How to Get from Phuket to Krabi

Two of Thailand's most stunning southern destinations are closer than you think! Phuket and Krabi are neighboring provinces separated by just 160-180 km (depending on your exact destination). Whether you're headed to Ao Nang, Railay Beach, or the famous Four Islands, here's your complete guide.

Transportation Options Overview

Method	Duration	Cost	Comfort	Best For
Private Taxi/Car	2.5-3 hours	2,500-3,500 THB	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Families, groups, comfort
Minivan	3-3.5 hours	250-400 THB	⭐⭐⭐	Budget travelers
Bus	3.5-4 hours	180-300 THB	⭐⭐⭐	Budget, flexible schedule
Ferry + Transfer	4-5 hours	800-1,200 THB	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Scenic route lovers
Speedboat	1.5-2 hours	1,500-2,500 THB	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Time-conscious, adventure

🚗 Private Taxi/Car (Recommended for Comfort)

Cost: 2,500-3,500 THB (entire vehicle)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Capacity: Up to 4 passengers + luggage

Booking Options:

Hotel Concierge: Usually 3,000-3,500 THB
Online Platforms: Klook, 12Go Asia (2,500-3,000 THB)
Smile Taxi Service: Direct booking with English-speaking drivers

Pros:

✅ Door-to-door service
✅ Flexible departure time
✅ Air-conditioned comfort
✅ Stop for photos/bathroom breaks
✅ Cost-effective for 3-4 people

Cons:

❌ Most expensive for solo travelers
❌ Traffic can extend journey time

💡 Pro Tip: Split the cost with fellow travelers. Many hotels have bulletin boards for ride-sharing. The per-person cost drops to 625-875 THB for 4 people!

🚐 Minivan (Best Value)

Cost: 250-400 THB per person
Duration: 3-3.5 hours
Departure Points:

Phuket Town Bus Terminal 2
Patong Beach (hotel pickup available)
Phuket Airport

Schedule:

Every 1-2 hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
More frequent during high season (Nov-Apr)

Popular Routes:

Phuket Airport → Ao Nang: 400 THB (most direct)
Phuket Town → Krabi Town: 250-300 THB
Patong → Ao Nang: 350-400 THB

Booking:

12Go Asia: Book online in advance
Bus Terminal: Walk-up tickets available
Hotels/Travel Agencies: Usually add 50-100 THB commission

Pros:

✅ Good balance of price and comfort
✅ Regular departures
✅ Hotel pickup options
✅ Air-conditioned

Cons:

❌ Fixed schedule
❌ Multiple stops for pickups/drop-offs
❌ Can be cramped with full luggage

💡 Pro Tip: Book the first or second departure of the day to avoid midday heat and traffic. Sit near the front to minimize motion sickness on winding roads.

🚌 Public Bus

Cost: 180-300 THB
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
Departure: Phuket Bus Terminal 2 (Rassada)

Schedule:

Standard Bus: 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
VIP Bus: 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM (more comfortable seats)

Arrival: Krabi Bus Terminal (town center)
From there, take a songthaew (40-60 THB) or taxi (300-400 THB) to Ao Nang/beaches

Pros:

✅ Cheapest option
✅ Most authentic local experience
✅ Large, comfortable seats (VIP)
✅ Reliable schedule

Cons:

❌ Limited departures
❌ Arrives at bus terminal (not beach areas)
❌ Need additional transport to final destination
❌ Can be slow with local stops

💡 Pro Tip: Take the VIP bus for just 50-70 THB more. The extra legroom and better AC are worth it for this 4-hour journey.

⛴️ Ferry + Transfer Combo (Scenic Route)

Cost: 800-1,200 THB
Duration: 4-5 hours total
Best For: Those wanting to see the Andaman Sea

How It Works:

Transfer from Phuket hotel to Rassada Pier: Included or 150-200 THB
Ferry to Koh Phi Phi or direct to Ao Nang: 2-2.5 hours
Speedboat/longtail to Railay or Ao Nang: 30-45 minutes

Operators:

Andaman Wave Master
Ao Nang Princess
Koh Yao Sun Smile

Schedule:

Morning departures: 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM (seasonal)

Pros:

✅ Incredible sea views
✅ Can stop at islands en route
✅ Refreshing sea breeze
✅ Direct to beach areas (Ao Nang, Railay)
✅ Combines transport with sightseeing

Cons:

❌ Weather dependent
❌ Not available in monsoon season (May-Oct)
❌ Can be rough seas
❌ Longer total travel time
❌ Luggage restrictions

💡 Pro Tip: Only book this option November-April when seas are calm. Bring motion sickness pills and a waterproof bag for your valuables!

