The easiest way to get to Krabi is by flying into Krabi International Airport, especially if you’re travelling from Bangkok. These flights take around 1 hour 10 minutes, while buses, trains, ferries, and private transfers are better options if you’re coming from nearby places like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui, or other parts of southern Thailand.
I visited Krabi recently after flying down from Bangkok, and for a short trip, I’m very glad I chose the fastest option. Krabi is one of the easiest destinations to reach in Thailand, but the best route depends on where you’re starting, how much time you have, and whether you want the cheapest, or fastest journey.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best ways to get to Krabi in 2026, including flights, buses, trains, ferries, private transfers, travel times, prices, and airport transfers to Ao Nang and Railay Beach.
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Quick Overview: Best Ways to Get to Krabi
Planning how to get to Krabi Thailand? Here are the most common travel options:
- Fastest: Fly from Bangkok to Krabi International Airport (KBV) — about 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cheapest: Overnight bus from Bangkok (you’ll save on accommodation)
- Scenic route: Train to Surat Thani + minivan to Krabi
- Best for island hopping: Ferry from Koh Phi Phi or Phuket
- Easy transfer: Private taxi or minivan from Phuket
Most travelers arrive via Krabi International Airport, located about 30 minutes from Ao Nang Beach, the main tourist area in Krabi.
Where is Krabi
Krabi is a coastal province in southern Thailand, located along the Andaman Sea. It sits about 780 km south of Bangkok and is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, tropical islands, and beaches like Ao Nang and Railay Beach. Krabi is also close to popular destinations such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta, making it a major hub for island hopping in Thailand.
➞ Once you’ve figured out how to get there, my 3 days in Krabi itinerary can help you plan how to spend your time between Railay Beach, island hopping, Tiger Cave Temple, and Ao Nang.
How to Get to Krabi by Plane
I took a flight from Bangkok to Krabi, and it was the best decision I could have made. Flying is the fastest and most convenient way to travel to Krabi. The city is served by Krabi International Airport (KBV), located about 25 km from Ao Nang Beach and 14 km from Krabi Town.
Domestic flights connect Krabi with several major cities across Thailand.
Airlines Flying to Krabi
- Thai AirAsia
- Bangkok Airways
- Thai VietJet
- Thai Airways
- Nok Air
- Thai Lion Air
International flights also operate from destinations in Malaysia, Singapore, and some cities in India. If you’re visiting Thailand on a shorter trip, flying to Krabi is usually the best option, as it saves a significant amount of travel time.
Bangkok to Krabi: Best Ways to Travel
Many travelers arrive in Thailand through Bangkok, so this is the most common route when planning how to get to Krabi. Flights to Krabi depart from both Bangkok airports — Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
Here are the best ways to travel from Bangkok to Krabi:
1. Bangkok to Krabi by Plane: What I did
Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Price: from 26 USD depending on the season
I was traveling to Krabi for just four days, so I wanted the fastest option. Flying from Bangkok to Krabi was by far the most convenient choice. I booked the flight only a week in advance and ended up paying 2,200 THB (70 USD) for two people, including one checked bag (20 kg) for a one-way ticket, which was a great deal.
There are multiple flights operating daily, which helps keep prices relatively low and offers plenty of flexibility if you’re booking last minute. Once you arrive at Krabi International Airport, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Ao Nang, the main tourist area in Krabi.
2. Bangkok to Krabi by Bus: The Cheapest Option
Travel time: 12–16 hours
Price: from 29 USD
Traveling by overnight bus from Bangkok to Krabi is the cheapest option. Although the ticket price can sometimes be similar to a flight, you will save money on one night of accommodation.
Most buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or from Khao San Road in Bangkok. This is a great option if you are a slow-paced traveler on a budget. I usually purchase all my domestic road transport through the 12Go Asia website. They send the ticket directly to my email, which I simply show at the bus station, so there’s no need to print anything.
➞ 12Go Asia Review: Is It Worth It? My Honest Take After Booking a Few Trips
3. Bangkok to Krabi by Train: For Adventurous Travelers
Travel time: 14 hours
Price: from 56 USD
There is no direct train to Krabi, but you can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then continue by minivan or bus to Krabi. You can purchase a combined ticket that covers both parts of the journey. Most trains are overnight sleeper trains with air conditioning, which makes the long trip more comfortable.
This is not the cheapest or the fastest way to travel, but the journey itself can be a nice experience, with scenic views along the way.
4. Bangkok to Krabi by Car
Distance: about 790 km
Driving time: 10–11 hours
If you prefer not to fly, you can turn your inland journey into a Thailand road trip. Renting a car and driving from Bangkok to Krabi can be a good option, especially if you plan to explore more of the province afterward.
Having a car in Krabi can also be convenient, as it allows you to visit more remote areas of the region and may feel safer than riding a scooter. On the way from Bangkok, you could stop in Hua Hin or make a small detour to Khao Sok National Park or Tai Rom Yen National Park.
How to Get to Krabi from Phuket
Traveling between Phuket and Krabi is very easy because the two destinations are relatively close to each other.
1. Phuket to Krabi by Bus or Minivan
Travel time: 3 hours
Price: from 10 USD
Minivans and buses run frequently throughout the day. Most depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 1, although you can also find departures from Patong. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi.
2. Phuket to Krabi by Private Transfer
Travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Price: from 80 USD per vehicle
I personally enjoy using private transfers in Thailand because they are much more affordable compared to many other countries. This option works especially well if you are traveling in a small group, have a lot of luggage, or simply prefer door-to-door transport.
You can book a private taxi from Phuket Airport, Phuket Town, or other parts of the island, which will take you directly to your hotel in Krabi. The easiest way to compare options is through 12Go Asia, or you can book directly using the Grab app.
