Bangkok to Krabi: Fly, Night Bus or Train

Fly if you want the easy way: a direct flight takes about 1 h 30 min, and fares start from THB 1,110. To spend less, take the Lignite overnight bus for THB 779, or ride the train to Surat Thani and transfer.

Fly first

Fly if you want the easy way. The flight takes about an hour and a half, and even the cheapest sampled fare undercuts the First Class bus. If money is tight, the overnight bus is the lowest ground fare, and the sleeper train suits you if you want a bed.

Flying

Both Bangkok airports work, as Thai AirAsia flies to Krabi from Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi. Several budget airlines fly it, and the sampled flights left between 07:00 and 18:40, so you can usually pick your hour. The cheapest sampled flight, a Thai Lion Air departure at 17:20, cost THB 1,110. Fares move from day to day, so compare dates before you book.

Plan a ride for when you land, since Krabi airport is about 15 km from the town centre and 40 km from Ao Nang. Most visitors head for Ao Nang, and the Krabi and Ao Nang guide covers the beaches and the ride from the airport.

The overnight bus

Lignite Tour runs the overnight bus from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).

The bus pulls into the Krabi bus terminal at Talad Kao, about 5 km north of the town centre. Ao Nang is a further ride away, so arrange a taxi or songthaew for the last leg.

Sleeper train to Surat Thani

Rail takes you only part of the way, because there is no through train to Krabi. Ride to Surat Thani and change there to a bus. Every train leaves Krung Thep Aphiwat, and train 43 is the only one that reaches Surat Thani the same day.

The upper bunk on a Rapid train is the cheapest sleeper. Tickets are sold on the D-Ticket site, and the SRT booking guide explains how far ahead each trip opens.

From Surat Thani, Phantip Travel’s bus takes 4 to 4.5 hours. It costs THB 250 to Krabi town or THB 500 to the Ao Nang area, and for Ao Nang it drops you at your hotel, so have the name ready when you book.

Which one to pick

On a tight budget, the Lignite Economy bus at THB 779 is the lowest ground fare. For a bed and a train ride, take a Rapid upper berth at THB 654 and add the bus. Otherwise, fly.

Once you reach Krabi, the islands are a ferry ride away, and the Krabi to Koh Phi Phi ferry guide has times and fares. Heading to the other Andaman hub instead? Turn to the Bangkok to Phuket guide.

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Not confirmed: Flight fares move daily; the figures are one sample date. Transport Company bus times and fares were not readable when checked. Train fares are for one sampled departure date.

Prices, timetables and opening hours change; check with the operator before you travel. See how guides are checked.

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