Phuket to Krabi — Quick Facts
Phuket and Krabi are only 175 km apart but there's no direct, fast public transport between them — and no train. What exists is a mix of shared minivans, buses, private taxis, and a seasonal ferry. I've done this journey a dozen times over six years. Here's what actually works and what you should avoid.
Phuket to Krabi: Every Transport Option
Door-to-door pickup
Direct to Ao Nang
A/C, comfortable
Departs by schedule
Can wait for other pickups
Long detours possible
Book through your hotel or via online booking platforms. Most Phuket hotels can arrange this the day before. Minivans pick up from hotels across Phuket (Bang Tao, Kamala, Kata, Rawai) with a route through Patong or Phuket Town before heading to Krabi.
Scenic Andaman crossing
Drops at Ao Nang direct
No road traffic
One departure per day
Rough in choppy weather
Need transport to Rassada
The ferry from Rassada Pier (Phuket Town) to Ao Nang is the most scenic option and drops you right in the Krabi beach area without a Krabi Town transfer. Check current schedules — operators change year to year. Closed June to September.
Cheapest option
A/C buses
Regular departures
Far from most hotels
Transfer needed in Krabi
Slowest option
Phuket Bus Terminal 2 is on Phang Nga Road, 8km from the airport. From Krabi Bus Terminal you'll need a songthaew (฿150) or taxi to Ao Nang. Fine if you're budget-focused and time-flexible; impractical for most travellers staying in beach areas.
Door to door exactly
Your schedule
Good for families
Most expensive
Negotiate beforehand
Quality varies
Best for families or groups of 3–4 where the cost per person approaches the minivan rate. Always agree the price before departure — there is no meter. Your hotel can arrange through trusted drivers. Grab sometimes covers this route for ฿2,500–3,200.
Phuket to Krabi — All Options Side by Side
| Option | Cost (per person) | Time (total) | Drops at | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Minivan | ฿250–350 | 2.5–3.5 hr | Ao Nang or Krabi Town | Most travellers — best value |
| Ferry (seasonal) | ฿550–650 | 1.5–2 hr water + transfers | Ao Nang pier direct | Scenic experience, early departure |
| Government Bus | ฿120–150 | 4+ hr door to door | Krabi Bus Terminal | Budget travellers, flexible schedule |
| Private Taxi | ฿500–750 (4 pax) | 2.5–3 hr | Anywhere you want | Families, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rental Car (one-way) | ฿1,500–2,500/car | 2.5 hr | Anywhere | Self-drive explorers |
If you plan to explore Krabi Province (Railay, Tiger Cave, Khao Phanom Bencha), consider a one-way car rental from Phuket. Several agencies (including Budget at Phuket Airport) offer one-way drop-offs to Krabi for ฿300–500 one-way fee on top of the daily rate. Drive down, return ferry or minivan. Much cheaper than a private taxi and gives you full flexibility in Krabi.
Rassada Pier to Ao Nang Ferry — Everything You Need to Know
The direct ferry from Phuket to Ao Nang is the least-known and most scenic option. Here's the full breakdown:
Rassada Pier is in Phuket Town — about 4km from the town centre and 30–40 minutes by Grab from Patong or Rawai (฿150–250). Factor in transfer time when planning departure.
Journey is approximately 1.5–2 hours by speedboat across the Andaman Sea, passing through Phang Nga Bay with limestone islands visible from the boat. On calm days this is genuinely memorable. On choppy days (particularly in April–May approaching monsoon), it can be rough — bring seasickness tablets if you're susceptible.
Arrival is at Ao Nang Beach Pier, walking distance from the main Ao Nang beach strip. No additional transfers needed — this is the main advantage over road options.
Return journey (Ao Nang to Phuket) departs approximately 1:30–2:00pm depending on operator. Check current schedules — Ao Nang ferry operators include Ao Nang Princess (seasonally operated).
Krabi Town vs Ao Nang — Which Should You Go To?
The distinction matters because most transport from Phuket ends at one or the other:
Krabi Town is the provincial capital — a working Thai town with local markets (Maharaj Market), budget guesthouses along Khong Kha Road, and the Krabi River. It's 20 minutes by songthaew from Ao Nang (฿50–80) and has better local food and a more authentic feel. Ferries to Koh Lanta depart from here.
Ao Nang is the tourist and expat beach area — beach clubs, restaurants, and the jumping-off point for long-tail boats to Railay Beach (no road access), Chicken Island, and Koh Poda. If you're going to Railay, aim for Ao Nang. If you want to explore Krabi Province, Krabi Town is a better base.
Railay Beach (technically an island accessible only by long-tail from Ao Nang) takes 15 minutes and costs ฿120–150 per person. The West Railay beach side has the resorts; East Railay has the budget options. It's worth a full day from either Phuket or Ao Nang — one of the genuinely spectacular beaches in Thailand that actually lives up to the pictures.