What to expect when visiting 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.
5 ways to get from Phuket to Krabi
There are 5 ways to travel the distance of 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Phuket to Krabi by bus (3 hours), minivan (2 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours), private Transport (2 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours), flight (5 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours) and ferry (45 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 45 minutes - 11 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. The lowest priced tickets start from 236 THB ($7.10) for the bus.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.
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 around 3 hours and a bus ticket from Phuket to Krabi costs only 236 THB ($7.10) 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
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 the centre of Phuket.
Buses arrive at the Krabi Terminal, about 6 km outside the city centre. From Krabi Bus Station, you can take a songthaew or taxi to Ao Nang or to Krabi Town. A songthaew costs only around 20 THB ($0.60) 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 Minivan
There are minivans that depart from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1, about 5 km away from Terminal 2. Minivans aren’t as spacious as buses, but they offer more trips — almost every hour from 06:40 to 18:00 daily.
The four minivan companies operating on this route are 438 Phuket Krabi Transport, Goodluck Lanta, Call Me Taxi Thailand and Van Shuttle.
Ticket prices start from 339 THB ($10.20) per person, and the journey time is about 2 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours.
Minivan schedule from Phuket to Krabi
Phuket to Krabi by Ferry
The ferry is the most popular way to travel from Phuket to Krabi. This picturesque ferry ride is not just transportation but a sightseeing experience of the breathtaking scenery along Phang Nga Bay — overlooking the Phuket and Krabi coast and islands.
Ferries to Krabi depart from Rassada Pier and Bang Rong Pier in Phuket, both taking about 2 hours. If you already ventured out to Koh Phi Phi, we have good news for you! There are direct ferries departing from Koh Phi Phi which only take about 1 hour.
Departure from Phuket main island
The main departure point from Phuket to Krabi is Rassada Pier. This pier is located 4 km southwest of Phuket Town centre and takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
Another popular departure point is Bang Rong Pier, which is more convenient if you’re coming from Phuket Airport. From Phuket Airport, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride to Bang Rong Pier, compared to a 1-hour ride to Rassada Pier.
We recommend carefully checking the departure and arrival point before you book the ferry.
Check Ferry Tickets from Phuket to Krabi
Arrival in Krabi
The Phuket to Krabi ferry arrives at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang. You can get off here if your hotel is close to Krabi Town.
Are you heading to Railay Beach? After dropping off passengers at Nopparat Thara Pier, some ferries continue on to East Railay Floating Pier on the south tip of Krabi. That’s an additional journey time of 20 minutes.
Ferry Schedules from Phuket to Krabi
Departure 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. Journey time is between 1-2 hours.
All ferries from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi depart from Ton Sai Pier, southwest of the island centre. The exception is Phi Phi Logistic & Tour, which departs from Laem Tong Beach Pier on the north.
The main pier in Koh Phi Phi is known as Tonsai Pier, do not confuse this with Ton Sai Beach in Krabi!
Ferry schedule from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi
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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. Additional arrival piers include Krabi River Marina, near Krabi Walking Street and Klong Jilad Pier, 4 km south of Krabi centre.
Klong Jilad Pier is the main docking port for boats operating from Phi Phi Island to Krabi.
Phuket to Krabi by Private Transport
If you stay in one of the destinations on the west coast of Phuket, like Patong, it will be easier to take a private transfer from Phuket to Krabi. It offers more comfort, freedom, and convenience of direct hotel drop-offs (no unnecessary stopover) compared to shared rides.
To secure a safe drive with a trusted driver, you can book your private transport in advance via BookAway. Rates for a 3-seater car starts from 2,194 THB ($66). With BookAway, prices are fixed so no need for haggling.
Private Transport options from Phuket to Krabi
Hailing a taxi from Phuket to Krabi
You can also hail a taxi from the 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 metre for your trip is rare. This is why we recommend booking your taxi via BookAway instead.
When hailing a taxi from the street, fares start at 2,500 THB ($75) and you need to be prepared to negotiate a fair price.
Another way is to check the taxi app Grab, but these fares are also often elevated and not always cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street. Note that Grab charges an extra surcharge of 200 THB ($6).
