Getting from Bangkok to Krabi is easy: the two cities are around 800 km apart by road, and there are three realistic options — a domestic flight, an overnight bus, or a sleeper train to Surat Thani followed by a bus. Flying is by far the fastest; the bus and train are cheaper and save a night of accommodation.
This guide compares every option, explains where each one leaves from in Bangkok, and shows how to continue from Krabi to Ao Nang, Railay, Koh Lanta or Phi Phi.
The fastest way from Bangkok to Krabi is a direct flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes from Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) to Krabi Airport (KBV). The cheapest is an overnight bus of around 12 hours from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal. There is no train line to Krabi: take the train to Surat Thani and a bus onward.
- Distance
- Around 800 km by road
- Fastest
- Flight, about 1 h 20 min
- Cheapest
- Overnight bus, about 12 h
- Train
- To Surat Thani, then bus (no railway to Krabi)
- Book
- Compare all options on 12Go
Compare Bangkok to Krabi
See flights, buses and train + bus tickets on 12Go.
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Bangkok to Krabi: all options compared
| Option | Journey time | Leaves from | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | About 1 h 20 min | Don Mueang (DMK) or Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Saving time |
| Overnight bus | About 12 h | Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) | Budget, saving a hotel night |
| Train + bus | About 12–15 h total | Krung Thep Aphiwat station, to Surat Thani | Comfort on a budget, the experience |
Journey times are indicative and depend on the operator, traffic and connections. Always check the latest timetable when booking.
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Flying from Bangkok to Krabi
Several airlines fly from both Bangkok airports to Krabi Airport (KBV) every day, including low-cost carriers from Don Mueang and full-service flights from Suvarnabhumi. The flight takes around 1 hour 20 minutes; with check-in and airport transfers, allow about half a day door to door.
- Don Mueang (DMK) — the main low-cost airport; most budget flights to Krabi leave from here.
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) — better if you are connecting from an international flight.
- Baggage — budget fares often exclude checked luggage; add it when booking, as it costs more at the airport.
Connecting from abroad?
If you land at Suvarnabhumi, book your domestic flight from the same airport. Transferring between BKK and DMK takes 1–2 hours by road.
Overnight bus from Bangkok to Krabi
Government and private VIP buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) in the late afternoon and evening, arriving in Krabi early the next morning. VIP buses have reclining seats, air conditioning, a toilet and usually a snack; the trip takes around 12 hours.
Buses arrive at Krabi bus terminal outside the town centre. From there, songthaews and taxis run to Krabi Town and Ao Nang. Some tickets include a connecting minivan to Ao Nang or Koh Lanta.
Safety tip
Keep valuables with you rather than in the luggage hold, and book with established operators rather than unofficial buses from tourist areas.
Train from Bangkok to Krabi (via Surat Thani)
There is no railway to Krabi, but the southern line runs from Bangkok to Surat Thani. Overnight sleeper trains leave Bangkok in the evening and arrive in Surat Thani the next morning. From Surat Thani, buses and minivans take about 2.5–3 hours to Krabi.
The sleeper train is comfortable and a memorable way to travel: berths are converted from seats in the evening, and second-class air-conditioned sleepers are the popular choice. Book early in high season, as lower berths sell out.
If you are going to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan first, Surat Thani is also the gateway to the Gulf islands; see our Krabi to Koh Samui guide for the cross-country connection.
From Krabi to Ao Nang, Railay and the islands
- Ao Nang — 30–40 minutes from the airport by shared van or taxi. See Krabi Airport transfers.
- Railay — transfer to Ao Nang, then a longtail boat. See Ao Nang to Railay.
- Koh Lanta — about 2–2.5 hours by minivan. See how to get to Koh Lanta.
- Phi Phi — ferry from Krabi's Klong Jilad pier. See Krabi to Phi Phi.
Where to stay when you arrive
Most travellers base themselves in Ao Nang for beaches and tours, Railay for scenery, or Krabi Town for budget stays and early departures. Compare areas in our where to stay in Krabi guide.
