Overview Compare Ferry Taxi Bus Indirect Flight To Stay
How to get from Krabi to Phuket
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most visited destinations. It is a traveller’s paradise with its stunning beaches and lush greenery. Surrounded by numerous smaller islands, this is a hot spot for travellers and locals alike.
Thailand’s largest island offers you an excellent shopping experience, sightseeing, and an abundance of local & foreign foods to try. In Phuket, you can spend your days relaxing on the beaches and your evenings exploring the exciting nightlife.
Krabi to Phuket on a map
3 ways to get from Krabi to Phuket
The distance from Krabi to Phuket is 160 km (100 miles). In this post, we compare the 4 options to travel from Krabi to Phuket: by ferry (2.5 hours), by taxi (2.5-3 hours), by bus (3 hours), and by indirect flight (6-8 hours). Ticket prices range from 330 THB ($9.50) to 2 THB ($66.00).
Taking a ferry from Krabi to Phuket is the most popular option among travellers. The ferry ride showcases the breathtaking views of Phuket and Krabi coast and islands. For 630 THB ($18.50), you can get to Phuket in 2.5 hours.
Booking a taxi might be an easier and more convenient option because it involves pick-up and drop-off anywhere you want. You can book a taxi from 1 THB ($35.00) or check Grab App to search for even more competitive rates. Just note that Grab is often more expensive due to the extra surcharge of 200 THB ($5.50).
Are you a solo traveller and on a budget? Taking a bus or minivan from Krabi to Phuket is the cheapest option for just 330 THB ($9.50). You will miss the scenic ferry ride, but it will allow you to save more money for your stay in Krabi.
While there are airports in both Krabi and Phuket, all flights will route through Bangkok. Total travel time will take at least 6 hours, depending on the layover. Combined costs for the airport transfers and the flight start from 2 THB ($66.00).
Where to stay in Phuket?
Still looking for accommodation? Don’t forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phuket at the bottom of this page.
Krabi to Phuket by Ferry
It’s no surprise that the ferry is the traveller’s most preferred option when travelling between Krabi and Phuket. During the ride, you will be entertained with marvellous coastal views as you travel between the two islands.
The trip only lasts around 2.5 hours and tickets start from 630 THB ($18.50). Unfortunately, there are only a few trips daily, so planning and booking in advance are recommended.
Departure and arrival port
Depending on the location of your hotel in Krabi and Phuket, you can choose which ferry is best for you.
Ao Nang Princess, Koh Yao Sun Smile, and SiriLanta Speedboats depart from the main ports of Nopparat Thara Pier and East Railay. SiriLanta also has trips from Chao Fah Park Pier near Krabi Night Market.
These ferries have different arrival ports in Phuket. Ao Nang arrives at Rassada Pier near Phuket Town, while Koh Yao ferries head to Bang Rong Pier on the north. With SiriLanta, you have more options, as they arrive at Rassada, Bang Rong, Ao Por Pier, and even Naka Island.
Keep in mind that Koh Tao and SiriLanta are smaller, faster ferries that make for a bumpy ride. If you are prone to getting seasick, it’s always better to travel with a larger ferry, like Ao Nang, for a steadier ride.
Ferry schedule from Krabi to Phuket
TIP: If you book your ferry ticket with 12GoAsia, check out the Taxi + Ferry option. The ticket includes free hotel drop-off at top destinations like Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket town. Outside these areas, there will be an additional charge.
Heading to the Phi Phi Islands?
If you want to travel from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi, we’ve got good news for you! The ocean between Krabi and Koh Phi Phi can be crossed within one hour if you book a speedboat ferry. If you want to travel with a larger ferry, travel time takes 3 hours. See here the schedules:
Ferry schedule from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi Islands
TIP: When travelling from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi, there are a few companies that offer hotel pick-up service at your hotel in Ao Nang or Krabi Town if you book with 12GoAsia. Check the Taxi + Ferry option to see which companies offer pick-up service in the area you’re staying.
Krabi to Phuket by Taxi
If you prefer a door-to-door transfer, it will be easier to book a private transfer from Krabi to Phuket. When travelling in a group, this is often cheaper than taking the ferry. The downside is you’re going to miss the scenic ferry ride through the Andaman Sea.
