How to Get Around Koh Lanta and How to Get There from the Airport

How to get to Koh Lanta from Krabi Airport

Most of us fly into Krabi International Airport (KBV). From there you have to head south and cross over to the island.

Heads up, this one matters! Lanta is an island, but it sits right up against the mainland. You don’t cross on a regular passenger boat: you go over on a vehicle ferry (the kind that carries cars and vans).

Ferry hours: It runs from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The warning: if your flight lands after 8 p.m., there’s a real risk of getting stuck on the mainland, because you won’t make it to the last ferry in time. Keep that in mind when you book your flights.

These are the 2 best ways to get to your hotel:

A. Shared van (the “backpacker” option)

It’s the most popular choice if you’re traveling solo or as a couple and want to save money.

• Price: Around THB 600 per person (about $17).
• How it works: You buy the ticket right there at the airport. The van waits until it fills up (sometimes that’s quick, sometimes it isn’t) and then sets off for the island.
• The honest truth: Get ready for a long ride. The trip takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Why? Because once it reaches the island, the van stops at one hotel after another to drop each passenger off. If you’re last on the list, you get the full tour. And being squeezed in with a lot of people after a flight… let’s just say it doesn’t always smell great.

B. Private transfer (my personal pick)

It might look like a luxury, but trust me: it’s more than worth it.

• Price: THB 2,000 to 2,500 per vehicle (about $57 to $71).
• Why I go for it: It fits up to 6 people with luggage. If you’re traveling as a family or with a group of friends, it works out to the same price per person as the shared van, but you get there in half the time.

You go straight to your hotel with powerful air conditioning, and you can ask the driver to stop at a 7-Eleven on the way to pick up some cold water.

Renting a motorbike on Koh Lanta: the best option

For me, Koh Lanta is the best island in Thailand for riding a motorbike. It has one main road and not much traffic, unlike Phuket or Samui, so it’s pretty simple even for someone with no motorbike experience.

Prices and what they’ll ask you for

• Standard price: The usual rate is about THB 300 a day (about $9) for a 125cc scooter (something like a Honda Click).
• Haggling: If you rent it for a week or a whole month, you can negotiate the price down to THB 200 a day (about $6). Here’s a trick: they’ll give you a worse bike, so take it for a spin, go back, tell them you don’t feel safe on it, and they’ll swap it for a newer, better one at the same price.
• Deposit: Most places will ask you to leave your passport. My advice: try to negotiate a cash deposit instead (usually THB 3,000 to 5,000, or about $86 to $143) plus a photo of your passport. Personally, I never like handing over my original documents.
• Insurance: Before you rent one, check whether your travel medical insurance covers motorbikes. Almost all policies require a valid license and a helmet. My business partner Javier goes through it with the policy in front of him in his SafetyWing review.

What the roads are like (and where to be careful)

In general, riding around the north and the center (Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Nin) is very easy. It’s all flat, with the odd pothole.

⚠️ The exception: if you head south (toward Kantiang Bay and the National Park), things change. The road starts throwing steep hills and tight bends at you. Make sure your brakes work properly before you venture down there.

Lighting: at night, a lot of the side roads are pitch black. Go slowly, because dogs or monkeys sometimes cross in front of you.

The fuel “scam” (bottle vs. gas station)

All over the island you’ll see stalls selling fuel in orange glass bottles (whisky or Hong Thong bottles).

• The bottle: It costs around THB 40 to 50 (about $1 to $1.50). The problem is that it often isn’t a full liter, and the fuel can be “dirty” or watered down. Only use it in an emergency, if you’re stranded.
• The gas station (PTT): There are a couple of big gas stations in the north (near Klong Dao). Fuel costs a lot less there (the real market price) and a liter is an actual liter. Pro tip: fill up the tank at the station on day one and you won’t have to think about refueling for a long time. You’ll also come across a few self-service pumps, but they’re usually empty.

Tuk-tuks: the tourist trap (and when to use them)

Tuk-tuks on Koh Lanta aren’t like the ones in Bangkok. Here they’re motorbikes with a sidecar welded on. They’re fun for a short ride, but they can end up costing you a lot if you don’t know how they work.

The pricing “rip-off”: unlike a normal taxi, here they usually charge PER PERSON, not per vehicle.

The math: if you want to go from Klong Dao to Long Beach (a short ride), they might ask for THB 100 (about $3). But if there are two of you, they’ll charge you THB 200 (about $6). That’s almost what it costs to rent a motorbike for the whole day! On top of that, they usually add an extra charge (around THB 50, about $1.50) for every “beach zone” you cross.

When I’d recommend them

• If you’re going out partying and drinking at night (safety first).
• For very short trips with your luggage when you arrive or leave.
• If you’re a big group and can agree on a fixed “all-in” price before you get on.

Is there Grab or Uber on Koh Lanta?

Short answer: NO. Don’t waste your time opening the app. Here, the local transport “mafia” runs the show (tuk-tuks and private taxis). If you need an air-conditioned car to get around, you’ll have to ask at your hotel’s front desk or haggle with the taxis you see on the street, but get your wallet ready, because they’re not cheap.

Getting around on foot: is it possible?

Only if you’re staying in Klong Dao or at the start of Long Beach. Those areas have sidewalks (more or less), 7-Elevens and restaurants at street level.

For the rest of the island, forget about walking. The distances are long, it’s very hot and the roads have no shoulder for pedestrians, so walking at night is dangerous. If you’re not planning to ride, stay in the north, no question.

Gallery: exploring every corner of Koh Lanta

Summary: which way of getting around should I pick?

• For total freedom and saving money: rent a MOTORBIKE (scooter). It’s the essence of the island.
• If you don’t ride a motorbike: stay in Klong Dao and use tuk-tuks for short distances, or book tours that include pickup.
• Getting to and from the airport: keep it simple. The private transfer is the best investment you can make to start your trip in a good mood.