Hotels in Krabi
Compare Ao Nang, Railay and Krabi Town hotels on Agoda.
Which option is best for you?
- Short trip — fly; you save a full day.
- Tight budget — overnight bus; you also save a night's accommodation.
- Slow travel — sleeper train to Surat Thani, then bus or combine with the Gulf islands.
- Families — fly, or take the train for an experience children enjoy.
For official transport information, see State Railway of Thailand.
Bangkok to Krabi step by step
s-fly
- Book a flight to Krabi (KBV) from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi, adding checked luggage if you need it.
- Arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
- On arrival in Krabi, take the airport bus, a shared van or a pre-booked transfer to your hotel.
s-bus
- Buy a ticket in advance online or at the Southern Bus Terminal.
- Get to the terminal by taxi at least 45 minutes before departure; Bangkok traffic in the evening is heavy.
- Sleep on board and arrive at Krabi bus terminal in the morning, then continue by songthaew or taxi.
s-train
- Book a sleeper berth from Bangkok to Surat Thani; lower berths are slightly wider and more popular.
- Arrive at Surat Thani in the morning and walk or take a short ride to the bus or minivan stop.
- Ride 2.5–3 hours to Krabi; many combined tickets include this connection.
Planning tips for the journey
The Bangkok to Krabi route is busiest around Thai public holidays, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year and Songkran in April. In these weeks, flights get more expensive and sleeper berths and VIP bus seats sell out, so book a few weeks ahead.
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Book flights early in high season | Fares rise as the date approaches |
| Check which Bangkok airport | Changing airports adds 1–2 hours |
| Choose a morning arrival | Easier onward boats to Railay and the islands |
| Keep a day spare before an international flight | Weather can delay boats and connections |
Combine the coasts
Many travellers do Bangkok to Krabi by air, then cross to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan by bus and boat and fly back to Bangkok from Samui, seeing both coasts in one trip.
Whichever option you choose, the Bangkok to Krabi journey is straightforward, and you can reach Ao Nang, Railay or Koh Lanta the same day if you leave Bangkok in the morning.
Luggage, comfort and accessibility
Travelling light makes every Bangkok to Krabi option easier. Budget airlines charge for checked bags, overhead space on buses is limited, and onward longtail boats to Railay have no pier, so you may wade ashore carrying your bag.
| Option | Luggage | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | Checked bag often extra on budget fares | Shortest journey, airport waiting time |
| Overnight bus | Bag in the hold, small bag on board | Reclining seat, air conditioning can be cold |
| Train + bus | Space under and above berths | Lie-flat berth, change at Surat Thani |
Bring a light jacket for air-conditioned buses and trains, earplugs and an eye mask for the night, and some snacks and water. Travellers with reduced mobility will find flying the most comfortable choice, as airports have assistance on request.
Bangkok to Krabi: FAQ
How long is the flight from Bangkok to Krabi?
About 1 hour 20 minutes from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi to Krabi Airport.
Is there a train from Bangkok to Krabi?
No direct train. Take the train to Surat Thani, then a bus or minivan to Krabi (about 2.5–3 hours).
How long is the bus from Bangkok to Krabi?
Around 12 hours on an overnight VIP bus from the Southern Bus Terminal.
What is the cheapest way from Bangkok to Krabi?
Usually the overnight bus, although promotional flights can sometimes cost less. Compare both before booking.
Which Bangkok airport has flights to Krabi?
Both. Low-cost airlines mostly use Don Mueang (DMK); full-service flights use Suvarnabhumi (BKK).
Sources: 12Go route listings; State Railway of Thailand; InsideSamui editorial research. Times are indicative. Last updated 13 November 2026.
Photos: Don Ramey Logan (CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons); Karelj (Public domain, Wikimedia Commons); Ridiculopathy (CC0, Wikimedia Commons); Wendy Harman (CC BY 2.0, 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.