Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn 2026: Ferry, Speedboat, the Two Piers and the Last Ferry Back

Koh Larn is the island off Pattaya that most visitors pick for a day at the beach. This guide explains the three ways to cross from Bali Hai Pier to Koh Larn, the ferry, the shared speedboat and a private charter, with the 2026 fares and journey times, the difference between the island's two piers, how to plan around the last ferry back, how to get about once you land, and which beach suits which kind of day.

Koh Larn ferries and speedboats leave from Bali Hai Pier

Koh Larn (Ko Lan) lies off the coast of Pattaya and is the standard choice for a day trip to the sea. Both the ferry and the speedboats leave from Bali Hai Pier, at the southern end of Pattaya Beach, just past Walking Street.

From your hotel to the pier you can take a songthaew (the shared pick-up trucks that run around town), a ride-hailing app such as Bolt or Grab, or a private transfer. Following a revision in April 2026, a songthaew ride within Pattaya costs 15 to 20 THB per person depending on the distance.

Three ways to cross: ferry, shared speedboat or charter

The Koh Larn ferry

The ferry fare is reported to have risen from 30 THB to 40 THB on 10 April 2026. Adults and children pay the same, and the increase is described as the first in 16 years.

Ferries run to one of two piers on the island, Na Baan or Tawaen, and the destination depends on the sailing. As a rough guide, departures run from around 7 am until late afternoon, roughly every one to two hours. Published timetables differ slightly from one source to another, so check the board at Bali Hai Pier on the day before you buy your ticket.

The Koh Larn speedboat (shared)

Shared speedboats between Bali Hai Pier and Koh Larn have had a fixed price since 23 September 2023: 150 THB one way and 300 THB return. The price was agreed between Pattaya City and Banglamung District, and private charters are not covered by it. Some articles still quote 150 to 200 THB, so confirm the fare before you board.

If you buy a return ticket, check at the time of purchase where and when you board for the trip back.

Private speedboat charter

A charter suits groups and families who would rather not watch the clock. You set the departure time, pick the beach and decide when you return. How charter pricing works, and how the cost splits by group size, is covered in our separate article on speedboat charter prices in Pattaya.

Na Baan pier or Tawaen pier?

If you plan to spend the whole day on Tawaen Beach, a ferry bound for Tawaen is the convenient choice. For other beaches such as Samae or Tien, the usual pattern is to get off at Na Baan and take a songthaew from there.

The last ferry from Koh Larn: plan your return first

The thing to be most careful about on Koh Larn is the last boat back. Many sources give the last ferry from Na Baan pier as 18:00, while others say 17:30. From Tawaen pier the last departure is earlier, at around 17:00.

• When you arrive, photograph the timetable at the pier you will use for the return
• Plan to catch the sailing before the last one, not the last one itself
• At weekends and on Thai public holidays the boats back get crowded, so head to the pier early
• On days with rough seas, sailings can change

If you would rather set your own return time, a private speedboat charter is the option that gives you that freedom.

Getting around the island

To ride a rental motorbike you need a valid licence, for example an International Driving Permit that covers motorcycles. There have been reports of riders without a licence having an accident, finding that their insurance did not pay out, and facing a large bill themselves. If you are staying in Pattaya for a longer period, getting a Thai driving licence is worth considering.

Which Koh Larn beach to choose

Beach chairs are around 100 to 200 THB each as a guide, and some shops waive the charge if you buy food and drink from them. Payment for chairs, food and drink is mostly in cash, so bring small notes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I visit Koh Larn as a day trip from Pattaya?

Yes. The usual pattern is to cross on a morning ferry and return on a late-afternoon sailing. Decide your return time first so you do not miss the last boat.

Which crossing is best with small children?

The shared speedboat has the shortest time on the water. The ferry takes longer, but it is a larger boat and you can sit inside for the crossing. If you want to avoid waiting around and crowds, a private charter is another option.

Can I go in the rainy season?

Yes, but sailings can change with the weather and the state of the sea. Check the forecast the day before and again on the morning, and leave some slack in your plans.

How much is the Koh Larn ferry in 2026?

40 THB per person each way, the same for adults and children, following the reported increase from 30 THB on 10 April 2026.

What time is the last ferry back from Koh Larn?

Sources differ: many give 18:00 from Na Baan pier, some 17:30, and departures from Tawaen pier end earlier, at around 17:00. Photograph the timetable at your return pier when you arrive and aim for the sailing before the last.

How our team can help

SIAM BAY PATTAYA arranges private speedboat charters from Bali Hai Pier, and shared boat and marine-sports trips that you can join on your own. A transfer from your hotel to the pier can be arranged at the same time.

Last checked

Information checked by our Pattaya team on 2026-09-25. Fares, timetables and rules change; confirm the current arrangements locally before you travel.