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How to Get in and Around Krabi

Krabi is located on the South-West Coast of Thailand some 700km from Bangkok. It is accessible by air, bus, road and boat. Krabi town is great for walking and cycling, and there are some comfortable, easy and fun options for excursions to explore all the best the province has to offer.

Here, we have detailed Krabi's transportation information so that you know how to get in and around Krabi.

Getting to Krabi by Air

Krabi International Airport (KBV) has one small but efficient airport with a convenient location 12km outside the town center. The majority of flights arrive from Bangkok, and the short and easy 1-hour flight makes Krabi easily accessible from any major International destination flying through Bangkok. Direct flights from Koh Samui and Chiang Mai are also available.

The top international destinations are Singapore (SIN) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL), with direct China flights to cities such as Chengdu (CTU), Shanghai PVG), Hefei (HFE), and Shenzhen (SZX) also available.

Scandinavian flights from Oslo (OSL), Stockholm (ARN), Helsinki (HEL), and Copenhagen (CPH) all fly directly to Krabi as well, while Doha (DOH) represents the only Middle Eastern destination serviced by Krabi Airport direct flights.

Krabi Airport to Downtown, or Your Ultimate Beach Destination

The trip from Krabi Airport to the city center is only 20 minutes. Getting to your ultimate beach destination can vary, but the popular Ao Nang takes 45 minutes, although it's a nice drive through the countryside much of the way. Once in Ao Nang, you may be hopping on a ferry or boat taxi to jettison you to your final landing spot.

Private Transfer (recommended)

Our private transfer service will provide you with an English-speaking guide and driver. Our guide will meet you at the exit of the airport with your name on a sign. They will be on hand to help all the way from the airport to your hotel, making your arrival stress-free and enjoyable.

Taxis (less recommended)

Taxis are a good option. They are easy to find at Krabi airport and a good option to get into town. Unlike other parts of Thailand, they can be hard to find if not at the airport, so don't count on them to be readily available to get you around town.

Although using the taxi meter is mandatory in Thailand, when getting a taxi at Krabi Airport you usually prepay for a specific destination. Be sure to negotiate the price before you get in the car. Rates of 500THB to the city center of Krabi town and 700 THB to Ao Nang are reasonable. If you are heading all the way to Koh Lanta, expect to pay 2,500 THB for the 2-hour ride.

Bus (not recommended)

Although there is a local bus option to provide a cheap transfer from the airport to town, there are many stops along the way and it can add hardship and stress to the end of your travel day. These buses often wait until there are enough passengers to fill them, so you may find yourself sitting and waiting. The cost is 100 THB to city center and 150 THB to Ao Nang.

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Getting to Krabi by Boat

Krabi is one of the most beautiful areas in all of Thailand, largely because of the rugged coastline and gorgeous islands. Your time in Krabi will be best spent hopping around by boat. If arriving from Phuket or Koh Samui, arriving by boat is also an option.

Phuket to/from Ao Nang is serviced by both a Ferry and a Speedboat. The 2-hour ferry ride costs 700 THB, while the quicker Speedboat will make the journey in just over 1 hour for the cost of 1,250 THB. Coming from Koh Samui requires a 1.5-hour ferry ride to Surat Thani, then a bus from Surat Thani to Krabi. The entire journey from Samui takes about 6 hours so we recommend taking the 30-minute flight instead.

When traveling by boat keep in mind that schedules are dependent on weather. Especially during the June – October months, seas can be rough and during this time it is recommended to travel by plane or road. >>>Krabi Maps

Getting to Krabi By Bus

As there is no direct rail station link to Krabi, Bus is the only other option to arrive by land. Buses to Krabi from Bangkok depart from the Southern Bus Terminal. Most travel overnight and cost about 800 THB. If you do take the bus, paying more gets you more comfort. The journey takes 10 hours and can be a tiring experience. If coming from Bangkok, it is recommended to take one of the many daily flights.

More reasonable bus journeys from Phuket (150 THB), Had Yai (250 THB), or Trang (130 THB) are much shorter. We'd only recommend this for solo travelers on a budget.

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Getting to Krabi from Thailand's Main Cities

It is convenient to travel to Krabi from many of Thailand's cities. Here, we will give you the transportation information for traveling to Chengdu from major cities. If you encounter problems when booking flights or trains, or arranging other forms of transportation, you can contact us. Our travel experts can help with advice or make the bookings for you.

Bangkok To Krabi

Although accessible by bus, we recommend avoiding that 10-hour journey and taking one of more than 30 daily flights. The journey is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. You can fly from both of Bangkok's Airports, making it convenient no matter where you are in the city.

