From Koh Lanta to Railay Beach: Ferry, Boat or Minivan
- Crossing time 50m–1h 45m
- Operators 5
- Departures a day 4
660+ THB
From Koh Lanta to Railay by Ferry, Speedboat or Minivan
Island to Paradise: Navigating from Koh Lanta to Railay
Railay, nestled between Ao Nang and Krabi, attracts globetrotters from around the globe. Its dramatic limestone cliffs jutting out of the glistening waters and pristine beaches. Lodging on the peninsula ranges from backpacker-friendly bungalows to luxurious resorts gracing the western shores of Railay.
As you plan your journey from Ko Lanta to Railay Beach, your starting point is Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta. Here, you can secure your ferry tickets. Koh Lanta consists of two main islands. Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi, separated by a narrow strait. Koh Lanta Yai is the more developed and frequented one. Koh Lanta Noi offers a quieter and more pristine experience.
Before setting off on your Railay adventure, take some time to explore the vibrant souvenir shops. Indulge in delectable treats at the local food stalls near Saladan Pier. Once your departure time arrives, you'll board the ferry. You will embark on a scenic voyage across the Andaman Sea towards Railay Beach.
The distance between Koh Lanta and Railay Beach is easily covered by ferry. It provides an enjoyable sea journey that allows you to relish the awe-inspiring surroundings. Upon arriving at Railay Beach, the iconic limestone cliffs will greet you, setting the stage for your memorable experience. The expansive long beach stretches out before you, offering a tranquil ambiance for relaxation and exploration.
For those arriving at Krabi Airport, Railay is accessible via ferry from Ao Nang. It ensures a seamless transition from the airport to this enchanting peninsula.
How to get to Railay
The peninsula is accessible by boat only due to the high limestone cliffs that cut off the access to the mainland. The nearest airports are Krabi and Phuket as Railay doesn’t have an airport.
There are no cars on Railay, the main way of transportation is by foot. There are few motorcycles and bicycles on the peninsula. So basically getting to Railay from Koh Lanta will be by boat.
From Saladan Pier to Railay Bay
Railay doesn’t have an actual pier, there is no concrete on the beach, there is only the sea, the boats, and white sand.
There are two different trips available to travel from Saladan Pier in Koh Lanta to Railay Bay.
First, you’ll hop on a ferry from Saladan Pier. From there, you'll reach a nearby place to Railay. Then a local longtail boat will pick you up and drop you off on the bay.
The second one is a joint minivan + longtail boat ticket. from Saladan Pier you’ll get on a minivan to reach Ao Nam Mao Pier in Ao Nang.
Best time to visit
From November to April starts the high season on Railay. The sky is clear and blue, the sea is calm, and you get to enjoy the warm sunny weather. From Mid-December to Mid-February is the peak season. Railay becomes crowded with different people from all around the world and the lodging prices become higher.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.
Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.
To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.
Please note:
Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.
To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.
Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
Bali Ferry :
Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.
If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.