🚤 Speedboat (Fastest)

Cost: 1,500-2,500 THB per person (or charter for 8,000-12,000 THB)
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Departure: Bang Rong Pier or Ao Po Grand Marina

Best For:

Time-sensitive travelers
Small groups willing to charter
Those continuing to islands

Booking:

Must book in advance (not regular schedule)
Minimum 4 passengers usually required
Can combine with island tour

Pros:

✅ Fastest option
✅ Exciting ride
✅ Stunning coastal views
✅ Direct to beach destinations
✅ Flexible routing

Cons:

❌ Expensive for individuals
❌ Weather dependent
❌ Can be wet and bumpy
❌ Limited luggage space
❌ Not suitable for those prone to seasickness

💡 Pro Tip: Charter a speedboat if you're a group of 6-8. Split 10,000 THB 8 ways = 1,250 THB per person, which is competitive with ferries but much faster!

🗺️ Route Information

The Journey:

The drive from Phuket to Krabi follows Route 402 and Route 4, passing through:

Phang Nga Province: Limestone karsts and scenic viewpoints
Ao Luek District: Rural Thailand landscapes
Khlong Muang: Luxury resort area
Ao Nang: Main beach hub

Scenic Stops (if taking private car):

Sarasin Bridge Viewpoint: Great photo op (5-min stop)
Phang Nga Viewpoint: Limestone formations (10 min)
Local Market (Ao Luek): Quick snack/bathroom (15 min)

📍 Destination Guide: Where in Krabi?

Krabi province is large! Specify your exact destination:

1. Ao Nang Beach (Most Popular)

Main beach resort area
Easiest access from Phuket
Most transport terminates here
From Krabi Town: 20 km, 30 minutes, 300-400 THB taxi

2. Railay Beach (Famous Rock Climbing)

Only accessible by boat
From Ao Nang: Longtail boat 100-150 THB, 10 minutes
From Krabi Town: 200-250 THB + boat
No cars allowed!

3. Krabi Town

Administrative center
Bus terminal location
To Ao Nang: Songthaew 60 THB or taxi 300-400 THB

4. Klong Muang Beach (Luxury Resorts)

North of Ao Nang
Quieter, more upscale
From Ao Nang: 15 km, 300-400 THB taxi

5. Phi Phi Islands

Separate ferry needed from either Phuket or Krabi
From Krabi: Ao Nang Pier, 400-600 THB, 1.5-2 hours

🎯 Recommended Options by Traveler Type

Solo Budget Traveler

Public Bus (180-300 THB)
Book VIP for comfort, arrive at Krabi terminal, take songthaew to Ao Nang.

Couple

Minivan (500-800 THB total)
Good balance of comfort and price. Hotel pickup saves hassle.

Family with Kids

Private Taxi (2,500-3,000 THB)
Flexibility for stops, bathroom breaks, and luggage. Worth the peace of mind.

Backpacker Group (4+ people)

Share Private Taxi (625-875 THB each)
Most comfortable option becomes affordable when split.

Adventure Seekers (Nov-Apr only)

Ferry/Speedboat Combo (800-2,500 THB)
Unforgettable journey across the Andaman Sea.

Time-Sensitive

Speedboat Charter (1,250-2,000 THB per person if group of 6-8)
Save 1-2 hours and arrive refreshed.

📅 Sample Itinerary: Day Trip or Transfer Day

Morning Transfer (Recommended):

7:00 AM: Breakfast at Phuket hotel
8:30 AM: Depart Phuket (private car or early minivan)
11:00 AM: Arrive Ao Nang, check into hotel
12:00 PM: Lunch at Ao Nang beachfront restaurant
2:00 PM: Relax at beach or pool
4:00 PM: Explore Ao Nang Walking Street
6:30 PM: Sunset at Railay Beach viewpoint
7:30 PM: Dinner with sunset views

With Sightseeing Stops (Private Car):

