What to expect when visiting Krabi
Krabi is a tropical gem on Thailand’s southwest coast. This bustling region is filled with stunning beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs. But as with most places in Southeast Asia, you’ll have to go to its outskirts to see it at its most beautiful.
There are so many things to do in Krabi, making you feel that a few days will not be enough to fit them all into your itinerary. You can go beach-hopping, rock-climbing, and island-hopping. Krabi is also a strategic gateway to the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Krabi
There are three ways to travel the distance of 780 km (485 miles) from Bangkok to Krabi: by bus (11h), train + minivan (16h02m-18h17m) and flight (1.5 hours). The journey takes between 1h30m - 18h17m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 140 THB ($3.90) for the flight.Where to stay in Krabi?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Krabi at the bottom of this page.
Bangkok to Krabi by Flight
Flying is a popular way to get from Bangkok to Krabi and it is definitely the fastest and easiest option to take. Several airlines, including low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, and VietJet Air offer multiple flights daily.
Tickets for this flight from Bangkok to Krabi start at 695 THB ($19.50) for a one-way trip. We recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest rates and book your flights online. It is best to book early for good deals.
Flights from Bangkok to Krabi depart from Don Muang Airport, which you can reach via taxi, train, or public bus.
The flight takes 1.5 hours and lands at Krabi International Airport (KBV). The airport is located 13 km away from Krabi Town and 28 km away from Ao Nang.
Upon arriving at the Krabi Airport, you need to take a ride going to Krabi Town for 30-60 minutes.
From Krabi Airport to Krabi Town by Private transfers
For private transfers, you can find metered taxis waiting outside the main terminal building, they charge about 500 THB ($14.00) – 600 THB ($16.50).
You can check Klook for slightly cheaper options starting from 445 THB ($12.50) for a 3-seater. With BookAway, private transfers start from 530 THB ($14.50).
From Krabi Airport to Krabi Town by Bus
Krabi Airport Bus offers several trips to Krabi Town, Ao Nang, and Klong Muang Beach daily. Ticket prices for this shared shuttle bus start at 140 THB ($3.90) and travel time is 30 minutes to an hour.
There are several airport shuttle buses operating several times per hour between Krabi airport and the following drop-off areas:
- Krabi Bus Station (Taladkao)
- Krabi Town
- Klong Jilad Pier
- Ao Nang Beach
- Klong Muang
- Khao Kwang Beach
Ticket prices are 80 THB ($2.20) for Taladkao, 90 THB ($2.50) for Krabi Town, and 150 THB ($4.20) for Ao Nang. The shuttle bus service operates between 06:00 to 22:00 if buses depart from Terminal 1 International and 06:00 to 00:00 if buses depart from Terminal 2 Domestic.
If you rather book your ticket in advance, you can book with one of the options presented in the table below:
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Bus schedules from Krabi Airport To Krabi Town
Alternatively, you can also arrange transport with your hotel in Krabi. Hotels usually charge about 300 THB ($8.00) per person.
Ao Nang Beach to other beaches by Ferry
If you are planning on visiting either Tonsai Beach, Railay Beach, East Railay, or Phra Nang Beach, you will need to take a ferry from Ao Nang Beach.
Ferry rides can be booked when you arrive in Ao Nang Beach for 100 THB ($2.70). The public ferries are located near Wangsai Seafood Restaurant and near Phanang Inn Hotel. Your hotel should also be able to organise this for you and point you in the right direction.
Bangkok to Krabi by Bus
Travelling via bus from Bangkok to Krabi takes about half a day. If this is your preferred option, we suggest taking a night bus in order to save time and catch up on some rest.
There are two popular bus companies operating on this route: Lignite and Transport Co. Ltd.
Paradive Travel and Songserm also used to be popular operators. But the last time we checked (May 2022), these companies have not yet resumed operations since the pandemic.
Departure stations in Bangkok
The Lignite buses depart from Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Ta Mai), while Transport Co. buses depart from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit). These bus stations are 20 km from each other.
Both bus terminals are located about 10 km distance from Bangkok city centre. However, the Southern Bus terminal offers the advantage of being connected to Bangkok’s metro system. If you will ride a taxi, it will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the terminal.
Bus Schedule from Bangkok to Krabi
Arrival stations in Krabi
The buses coming from Bangkok arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal. From there, you can hail again a taxi to explore Krabi. The terminal is just 3 km from the centre, which is just a 5-minute drive.
Bus tickets are a few dollars cheaper at the terminal, but we recommend that you book online when travelling during the busy season to ensure your seat.
When you arrive at the Krabi Bus Terminal you can take a songthaew from the bus terminal to your hotel. They run until 10 pm during the busy season, but only by day during the low season.
The trip to Ao Nang costs 60 THB ($1.60). Going to Krabi Town should be a little cheaper.
Tourist Buses
You can also book a seat on a tourist bus with one of the local travel agencies. Booking a ride on a tourist bus tends to be more expensive and doesn’t usually offer any extra service or comfort.
The main advantage is that they provide pick-up services in designated areas throughout Bangkok which may be more convenient for you.
Bangkok to Krabi by Train + Minivan
There is no direct train connecting Bangkok to Krabi. The nearest train station to Krabi is located in Surat Thani. The trains depart from Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok and arrive at Surat Thani Train Station, which is about 13.5 km east of Surat Thani town.