For example, when I checked the Grab app, a ride from Phuket Airport to Ao Nang Beach showed an estimated travel time of 147 minutes and a price of 2,527 THB (80 USD), which I think is a very reasonable price for such a long journey.
3. Phuket to Krabi by Ferry
Travel time: 1–2 hours
Price: from 25 USD
Another scenic option is taking a ferry from Phuket to Krabi. Boats usually depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket and arrive at Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang, or Railay Beach in Krabi.
You can check available routes and schedules on 12Go Asia, where several options are available. Most routes offer both standard ferries and speedboats. Personally, I try to avoid speedboats after experiencing a very rough and bumpy ride near Phuket many years ago.
How to Get to Krabi from Koh Phi Phi
Travel time: 40 minutes –1,5 hours
Price: from 14 USD
The famous Koh Phi Phi islands are actually very close to Krabi and Ao Nang Beach, making them a popular stop for travelers island hopping around southern Thailand.
The only way to travel between Koh Phi Phi and Krabi is by ferry. Ferries depart from Ton Sai Pier in Koh Phi Phi and typically arrive at East Railay Beach, Nopparat Thara Pier, or Ao Nang in Krabi.
How to Get to Krabi from Koh Samui
1. Koh Samui to Krabi by Plane
Travel time: 50 minutes
Price: from 128 USD
There are several options for traveling from Koh Samui to Krabi. The quickest and also the most expensive, is taking a direct flight with Bangkok Airways.
This is the fastest way to reach Krabi if you’re short on time and want to avoid multiple transfers.
2. Koh Samui to Krabi by Ferry and Van
Travel time: 4–6 hours
Price: from 17 USD
If you have more time and want to save some money, you can choose a combination of ferry and minivan. The journey usually starts from Raja Ferry Koh Samui or Na Thon Pier, with a ferry to SeaTran Don Sak Pier on the mainland. From there, you continue by minivan to Krabi.
On 12Go Asia, you can purchase a single ticket that covers both legs of the journey, which makes the process much easier.
How to Get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang
Before coming to Krabi, I checked whether Grab operates in the area. It does, but apparently drivers are not always allowed to pick up passengers directly outside the arrival hall. I read that you may need to walk to a nearby road to meet your driver, but since we were arriving in the evening, I didn’t want to deal with that.
Instead, I booked a private airport transfer through 12Go Asia directly to our hotel in Ao Nang. This way, I knew exactly how much it would cost – 500 THB.
When we arrived at Krabi International Airport, a driver was waiting for us with a sign, which made the process very easy and smooth. The drive to Ao Nang took about 30 minutes.
For the return journey, I was able to pre-book a ride using the Grab app, and the driver dropped us directly at the departure hall. The price was about the same.
I recommend booking this in advance, as you might otherwise end up waiting a long time for a Grab driver. You can also take a standard airport taxi, which usually costs around 500–600 THB to Ao Nang, or arrange an airport pickup through your hotel.
➞ Still deciding where to base yourself? My guide on where to stay in Krabi breaks down Ao Nang, Railay, Krabi Town, Klong Muang, Tubkaek, and Tonsai so you can choose the right area before booking transfers.
How to Get from Krabi Airport to Railey Beach
Railay Beach is only accessible by boat and has two arrival points: Railay West and Railay East. Railay West is typically used by longtail boats coming from Ao Nang Beach. There is no proper pier here, so you’ll need to step off the boat directly onto the sand and probably get a little wet.
Railay East, on the other hand, has a floating pier, and this is where boats arriving from Ao Nam Mao Pier usually dock. If you’re staying in Railay Beach, the easiest option is to either arrange transport through your hotel or take a taxi from Krabi Airport to Ao Nam Mao Pier, and then continue by boat to Railay.
You can also pre-book this route on 12Go Asia, which makes the journey much more straightforward.
Best Way to Get to Krabi: My Recommendation
The best way to get to Krabi depends on where you’re coming from.
- From Bangkok: Fly to Krabi International Airport.
- From Phuket: Take a bus, minivan, or private transfer.
- From Koh Phi Phi: Use the ferry.
Flying is the fastest and easiest way to get to Krabi Thailand, especially if you are visiting for just a week or two. You probably don’t want to spend your precious holiday time traveling long distances by road.
Travel Tips for Getting to Krabi
- Book flights early: Flight prices can increase significantly during the high season (December to March), especially for flights from Koh Samui. Try to book as early as possible to get the best deals.
- Allow extra time for ferries: Sea conditions can sometimes delay boats. Also keep in mind sea conditions can affect ferries and boat trips, especially in the rainy season, so check my guide to the best time to visit Krabi before booking your route.
- Plan airport transfers: Krabi International Airport is not within walking distance of major tourist areas. For a smooth arrival and peace of mind, I recommend pre-booking your airport transfer in advance.
- Avoid peak holiday weekends: Flights and accommodation prices increase during Thai public holidays and during the peak tourist season. Visiting in April or May can also be a great option, as there are fewer tourists and hotel prices are usually lower.
FAQ: How to Get to Krabi
Is Krabi easy to get to?
Yes, Krabi is one of the easiest destinations to reach in Thailand thanks to its international airport and well-developed transport connections.
What airport do you fly into for Krabi?
You fly into Krabi International Airport (KBV), which is about a 30-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach, depending on traffic.
Is there a train to Krabi?
There is no direct train to Krabi. Travelers coming from Bangkok usually take a train to Surat Thani and then continue by bus or minivan to Krabi.
How far is Krabi from Bangkok?
Krabi is about 780 km south of Bangkok.
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