How to Get From Phuket to Krabi
Wondering how to get from Phuket to Krabi? Whether you’re travelling by ferry, bus, minivan or private transfer, I’ll break down the different options, journey times and costs to help you choose the best way to travel between these two popular destinations.
By Jack Yates · Last reviewed: October 2026
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How to get from Phuket to Krabi Transport Options
If you're wondering how to get from Phuket to Krabi, choosing the right transport depends on your budget, where you're staying and how much time you have. Road transfers are a popular choice, while ferries and speedboats offer a more scenic alternative depending on your departure point and destination. Below, I'll compare the different transport options, journey times and costs to help you plan your trip.
| Transport | Journey Time | Typical Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry or Speedboat | 1–3 hours | ฿700–1,500 | Scenic journey |
| Minivan | 3–5 hours | ฿270–950 | Budget and convenience |
| Bus | 3–4 hours | ฿300–550 | Budget travellers |
| Private Transfer | 2.5–3.5 hours | ฿2,200–4,000 per vehicle | Families and groups |
Prices and journey times are approximate and may vary depending on the operator, season and departure location. Public transport prices are per person.
Ferry and Speedboat from Phuket to Krabi
I've travelled between Phuket and Krabi by both ferry and road and personally, I much prefer taking the ferry. It's a great way to enjoy the scenery along the Andaman coast rather than spending the whole journey sitting in a vehicle.
I'm not a massive fan of speedboats. I much prefer the larger ferries where I can sit out on the top deck, have a couple of beers and enjoy the sunshine and views as we travel past the islands and limestone cliffs.
If you're wondering how to get from Phuket to Krabi by sea, speedboats are generally quicker, but I'd recommend considering a larger ferry if you're not in a rush. Just remember to check where your boat departs and arrives, as routes and journey times vary depending on your destination in Krabi.
Journey Time
1 – 3 Hours
Typical Price
฿700 – 1,500 per person
Best For
Scenery and coastal destinations
Departure Point
Usually Rassada Pier, Phuket
Where Do Ferries Depart and Arrive?
Most larger ferries travelling from Phuket towards Krabi depart from Rassada Pier, near Phuket Town. Depending on the operator and route, you can travel towards Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
It's worth checking your arrival point before booking, especially if you're staying in Krabi Town or further inland. You'll also need to allow time to get from your accommodation in Phuket to the departure pier.
Boat schedules can change depending on the season and weather conditions, so I'd always check the latest departure times before travelling.
My Tip
When booking, make sure you're choosing a larger ferry rather than a speedboat if this is your preference, as both can appear in the same search results. I'd also allow plenty of time to reach Rassada Pier, especially if you're staying in Patong, Kata or Karon.
Bus from Phuket to Krabi
If you're researching how to get from Phuket to Krabi by road, taking a bus or coach is one of the more affordable options. I've travelled this route myself, taking a coach from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 towards Ao Nang. The journey took around three and a half hours, making it a fairly straightforward way to travel between the two destinations.
Personally, I much prefer travelling by ferry, but the weather wasn't looking great when I made this journey, so I decided to play it safe and take the coach instead. It wasn't quite as enjoyable as sitting out on the ferry, but it got me to Ao Nang without any problems.
Travelling by bus is a good option if you're looking to save money or would rather avoid travelling by sea. Just remember that some services terminate at Krabi Bus Terminal, so you may need additional transport to reach Ao Nang or your accommodation.
Journey Time
3 – 4 Hours
Typical Price
฿300 – 550 per person
Best For
Budget travellers and avoiding rough seas
Departure Point
Phuket Bus Terminal 2
Where Do Buses Depart and Arrive?
Buses travelling from Phuket to Krabi commonly depart from Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which is located outside the main tourist areas of Phuket. If you're staying in Patong, Kata or Karon, you'll need to allow extra time to reach the terminal.
Most public bus services travel towards Krabi Town, although some bookable coach and transfer services offer connections to Ao Nang. It's important to check the exact arrival point before booking, as Krabi Town and Ao Nang are not the same place.
If your accommodation is in Ao Nang, look for a service that takes you there directly or be prepared to arrange onward transport from Krabi Town.
My Tip
If the weather isn't looking great, travelling by road can be a sensible alternative to taking the ferry. That's exactly why I chose the coach on my journey. I'd also recommend checking whether your ticket includes transport all the way to Ao Nang, as arriving in Krabi Town could mean paying for another transfer.
Minivan from Phuket to Krabi
If you're wondering how to get from Phuket to Krabi on a budget, taking a minivan is another popular option. Minivans are generally smaller than coaches and some services offer more convenient pickup and drop off locations.
The journey usually takes around 3 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, the number of stops and where you're travelling to in Krabi. Some services travel directly towards Ao Nang, while others stop in Krabi Town.
Although I've travelled this route by coach rather than minivan, both are worth considering if you'd prefer to travel by road instead of taking a ferry.
