06 August 2024

Are you wondering how to get to Krabi from Bangkok for your next trip to Thailand? Plane, train, bus—let's break down the different transport options to reach Krabi from Thailand's capital.

Getting to Krabi from Bangkok by Air

Flight is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Krabi from Bangkok. You have two options:

• Depart from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways.
• Depart from Don Muang International Airport (DMK) with Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, or Nok Air.

In both cases, you'll find direct flights averaging 1 hour 25 minutes. Flight tickets start at around €20 and can exceed €200 depending on the airline, travel options, and date.

Airlines serving Don Muang Airport are budget carriers, meaning they often offer the most competitive prices. Keep in mind that low-cost airlines don't always include checked baggage in ticket prices, so you may need to pay extra fees for luggage.

Regardless, we recommend booking your tickets in advance for the best fares, especially during high season (December to April).

How do you get to Krabi city center from Krabi Airport?

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is located 13 km northeast of Krabi city, roughly 20 minutes by road. To reach the city center, you can take an airport shuttle.

Shuttles depart twice hourly to several points around the city including:

• Krabi Bus Terminal (Taladkao),
• Krabi city center,
• Klong Jilad Pier (ferry to Koh Phi Phi),
• Ao Nang Beach,
• Khao Kwang Beach, or
• Klong Muang.

Expect to pay less than €3 per trip with a journey time of 15 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your final destination.

Getting to Krabi from Bangkok by Bus

Looking for a more budget-friendly option? Prefer not to fly? Want to enjoy scenic views along the way to Krabi? Consider taking the bus from Bangkok.

Most bus companies operating the Bangkok-Krabi route depart from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit or Mo Chit Bus Terminal). Popular bus operators for this route include Transport Co and Lignite Tour. Some private companies also offer departures from their own offices, such as Montanatip from Khao San Road.

While companies offer multiple daily departures, we strongly recommend choosing a night bus. Not only will you save travel time, but you'll also save on a hotel night. The bus journey takes between 11 and 19 hours depending on the operator. Expect to pay between €18 and €35.

Once in Krabi, the bus drops passengers at Krabi Bus Terminal, located less than 3 km from the city center, roughly 5 minutes by car. You can then take a taxi to your final destination.

Getting to Krabi from Bangkok by Train and Bus

There's nothing quite like traveling by train to watch landscapes unfold before your eyes. The catch? There's no railway station in Krabi. The good news? It's still possible to reach Krabi by combining train and bus.

The first part of your journey is by train departing from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station toward Surat Thani Station. This leg takes between 9 and 13 hours. For the rest of the journey, simply take a bus or minibus from Surat Thani Station to Krabi Bus Terminal. Plan for 2 to 3 hours of travel.

We recommend taking night train number 85 or 167. These depart Bangkok in the late afternoon and arrive in Surat Thani in the early morning, allowing for quick connections with buses and minivans.

Overall, the train and bus journey takes approximately 15 to 16 hours. Budget between €20 and €60 (pricing varies depending on your train class choice or whether you opt for daytime or sleeper train travel).

Good to Know:

You can purchase train and bus tickets separately or opt for a combined fare. For separate tickets, reserve your train tickets on the official State Railway of Thailand website or directly at the station, and purchase bus tickets from operators (Phantip or Pichet Transport Company Limited) once you arrive in Surat Thani. Alternatively, you can buy a combined ticket through a travel operator like 12Go.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A web writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, listen, and understand. For her, traveling isn't about checking countries off a map, but rather weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and creatures of the animal kingdom. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, awaken their consciousness about animal welfare, cultural respect, and the importance of humble and sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories are often born far from the spotlight, in the shadow of a trail, in the midst of conversation, or in the quiet breath of a world we finally take time to hear…