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Krabi sits on Thailand's Andaman coast, 61 kilometres (38 miles) east of Phuket. Limestone karsts rise straight out of the sea, and Railay's beaches are just around the headland. The bus gets you from Phuket to Krabi in 3h. It's also the cheapest road option at $7.10 (233 THB). The minivan and a private transfer both cost more, and there's a ferry if you'd rather go by water.
Distance from Phuket to Krabi
Phuket and Krabi are about 61 km (38 miles) apart, and the overland-and-sea journey covers around 170 km. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h and 11h.
5 ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi
There are five ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi. You can choose between the bus, minivan, ferry, private transport, and flight. The journey takes 2h–5h 30m and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $7.10 (233 THB).
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Our favourite places to stay in Krabi
- 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.
BudgetThe Morning Mini House
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 (660 THB) per night.
BudgetThe Box House
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 (530 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeVipa Tropical Resort
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 (1,580 THB) per night.
Mid-Range@Aonang Guesthouse
@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 (1,580 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfPinthong Aonang Villa
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 (2,650 THB) that can fit 4 people. That's $20 (660 THB) 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 (2,650 THB) per night.
Treat YourselfAonang Eco Villa
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 $120 (4,000 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Phuket to Krabi, roughly 61 kilometres (38 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7.10 (233 THB). The quickest trip takes 2h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Phuket to Krabi?
The distance from Phuket to Krabi is 61 kilometres (38 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Krabi?
Journey times from Phuket to Krabi overlap: bus 3h, minivan 2h 15m - 6h, ferry 2h - 10h 30m, private transport 2h 15m - 4h, flight 5h 30m - 11h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Krabi?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Krabi is by bus with ticket costs starting from 233 THB.
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?
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Travel Writer
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.
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Ferry Schedule Notice
Ferry schedules can change due to weather, sea conditions, or seasonal adjustments. We recommend confirming departure times directly with the operator, especially during monsoon season.
