Fly, because the route is cheap and consistent.
The distance between Bangkok and Krabi is approximately 780 km, and flying is the most common way to travel. Around 18 direct flights depart daily from Bangkok's two airports (KBV), reaching Krabi in about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Cheap flights, booked several weeks in advance, cost between 900 and 2,000 baht (US$27–60). A budget-friendly alternative is the night bus: the Lignite Tours bus departs from the South Terminal at 6:40 pm and arrives at Krabi's bus station at 5:40 am. According to the operator's price list, the journey costs 715 baht, allowing passengers to catch the morning boats in time for departure.
Check the current flight times and seat availability for flights from Bangkok to Krabi on 12Go.
Krabi has no railway line. Traveling by train takes approximately 14 to 15 hours and costs around 930–1,260 baht. Local knowledge is particularly helpful for airport transfers. The journey from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang costs 150 baht by shuttle bus or approximately 700–1,000 baht from a taxi stand on the same route. All transport options, departure times, and return routes are listed below.
Where to stay in Krabi
This route ends in Krabi. Search for hotels in Krabi for your travel dates or narrow your search to the region you wish to visit. Filter for hotels with free cancellation if you'd like to book a room and decide later.
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Key Facts (2026)
The fastest way is by plane, 1 hour 25 minutes for 900–2000 Baht (US$27–60).
There are approximately 18 direct flights daily. AirAsia, Thai Lion, and Nok Air depart from Don Mueang Airport; Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Book about six weeks in advance to secure the best prices.
The night bus is the cheapest option and costs 715 Baht according to Lignite Tours' own price list.
The Lignite ferry departing at 6:40 PM from the South Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) arrives at its destination at 5:40 AM, after an eleven-hour journey. 12Go lists four express departures between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, as well as a 24-seat VIP ferry at 6:50 PM (price: 740–1,140 baht including surcharges). Arriving at dawn, it serves as a feeder for the morning boat trips to Phi Phi and Railay.
There is no train connection to Krabi, so you take the night train to Surat Thani and then the bus (14-15 hours).
Ten trains run daily to Phun Phin station in Surat Thani; trains No. 85 (7:50 p.m. to 6:23 a.m.) and No. 173 (8:10 p.m. to 6:46 a.m.) arrive on time. A second-class sleeper berth costs 750–900 baht at the station, and the onward journey to Krabi by Phantip bus costs an additional 180–360 baht. It is best to buy a through ticket.
The distance is approximately 780 km, and the journey takes 10 to 11 hours by car.
Krabi Airport is located 12 km northeast of Krabi Town and about 40 minutes from Ao Nang. The bus station is located in Talat Kao, 4–5 km north of the town.
The shuttle from the airport to Ao Nang costs 150 Baht, while at the taxi stand it costs 700–1000 Baht.
Shared taxis cost 150–200 baht per person including hotel transfer, while Grab costs around 600–900 baht. Solo travelers or couples can take the shuttle bus.
Sleeper car berths can be booked 90 days in advance; during peak travel times, the cheapest flights are booked first.
SRT announces most sleeper trains in the south 90 days in advance (30 days for the Sungai Kolok trains). From mid-December to January and during Songkran, fares increase on all modes of transport, so it is advisable to book early for these dates.
All routes from Bangkok to Krabi compared (2026)
Flights with budget airlines are booked approximately six weeks in advance, baggage not included; prices are higher from December to January and during Songkran. The price of 715 baht is from Lignite's website as of October 1, 2026; the 24-seat VIP flight cost 834 baht at the counter in March 2024 and is offered by 12Go for 1,140 baht, so expect to pay around 900–1,000 baht at the counter. Train fares include the train ticket from the station plus the connecting bus; online providers charge an additional 100–200 baht.
Bookable departures · updated daily
Bangkok → Krabi: Departure times you can book now
All flights currently bookable via 12Go on this route, sorted by booking class. The prices shown are distributed across the different booking classes; the exact price for a seat and a specific date can be found on the booking page.
bus
Flight
12Go timetables and fares are updated daily. Services that operate only locally—regular trains, weekend trips, and ferry terminal tickets—are not listed; these can be found in the table above. Sponsored link: We may receive a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Check the current flight times and prices from Bangkok to Krabi.
12Go displays flights and night buses side-by-side, with live seat availability and instant e-tickets. For train travel, it's recommended to book the sleeper car to Surat Thani and the connecting bus as a single ticket to avoid getting stranded in Phun Phin in case of a train delay.
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Flight from Bangkok to Krabi in 1 hour 25 minutes with approximately 18 flights daily, followed by transfer to Ao Nang
The flight itself is easy; people pay too much for the airport transfer.
Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion, and Nok Air fly from Don Mueang (DMK); Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia also fly from Suvarnabhumi (BKK). With so much competition, prices are correspondingly low. Book about six weeks in advance; then, 900–2,000 baht is typical for a one-way flight, and on promotional days, even as low as 700 baht. During peak season (mid-December to January, Songkran), the cheapest seats still sell out quickly, and Krabi is one of the routes where booking early is particularly worthwhile. Ultimately, the choice of airport is crucial: Don Mueang offers the cheapest fares and low-cost carriers, while Suvarnabhumi is home to the major airlines and the Airport Rail Link. So, choose your airport based on your accommodation in Bangkok rather than a price difference of 200 baht.
Krabi Airport is located 12 km northeast of Krabi Town and about 40 minutes from Ao Nang. Prices for transfers along the same route can vary considerably. The airport shuttle bus serves most flights and costs 150 baht to Ao Nang (approximately 90–100 baht to Krabi Town). Shared taxis cost 150–200 baht per person, including hotel transfer. From the taxi stand, a ride to Ao Nang costs 700–1,000 baht. Grab costs around 600–900 baht from the airport, but drivers sometimes ask passengers to walk to the parking lot during peak hours. Solo travelers or couples are best off taking the shuttle bus. For three people with luggage, a car is the more economical option.
From Krabi Airport to Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Railay (2026)
The prices shown are those published at the airport counters and in the shuttle's price list in 2026; the prices on Grab are a live estimate and increase during the evening rush hour.
From Bangkok to Krabi by bus, eleven hours, overnight journey from 715 Baht
Brown coal tour from the south terminal and what the night looks like
Buses depart in the early evening from Bangkok's southern bus station (Sai Tai Mai, on Borommaratchachonnani Road, opposite Bangkok in Thonburi; the journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes) and arrive at Krabi bus station at dawn. Lignite Tour is the most well-known operator on this route. According to the timetable, a bus departs at 6:40 p.m. and arrives at 5:40 a.m. (after eleven hours). The fare is 715 baht and can be booked online. Payment is also possible at 7-Eleven. 12Go offers four express departures between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., as well as a 24-seat VIP bus at 6:50 p.m. Prices range from 740 to 1,140 baht (including surcharges). The state-run transport company also operates this route from the same bus station. Arriving at dawn is particularly convenient, as it allows passengers to catch the boats to Phi Phi or Railay in time.
The VIP 24 is the option worth paying extra for. It offers a near-flat reclining position, a blanket, water and soy milk upon boarding, payment at your seat, and a buffet dinner at the food stop included in the fare, as well as a 20-minute break in the early morning. In March 2024, the ticket cost 834 baht at the counter, and the bus arrived at 6:20 a.m. Two practical tips: The Krabi bus station is located in Talat Kao, 4–5 km north of Krabi Town. From there, you can reach the town or Ao Nang by white songthaew (around 50 baht) or a short Grab ride. Also, book directly with the bus companies at the bus station, not with the cheap tourist buses around Khao San Road. These are notorious for their slow journeys and for the fact that luggage often arrives lighter than when it left.
Bangkok → Krabi Night Bus Departures (2026)
The information for Lignite Tour is from lignitetour.com (as of October 1, 2026); the departure list is from 12Go (as of the same day) and does not specify the respective operator. Buses operated by Transport Co. also run and can be booked at the terminal; the information on the display board is authoritative.
From Bangkok to Krabi by train, then by sleeper car to Surat Thani and by bus for breakfast.
Krabi has no train station, but ten trains a day reach Surat Thani, and from there the bus continues.
There is no train connection to Krabi, but the southern railway line runs through Surat Thani, from where you can reach Krabi by bus in 2.5 to 4 hours. The route involves taking an overnight train from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Phun Phin station in Surat Thani. From there, you continue by Phantip bus or minivan (with a through ticket), which departs directly from the station. An air-conditioned second-class sleeper berth costs approximately 750–900 baht at the station, with the bus fare adding another 180–360 baht. The entire journey takes 14 to 15 hours and costs 930–1260 baht, with most of the time spent lying down.
Which train you take is crucial. Trains No. 85 (7:50 p.m. to 6:23 a.m.) and No. 173 (8:10 p.m. to 6:46 a.m.) will get you to the platform at a comfortable time, leaving you with the whole day ahead of you. Train No. 83 (6:50 p.m. to 4:58 a.m.) is too early for most travelers to get up, and trains No. 171 and 37 don't arrive until the early morning hours. Lower berths fill up quickly, so book one to two weeks in advance during peak season and set an alarm: Surat Thani is a through station; the train continues south, and many a couple has overslept and only woken up in Trang. It's best to buy a combined train and bus ticket to avoid having to negotiate a new fare on the platform if your train is delayed.
