In short
- Ferry costs 30 to 40 THB and takes 35 to 45 minutes.
- Speedboats cost 150 to 250 THB and take 15 to 20 minutes.
- Ferries go to main piers, while speedboats can drop you at beaches.
In this article
Your transport choice to Coral Island depends on your budget and tolerance for waves. Both options depart from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. You pay for tickets in cash right at the pier.
How much is the ferry to Coral Island?
The public ferry costs 30 to 40 THB per person each way.
You do not need to book ferry tickets in advance. Pay in cash at the counter or as you board. The ferry drops passengers at either Na Ban Pier or Tawaen Pier. First departures start regularly from 7:00 AM.
How long does the ferry take?
The standard ferry crossing takes 35 to 45 minutes.
This is the slower option but offers a smooth ride. It is ideal if you want to save money or get motion sickness easily. The large boat handles waves better than small speedboats.
How much is a speedboat from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn?
A shared speedboat ticket ranges from 150 to 250 THB per person.
Speedboats cut the travel time down to 15 to 20 minutes. Many shared speedboats bypass the main piers and take you directly to various beaches on the island. You pay in cash before boarding.
Are speedboats comfortable?
Speedboats are much faster but the ride can be very bumpy.
Your comfort depends heavily on sea conditions. If the water is rough, the boat will bounce across the waves. Pack motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to boat rides.
Koh Larn ferry vs speedboat: Which is better?
Choose the ferry for a cheap, smooth ride and the speedboat for speed.
If you want to save your budget for beach chairs or lunch, take the 30 THB ferry. If you want maximum beach time and skip the island truck taxis, take a speedboat.
| Feature | Public Ferry | Shared Speedboat |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 30 to 40 THB | 150 to 250 THB |
| Travel Time | 35 to 45 minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Drop-off | Na Ban or Tawaen Pier | Direct to various beaches |
| Ride Quality | Smooth | Bumpy in rough seas |
Can I book transport in a day tour?
Yes, organized day tours include round-trip speedboat transfers from Pattaya.
Day trips generally cost from 800 THB. They bundle your boat ride, hotel pickup, and activities like snorkeling or parasailing. This removes the need to negotiate speedboat prices at the pier.
Questions travellers ask
Where do I catch the boat to Koh Larn?
Both ferries and shared speedboats depart from Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya. Read more in our guide on Reaching Coral Island.
Do I need cash for the boats?
Yes. You must pay for both the public ferry and shared speedboats in cash using small baht denominations.
Does the ferry go to all beaches?
No. The ferry only goes to Na Ban Pier or Tawaen Pier. You will need a shared songthaew taxi for about 40 THB to reach other beaches.
