The ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta is one of the most enjoyable legs of an Andaman island-hopping journey — roughly 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes across clear water, with the limestone cliffs of the Phi Phi archipelago receding behind you and the long green ridge of Koh Lanta coming into view ahead. The service runs in high season only, typically November to April, connecting Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don with Saladan Pier at the north end of Koh Lanta Yai.
Which service to use
Several operators run the Phi Phi–Koh Lanta route in high season, including Ao Nang Princess and smaller local ferry companies. These are passenger-only vessels — smaller than the big ferries from the mainland — carrying perhaps 50–150 people. The route sometimes operates as part of a longer island-hop from Ao Nang or Krabi: the ferry may have originated further north, called at Phi Phi to pick up passengers, and continue south to Lanta. In that case you board at Tonsai and disembark at Saladan, sharing the boat with through-passengers.
In peak season (December to February), it is worth confirming your seat the evening before, either at the Tonsai pier ticket booth or through your guesthouse. Departures typically run in the morning, and sometimes a second service in the early afternoon — check the current timetable on the day before you travel, as schedules shift across the season.
Departure from Tonsai Pier, Phi Phi Don
Tonsai Pier is the main pier on Phi Phi Don, right at the south end of the main village. You cannot miss it — the village's "Walking Street" leads directly to the pier, flanked by travel agencies and guesthouses. Buy your ticket at the pier or from a travel agency in the village; prices are the same or very close either way. Turn up at least 20–30 minutes before departure as the pier can be busy in high season and baggage loading takes time. If you have time before you leave, Visit Thailand's guide to the Phi Phi Islands covers the viewpoint, Maya Bay and the dive sites.
Longtail boats are the way to reach Tonsai from other parts of the island (Loh Dalum Bay, Loh Moo Dee, Ton Sai Bay's quieter corners). Your guesthouse can arrange one, or flag one down from the beach. Allow 10–15 minutes for the longtail transfer to Tonsai if you are not already in the village.
Arriving at Saladan Pier, Koh Lanta
Saladan Pier sits at the northern tip of Koh Lanta Yai, at the edge of Saladan village — the island's main commercial hub, with guesthouses, tour agencies, motorbike hire, supermarkets and a small fish market. Most ferries from Phi Phi and Krabi arrive here. Transport south along Koh Lanta's west coast beaches (Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Khong, Klong Nin) is by songthaew or motorbike taxi; your accommodation can often arrange a pick-up if you let them know your arrival time.
Koh Lanta Yai is about 30 km from top to bottom, so where you are staying on the island matters when it comes to onward transport from Saladan. If you are heading to somewhere near the southern tip, expect a 40–50 minute ride. Koh Lanta is a quieter, more spread-out island than Phi Phi; Visit Thailand's Koh Lanta guide is a good primer on the beaches and where to base yourself.
Monsoon season: high season only
This route operates in high season only. The Andaman monsoon (approximately May to October) makes the open crossing between Phi Phi and Koh Lanta too rough for the passenger ferries, and services are suspended. In low season, the alternatives are to travel to the mainland (back to Krabi or across to Ao Nang) and then take the year-round minivan-and-car-ferry combination to Koh Lanta — see our guide on Krabi to Koh Lanta for that route.
If you are travelling in October or early November, check with operators whether the direct Phi Phi–Lanta service has started for the season before assuming it runs.
Onwards from Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta is a good base for further island-hopping south. In high season, Tigerline Ferry and other operators run services down through Koh Ngai (Hai), Koh Mook, Koh Kradan and Koh Bulon towards Koh Lipe and Pak Bara on the mainland. See our guide on Koh Lanta to Koh Lipe for that route — it runs high season only and is one of the most rewarding island chains on the Thai Andaman coast.
If you are coming south from Phuket and stopping at Phi Phi before Lanta, the full picture is covered in our guide on Phuket to Koh Phi Phi. For the Krabi end of the chain, see Krabi to Koh Phi Phi. The broader Andaman ferry network is summarised in our overview at ferries to the Thai islands.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta take?
In high season the crossing takes approximately 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the vessel and sea conditions. Speedboats are occasionally available and faster, but the standard passenger ferry is comfortable and sufficient for the distance.
When does the Phi Phi to Koh Lanta ferry run?
High season only — roughly November to April. The Andaman monsoon (May to October) makes this crossing impractical, and services are suspended. In low season, travel via the mainland using the minivan route from Krabi or Ao Nang to Koh Lanta.
Where do I buy the ticket for Phi Phi to Koh Lanta?
At the ticket booth at Tonsai Pier, or from travel agencies in Phi Phi village. Prices are generally the same. In peak season (December to early February), buy your ticket the night before to be sure of a seat on your chosen departure.
Do I need to pay the national park fee again when leaving Phi Phi?
The national park entrance fee is typically charged on arrival at Phi Phi, not on departure. Keep your receipt, though, as conditions on individual boats can vary. Check at the pier when you buy your onward ticket.
Sources and further reading:
- Ao Nang Princess (aonangprincess.com) — island-hopping timetables including Phi Phi–Lanta.
- Local ferry operators at Tonsai Pier, Phi Phi Don.
- Tigerline Ferry (tigerlinetravel.com) — combined island-hop routes.
- Thai Meteorological Department (tmd.go.th) — Andaman weather and monsoon status.