How to get from Penang to Krabi
Why visit 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.
What are the 2 ways to travel from Penang to Krabi?
There are 2 ways to travel the 490 kilometre (304 miles) distance from Penang to Krabi. You can choose between the minivan and flight. The journey takes 5 hours 55 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at 771 THB ($23.50).
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.
Penang to Krabi by Minivan
A minivan ride from Penang to Krabi costs around 771 THB ($23.50). The minivan journey takes about 8 hours 10 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
New Asian Travel operates on this route.
Minivan options from Penang to Krabi
You also have the option to go through Hat Yai before going to Krabi.
You’ll first have to take a minivan from Penang to Hat Yai and from there you can continue with a minivan to Krabi.
Step 1: Penang to Hat Yai by Minivan
When taking a minivan from Penang to Hat Yai, we recommend that you take a morning trip. This way, you can easily transfer to your connecting minivan bound for Krabi.
Ticket prices start from 441 THB ($13.50).
The best choices are the ones that depart from Penang at 08:30 and arrive in Hat Yai at 11:30. This schedule gives you 1.5 hours to stretch your legs and have a quick lunch in town before continuing on to Krabi.
KST Travel can drop you off anywhere in the city centre while Nominatee Tour parks at its office at 171 Thammanoonvithi Road, Hat Yai city centre.
For more details, you can check our page on Penang to Hat Yai.
Customs & Immigration
Around 2.5 hours into your journey, your minivan will make a short stop at the Malaysian border in Bukit Kayu Hitam for customs & immigration procedures. Then you’ll cross the border to Danok Sadao in Thailand for another check.
Drive-through immigration booths are available on both sides of the very busy Danok Sadao-Bukit Kayu Hitam border. However, you will still be asked to get off your minivan for a customs check. Don’t forget to bring all your luggage!
Step 2: Hat Yai to Krabi by Minivan
From Hat Yai town centre, you will have to take a songthaew or taxi to the Hat Yai bus station, located some 3 km away. It costs around 60 THB ($1.80) for the 10-minute ride.
Sri Trang Tour and My Son Krabi Tours are the two companies that operate from Hat Yai to Krabi. Both depart from Hat Yai Bus Terminal. Sri Trang Tour buses arrive at Krabi Bus Station while My Son Krabi Tour bus offers a free drop-off at any hotel in Krabi Town.
If you’re staying somewhere else, tell the driver before the journey so he can take you to the nearest accessible bus stop or drop you off at your hotel for an additional fee.
A ticket cost starts at 330 THB ($10.10) for the journey that takes around 5-6h when you book beforehand on BookAway.
Penang to Krabi by Flight
There are no direct flights from Penang to Krabi. The indirect flights for this route make at least one stop at either Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. In addition to these stopovers, you’ll also have to make transfers to and from Penang and Krabi Airport.
We honestly don’t think all these transfers and waiting times are worth it considering you can take a cheaper minivan ride.
Still, it’s a good alternative in case the bus or minivans are not operating or you just don’t like to travel overland. See here the step-by-step guide for taking a flight from Penang to Krabi.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: George Town to Penang Airport by Taxi or Bus
If you’re staying in George Town, you’ll have to travel 18 km south to reach Penang airport. You have two options to get here: a taxi ride that takes around 30 minutes or a 1-hour bus. Fares start from 30 MYR ($7.60) and 3 MYR ($0.80), respectively.
We highly recommend taking a taxi as city buses make a lot of stops, making travel time unpredictable. If you want to take a bus, you can ask your hotel which line is best to take you to the airport.
Step 2: Penang Airport to Krabi Airport
The fastest indirect flight from Penang Airport (PEN) to Krabi Airport (KBV) takes around 5-6 hours and this is usually operated by Thai Smile or Air Asia. Airfares start from 200 MYR ($51).
Step 3: Krabi Airport to Krabi City Centre by Taxi or Bus
Krabi town centre is located some 15 km west of Krabi Airport. You can take a minibus or a taxi to your accommodation which will take around 30 minutes.
The most popular option from Krabi Airport is the airport bus, which can take you to Krabi Town or Klong Muang Beach. Tickets are available at the shuttle bus booth in the arrival area. However, be prepared for a very long waiting time for the shuttle’s departure. The bus only tends to leave when it’s full.
To avoid long waiting times, we recommend booking the Krabi Airport Shuttle via BookAway.
Alternatively, you can just take a taxi. If you get one, we highly recommend booking one beforehand with Klook. They offer much better rates than the often overpriced rates offered at the airport. A 25-minute private transfer from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town starts at 470 THB ($14.40).
Best 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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Penang 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!
Frequently Asked Questions about Penang to Krabi
What is the distance from Penang to Krabi?
The distance from Penang to Krabi is 490 kilometre (304 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Penang to Krabi?
The fastest way to get from Penang to Krabi is by flight and takes 5 hours 55 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Penang to Krabi?
The cheapest way to get from Penang to Krabi is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 771 THB ($23.50).
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.