My rule of thumb: fly, ideally booking six weeks in advance. The route is simply too cheap and the connections too frequent. If flight prices are particularly high or the budget is tight, I take the night bus, as arriving at dawn coincides perfectly with the morning island boats. The combination of train and travel is more of an experience than a way to save money.
The best-rated hotels in Krabi
Here is my ranking of the 10 best hotels in Krabi. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com, where you have already entered your travel dates.
Bangkok → Surat Thani (Phun Phin) train timetable (2026)
Departure times are from thailandtrains.com and siamtickets.com (timetable dated December 5, 2025). 12Go lists the departure time of train no. 169 as 5:50 PM, so please check your ticket. Seat availability is based on SRT fares from April 2026 (90 days if your journey covers 60% or more of the train route, 30 days for 25–59%). Surat Thani is located at kilometer 635. From Phun Phin, buses and vans from Phantip to Krabi take 2.5 to 4 hours. This same timetable also forms the basis of our itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Samui, where you will continue your journey by ferry.
Krabi or Phuket, and where to break up the journey
If you have to choose an airport, it's best to fly into the one closest to your accommodation. Krabi airport is 40 minutes from Ao Nang and the longtail boats from Railay; Phuket airport is on the other side of a 50km island and is a two- to three-hour drive and ferry ride from Krabi. Phuket offers more flights and sometimes cheaper fares, but the savings are often offset by the transfer costs. An exception to this is for trips that start on the beaches of Phuket and head east – which is exactly what our "From Phuket to Krabi" guidebook is for. Our comparison of Phuket and Krabi answers the most important question: Which coast is the better starting point for your trip?
No one interrupts the flight, but the overland routes pass by two places worth an overnight stay. Hua Hin is three to four hours from Bangkok and is the ideal first stop on the train or car journey. The coastal town's night market is a great place for dinner. Further south, in Surat Thani, you'll reach the limestone lake of Khao Sok National Park in about two hours. This detour extends the 15-hour journey to two days and is the best argument for taking the train.
Return journey from Krabi to Bangkok
The return journey follows the same route in reverse, and the departure times are more convenient. Flights from Krabi to both Bangkok airports depart during the day, making it easy to spend a morning on the beach and an evening in Bangkok. Night buses depart from the Talat Kao Terminal in Krabi between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM. Lignite Tours' website lists the following departure times: 4:00 PM for 779 baht, 4:30 PM for 796 baht, and 5:00 PM VIP 24 for 1,170 baht. Transport Co. offers fares starting at approximately 707 baht. Most travelers arrive at the Southern Terminal in the early morning, from where Grab is usually available for getting around town. Some continue on to Mo Chit. Allow 12 to 14 hours for the northbound journey.
The return journey by train from Krabi involves taking a minibus to Phun Phin station (make sure it goes to the station and not Surat Thani) and from there one of the night trains heading north. The rule of thumb regarding lower berths also applies here. Buying a ticket for both legs of the journey is particularly important in this direction, as a delayed minibus means missing the train. If you are flying out of Thailand on the same day, you will fly from Krabi. The overnight bus journey to Bangkok-Thonburi and the subsequent transfer to Suvarnabhumi Airport will add two hours to the twelve-hour drive.
Krabi → Bangkok: Departure times you can book now
Minivan
Book your return flight from Krabi to Bangkok
12Go shows flights from Krabi to both Bangkok airports, as well as overnight buses from Talat Kao with available seats. Book your return trip before the last week of December or before Songkran; during these weeks, the cheapest seats are usually sold out.
Krabi Airport (KBV) → Ao Nang / Krabi Town
Airport transfer in Krabi
The shuttle bus for 150 baht offers an affordable way to get to Ao Nang if your schedule allows. Arriving late, heading to Klong Muang or Tubkaek, or traveling with family? A car pre-booked through 12Go (approximately 700–800 baht for a sedan to Ao Nang) has a fixed price, while the airport taxi rank charges 700–1,000 baht for the same route.
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The three paths in the video
A flight, a night bus, and a sleeper train – all journeys undertaken by others. None of them are mine; each journey is assigned to its respective channel.
Trip booked? Plan your graduation in Krabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about the Bangkok–Krabi route.
