How to Get to Krabi, Thailand:
Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about how to get to Krabi, Thailand
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Krabi is a province on Thailand’s southwestern coast, famous for its spectacular landscape of limestone karsts, wild beaches and crystal clear water. If you’re after picture-postcard Thailand, this is the place to be. It’s an essential stop for any trip to the Land of Smiles, so here’s your comprehensive guide on how to get there.
By Air
For most people, flying is the easiest way to reach Krabi. The province is served by Krabi International Airport (KBV), located only about 15km from Krabi Town and 25km from Ao Nang. You can easily find daily flights to Krabi from major cities in Thailand, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
There are no direct long-haul international flights from western countries to Krabi, so you will likely connect through Bangkok. Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways and AirAsia all offer daily flights to Krabi from Bangkok, which is only a short 1.5 hour hop away. It’s a beautiful flight, with incredible aerial views over the Krabi coastline. If you’re travelling from elsewhere in Southeast Asia, you might be able to fly directly from big cities such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Once you’ve landed, transport from the airport to your accommodation is straightforward, with taxis and Grab easily available. Shared songthaews are the cheapest ways to get to the main areas of Krabi town and Ao Nang, although as they won’t take you directly to your accommodation, they’re best suited to backpackers.
By Road
If you’re already in Thailand, Krabi is well connected by highways and can be reached by bus and car.
From Phuket, Krabi is just a 3 hour drive away, with a scenic journey through lush countryside and small villages. The Sarasin Bridge links Phuket to the mainland, and from there, the route is direct and relatively quiet. Private taxis or pre-booked minivans are the most comfortable options for this journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving. Public buses also run between Phuket and Krabi regularly, offering a cheaper, if slower, alternative.
For those on a classic Thai island hopping adventure wanting to get from the Gulf of Thailand (home to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, amongst others) to the Andaman Sea (on which Krabi lies) the quickest way is via road from Surat Thani. Minivans and buses run along this highway multiple times a day, delivering you from one white sandy beach to another, in just 1.5 to 2 hours. The road is in good condition and you’ll easily find transfers on the islands themselves, or via our favourite 12GoAsia.
By Sea
Travelling to Krabi by sea is flexible, affordable and is one of the most spectacular ways to travel – possibly in the world. Speedboats and ferries run regularly between the Thai islands and Krabi, some with multi-stops and many direct.
From Phuket, ferries depart regularly from Rassada Pier, taking around two hours to reach Krabi. The journey whizzes you across the turquoise Andaman Sea, with limestone karsts and tropical islands dotting the horizon. Speedboats are a faster option than the ferries, cutting travel time nearly in half.
If you’re island hopping (which you should be!), you’ll find ferries and speedboats connecting Krabi to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi, amongst others. These routes are popular during the high season, when calm seas and clear skies make for smooth, blissful crossings. Ultimately, arriving by sea allows you to experience Krabi’s dramatic coastline in all its glory, with towering cliffs and hidden beaches greeting you as you approach.
For those coming from the Gulf of Thailand islands, reaching Krabi involves a combination of ferry and road transport. Ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao arrive at Surat Thani or Don Sak Pier on the mainland. From there, buses or minivans complete the journey to Krabi.
Practical Tips to Know
While Krabi is relatively easy to reach, booking transport in advance is essential, particularly during peak travel seasons when demand for flights, ferries and buses is high. For island ferries, booking a day or two in advance is enough, but don’t expect to turn up and find a ferry with space between December and March!
Things to Do
where to stay
