Overview Compare Flight Bus Train + Minivan To Stay
How to get from Krabi to Bangkok
Ready to explore the Capital City of Thailand? Bangkok is also nicknamed the ‘City of Life” and offers countless things to do and see. The city is home to Wat Pho, Wat Arun and the famous Grand Palace, Bangkok offers amazing sights, culture and an abundance of Thai history.
The city is full of amazing dining experiences from high-end restaurants to Michelin star street food stalls. The abundance of shopping and nightlife will keep you fully entertained during your stay in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Krabi to Bangkok
The distance from Krabi to Bangkok 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 (11-12 hours), or by train + minivan (16-17 hours). Ticket prices range from 605 THB ($17.50) to 865 THB ($25.50).
The flight is the most common option when travelling from Krabi to Bangkok. This option takes 1.5 hours and costs only a few more dollars than taking the bus or train, considering the amount of time you can save.
Travelling by bus from Krabi to Bangkok takes 11-12 hours. But if you travel by night, you won’t lose valuable daytime and you can also save a night on accommodation.
The train is a more comfortable option than the bus. However, you will first need to take a minivan to the nearest train station, which is in Surat Thani. Train and minivan journey takes at least 15-18.5 hours and you can choose between a scenic daytime ride or a good rest with the night train.
Krabi to Bangkok by Flight
Flying from Krabi to Bangkok is the most popular option. Flights almost sell for the same price as the transport options and are about 10 hours shorter than the bus which is the next alternative.
You will first need to arrange a transfer from your hotel to Krabi International Airport (KVB). Your hotel may be able to help with this or you can arrange your own airport transfer, which will cost about 300 THB ($8.50).
You can also check with your hotel for shuttle buses to the airport with rates starting around 150 THB ($4.40).
AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, and Thai Lion Air are the three low-cost carriers that operate daily flights for this route. Flights land at either Don Muang Airport (DKM) or Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), which is about 30 minutes from Bangkok’s city centre.
Flight prices start at 655 THB ($19.00) when booked in advance. Keep in mind that during peak seasons, ticket prices go up as the demand is higher.
To book your flights, simply click on the button provided below.
Krabi to Bangkok by Bus
If flight fares became too high and you are travelling on a budget, the bus is the next alternative transport option. We suggest travelling this route with the night bus to catch up on some rest and save money on accommodation at the same time.
Lignite Tour and Transport Co. Ltd are the most popular bus operators for this route. Songserm is also a good option with its free pick-up service in Krabi town, but the last time we checked (October 2022), they haven’t resumed their operations yet.
Departure station in Krabi
Both buses heading to Bangkok from Krabi depart from Krabi Bus Terminal. You will need to arrange a transfer to the bus station from your hotel. Going to the terminal is just 3 km or just a 5-minute drive.
During peak season you can also catch a songthaew along the street that is heading to the bus terminal from Ao Nang or Krabi Town. From Ao Nang. The fare is 60 THB ($1.70) and from Krabi, it’s usually a little cheaper.
Below we have included their bus schedules:
Bus Schedule from Krabi to Bangkok
Arrival station in Bangkok
Lignite Tour buses arrive at the Sai Tai Mai Bus Terminal (Southern Terminal) in Bangkok. On the other hand, Transport Co. Ltd bus completes its stop at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak – Mochit).
Depending on the route the bus takes, you can ask the bus staff to drop you off in a designated spot if your destination is along the way.
You can buy tickets at the bus terminal. However, we suggest the option of booking your bus ticket online in advance to be sure of a seat.
Krabi to Bangkok by Train + Minivan
Travelling by train is an authentic way to travel in Thailand, but we wouldn’t recommend it for this journey.
As Krabi doesn’t have a railway station, you will first need to take a minivan to Surat Thani. From there you can take a 12-15 hour train to Bangkok.
Step 1: Krabi to Surat Thani by Minivan
From Krabi, you need to take a minivan to reach Surat Thani Train Station. You can choose from 3 minivan operators: Phantip Travel, Hat Yai World Tour, and Pichet Transport Company Limited.
Phantip Travel and Pichet Transport minivans depart from Krabi Bus Terminal. If you don’t want to worry about the transfer from your hotel to the bus terminal, you can also travel with Hat Yai World Tour. Tickets are more expensive, but they already include pick-up from your hotel in Krabi.
The minivans arrive at their terminals in Surat Thani Town after 3-4 hours of journey.
Minivan schedules from Krabi to Surat Thani
For more information, read how to go from Krabi to Surat Thani.
Step 2: Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
From Surat Thani, you can either take the daytime train and enjoy the scenic route or take a night train and get a good night’s sleep.
There are multiple train schedules to choose from departing from Surat Thani Railway Station and arriving at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. We suggest taking sleeper trains so you can rest and so that you won’t lose a day.
Train Schedule from Surat Thani to Bangkok
You can book a 2nd class seat for as low as 360 THB ($10.50). However, a seat may be too uncomfortable for a 12-hour journey.
We recommend booking a sleeper berth instead. You can get a 2nd class A/C sleeper for as low as 610 THB ($18.00). For more luxury, you can also book a 1st class berth for 1 THB ($46.50).
For more info, feel free to check out our page on Surat Thani to Bangkok.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Here Hostel - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking for a fun social atmosphere then Here Hostel is the place for you! Enjoy relaxing by the pool in the garden area or enjoying a drink with travellers from around the world. Why take the stairs when you can use the indoor slide to travel between floors, this place is full of fun, energy, and laughter. Located less than 1km from Khao San Road, this is the perfect hostel if you’re looking to have a great time in Bangkok!
Dorm rooms start at $16 per night
Hom Hostel & Cooking Club - Budget Friendly
Located in the heart of downtown Bangkok, between Nana and Ploen Chit BTS stations, this hostel is the perfect location in the Sukhumvit area. The hostel offers a garden area, a rooftop terrace and an on-site kitchen for guests to cook their own food or take part in the daily cooking classes. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site if you’d prefer someone else cook for you, as well as buffet breakfast included each day. Extremely clean and very friendly staff are top priorities for this hostel.
Single bed in dorm rooms start at $15 per night
Lamphuhouse Bangkok - Budget Friendly
If you’re looking to be near the excitement of Khao San Road but still enjoy some peace and quiet, this guesthouse is absolutely perfect. A delicious breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant is open 24/7 for your convenience. A lovely garden area to relax in the afternoons and very comfortable beds in rooms will make for a great stay. Just 300m to Khao San road, this guest house is walking distance to many sights including the Grand Palace and the Golden Mountain Temple.
Rooms start at $19 per night
Mam’s House - Mid Range
Just 700m from Khao San road and sitting along the river is Mam’s House. The staff here will welcome you with open arms and help you in any way that they possibly can. The rooms are huge, the beds are comfortable and it’s extremely clean. There is a cafe on the ground floor of the hotel, street food along the riverbank and countless restaurants, bars and shops just steps away. Locally owned and operated by Mam, this hotel is all about customer service and making sure you have the best stay possible. Perfect location, great views and all the comforts you need!
Rooms start at $26 per night
Blue Chang House - Mid Range
Cozy, comfortable, and ideal location! This guest house is less than 1km from Khao San Road and offers all the comforts you need. It is within walking distance to numerous Temples, Wats and attractions throughout Old Town. On-site bar to enjoy a drink while taking in the sights from the terrace or a lovely garden area to enjoy to relax in if you need some quiet time. The staff is known to be exceptionally welcoming and happy to assist with all guest requests. Located in a quiet area so you will be sure to get a good night’s rest after exploring the Capital City!
Rooms start at $40 per night
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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.
