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 as one of travellers favourite places that they visited in Thailand.
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 $6 to $63.
3 ways to get from Phuket to Krabi
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.
Most ferries depart from Rassada Pier which is close to Phuket Town. If you already ventured out to Koh Phi Phi, we have good news for you. There is also a ferry departing from Koh Phi Phi and from here it only takes 45 minutes to reach Krabi. The ferries from depart take 1-2.5 hours.
If you stay in other areas of Phuket like Patong or will arrive at Phuket Airport, a taxi might be easier. You can book a taxi from 2,200 THB ($63) or check Grab App to find even more competitive rates. Note that Grab charges an extra surcharge of 200 THB ($5.50).
Looking for a cheaper option? If you travel solo and on a budget, the bus/van is a cheap alternative. You will miss the scenic ferry ride, but it will leave you with some more cash to spare once you arrive in Krabi.
Itinerary from Phuket to Krabi
Phuket to Krabi by Ferry
If you want to enjoy some breathtaking coastal views as you travel between Phuket and Krabi, then the ferry from Phuket to Krabi is a great option.
While slow ferries will take at least 2.5 hours, a speed ferry will bring you there in just around 1 hour.
There are two main points where you can depart from if you are in Phuket going to Krabi: Rassada Pier and Koh Phi Phi Island.
We will explain both options below:
Option 1: Ferry departing from Rassada Pier
The main departure point from Phuket to Krabi is Rassada Pier. Rassada Pier is next to Phuket town, in the southwest of Phuket.
There used to be boats like Koh Yao Sun Smile departing from Bang Rong Pier but there is no available schedule yet since the pandemic.
The ferry Ao Nang Travel and Tour departs 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, but if you are already staying in Phuket Town, then Rassada Pier is only about a 15-minute drive away (5km).
Schedule of Ferry from Rassada Pier to Krabi
Arrival in Krabi
The ferry will arrive around 10:30 at Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang in Krabi. You can get off here if your hotel is close to Krabi Town.
For some travellers, it will be more convenient to stay on the ferry to continue the 15-minute ferry to East Railay.
Note: Pre-pandemic, Chaokoh Travel Center and Tigerline were two other popular ferry operators for the route between Phuket to Krabi, but they are currently not available for bookings (Feb 2022).
Option 2: Ferry departing From Koh Phi Phi Island
Spending your time in Phuket on Koh Phi Phi? Good news for you! There are several ferries leaving straight from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi.
Phi Phi Kanichta Tour, Ao Nang Travel, and Ramon Transport depart from Tonsai Pier, southwest of Koh Phi Phi while Phi Phi Logistics departs from Laem Tong Beach pier, north of the island.
The Koh Phi Phi Island Pier is known as Tonsai Pier, this port is located south of Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). Do not confuse this with the Ton Sai Beach in Krabi!
Schedule of Ferry from Koh Phi Phi Island to Krabi
Arrival in Krabi
The different ferry companies have different arrival points. We recommend that you choose one that is near to the area where your hotel is booked.
Phi Phi Kanichta Tour arrives at East Railay in Krabi. Some ferries under this company also arrive at Krabi River Marina, more north of Krabi. This is still about a 30-minute drive to Krabi Town.
Ao Nang Travel, and Ramon Transport arrive at Nopparat Thara Pier while Phi Phi Logistics arrives at Krabi River Marina pier. If you book Ramon Transport, its ticket includes a minivan drive with drop-off at your hotel in Krabi or Ao Nang.
Phuket to Krabi by Taxi
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. To find a driver who will use a meter for 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 ($71) 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 2,200 THB ($63).
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.
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
For those on a budget, the cheapest way to travel from Phuket to Krabi is by bus. This non-stop journey takes 3-4 hours and bus tickets cost only 235 THB ($6.50) per person.
Departure & Arrival station
To catch the bus from Phuket to Krabi, you will depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 located on Thepkasattri Road. This is about 5km or a 15-minute drive from Phuket Town.
The buses arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal which is located approximately 6km outside the city center. 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 from Phuket to Krabi
Phuket to Krabi by Public Van
There are also public vans that depart from the bus terminal and cost 200 THB ($5.50) per person. A van takes also about 3 hours to reach the Krabi Bus Station.
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
