Koh Lanta Car Ferry: What to Know Before You Cross

The car ferry (vehicle ferry) is a short crossing that connects the mainland route to Koh Lanta, carrying cars, minivans, motorbikes and their passengers across a narrow stretch of water near the island. It's a different service from the direct passenger ferries that run from Krabi in high season. This is the crossing built into the road route, and it operates far more consistently across the year, which is exactly why it becomes the main way onto the island outside the November–April ferry season.

If you're arriving by private transfer, taxi, or minivan, the driver handles the car ferry crossing as part of the trip. You'll typically stay in or near the vehicle for a short wait and a brief crossing, then continue by road. It's a normal, low-stress part of getting to Koh Lanta and not something most travellers need to book separately.

If you're driving or riding a rented motorbike yourself (for instance, arriving from Krabi town independently), you'll queue at the pier, pay a small crossing fee for the vehicle, and cross with your bike or car on board, crossings run frequently through the day rather than to a fixed timetable most of the time. Fees vary by vehicle type and aren't something we publish as a fixed number here since they can change; expect a modest cost for a motorbike and more for a car.

Expect some waiting time at busy periods, and follow signage and staff directions at the pier when driving on. If you're on a motorbike, ride on and off carefully, as ramps and decks can be wet and slippery.

Because the crossing is part of the road route, it is the reason the island is reachable by road even without an airport.

Frequently asked questions