Journey Time
3 – 5 Hours
Typical Price
฿270 – 950 per person
Best For
Budget and convenience
Departure Point
Varies by operator
Where Do Minivans Depart and Arrive?
Minivan departure points vary depending on the company you book with. Some services leave from bus terminals or designated pickup points, while others may offer collection from selected hotels or tourist areas.
In Krabi, arrival locations can include Krabi Town and Ao Nang. If you're staying in Ao Nang, booking a service that takes you directly there could save you the cost and hassle of arranging another transfer.
When searching for tickets, you might also see combined minivan and ferry journeys. If you're simply travelling to Krabi Town or Ao Nang by road, check that you're booking a minivan service rather than a combined boat transfer.
My Tip
If you're travelling with a large suitcase, check the operator's luggage allowance before booking. Minivans can have limited storage space, particularly when they're full. I'd also look for a service that drops you close to your accommodation rather than simply choosing the cheapest ticket.
Private Transfer from Phuket to Krabi
Booking a private transfer from Phuket to Krabi is one of the easiest ways to travel between the two destinations, particularly if you're travelling with family, friends or lots of luggage.
Unlike buses and minivans, a private transfer allows you to travel directly from your accommodation in Phuket to your hotel in Krabi without having to make your way to a bus terminal or departure point.
The journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you're travelling from and to. Although it's more expensive than public transport, the convenience can make it worthwhile, especially when splitting the cost between several people.
Journey Time
2.5 – 3.5 Hours
Typical Price
฿2,200 – 4,000 per vehicle
Best For
Families, groups and convenience
Departure Point
Hotel pickup or agreed location
How Do Private Transfers Work?
If you're looking at how to get from Phuket to Krabi without using public transport, booking a private transfer is one of the most convenient options. Transfers can usually be booked online in advance, allowing you to choose your pickup location in Phuket and your destination in Krabi.
Depending on the company, you may be able to choose between a standard car, SUV or larger minivan. This makes private transfers particularly useful for families or groups travelling together.
Before booking, check that your chosen vehicle has enough space for everyone and their luggage. It's also worth confirming whether your accommodation is included in the quoted price, especially if you're staying somewhere further away from the main tourist areas.
My Tip
If you're travelling with three or four people, I'd definitely compare the price of a private transfer against buying individual bus or minivan tickets. Once you split the cost, the difference might not be as much as you'd expect and being dropped directly at your accommodation is a nice bonus.
What's the Best Way to Get From Phuket to Krabi Summary
Having travelled between Phuket and Krabi by both ferry and coach, I'd personally recommend taking the ferry if the weather is good and you're not in a rush.
There's something about sitting outside on the top deck, enjoying the sunshine and watching the islands go by that makes the journey feel like part of your holiday rather than simply getting from one place to another.
However, when I travelled from Phuket to Ao Nang by coach, the weather wasn't looking great, so I decided to take the road instead. The journey took around three and a half hours and although it wasn't as enjoyable as the ferry, it was a straightforward way to get there.
Ultimately, the best option depends on your budget, the weather and where you're staying in Krabi.
Best for Scenery and My Personal Recommendation
Ferry
Best for Budget Travellers
Bus or Minivan
Best for Families and Groups
Private Transfer
Best When the Sea Is Rough
Road Transport
Whichever option you choose, I'd recommend checking departure times, arrival locations and ticket prices before travelling. Phuket and Krabi are both popular destinations and booking ahead can make the journey much easier, particularly during the busy season.
What is the best way to get from Phuket to Krabi?
The best way to get from Phuket to Krabi depends on your budget, the weather and where you're staying. Personally, I prefer taking a larger ferry because you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Andaman coast. However, if the weather isn't great, travelling by bus, minivan or private transfer is a good alternative.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Krabi?
If you're wondering how to get from Phuket to Krabi on a budget, buses and minivans are generally the cheapest options. Tickets typically cost around ฿270 to ฿950 per person, depending on the operator and service. I'd recommend comparing prices on 12Go before booking as some services include more convenient pickup and drop off locations.
How to get from Phuket to Krabi without taking a ferry?
If you'd rather avoid travelling by sea, you can get from Phuket to Krabi by bus, minivan or private transfer. The road journey generally takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on your transport and destination. I've personally travelled by coach from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Ao Nang, which took around three and a half hours.
How to get from Phuket to Krabi Airport?
The easiest way to get from Phuket to Krabi Airport is usually by private transfer, particularly if you're travelling with luggage. You can also look for bus or minivan services towards Krabi Town, followed by a separate transfer to the airport. Make sure you allow plenty of time for traffic and check your arrival location before booking.
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Planning Your Stay in Krabi?
Once you’ve worked out how to get from Phuket to Krabi, the next step is deciding where to stay.
I’ve spent time exploring Ao Nang, Railay Beach and Krabi Town and each area offers something different. Whether you’re looking for beaches, nightlife or somewhere quieter, my Krabi accommodation guide will help you choose the right location.