How to Get to Krabi from Bangkok

Wondering how to get to Krabi from Bangkok for your upcoming trip to Thailand? Whether by plane, train, or bus, here’s a breakdown of the different ways to travel from Bangkok to Krabi.

Flying from Bangkok to Krabi

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

• Depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with airlines such as Bangkok Airways or Thai Airways.
• Depart from Don Muang International Airport (DMK) with low-cost carriers like Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, or Nok Air.

Both airports offer direct flights lasting about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Ticket prices range from €20 to over €200 depending on the airline, travel options, and date. The airlines at Don Muang are low-cost, often offering the most competitive fares, though checked baggage is not always included and may incur extra fees.

It’s best to book tickets in advance to get the best prices, especially if you’re traveling during high season (December to April).

How to get from Krabi Airport to Downtown Krabi

Krabi International Airport (KBV) is located 13 km northeast of Krabi town, about a 20-minute drive. To reach the city center, you can take an airport shuttle.

Shuttles depart twice per hour, with stops at various locations around the city, such as:

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

Fares are under €3 per trip, and travel time ranges from 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on your final destination.

Taking the bus from Bangkok to Krabi

Looking for a budget-friendly option? Don’t want to fly? Or maybe you want to enjoy some scenery on the way? Then taking a bus to Krabi might be for you.

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

While there are several departures per day, we highly recommend choosing a night bus to save time and avoid the cost of a night in a hotel. The journey takes 11 to 19 hours depending on the company, with prices ranging from €18 to €35.

Upon arrival in Krabi, buses drop passengers at Krabi Bus Terminal, located less than 3 km from the center, around a 5-minute drive. From there, you can take a taxi to your final destination.

Combining train and bus to get to Krabi

Taking the train allows you to see the landscape roll by. The downside? Krabi doesn’t have a train station. The good news? It’s still possible to reach Krabi from Bangkok by combining train and bus.

Start by taking a train from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station to Surat Thani station. The journey takes 9 to 13 hours. From Surat Thani, take a bus or minivan to Krabi’s bus terminal, a trip lasting 2 to 3 hours.

We recommend taking night trains 85 or 167, which depart from Bangkok in the evening and arrive in Surat Thani early in the morning, making it easy to catch a quick connection to the bus or minivan.

Overall, the combined train and bus journey takes about 15 to 16 hours. Expect to pay between €20 and €60 (depending on the train class or whether you choose a day trip or sleeper train).

Good to know:
You can buy train and bus tickets separately or opt for a combined fare. For separate tickets, book your train tickets on the official State Railway of Thailand website or at the station and purchase bus tickets from companies (such as Phantip or Pichet Transport Company Limited) upon arrival in Surat Thani. For combined tickets, you can buy them from a travel operator like 12Go.

Florine Dergelet