Travel Guide: Bangkok To Krabi Island

Krabi is a beautiful destination on the west coast of southern Thailand. It is known for its towering limestone spires and white sand beaches. The journey from Bangkok to Krabi can be made by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry. Here are some options for travelling between the two places:

By Plane

The fastest way to get to Krabi is by plane, which takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. Flights depart from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) or Bangkok International Airport (BKK) and arrive at Krabi International Airport. The flight prices vary depending on the season and availability, but they typically range from $28 to $85. It's important to note that low-cost carriers might charge extra for checked baggage.

By Train and Bus

Travelling by train and bus is a good option for those who want to enjoy the scenery along the way. The train journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani takes about 13 hours, and then you need to take a bus from Surat Thani to Krabi, which takes an additional 2.5 to 3 hours. The total travel time for this option is around 16 to 24 hours, and the price ranges from $31 to $37.

By Bus

Taking a direct bus from Bangkok to Krabi is the cheapest option, with prices starting at $17. However, it is also the longest journey, taking approximately 14 to 15 hours. There are different types of buses available, including regular buses and VIP buses, which offer more comfortable seats.

By Car

Driving from Bangkok to Krabi is another option, with a distance of around 481 miles. The drive time is approximately 11 hours.

By Ferry

Ferry options are available if you are already in the Phuket area and want to get to Krabi. The ferry ride takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel by plane

Flying is the quickest way to travel from Bangkok to Krabi. The flight itself takes around 80 minutes, but you should also factor in travel time to and from the airport, as well as time spent checking in and boarding.

Flights depart from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) or Bangkok International Airport (BKK) and land at Krabi International Airport (KBV).

A number of airlines offer this route, including Thai Smile, Thai Airways, Bangkok Air, AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Vietjet, and Hahn Air.

Prices vary depending on the airline and the seat, but generally range from $30 to $100. During the high season (December to April), prices can be double that of the low season and can reach into the hundreds of dollars. There are several flights a day, so it's worth checking and comparing prices. Flights at inconvenient times, such as very early in the morning or late at night, are often cheaper.

Most budget airlines only include carry-on luggage in the ticket price, so you will likely have to pay extra for checked luggage.

Once you arrive at Krabi International Airport, you will need to arrange transportation to your final destination. The airport is located 15 kilometres outside of the town centre. Air-conditioned shuttle buses, songthaews (shared taxis), and regular taxis are always available outside the airport. It is recommended to negotiate a flat fare before starting your journey to avoid being overcharged.

Travel by bus

Travelling from Bangkok to Krabi Island by Bus

Travelling by bus from Bangkok to Krabi Island is a great option for those who want to take in the beautiful Thai countryside on their way to a tropical paradise. Krabi is located on the west coast of southern Thailand and is known for its stunning islands, turquoise waters, and snorkelling opportunities. There are over 150 islands in Krabi, offering a mix of stunning coastline, thick trekking jungles, and exotic wildlife. The distance between Bangkok and Krabi is 785 kilometres, so be prepared for a long journey if you choose to travel by land.

Bus Options

There are two main bus options for travelling from Bangkok to Krabi: a direct bus or a combination of a train to Surat Thani followed by a bus to Krabi.

Direct Bus

The direct bus from Bangkok to Krabi departs from the Southern bus terminal, Sai Tai Mai, located on Phutthamonthon Sai Road in the Thonburi district. You can easily get to the terminal by taxi. The bus journey takes approximately 11 hours, and there are both express and VIP24 buses operated by the Lignite company. An express bus ticket costs THB 648, while the VIP24 option is more expensive at THB 970. Buses depart throughout the day, with a morning bus at 7 am and several night buses between 5:30 pm and 8:40 pm. All buses provide snacks, air conditioning, and blankets, and make several stops along the route at large gas stations with convenience stores, cafes, and toilets.

In Krabi, buses from Bangkok arrive at either the Krabi bus terminal near Talat Kao, about 4 km north of Krabi, or Nuea Khlong, which is 15 km from Krabi and close to the Krabi International Airport. From either of these locations, you can easily organise your onward journey to the islands.

Train and Bus Combination

If you prefer to break up your journey, you can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take a bus from there to Krabi. This option allows you to travel overnight on a comfortable sleeper train and then complete the rest of the journey by bus. All trains to Surat Thani depart from the Hua Lamphong station in Bangkok, and the journey takes approximately 12-13 hours. The night train #85 departing at 7:30 pm and arriving at 7:10 am is the most convenient option.

