Krabi transportation and public transport Krabi
Krabi, like most of Thailand, has fairly good transport connections - by road, air and sea. Being a popular tourist destination, it is well serviced with transfers from Phuket Airport as well as buses to and from the island. It does also have it’s own airport but receives a very limited service at present. Buses depart almost hourly for Bangkok and Surat Thani (for connections to Samui). There are also regular buses south to Hat Yai. Ferries services are run several times a day to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
Krabi air transportation
Update: Jan. 2010
There is an airport in Krabi itself, which has connections to and from Bangkok (six times a day) and also Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Samui. The airport is new, and much more convenient and easier than Phuket. For more information on getting to your hotel from the airport, see Krabi airport and transportation.
It is also worth considering using the busier Phuket Airport as an arrival and departure point. Located less than two hours' drive from most of the mainland beach areas, the added cost of a taxi to your final destination (around 2000 Baht each way) can often be economised in the lower airfares available to this more popular destination. Phuket airport information. Phuket airport information.
Krabi road transportation
The long-distance bus service in Thailand is quite good and efficient and there are connections with almost every city in the south, including joint bus/boat tickets to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, as well as overnight coaches to and from Bangkok.
These 'VIP' buses are particularly good value for money, with fully-reclining seats, snacks, dinner and coffee in the morning for around 800 Baht per person. Thais like icy air conditioning so remember to have a jacket handy. Most destinations in the south, such as Phuket and Had Yai, will cost under 200 Baht. The main bus terminal is located around 3km out of Krabi Town centre in Talaat Kao; it is served by the local bus service from Ao Nang.
If you're driving to Krabi, it is fairly easy to connect with the North-South Highway 4; turn-offs to the Ao Nang beach areas are clearly indicated in English when you arrive in the province. Krabi bus timetable.
Krabi sea transportation
There are daily ferry services to the mainland (Krabi Town and Ao Nang) from the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, as well as from Phuket to Ao Nang (high season only).
In Krabi, you will arrive at the new out-of-town pier (not in the town centre as is stated in some guidebooks), from which you can take a taxi, or local bus to the centre or the beach areas. Throughout Ao Nang you will notice boat timetables displayed outside tour agents and tickets are readily available at short notice but in the height of the season it is advisable to book at least a day in advance. Remember to make your enquiries beforehand as these signs are often out of date and your preferred ferry time may no longer be scheduled.
All ferries to Ao Nang stop in Railay first, then go to the pier at Nopparat Thara Beach. There are usually motorcycle sidecars taxis waiting to take guests the short five-minute ride to the main resort area. Krabi Boat timetable.
Krabi train transportation
There is no train service to Krabi - the line doesn't exist. If you wish to travel by train, the nearest stations are in Trang to the south or Surat Thani to the north. From here, you will have to catch a bus to Krabi. From Bangkok, a travel agent will usually sell you a combined ticket for an overnight train that stops at Phun Pin station near Surat Thani where you'll be met by a representative and put on a minibus to Krabi - 90 minutes away.