8:00 AM: Depart Phuket
9:30 AM: Stop at Phang Nga viewpoint (30 min)
11:00 AM: Visit Dragon Crest Mountain viewpoint (45 min)
12:30 PM: Lunch at local restaurant in Ao Luek
2:00 PM: Arrive Krabi, check in
3:00 PM: Rest and refresh
5:00 PM: Railay Beach boat trip
7:00 PM: Dinner at Ao Nang

💡 Essential Tips

Best Time to Travel:

Dry Season (Nov-Apr): All transport options available, seas calm
Monsoon (May-Oct): Ferries unreliable, stick to road transport
Avoid: Chinese New Year, Songkran (Apr 13-15) - very crowded

What to Bring:

✅ Sunscreen and hat
✅ Motion sickness pills (if taking ferry)
✅ Snacks and water
✅ Light jacket (AC can be cold)
✅ Entertainment for 3-hour journey
✅ Waterproof bag (if taking boat)

Money Tips:

Most transport requires cash (THB)
ATMs available at both terminals
Negotiate private taxi rates beforehand
Online booking often cheaper than walk-up

Luggage:

Minivan/Bus: 20 kg limit usually enforced
Speedboat: Soft bags preferred, 15 kg limit
Private Car: No restrictions

Safety:

✅ All transport operators are regulated and safe
✅ Life jackets provided on all boats
✅ Drivers generally experienced and careful
⚠️ Ferry operations suspended in bad weather (good thing!)

🎫 How to Book

Online (Recommended):

12Go Asia: Compare all options, instant confirmation
Klook: Often has promotional prices
BusOnlineTicket.co.th: Official bus booking
Smile Taxi Service: For private transfers with English support

In Person:

Hotel Tour Desk: Convenient but 10-20% more expensive
Travel Agencies: On every street in Phuket, competitive pricing
Bus Terminal: Walk-up tickets, but might sell out in peak season

Advance Booking:

High Season (Nov-Mar): Book 2-3 days ahead
Peak Dates (NYE, Chinese NY): Book 1-2 weeks ahead
Low Season: Usually okay to book same-day
Private Car: Can usually book 24 hours ahead

🏖️ What to Do in Krabi

Once you arrive, don't miss:

Top Attractions:

Railay Beach: Accessible only by boat, stunning limestone cliffs
Four Islands Tour: Phra Nang Cave, Chicken Island, Tup Island
Emerald Pool & Hot Springs: Natural jungle pools (1 hour from Ao Nang)
Tiger Cave Temple: 1,237 steps to panoramic views
Hong Islands: Kayaking through lagoons

Activities:

🧗 Rock climbing (Railay is world-famous)
🤿 Snorkeling/diving
🛶 Kayaking in mangroves
🥾 Jungle trekking
🧘 Yoga and wellness retreats

Beaches:

Ao Nang: Main beach, lively, many restaurants
Railay West: Stunning sunset beach
Railay East: Mangroves, boat access
Phra Nang: Often rated Thailand's most beautiful beach
Tonsai: Bohemian climber hangout

⚠️ Important Notes

Road Conditions:

Route 402/4 is excellent condition
Some winding sections through mountains
Minimal traffic compared to Bangkok
Safe year-round

Weather Considerations:

Nov-Apr: Perfect weather, calm seas, all options available
May-Oct: Monsoon season, ferries often cancelled, roads fine
Best Months: December-February (cool and dry)

Health & Safety:

No special vaccinations required
Bring motion sickness meds if sensitive
Stay hydrated (bring water)
Sun protection essential
Travel insurance recommended

🎁 Final Recommendation

For 90% of travelers: Take the minivan (250-400 THB). It's the sweet spot of comfort, price, and convenience. Book through 12Go or your hotel.

For families/groups: Private taxi (2,500-3,500 THB) split 4 ways is just 625-875 THB per person - totally worth it for the flexibility and comfort.

For adventure and time in dry season: Ferry combo (800-1,200 THB) offers an unforgettable journey across the Andaman Sea with stunning views.

For budget travelers: Public bus (180-300 THB) is perfectly comfortable, especially the VIP option.

The journey from Phuket to Krabi is scenic, safe, and straightforward. Both destinations are among Thailand's most beautiful, so this short transfer is well worth it. The limestone karsts, turquoise waters, and stunning beaches that await in Krabi will make you glad you made the trip!

Pro tip: Many travelers find Krabi quieter and more scenic than Phuket, with better snorkeling and rock climbing. Consider spending more days here than you initially planned - it's that good!

Have questions about specific routes or need help booking? Feel free to ask!