For added comfort, you can choose between 2nd Class Sleepers with AC and 1st Class Sleepers with AC. First-class offers private cabins for two people, while second-class berths are in an open carriage with other passengers. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance if you want a guaranteed spot in a first-class cabin. Tickets for the train range from THB 968 for 2nd Class Sleepers to THB 1539 for 1st Class Sleepers.

Once you arrive in Surat Thani, you can catch a local bus to Krabi, which takes about three hours. You can either reserve bus and train tickets separately through an online travel portal or purchase a combined train+bus ticket directly at the train station. The combined train+bus journey will take a bit less than 15 hours in total.

Additional Information

The bus journey from Bangkok to Krabi is the cheapest option, with prices ranging from $17 to $60 for the direct bus and $16 to $40 for the train and bus combination. The bus is also a great choice if you want to avoid the hassle of flying or the longer journey time of the train.

Travel by train

Travelling from Bangkok to Krabi Island by Train

If you're looking to travel from Bangkok to Krabi Island by train, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Krabi doesn't have a train station, so you'll need to take a train to Surat Thani and then transfer to a bus for the rest of the journey. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to travel from Bangkok to Krabi Island by train:

Step 1: Book your train ticket

You can book your train ticket online or at any train station in Thailand. The train to Surat Thani departs from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station. There are daytime options available, but sleeper trains are a much more comfortable way to travel, especially if you're travelling overnight. The journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani takes about 13 hours.

Step 2: Take the train to Surat Thani

Once you have your ticket, it's time to board the train! The train ride will take around 13 hours, so make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable journey.

Step 3: Transfer to the bus terminal in Surat Thani

When you arrive at Surat Thani Train Station, you'll need to transfer to the bus terminal. You can take a taxi, shared taxi, or shuttle bus to get there; it's only a 20-minute drive.

Step 4: Book your bus ticket to Krabi

At the Surat Thani bus terminal, you can buy your ticket for the bus to Krabi. There are small local buses that take about three hours to reach Krabi. You can also reserve bus and train tickets together as a combined trip directly at the train station or through an online travel agency.

Step 5: Take the bus to Krabi

Once you have your bus ticket, hop on board! The bus ride will take approximately three hours, and you'll be able to take in the beautiful Thai countryside along the way.

Step 6: Arrive in Krabi

Congratulations! You've made it to Krabi. From here, you can continue your journey to your final destination, whether it's one of the nearby islands or the town of Krabi itself.

Travelling from Bangkok to Krabi Island by train is a long journey, but it can be a fun and comfortable way to see the country. Make sure you plan your trip in advance and give yourself plenty of time to make connections, as there are no direct trains from Bangkok to Krabi.

Travel by car

If you want to travel by car from Bangkok to Krabi, you can expect a journey of around 478.2 miles. This will take approximately 11 to 14 hours, depending on traffic.

The route you would take is via the Phet Kasem Road (Route 4). This route takes you directly from Bangkok to Krabi and is a straightforward drive.

However, it is important to note that this journey can be very tiring due to its length. It may be more comfortable to break up the trip with stops along the way. There are several towns and rest areas along Route 4 where you can take a break, get refreshments, and refuel your vehicle.

In addition, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, including booking accommodation if you wish to split the journey over two days.

Finally, it is essential to ensure that your vehicle is in good condition and that you have all the necessary documentation, such as insurance and registration, before embarking on this lengthy drive.

This option provides flexibility and the opportunity to explore the countryside and make stops along the way, but it is a long drive, so careful planning is required.

Travel by ferry

If you're travelling from Bangkok to Krabi and your final destination is one of the islands, you will need to take a ferry at some point. Krabi Town is the ferry departure point, and from there, you can get to the islands. Many travellers heading to Krabi are on their way to Railay West Beach or the Koh Phi Phi islands, which require a water transfer.

Ferries depart from several piers in Krabi, with varying levels of service and comfort. The Phi Phi islands can be reached by ferry in around two hours. The boats are spacious and air-conditioned, with a sundeck for open-sea views and a concession stand for food and drinks. The same journey can be made in 90 minutes by high-speed catamaran, although the faster speed means more bouncing on the water and less opportunity to walk around.

Ferry tickets can be purchased upon arrival in Krabi, or you can buy a combined transport and boat pass. During the peak season, ferries to popular islands like Koh Phi Phi can get very crowded, so booking in advance online is recommended to avoid delays.

Frequently asked questions