Overview Compare Flight Bus Train + Minivan To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Krabi
Leaving city life behind in Bangkok and travelling to Krabi will offer you some of the most amazing sights in Thailand. Located along the southeast coast of the country, Krabi is packed with stunning beaches, waterfalls and caves that are just waiting to be explored.
The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is 780 km (485 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Krabi: by flight (1.5 hours), by bus (11 hours), or by train + minivan (16-17 hours). Ticket prices range from 600 THB ($17) to 990 THB ($28.50).
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Krabi
Taking a flight is the most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Krabi, with airfare starting at 695 THB ($20). The flight usually takes only 1.5 hours and the connecting minivan trip from the airport to Krabi town takes only 30 minutes to 1 hour.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
The bus can be the cheapest option at 600 THB ($17). The trip takes 11 hours from Bangkok to Krabi, but luckily there is an option to take a night bus so you don’t lose a day travelling. This makes the bus a good alternative when flights are too expensive during peak season.
Trains are more comfortable than the bus for long journeys but for this trip, you will need to take a combination of a train + minivan. Combined travel time is at least 5 hours longer.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Krabi
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 ($20) 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) – 600 THB ($17).
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 ($15).
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 ($4) 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 ($2.30) for Taladkao, 90 THB ($2.60) for Krabi Town, and 150 THB ($4.30) 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:
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 ($8.50) 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 ($2.80). 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 ($1.70). 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 ($21) for a 2nd class air-conditioned berth.
Train Schedule from Bangkok to Surat Thani
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 ($4). 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.
Minivan Schedule from Surat Thani 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
Pak-Up Hostel
This hostel is great, the location, the staff, the beds, the social atmosphere, it truly has it all. Just steps from the Chaofa Pier you can easily grab a boat and head to Railay for a day trip. It’s within close proximity to countless restaurants, bars featuring live music and amenities. The hostel offers a bar, laundry facilities, extremely helpful staff who can help with tours and travel arrangements.
- Social atmosphere
- Ideal location
- Bar onsite
- Very comfortable beds
Single bunk starts at $13 per night
Sleep Easy Krabi Guesthouse
If you’re looking for a bit of a quieter hostel then we suggest staying at the Sleep Easy Krabi Guesthouse. This hostel is conveniently located in central Krabi, within walking distance of the night market, Wat Kaew Korawaram, and the local city market. You can enjoy a drink in the Guesthouse bar before retiring to your comfortable bunk and getting a good night's rest.
- Ideal location
- Onsite bar
- Walking distance to markets
- Comfortable beds
Single bunk starts at $13 per night
The Box House
Located centrally in Krabi Town, within a few minutes of many sights, this is a great location for your stay. The spacious, colorful rooms with large comfortable beds will 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.
- Garden setting
- Comfortable and clean rooms
- Motorbike rentals available onsite
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start at $18 per night
B Ber House
Excellent location in the center of Krabi town, less than 1 kilometer to Wat Kaew Korowaram and just 2 kilometers to Thara Park. There is a restaurant on-site and a lovely terrace offering beautiful city views for the guests to enjoy. The rooms are spacious and the beds are comfortable, you’ll definitely have a great sleep here! The owners are very friendly and will offer to help in any way possible.
- Great views
- Large terrace
- Wonderful staff
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $29 per night
The Brown Hotel
Set in central Krabi, within walking distance of all amenities, the night market, and sights, this hotel is a great choice. Take in the views from the shared guest terrace or relax in your private room with extremely comfortable beds. The sleek and modern furnishings will have you feeling right at home. The hotel is extremely clean and the staff is fantastic.
- Ideal location
- Large terrace
- Sleek and modern furnishings
- Comfortable beds
Private room starts at $49 per night
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About the author(s)
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.