See here the travel time and taxi fares from Phuket to Krabi:
| Departure point | Travel time | Taxi fares* |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Airport | 2.5-3.5 hours | from 2,300 THB ($69) |
| Patong | 3-4 hours | from 2,900 THB ($87) |
| Karon | 4-5 hours | from 2,900 THB ($87) |
| Rawai | 4-5 hours | from 3,000 THB ($90) |
Lastly, you can pre-book a taxi from Phuket to Krabi through local travel agencies or hotels. You can also directly contact taxi companies such as Phuket Taxi or Taxi Cab Phuket. This will often be more expensive than booking online, though.
Phuket to Krabi by Flight
While Phuket and Krabi both have their own airports, there are no direct flights from Phuket to Krabi. All flights make a stop in Bangkok, making the journey take much longer compared to the other transport options discussed above.
Depending on the layover time in Bangkok, flying from Phuket to Krabi will take at least 5 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Step 1: Phuket Town to Phuket Airport
Phuket Airport is located about 30 km away from the town centre and 40 km from Patong Beach on the west coast.
You have several options when travelling to Phuket Airport:
- Airport bus from Phuket Town centre (1.5 hours) – 125 THB ($3.80)
- Smart bus from the western beach destinations (1-2 hours) – 100 THB ($3)
- Shared minivan from your hotel (1-1.5 hours) – 200 THB ($6)
- Taxi from your hotel (30-60 minutes) – 655 THB ($19.70)
For more info on how to travel to the airport, visit our Phuket Airport guide.
Step 2: Phuket Airport to Krabi Airport
Several airlines offer indirect flights from Phuket to Krabi. This includes Air Asia, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways.
As there are no direct flights, all flights make a stop at either Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Depending on the length of your layover, the indirect flight from Phuket Airport to Krabi Airport will take 4.5-8 hours.
Airfares from Phuket to Krabi start from 2,000 THB ($60).
Step 3: Krabi Airport to Krabi Town
At Krabi Airport, you can find buses and minivans operating from 08:00 to 20:00.
If you prefer a private transfer, you can also take a taxi from the airport. BookAway offers several low-priced transport options to get from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town. See the fares and destinations below.
- Minivan to Krabi town (30 minutes) – 145 THB ($4.40)
- Bus to Khlong Muang Beach (1 hour) – 270 THB ($8.10)
- Taxi to hotel (30 minutes) – 270 THB ($8.10)
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket to Krabi
What is the best way to travel from Phuket to Krabi?
The best way to travel from Phuket to Krabi is by ferry. With a journey time of around 2 hours, ferries are fast, convenient and cost-effective.
When you travel by land, you can take a private car or a bus. Travel times are 2.5 hours and 3-4 hours, respectively. There are no direct flights from Phuket to Krabi so we don’t recommend taking a flight for this route.
What are the best things to do in Krabi?
Krabi boasts of both nature and wildlife. It has fun activities to offer for everybody — may that be families, honeymooners, or solo travellers.
Seaside, Andaman Sea’s calm waves make it perfect for swimming and fishing, while its shallow coral reefs make it a great spot for snorkelling and diving. Inland, Krabi’s lush forests and national forests offer a lot of venues for hiking and trekking. If you’re into culture and history, you don’t need to go further than Krabi Town.
For more information, check out our guide for the 7 Best Things to Do in Krabi.
What are the must-visit sights in Krabi?
Krabi is renowned for its stunning white-sand beaches. Leading the list is Railay Beach, which can only be reached by boat via the Andaman Sea. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and crystal-clear blue water, this postcard-perfect tropical paradise is on top of the list of people visiting from all over the world.
We also recommend exploring Thung Teao Forest Natural Park with its emerald pool, age-old trees, and a wide variety of birds and other animals. Visit Wat Tham Sua, one of the most interesting temples in southern Thailand. And take a closer look at the Krabi Shell Cemetery, where millions of years old sea relics have piled together to make solid rocks.
When is the best time of the year to visit Krabi?
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phuket 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!
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.
