Picking the right route is essential when planning your next trip to Thailand! One of the most popular itineraries starts from the island of Phuket and ends on the shores of Krabi. Many travelers fly into Phuket International Airport before making their way to this amazing coastal region of the mainland. After many trips of our own, we’ll show you what to expect when using the Phuket to Krabi ferry, the bus, and private transfers. Also, we will share some more exciting places to stop along the way!
Why is the Phuket to Krabi Route so Popular?
Phuket to Krabi is one of the best routes for travelers visiting Thailand. It doesn’t matter if you’re on a budget backpacking adventure or high-end luxury holiday. There’s something for everyone in this region of the country!
One of the things we really love about Thailand is that it’s extremely well set up for tourism. If you want to get around the magical islands it’s actually quite easy to do so.
This article is about our experiences traveling from Phuket to Krabi. Really, the biggest difference will be how much are you willing to spend. As you’ll see, the faster options will be a bit more expensive.
However, if you choose to go this way, know that you’ll have more time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, local food, and outdoor activities.
→ How to Plan Your Trip to Thailand in 10 Easy Steps
How to Book Your Phuket to Krabi Transfer
In the past, we would always wait until we were in Thailand before booking any ferries, buses, or transfers. This is because we were often slow traveling through Thailand while working remotely for several months at a time.
If you’re planning a short vacation (or know your exact dates in advance) we recommend taking a look at 12Go. This popular website is where you can compare the Phuket to Krabi ferry companies, bus times, flights, and transfers!
Another way to book your transportation is by simply contacting your hotel beforehand. While they can typically help you buy any type of ticket, they are especially resourceful when it comes to finding private transport.
In this article, we’ll share tips for all the main ways to get from Phuket to Krabi. Also, know that much of the same information can be applied when traveling in the opposite direction from Krabi to Phuket.
Where Are You Starting in Phuket?
The first thing to know is that Phuket is an absolutely MASSIVE. In fact, it’s so big that it holds the title for the largest island in Thailand! With that said, something to consider is where in Phuket you are starting your trip from.
Phuket International Airport is in the north, while the ferry terminal is on the east coast. Conversely, the main Phuket Bus Terminal is located in the bustling Old Town. Old Town is also where the famous Sunday Night Market is held!
When deciding how to get from Phuket to Krabi, you should factor in time and cost from different places on the island. If you are truly on a backpacking trip then the prices to go from Phuket to Krabi are probably important to you. This is when it can be helpful to reach out to your hostel or hotel before you get there.
Thailand is very popular with budget travel and there is an entire network for transportation. Sometimes booking through your hotel will be slightly cheaper than the online price.
They will typically include a transfer for the Phuket to Krabi Bus & Ferry in your price. Still, pre-booking online will give you the comfort of knowing you have a ticket and one less thing to worry about.
Check Out Our Most Popular Phuket Articles ↓
Is Phuket Worth Visiting? – 15 Best Beaches – Old Town Food Guide – 6 Sunset Spots – Promthep Cape Sunset – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike
Where to Stay in Southern Phuket
Ultra Luxury – The Nai Harn – Nai Harn Beach – Known as one of the nicest hotels in not just Phuket, but all of Thailand! Amazing beach and sea views from luxury rooms. If you ever want to leave you will be literally steps from the famous Nai Harn Beach.
Royal Experience – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale – Kata Noi – Once a home of the Royal family of Thailand, this converted residence is one of the most unique places to stay on Phuket.
Unique Stay – Roost Glamping – Rawai – Yes, you can go glamping in Phuket Thailand! These upscale tents are set around a gorgeous pool and the cafe serves up healthy tropical dishes.
Hostel Life: – Sino Hostel @ Kata – Kata Beach – Hostels are very popular in Phuket and Sino is in a great location. Choose from dorms and private rooms as you use it as a base to see Kata Beach from.
Where Are You Going in Krabi?
Phuket is a huge island and Krabi itself has a few fun areas to explore. Each mode of transport will take you to a different part of the Krabi province… Unless you are taking a private taxi that is!
The most popular sections are Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach, and Railay Beach. Make sure to check where your accommodation is located before booking your transfer. Our favorite place we stayed in Ao Nang was this tropical pool villa at Krabi Resort!
Travel agents might sell you a general ticket to “Krabi” without explaining where it really is. Yet, if you are trying to get Ao Nang or Railay Beach, you will likely need to spend additional money and time to get there.
→ 12 Top Tips & Things to do in Railay Beach Thailand
Phuket to Krabi Quick Guide
- FLIGHT: $40-90 USD – 5+ Hours Travel Time (Not Including Arriving at the Airport Early)
- FERRY: $16-30 USD – 2 to 5 Hours Depending on Slow vs Fast Ferry
- BUS: $7-8 USD – 3 to 4 Hours With Bus & Minivans
- TRANSFER: $70-90 USD – 3 Hour Private Taxi Transfer
Phuket to Krabi Flight
At first glance, that cheap flight from Phuket to Krabi may look like a great option. However, it’s just too good to be true! This is because there are currently no direct flights from main Phuket Airport to Krabi Airport.
