Phuket to Krabi is one of the most travelled routes in southern Thailand. The two provinces face each other across Phang Nga Bay, so you can go by sea in the dry season or around the bay by road at any time of year. Most travellers are heading for Ao Nang, the main beach town, rather than Krabi Town itself.
This guide compares the ferry, bus, minivan and taxi from Phuket to Krabi, with prices shown by 12Go on 13 November 2026, and explains how to reach Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Railay at the other end.
Quick answer: the cheapest way from Phuket to Krabi is the bus or shared van (12Go lists the route from about ฿270); the most scenic is the ferry in the dry season; the fastest door-to-door is a private taxi. Going to Ao Nang? 12Go lists Phuket to Ao Nang from about ฿473.
- Distance by road
- Around Phang Nga Bay
- Bus / van
- Year-round
- Ferry
- Mainly Nov–Apr
- From
- About ฿270 (12Go)
- Most go to
- Ao Nang
Phuket to Krabi: All Options Compared
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Government bus | Cheapest, frequent from Phuket bus terminal | Ends at Krabi bus terminal; need onward transport |
| Shared minivan | Hotel pickup, often drops in Ao Nang | Cramped, several stops |
| Ferry | Scenic, via the islands, lands near Ao Nang | Dry season only; weather-dependent |
| Private taxi | Door to door, flexible | Most expensive per person |
Which way from Phuket to Krabi is best depends on budget, season and where you are staying at each end. For Ao Nang, the van or the dry-season ferry are usually the most convenient.
Phuket to Krabi by Bus
Government and private buses run from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Krabi bus terminal several times a day. It is the cheapest way from Phuket to Krabi and comfortable enough for a few hours, but the Krabi terminal is outside the centre: from there, take a songthaew or taxi to Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
Phuket to Krabi by Minivan
Shared minivans pick up from hotels in Phuket’s main beach areas and drop off at hotels or central points in Krabi Town and Ao Nang. They are the most popular option from Phuket to Krabi for travellers who want to avoid bus terminals. Expect several pickups and a short rest stop.
Ao Nang or Krabi Town?
When booking Phuket to Krabi, check whether the drop-off is Krabi Town or Ao Nang: they are about 20 km apart. Many tickets list “Krabi” but stop in town.
Phuket to Krabi by Ferry
In the dry season, ferries cross from Phuket’s Rassada pier to the Krabi coast, typically landing at Nopparat Thara near Ao Nang or at Klong Jilad near Krabi Town, sometimes via Phi Phi or Railay. It is a scenic way from Phuket to Krabi past limestone islands, and some boats offer hotel transfers on both sides. From around May to October, these services are often suspended.
Phuket to Krabi by Private Taxi
A private car or taxi from Phuket to Krabi takes a few hours and goes straight from your hotel to your next one. For a family or a group of three or four, the cost per person can approach that of a van, with far more comfort. Phuket airport taxis can also take you directly to Krabi or Ao Nang.
Phuket Airport to Krabi
Many international flights land at Phuket rather than Krabi. From Phuket International Airport, airport buses and vans run to Krabi, and private taxis are available at the arrivals counters. If your final destination is Ao Nang, look for transfers that go directly there to avoid a change in Krabi Town.
Phuket to Krabi Prices
On 13 November 2026, 12Go showed Phuket to Krabi from about ฿270, Phuket to Ao Nang from about ฿473 and Krabi to Phuket from a similar starting price. Ferries and private transfers cost more. Prices vary by date and operator.
Compare Phuket to Krabi tickets
Buses, vans, ferries and taxis in one search on 12Go.
Arriving in Krabi
If you arrive in Krabi Town, songthaews and taxis run to Ao Nang. If you are heading to Railay, go to Ao Nang beach and take a longtail: see Ao Nang to Railay Beach. For areas, hotels and things to do, read the Krabi travel guide and our Ao Nang guide.
Krabi to Phuket
The trip from Krabi back to Phuket uses the same buses, vans and seasonal ferries. If you are catching a flight from Phuket airport, choose a direct airport transfer and leave a wide buffer: traffic on the approach to Phuket can be slow.
Phuket to Krabi: Tips
- Book vans a day ahead; book ferries earlier in peak season.
- Check whether the drop-off is Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
- In the monsoon months, assume road transport only.
- If you are continuing to Koh Lanta, consider going direct: see Phuket to Koh Lanta.
Phuket to Krabi by Season
| Months | Ferry | Road | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | Starting | Yes | Check first sailing dates |
| December–February | Yes | Yes | Peak season |
| March–April | Yes | Yes | Hot, calm |
| May–October | Often suspended | Yes | Monsoon |
Road transport from Phuket to Krabi runs every day of the year. The sea route is a dry-season extra; when it is running, it is a lovely way to arrive.
Which Option Should You Choose?
| You want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The lowest price | Bus to Krabi terminal |
| Hotel to hotel without changes | Shared van or private taxi |
| Scenery and the islands | Ferry (dry season) |
| Travelling with kids or lots of bags | Private taxi |
| To go straight from a Phuket flight | Airport van or taxi |
Worth a Stop on the Way
If you go by private car, you can break the trip from Phuket to Krabi in Phang Nga province, where viewpoints and temples sit among limestone hills, or detour to the bay’s mangrove piers for a short boat trip. With a shared van or bus, stops are limited to a short rest break.
Continuing to the islands
From Krabi, ferries continue to Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. Many travellers arrive from Phuket to Krabi, spend a few days in Ao Nang, then carry on by boat: see Ao Nang to Phi Phi and Ao Nang to Koh Lanta.
Luggage and Comfort
- Buses have large luggage holds; vans have limited space at the back.
- Ferries have luggage racks but involve ramps and steps.
- Bring a jumper: air-conditioning on buses and vans can be cold.
- Motion-sickness tablets help on winding roads and choppy seas.
How to Book Phuket to Krabi Step by Step
- Decide where you are staying in Krabi: Ao Nang, Krabi Town or Railay.
- Check the season: ferries run mainly from November to April.
- Compare bus, van, ferry and taxi options for your date on 12Go.
- Choose a ticket with hotel pickup if you want to avoid the bus terminal.
- Save the e-ticket and the operator’s contact details.
- Be ready 15 minutes before the pickup window.
Booking Phuket to Krabi a day or two ahead is enough most of the year. Around Christmas, New Year and Thai public holidays, book further ahead, as vans and boats sell out. If plans may change, choose tickets with flexible cancellation where available.
If you are short on time, remember that Krabi airport has its own flights: travelling from Phuket to Krabi by road only makes sense if you are already in Phuket or flying in there.
Phuket to Krabi: FAQ
How long does it take from Phuket to Krabi?
By road, a few hours depending on traffic and stops; ferries take a similar time in the dry season.
What is the cheapest way from Phuket to Krabi?
The government bus or a shared van; 12Go listed the route from about ฿270 on 13 November 2026.
Is there a ferry from Phuket to Krabi?
Yes, mainly in the dry season (roughly November to April), often landing near Ao Nang.
Should I stay in Phuket or Krabi?
Phuket has more nightlife and facilities; Krabi is quieter and more scenic. See Krabi vs Phuket.
Sources: route and fare data from 12Go Asia, checked on 13 November 2026.
Photos: Vyacheslav Argenberg (CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Stefan Fussan (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons); Ijasasap (CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Karelj (Public domain, Wikimedia Commons); kallerna (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons).
Disclosure: InsideSamui may earn a commission when you book through some of the links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Prices and timetables quoted here were checked on 13 November 2026; they change by season and operator, so confirm when you book.