Flying. There are approximately 18 direct flights daily between Bangkok and Krabi airports. The flight time is about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Cheap flights cost between 900 and 2,000 baht (US$27–60) and should be booked several weeks in advance. A budget-friendly alternative is the night bus (e.g., Lignite Tours departs at 6:40 p.m. for 715 baht, taking 11 hours). The train connection, taking the night train to Surat Thani and then a connecting bus, takes 14 to 15 hours.
Not directly. Krabi has no train connection. To get there by train, take one of ten southern trains from Krung Thep Aphiwat to Phun Phin station in Surat Thani (train number 85 at 7:50 pm, arriving at 6:23 am; this is the best option with a sleeper car). From there, take a Phantip bus or minibus to Krabi, a journey of 2.5 to 4 hours. The trip is sold as a through ticket. The total cost is approximately 930–1,260 baht and the journey takes 14 to 15 hours. Sleeper car berths can be booked 90 days in advance.
Yes, there are approximately 18 direct flights daily with a flight time of about 1 hour and 25 minutes. Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion, and Nok Air fly from Don Mueang Airport (DMK); Thai Airways, Thai Vietjet, Bangkok Airways, and AirAsia fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Cheap tickets cost between 900 and 2,000 baht (US$27–60) and should be booked about six weeks in advance.
Fly to the airport closest to your accommodation. Krabi airport is 40 minutes from Ao Nang and the Railay boats; Phuket airport is two to three hours from Krabi by car and ferry, so flying to Phuket is cheaper as you'll need to arrange transfers. Only fly to Phuket if your trip starts on the beaches of Phuket and heads east.
You should plan on spending about a week to ten days in each of these locations. Krabi requires three to five days, enough for Railay, an island tour, and an evening in Ao Nang. Phi Phi or the Tiger Cave Temple are ideally suited for a fourth or fifth day. Phuket, on the other hand, needs four to five days for a day on Phi Phi, a day in Phang Nga Bay, and the old town. The speedboat trip from Phuket to Krabi takes one to two hours. Therefore, it's recommended to fly from Bangkok to Krabi and back, rather than taking a round trip. If you have fewer than six nights, you should choose one of the two destinations.
The route across the peninsula is approximately 780 km, which corresponds to a travel time of 10 to 11 hours. In practice, this means a 1 hour 25 minute flight, an 11- to 12-hour overnight bus journey, or a 14- to 15-hour overnight train journey to Surat Thani plus a connecting bus. Most travelers fly and plan the trip as an afternoon excursion.
Low-cost carriers (AirAsia, Thai Lion, Nok Air, Vietjet) offer one-way flights from 900–2,000 baht (approximately US$27–60) when booking about six weeks in advance. Promotional fares are sometimes available from as low as 700 baht, baggage not included. Flights with Thai Airways or Bangkok Airways are more expensive. Prices generally rise from mid-December to January and during Songkran, so it's advisable to book early for these periods.
The airport shuttle bus is the cheapest option at 150 baht, serves most flights, and takes about 40–60 minutes. Shared taxis cost 150–200 baht per person, including hotel transfer. A Grab ride costs approximately 600–900 baht, and taxis at the rank charge 700–1,000 baht per vehicle. Solo travelers can take the shuttle bus. Groups of three or more people with luggage may want to consider a taxi.
Eleven to twelve hours, overnight. According to the Lignite Tour timetable, a bus departs from the South Terminal at 6:40 PM and arrives at 5:40 AM for 715 baht. 12Go lists express departures between 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, as well as a 24-seat VIP trip at 6:50 PM. The arrival point is the Talat Kao Terminal, 4–5 km north of Krabi Town. From there, you can continue by songthaew (shared taxi) for 50 baht.
Flights to both Bangkok airports operate during the day. Night buses depart from the Talat Kao Terminal in Krabi between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM (Lignite Tour from 779 Baht, VIP 24 at 5:00 PM for 1,170 Baht) and arrive at the South Railway Station early the following morning, 12 to 14 hours later. For the train journey, take a minibus to Phun Phin Station in Surat Thani (not into the city itself) to catch a night train heading north.
Yes, with a transfer in Krabi in any case. Arriving at dawn on the night bus (or taking an early flight) provides a good connection to the morning ferries. Ferries to Phi Phi depart from Klong Jilad Pier around 9:00 AM, and Railay is accessible throughout the day in 10–15 minutes by longtail boat from Ao Nang. There is no direct boat service from Bangkok to Krabi.
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Further from Krabi
The next stage, with the fastest and cheapest way to get there.
Return journey? From Krabi to Bangkok – All 11 routes from Krabi
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I lived in Bangkok for four years and traveled throughout the country from there. The guidebooks reflect my personal opinion and are written as I would explain things to a friend planning a trip.
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