We identified and characterized two genes, LAT1 and LAT2, which encode specific L-arabinose transporters. The genes were identified in the L-arabinose fermenting yeast Ambrosiozyma monospora. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae had only very low L-arabinose transport activity; however, when LAT1 or LAT2 was expressed, L-arabinose transport was facilitated. When the LAT1 or LAT2 were expressed in an S. cerevisiae mutant where the main hexose transporters were deleted, the L-arabinose transporters could not restore growth on D-glucose, D-fructose, D-mannose or D-galactose. This indicates that these sugars are not transported and suggests that the transporters are specific for L-arabinose.