That means what should be a quick flight, is really over 5 hours of travel time with a connection through Bangkok. Now it still may be worth it to some travelers if you want to avoid the Phuket to Krabi ferry or bus. In most cases though, it doesn’t really make much sense.
Alternate Phuket to Krabi Route
The only time this would be a good idea is if you want to add Bangkok to your itinerary. It is completely possible to fly into Phuket and spend a few days on the island before taking off to Bangkok.
Know that Phuket is a very popular tourist destination. There are direct flights from Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and other major cities in Southeast Asia. You can book two different flight tickets to include the capital city in your plans before flying down to Krabi.
Read All Our Bangkok Posts ↓
14 Best Things to Do – Khao San Road – Bangkok Skywalk – 5 Chinatown Tips – Reclining Buddha – Grand Palace
Phuket to Krabi Ferry
The Phuket to Krabi Ferry is a fast and efficient way to travel between these two destinations. This is an especially fun way to get around if you’re looking to island hop through Thailand!
There are both slow and fast ferries to pick from depending on your budget and travel style. We definitely recommend using the Phuket to Krabi ferry if you’re looking to spend a few nights on Phi Phi island.
This is one of the most best routes through the Andaman Sea as Phi Phi is located directly between Phuket and Krabi. On our last visit to Southern Thailand we did this exact itinerary! Read all about our ferry ride from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi here.
A great option from Phi Phi is to take a boat directly to Railay beach. This is a small town in the Krabi province with some of the most epic scenery in the country.
Railay Beach is the perfect place to hang out for a few days and relax. It has a fun walking street with great restaurants and bars, and even rock climbing for adventure sport enthusiasts.
No matter what route you pick, the ticket price will vary between the fast slow boats. It’s important to plan ahead during high season as the boats can sell out quickly. In rainy season, you may want to avoid the ferry as the seas can be more rough than normal.
→ 25 Phi Phi Islands Tips to Know BEFORE You Go to Thailand
Ferry Port Locations to Know
- North East Phuket: Bang Rong Pier
- South East Phuket: Rassada Pier
- Ao Nang: Nopparat Thara Pier
- Koh Phi Phi: Ton Sai Pier
→ Check out the ferry timetables & ticket cost for each route
Phuket to Krabi Bus
Wait, you can take a bus from Phuket to Krabi?? This might sound a little wild as Phuket is an island. Yet, there is a bridge from Phuket to the mainland allowing public transport to make the drive.
The Phuket to Krabi bus takes between three and four hours. They leave from the main bus station in Phuket Town and drop off at the Krabi Bus Terminal. This may sound like an appealing option for those on a budget, but there are some things to consider first.
The Krabi Bus Station is about 25 minutes to Ao Nang Beach and 20 minutes from Krabi International Airport. When you arrive there will be taxis and tuk tuk taxis waiting to take you the rest of the way.
The problem is they sometimes charge extra here as there are limited options. When booking your transportation from Phuket to Krabi, be sure to specify if you are going to Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or the airport.
It’s also a good option to book a ticket that includes all the transfers for your journey. Otherwise, the second leg of your trip to your final destination might cost more than your original Phuket to Krabi bus ticket! The bus may still be the cheapest way for how to get from Phuket to Krabi. However, we really only recommend this if you are on a tight budget.
Another thing to know about traveling in Thailand is that there are usually two buses offered. One is the standard large bus you’re probably used to. Yet, by spending a little more, you can get a minivan with comfortable seats. It all depends on your personal preference and what type of travel experience you want to have.
→ See the bus timetables & ticket cost for each route
Phuket to Krabi Taxi
The final option for the trip from Phuket island to Krabi is a private transfer. This is one of the most leisurely ways to get from point A to B and not deal with the Phuket to Krabi bus or ferry.
Another advantage of going private is how easily you can arrange your pick up. You will literally have door to door service from one hotel to the next one!
This route should take around three hours depending on what part of Phuket you are starting in and where you’re ending in Krabi. Like the Phuket to Krabi ferry, you can book a private car online for this route. We were quoted about $80 USD when asking at our accommodation beforehand.
As we mentioned, we prefer going through our hotels to get around Thailand. That way if there are any issues they will sort it out with the companies for you. For shorter distances, you can also utilize the Grab taxi app which is Asia’s version of Uber.
Best Way to Get From Phuket to Krabi Thailand
Now that you know all the different ways for how to get from Phuket to Krabi, what way makes the most sense? Well, that all comes down to your route and budget!
We prefer the Phuket to Krabi ferry as island hopping is one of our favorite ways to get around Thailand. However, if you’re planning to go directly from Phuket to Krabi, a bus or mini van may be better for you. Whereas if you have an unlimited budget then a private transfer is definitely the way to go.
You’ll also want to consider what part of Krabi you’re visiting first when deciding on a route. We hope this useful information will help you plan your own journey through this amazing region of Thailand!
Have any questions on this article or want to share your own favorite way for how to get from Phuket to Krabi? Leave us a comment below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Thailand Travel Planning
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to if you’re traveling on a budget.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