Upon reaching Surat Thani, you have to board a minivan or bus to go to Krabi.
Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train
There are multiple trains bound for Surat Thani each day. We recommend booking on train #85 or #167 as these trains’ arrival times coordinate best with the buses and vans departing for Krabi.
Hop on a train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok. You will arrive at Surat Thani Station after 13-13.5 hours. The train ticket costs 730 THB ($20.00) for a 2nd class air-conditioned berth.
Train + Minivan options from Bangkok to Krabi
If you want to explore Surat Thani before making your way to Krabi, you can take the orange bus from the train station to the city centre for 20 THB ($0.50). The journey should only take about 20-30 minutes.
There are also taxis available which charge about 140 THB ($3.80). Once you’re ready to head to Krabi, just go to the terminal to catch a bus or van.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Krabi by Minivan
There are buses and minivans located in the train station, usually waiting near the parking lot. If you book online, you can book Phantip or Pichet Transport Company Limited. The earliest trip leaves at 09:00 in the morning.
The minivans depart from the Surat Thani town wherein Phantip or Pichet station is just a 5-minute walking distance apart. Both minivans arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal in the city centre.
Train + Minivan options from Bangkok to Krabi
You can also buy your ticket on the day of departure. If you want to secure a seat online, you can check the links from the table above.
Our favourite places to stay in Krabi
Krabi province is much bigger than most people first think, 4,709 km² to be exact, but visitors still tend to cluster in the same places. Here’s a quick rundown of the areas most people tend to stay in:
- Ao Nang — here you’ll have access to everything you need; the beach, restaurants, shops, international brands, bars and clubs. It’s a great jumping-off point to the nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The downside is that it almost feels overrun by tourists.
- Railay — a small peninsula south of Ao Nang and separated from the mainland by those towering limestone cliffs most of us associate with Thailand. The only way to get to the magical beaches of Railay is by boat.
- Krabi Town — despite the tourists, it’s managed to maintain a quaint Thai-Chinese market feel. Accommodation is cheaper here whilst not being too far from the beach.
Check out our favourite places to stay in Krabi:
The Morning Mini House - Budget Friendly
The Morning Mini House is a great budget option in Ao Nang Beach. It’s a 10-minute drive to the beach. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, offering a great night’s sleep. Some of them even come with balconies.
The owners of the guesthouse are incredibly friendly and helpful, taking your stay in Krabi to another level. You’ll instantly feel at home here.
- Amazing owner
- Large and clean rooms
- Great value for money
- 10-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach
Private rooms start from $20 per night.
The Box House - Budget Friendly
Located centrally in Krabi Town, The Box House puts you within minutes of many sights in the town. The spacious and colourful rooms boast large, comfortable beds that offer you a great night’s sleep.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen tv for your enjoyment. The owners are friendly, welcoming and offer motorbike rentals onsite.
- Beautiful gardens
- Comfortable and clean rooms
- Motorbike rentals available onsite
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start at $16 per night.
Vipa Tropical Resort - Mid Range
Need to escape to nature? Vipa Tropical Resort is the perfect place to do just that. The resort is backed by towering limestone mountains and surrounded by lush greenery.
The cottages are cute and cosy, with private balconies where you can relax after a day at the beach. Or chill by the pool and go for a swim. The resort is a 5-minute drive to Ao Nang Beach, which the resort provides a free shuttle for.
- Cosy cottages with balconies
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Surrounded by nature and mountains
- Free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach
Cottages start at $48 per night.
@Aonang Guesthouse - Mid Range
@Aonang Guesthouse offers both comfortable dorm rooms and modern private rooms. Whatever you choose to stay in, you can enjoy their refreshing and clean swimming pool.
Tin is one of the best hosts in Thailand, offering the best recommendations and help when you need it. The guesthouse is located in a more local neighbourhood in Krabi and next to one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. This place has a near-perfect rating and it’s easy to see why!
- An amazing host
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Modern and clean rooms
- Located in a local neighbourhood
Private rooms start from $48 per night.
Pinthong Aonang Villa - Treating Yourself
Pinthong Aonang Villa might be classed as high-end accommodation, but it doesn’t have to be expensive if you find some friends! The hotel offers two-bedroom villas for $80 that can fit 4 people. That’s $20 a night for a luxury villa.
The outdoor swimming pool is beautiful, and every inch of the hotel is spotlessly clean. Located in Ao Nang, they even arrange a free shuttle to the beach. This place is the perfect place to relax and take life slowly.
- Great value for money
- Beautiful villas
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free shuttle to the beach
Two-bedroom villas start from $80 per night.
Aonang Eco Villa - Treating Yourself
Aonang Eco Villa is the kind of place you dream of. Beautifully designed and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to lush gardens. Wander through the gardens to the refreshing outdoor swimming pool or the onsite bar. The cocktails and fruit juice are delicious!
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making sure that you can fully relax and enjoy your stay. There are only 10 villas, creating an exclusive and private feel.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Bright and spacious villas
- Great onsite bar
- 10 minutes from the town
Villas start from $122 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Krabi
What is the distance from Bangkok to Krabi?
The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is 780 km (485 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi?
The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is by flight and takes 1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi?
The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is by flight with ticket costs starting from 140 THB ($3.90).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Krabi. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
