats run to Koh Lanta all year?
Guides describe the Phuket boats as a high-season service, roughly November to April. Road routes with the car ferry run all year, subject to the ferry schedule.
Do I need to book a private transfer in advance?
Yes, book with your flight number, the name of your Koh Lanta hotel with a map pin, and the car size. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal.
How long does it take in a direct car?
About 3 hours for the 205 km, plus any queue at the ferry pier.