Koh Samui to Krabi

Flying directly from Koh Samui's quaint island airport to Krabi's small coastal airport is a very cool experience. You literally go from the East Coast to the West Coast of this nation is just 55 minutes.

You can also get between Koh Samui and Krabi by a combination of ferry and bus or car. This journey takes a total of 6 hours but provides some very nice views along the way.

Chiang Mai to Krabi

With 1,500 km separating the Northern Chiang Mai from the Southern Krabi, flying is highly recommended for travel between these 2 cities. The flight is 2 hours.

Phuket to Krabi

Phuket is the closest major area to Krabi, located 160km away by car. Options to get here include taxi, bus, or private car. This is a beautiful drive that should take 2.5 hours.

It is also possible to travel between Phuket and Krabi by boat, weather and sea permitting, and this journey can be done in 2  hours by speedboat. Read more on How to Travel from Phuket to Krabi.

Phi Phi to Krabi

Ferry is by far the most popular way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi. The 90-minute journey costs 400 THB and departs 4 times per day. Ferries to Koh Phi Phi are modern, air conditioned and safe.

For a little more money, a private Speedboat is a fun and exciting way to get from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi and offers you the chance to see some more sights along the way.

Read more on How to Get in and around Phi Phi.

Pattaya to Krabi

There is no direct flight from Pattaya to Krabi. Heading to Bangkok first and getting to Krabi from Bangkok is the common way.

Traveling by bus all the way from Pattaya to Krabi goes right through Bangkok, making the journey a minimum of 14 hours and unbearable.

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Getting Around Krabi – On Land and Sea

Tuk-Tuks

Krabi, like most places in Thailand, has a large number of Tuk-Tuks available to get around. Always agree on a price before starting your ride, as prices can vary greatly depending on the driver, time of day, and your destination. These are a fun way to experience Thailand but only recommended for short trips within either Krabi Town or Ao Nang.

Walking or Bicycle

When spending time in either Krabi Town or Ao Nang, getting around by walking or bicycle are both great options. You can find a decent bike to rent for 150 THB per day. Both towns are small enough to also be considered walking towns and you can cover a lot of ground in a short time. Of course, when you are on the coastline or islands, we highly recommend a long walk along one of the many beautiful beaches you'll find throughout Krabi.

Songthaew

These are the pickup trucks that you'll see throughout Thailand, converted with bench seating in the back. They are a cross between a taxi and a bus and run on fixed routes around Krabi Town and Ao Nang. They are not the most comfortable means of travel but if you are feeling adventurous you may want to try them once.

Stop them by waving, and press the buzzer or shout to the driver when you want to get off. Try and have small change to pay the driver as they will not be able to break large notes.

Rental Car or Motorbike

You will see many travelers getting around town on a rented scooter. This offers you a fun and exciting way to explore and get to wherever you'd like to go, but remember to wear a helmet, and its best to wear long sleeves and trousers as well.

Renting a car provides a safer alternative while still offering you the freedom to go where you want. We'd suggest you only consider renting a car with the appropriate license and insurance.

Taxi

Upon arrival at Krabi Airport, you will find plenty of taxis but once you are in town or at your beach resort, you'll notice that they are not readily available.

Most taxis in Krabi prefer to be booked for day trips or travel from one town to another and are a great option for couples who want to get out of town and explore.

You might be lucky and succeed in hailing one for a short ride in town, but don't count on it. Always negotiate the price for the ride before jumping in.

Motorbike taxis are a fast, cheap way to get around for solo travelers, but we don't recommend if you are a couple or group. If you do get on one, be sure to wear a helmet.

Boat

Perhaps the best thing about Krabi is its gorgeous coastline and easy access to several islands just offshore in the Andaman Sea, where beautiful beaches, crystal blue water, and limestone cliffs will dazzle your senses.

Ferries and speedboats offer regular service to Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Water taxis in the form of traditional Thai longtail boats offer regular transport along the coast to places like Railay Beach and Phra Nang, both worth a visit.

Water taxis in the form of traditional Thai longtail boats offer regular transport along the coast to places like Railay Beach and Phra Nang, both worth a visit.

We'd recommend hiring a private boat charter to take you on a day-long tour where you could make several stops throughout the day.

Private Van/Taxi

If you want to get out of the town center and explore the surrounding areas, you can rent a private vehicle.

Bus

A local bus service offers the cheapest way to get between Krabi town, Krabi Airport and Ao Nang. The bus network is not extensive, and this mode of transportation is not recommended for getting around Krabi.

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