The Best Way to Travel from Phuket to Krabi
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you may be wondering about the best way to get from Phuket to Krabi.
Phuket and Krabi are two of the top tourist destinations in Southern Thailand. On the one hand, Phuket is a lively destination with plenty of tourist development.
It still offers fabulous beaches and many other attractions. On the other hand, Krabi offers a more relaxed pace of life that gives visitors an authentic look at Thailand.
Phuket and Krabi’s contrasting atmospheres make both destinations so popular with tourists.
Traveling from one to the other is an easy journey and an incredibly scenic one. Read on to find out how to travel from Phuket to Krabi.
The most popular option is to take the Phuket to Krabi ferry, as it is the most efficient and cost-effective way to travel from Phuket to Krabi.
In this blog post, we’ll explore all the different ways you can get from Phuket to Krabi, so you can decide which option is best for you.
The distance from Phuket to Krabi is approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers). The journey by car typically takes around three and a half hours, however, travel times can vary depending on the type of transport used and the route is taken.
For example, a direct ferry crossing takes only two and a half hours. With various options available, travelers can choose the best way to travel from Phuket to Krabi depending on their budget, time constraints, and preferences.
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Best Way to Get to Krabi from Phuket
Phuket to Krabi By Ferry
Taking the ferry from Phuket to Krabi is one of the most scenic and enjoyable ways to get to your destination.
The ferry departs from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town and takes about two hours to reach Ao Nang in Krabi. There are also several other ferries that operate between the two cities including Chalong Pier in Phuket to Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi.
The ferry services usually operate from 7 am to 5 pm depending on the season and the weather conditions.
During peak season, additional ferries may be added but it is best to check the timetables in advance. Tickets can be purchased either directly at the pier or online for a slightly discounted price.
When boarding the ferry, you will be provided with life jackets, and the journey itself is quite pleasant with stunning views of the ocean along the way.
Once arriving at Ao Nang, there are plenty of public transportation options such as tuk-tuks, songthaews, and motorbikes to get you around Krabi.
Overall, taking the ferry from Phuket to Krabi is an easy, comfortable, and cost-effective way to travel between the two destinations.
- Cost: $22
- Wait Time: 2.5 h
- Travel Time: 2.5 h
Phuket to Krabi via Speedboat
Speedboats are another option if you enjoy traveling on the water. Compared to buses, taxis, minibusses, and ferries, speedboats are the fastest way to get from Phuket to Krabi.
However, they do not arrive in Krabi Town itself. Speedboats take a route that terminates in the resort town of Ao Nang, about 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Krabi Town.
Therefore be aware of the end destination before choosing this option.
While fast (it takes around 2 hours from Bang Rong Pier) speedboats are also the most expensive form of transportation from Phuket to Krabi.
Koh Yao Sun Smile offers 2 departures per day from Bang Rong Pier, Phuket to Nopparat Thara Pier, Ao Nang. Koh Yao Sun Smile speedboats also stop at Railey Pier.
If you don’t like the cost of speedboats or the extended time it takes for ferries, don’t worry, you can choose one of the other means of transportation to get from Phuket to Krabi Island.
- Cost: $22
- Wait Time: 2.5 h
- Travel Time: 2.5 h
Phuket to Krabi By Bus
Traveling by bus is a great way to get from Phuket to Krabi if you are on a budget and don’t mind the lengthy journey. Buses run multiple times per day and can be booked in advance through travel agents or online.
The journey takes approximately six hours and includes stops along the way.
The cost of the journey is relatively low and will depend on which company you choose. However, it is important to remember that many buses in this region do not have air conditioning, so it may be best to travel overnight if you are traveling during hot months.
You can also expect a few toilet stops, but there are no food stops available.
Most buses depart from the Phuket bus terminal in Phuket Town, although some companies offer pick-up from other areas in the city.
It is best to book your tickets in advance so that you can guarantee a seat. Once you arrive in Krabi, you will be dropped off at the Krabi Bus Station, which is located in the heart of the city.
From here, it is easy to reach most hotels and attractions.
- Cost: $4.30
- Wait Time: 1. h
- Travel Time: 2.5 h
Phuket to Krabi By Minivan
If you are looking for a more comfortable, private, and convenient way to travel from Phuket to Krabi, then you should consider taking a minivan.
A minivan is a large, private vehicle that can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. This type of transportation is perfect for small groups who don’t mind sharing the ride and cost.
The journey by minivan takes approximately two to three hours, depending on the route and traffic. There are several companies that offer direct trips from Phuket to Krabi, so you can easily find one that suits your schedule.
The fares usually range from 500 to 800 baht per person, including all fees and taxes.
When you book a minivan, you will be picked up at your hotel or other predetermined pick-up location in Phuket and dropped off at the same spot in Krabi.
This service is reliable and safe, as all drivers must adhere to strict safety regulations. In addition, minivans are equipped with air-conditioning and have plenty of space for luggage.
So if you are looking for an easy and comfortable way to travel from Phuket to Krabi, then taking a minivan may be the best option for you.
- Cost: $8
- Wait Time: 2. h
- Travel Time: 3.0 h
Phuket to Krabi By Plane
If you’re looking to travel from Phuket to Krabi quickly and conveniently, then flying is the best option. The two airports, Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Krabi International Airport (KBV) are just 60 kilometers apart and flights take less than an hour to make the journey.
Flights between Phuket and Krabi are operated by AirAsia and Thai Smile Airways, with tickets starting at around 1000 THB. Both airlines provide daily flights departing from Phuket in the morning and afternoon, while flights from Krabi depart in the afternoon and evening.
The airport in Krabi is located 6 kilometers outside of the city, so you will need to arrange a transfer to your destination upon arrival.
The airport offers many transportation options including taxis, vans, buses, and private car services. It’s best to pre-book a car service if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or have specific needs.
Overall, flying is the most convenient way to travel from Phuket to Krabi and usually only takes about an hour. You can easily find flights for a reasonable price, just be sure to plan ahead as tickets tend to go up closer to your departure date.
- Cost: $51 for one-way flights and $101 for round trip
- Wait Time: 1.0 h
- Travel Time: 30 minutes
Phuket to Krabi by Rental Car
- Rental Car Cost: $30 per day
- Wait Time: 1.0 h
- Travel Time: No wait time
Is Phuket to Krabi Island Safe
Thailand’s largest island, and most popular beach resort, Phuket is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
This stunningly beautiful place can also be dangerous for travelers who aren’t cautious but for the most part, both Phuket and Krabi Island are extremely safe for tourists.
The most you will have to worry about are scams and you can avoid most scams by reading about what to expect when in Phuket – in relation to prices – so that you don’t get ridiculously overcharged by taxi drivers and other service providers.
A word of caution: when the deal is too good to be true, it is.
Conculsion of Phuket to Krabi
Phuket and Krabi are separated by the Andaman Sea. The distance between Phuket and Krabi is 160 kilometers by land.
You can travel between Phuket and Krabi by land or water. Ferry/speedboat, bus, and taxi are the three main ways to travel from Phuket to Krabi.
- There is no direct flight from Phuket to Krabi, so flying is not recommended.
- The fastest way to get from Phuket to Krabi is by speedboat.
- The cheapest way is by bus.
- During the rainy season (June – October), taking a taxi (private transfer) is recommended. Because ferries/speedboats will be delayed or canceled because of rough seas sometimes.
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