Overview Compare Ferry Taxi Bus To Stay
How to get from Phuket to Krabi
After you make your way over to one of Thailand’s most magnificent coastal regions, there is another one waiting for you. Krabi offers a treasure of stunning beaches with spectacular views of limestone cliffs, especially Railay Beach which is often named one of travellers’ favourite places in Thailand.
3 ways to get from Phuket to Krabi
The driving distance from Phuket to Krabi is 170 km (106 miles). The Phuket Krabi route takes between 1-4 hours and you can travel by ferry, taxi, or bus. Travel time also depends on the traffic conditions between Phuket and Krabi. Fares range from 250 THB ($6.50) to 2,300 THB ($63).
Phuket to Krabi by Ferry
The ferry is the most popular option when travelling from Phuket to Krabi. This picturesque ferry ride is not just transportation but an experience of the breathtaking scenery of Phuket and Krabi coast and islands.
While slow ferries will take at least 2.5 hours, a speedboat will bring you to Krabi in just around an hour.
The ferries depart from Rassada Pier and Bang Rang Pier in Phuket. If you already ventured out to Koh Phi Phi, we have good news for you! There are also several ferries departing from Koh Phi Phi.
We will explain both options below:
Departing from Phuket Island
Option 1: Ferry departing from Phuket Island
The main departure point from Phuket to Krabi is Rassada Pier. Rassada Pier is next to Phuket town, in the southwest of Phuket.
Another departure point is Bang Rong Pier on the northwest side. This pier is about 26 kms from Rassada Pier.
The ferries on this route depart only once a day, so make sure to be at the ferry port early (at least 30 minutes before departure).
You will have to find your own transportation to the ferry ports. Rassada Pier is just a 15-minute drive from Phuket Town, while Bang Rong Pier is closer to Phuket Airport.
Ferry schedule from Phuket to Krabi
Arrival in Krabi
The ferries both arrive at Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang in Krabi. You can get off here if your hotel is close to Krabi Town.
Koh Yao Sun Smile also heads to East Railay on the south tip of Krabi after dropping passengers at Nopparat Thara Pier. From this pier, it’s another 20-minute ferry ride to East Railay.
Departing from Koh Phi Phi
Option 2: Ferry departing From Koh Phi Phi
Spending your time in Phuket on Koh Phi Phi? Good news for you! There are several ferries departing straight from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi.
All ferries depart from Ton Sai Pier, southwest of Koh Phi Phi. The exception is Phi Phi Logistic Tour that departs from Laem Tong Beach Pier on the north.
The Koh Phi Phi Pier is known as Tonsai Pier, so do not confuse this with the Ton Sai Beach in Krabi!
Ferry schedule= from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi
Arrival in Krabi
The different ferry companies have different arrival points. We recommend that you choose one that is near the area where your hotel is booked.
Same as the ferries from Phuket, the ferries from Koh Phi Phi also arrive at Nopparat Thara Pier and East Railay. An additional arrival pier is Krabi River Marina, located near Krabi Walking Street.
Phuket to Krabi by Taxi
If you stay in other areas of Phuket like Patong or will arrive at Phuket Airport, a taxi might be easier. Phuket is a very popular destination and you can easily get a taxi almost anywhere on every street.
However, the downside of this is that taxis in Phuket are well known for charging extremely high rates compared to the rest of Thailand. Finding a driver who will use a metrefor your trip is extremely rare.
Taxis offer more comfort, freedom, and convenience of direct hotel drop-offs compared to shared rides. Most taxi fares start at 2,500 THB ($69) and you need to be prepared to negotiate a fair price.
To secure a safe drive with a trusted driver, you can book your private transport in advance in BookAway. Price starts from 2,300 THB ($63).
More details
Alternatively, you can also check the taxi app Grab, but also these fares are often elevated and not always cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street.Note that Grab charges an extra surcharge of 200 THB ($5.50).
Lastly, you can contact taxi companies such as Phuket Taxi or Taxi Cab Phuket directly or pre-book a taxi through local travel agencies or your hotel. This will often be more expensive than booking online, though.
Phuket to Krabi by Bus
Looking for a cheaper option? If you travel solo and on a budget, there are public buses and minivans that you can take.
This non-stop journey takes 3-4 hours and bus tickets cost only 250 THB ($6.50) per person.
You will miss the scenic ferry ride, but it will leave you with some more cash to spare once you arrive in Krabi.
Departure and arrival station
Departure and arrival station
To catch the bus from Phuket to Krabi, you will depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkasattri Road. This terminal is about a 15-minute drive from Phuket Town.
The buses arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal, about 6 km outside the city centre. From here, you can take a songthaew or taxi to Ao Nang or to Krabi Town. A songthaew costs only around 20 THB ($0.55) if you share the ride.
Alternatively, you can arrange a transfer with your hotel before departure. However, this may be more expensive.
Bus schedule
Bus schedule from Phuket to Krabi
Only Sri Trang Tour operates the Phuket to Krabi route with just four departures a day, so we suggest booking your tickets in advance.
Alternative: Shared minivans
Phuket to Krabi by Public Van
There are also shared minivans that depart from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1, about 5 km away from Terminal 2. Tickets cost 245 THB ($6.50) per person, and travel time is about 3.5 hours to Krabi Bus Terminal.
Itinerary from Phuket to Krabi
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