A benefit of booking a taxi or private transport is that you don’t have to take into account the ferry schedule and do not have to arrange transportation to and from your hotel and ferry port. Fares start from 1 THB ($35.00) if you book online in BookAway.
Hailing a taxi from the street is often more expensive with fares starting at 2 THB ($76.00). There are not many taxis in Krabi so we suggest booking in advance. This can be done through your hotel, a local travel agency, or our preferred booking platform, BookAway.
Krabi to Phuket by Bus
A cheaper option to travel from Krabi to Phuket is by bus or minivan. Costs start from 330 THB ($9.50) for the 3-hour bus ride.
The only bus company on this route is Good Luck Lanta Tour with one trip daily at 10:30.
Departure and arrival station
Good Luck Lanta buses depart from Krabi Bus Terminal, about 10 minutes away from Krabi town. You can also be picked up from Krabi Airport.
The last stop for Good Luck Lanta bus is Phuket Bus Terminal 1. From this terminal, you can take a local bus or songthaew to downtown Phuket for about 15 THB ($0.40).
You can also opt to spend a little extra and take a taxi to your hotel. There are plenty of metered taxis in Phuket, so hailing one on the street shouldn’t be a problem. Be sure to agree with the driver on a flat rate or to run the metre prior to departure.
Bus schedule from Krabi to Phuket
Pre-pandemic, there were also local buses at Krabi Bus Terminal than can take you to Phuket. These local buses depart every 30 minutes from 06:20 to 17:00. Tickets were 150 THB ($4.40) and could only be bought at the bus station.
The last time we checked (February 2023), though, we couldn’t confirm if the public bus is still available. If you have any info on this public bus, we would love to hear about it in a comment below!
Alternative: Shared minivans from Krabi to Phuket
The minivans from Krabi to Phuket offer more trips daily than the bus. Fares start from 210 THB ($6.00), and travel time is just about 30 minutes longer compared to the bus.
Keep in mind that because of the limited space in the minivan, you can only bring small luggage with you.
Minivan schedule from Krabi to Phuket
Same as the bus, Phuket Krabi Transport departs from Krabi Terminal and heads to Phuket Bus Terminal 1. On the other hand, Krabi Sea Pearl offers hotel pick-up in Krabi town and Ao Nang and arrives at Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
Want to explore more? Before going to Phuket, you can have a side trip first to Koh Lanta, which is just a 2-hour minivan ride from Krabi. You can check out Koh Lanta to Phuket article for more info.
Krabi to Phuket by Indirect Flight
Phuket and Krabi are located just across each other with just the Andaman Sea between them. However, there are no direct flights from Krabi to Phuket and all flights make a stop in Bangkok.
The flight itself takes at least 4.5 hours. Including the transfers to and from the airports, travel time takes between 6 and 8 hours.
Combined costs start from 2 THB ($66.00), which is twice as expensive as the taxi from Krabi to Phuket.
Step 1: Krabi Town to Krabi Airport by Airport Shuttle
A cheap way to travel from Krabi town to Krabi Airport is by airport shuttle. Tickets only cost 150 THB ($4.40) for the 1.5-hour ride to the airport. However, note that the airport shuttle makes a lot of stops, so we don’t suggest this option if you don’t have a lot of time before your flight.
If you’re staying near Krabi town, you can wait for the airport shuttle at the public bus stop. The airport shuttle also picks up passengers in the Ao Nang area.
Another option is taking a taxi straight to Krabi airport. From Ao Nang, a taxi to the airport costs 300 THB ($8.50) on BookAway.
Step 2: Krabi Airport to Phuket Airport by Flight
Thai Airways, Air Asia, and Bangkok Airways offer indirect flights from Krabi to Phuket daily. These flights make a stop at either Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.
Depending on the layover in Bangkok, travel time from Krabi to Phuket takes at least 4.5 hours.
Airfares range between 2 THB ($59.00) and 7 THB ($205.00).
Step 3: Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by Bus
From Phuket Airport, you have several options when travelling to Phuket town:
- Airport bus to Phuket town (1.5 hours) – 125 THB ($3.60)
- Shuttle bus to the western beach destinations (1-2 hours) – 100 THB ($2.90)
- Minivan to your hotel (1-1.5 hours) – 200 THB ($5.50)
- Taxi to your hotel (30-60 hours) – 600 THB ($17.50)
Check our page on Phuket Airport for a detailed guide.
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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.
