By NaJade · DJ in Bangkok · Published October 27, 2026
The best way to get from Bangkok to Krabi is to fly: around 18 nonstop flights a day take about 1 hour 25 minutes, with one-way fares often around ฿900–2,000 when booked a few weeks ahead. The cheapest option is the overnight bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, which takes 11–12 hours and costs roughly ฿700–1,150. There is no train line to Krabi.
Krabi is about 800 km south of Bangkok on the Andaman coast — the gateway to Ao Nang, Railay and Koh Lanta. I’ve done this trip for beach gigs and for actual holidays, and the answer is almost always the same: fly. But if you’re on a tight budget or want a slow-travel adventure, the ground options work too. Here’s how they compare.
Fly: about 1 hour 25 minutes, roughly ฿900–2,000 one way, from Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi. Bus: 11–12 hours overnight from the Southern Bus Terminal, about ฿700–1,150. Train: sleeper to Surat Thani plus a bus, 14–15 hours total. Flying usually wins once you count the lost day.
Your Options at a Glance
| Option | Time | Typical cost (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | ~1h 25m in the air | ฿900–2,000 before bags | Almost everyone |
| Overnight bus | 11–12 hours | ฿700–1,150 | Tight budgets, saving a night’s hotel |
| Train + bus | 14–15 hours | ฿930–1,260 | Rail fans, slow travel |
| Drive | 10–12 hours | Fuel, tolls, car hire | Road trips with stops |
Prices move with the season. Expect higher fares around New Year, Chinese New Year and Songkran, and book further ahead for high season from roughly November to April.
Flying From Bangkok to Krabi
Both Bangkok airports have direct flights to Krabi International Airport (KBV). Which one you use depends on the airline.
| Airport | Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Don Mueang (DMK) | Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, Nok Air | Mostly low-cost; bags cost extra |
| Suvarnabhumi (BKK) | Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Thai Vietjet, Thai AirAsia | Easier if you’re connecting from an international flight |
- Check your airport twice. Low-cost carriers mostly fly from Don Mueang. Allow at least an hour to cross the city between airports — see Don Mueang to the city and Suvarnabhumi to the city.
- Add baggage when you book. Low-cost fares often exclude checked bags, and adding them at the airport is much more expensive.
- Book early mornings for the best prices and the least chance of afternoon storm delays in rainy season.
Krabi Airport to Ao Nang and Krabi Town
Krabi Airport sits about 12 km from Krabi Town and roughly 40 minutes from Ao Nang. Your options on arrival:
| Transfer | Approx. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport shuttle bus | ฿90–150 per person | Cheapest; runs to Krabi Town and Ao Nang |
| Shared van | ฿150–200 per person | Drops at hotels; waits to fill up |
| Grab | ฿600–900 per car | Fixed price in the app — see how Grab works |
| Taxi counter | ฿1,200–1,500 per car | Easiest, most expensive |
For Railay, go to Ao Nang or Krabi Town first and take a longtail boat — there’s no road access.
The Overnight Bus
Long-distance buses to Krabi leave from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) on Bangkok’s Thonburi side, mostly in the late afternoon and evening, arriving early the next morning. Both the government Transport Co. and private operators run the route, with standard and VIP seating.
- Book VIP if you can. Fewer, wider seats that recline properly make a big difference over 11 hours.
- Bring a jumper. The air-con is famously cold.
- Keep valuables on you, not in the luggage hold.
- Avoid unofficial “tourist buses” sold on the street unless the operator has good recent reviews — a few of the scams in our Bangkok scams guide start here.
Train via Surat Thani
Krabi has no railway station. The rail route is a sleeper train from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Surat Thani’s Phun Phin station, then a bus or minivan to Krabi, which takes another 2.5–4 hours. Evening departures arrive around dawn. A second-class sleeper berth is the comfortable choice; book through the State Railway of Thailand. It’s slower and rarely cheaper than flying, but it’s a great experience if you’ve never done a Thai sleeper — the same trains I describe in Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
A Note From NaJade
The first time I went to Krabi I took the overnight bus to save money, arrived at 5am, and spent most of my first beach day asleep. The ticket was cheaper; the trip wasn’t. Now I fly early from Don Mueang, and I’m usually swimming in Ao Nang before lunch. If you’re on a long backpacking trip with more time than money, the bus is a fine way to travel and you save a night’s accommodation. But if you only have a week, every hour on the road is an hour you’re not on the beach. Book the flight, pay for the bag, and enjoy the extra day.
More: Bangkok to Phuket, Bangkok to Chiang Mai, the best time to visit Bangkok, and how to get around Bangkok. Official tourism info: Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About the Author
NaJade is a Bangkok-based DJ playing progressive house, melodic EDM, pop, and Thai music across clubs, rooftops, and weddings in Thailand — and has lived in the city long enough to have made every one of these mistakes at least once. Find him on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
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