%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(98.88182969732962%2C8.05653802661675)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(99.282050092573%2C9.135969668565783)%2F99.08193989495132%2C8.596253847591267%2C7%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Surat Thani sits about 128 kilometres (80 miles) northeast of Krabi, on the Tapi river. Most travellers pass through on their way to the Gulf islands. The town itself gets little attention. A private transfer gets you from Krabi to Surat Thani in 2h 30m - 3h. The bus and the minivan both cost far less, at $7 (233 THB).
Distance from Krabi to Surat Thani
Krabi and Surat Thani are about 128 km (80 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 157 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 30m and 5h 45m.
3 ways to travel from Krabi to Surat Thani
There are three ways to travel from Krabi to Surat Thani. You can choose between the minivan, bus, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 30m–3h and the quickest way is by minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by minivan with tickets starting at $7 (233 THB).
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Krabi to Surat Thani.
Krabi to Surat Thani by Minivan
The minivan is another affordable way to get from Krabi to Surat Thani. There are several trips per day from 07:00 to 15:00. Fares start at $7 (233 THB) for a trip that takes around 2h 30m - 5h 45m.
There are several companies that operate the route from Krabi to Surat Thani.
Departure Stations
Pichet Transport Company Ltd and Phantip Travel minivans depart from Krabi Bus Terminal, which is 10 minutes away from Krabi Town by taxi. If you book with Hat Yai World Tour, the ticket includes a hotel pick-up in Krabi Town.
If you’re staying near Ao Nang beach, you can book with Krabi Sea Pearl, Van2 Travel or 12Go Transport because they have minivans departing from Ao Nam Mao Pier.
Minivan schedule from Krabi to Surat Thani
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
To go around to the city centre, you can take the local orange bus for $0.60 (20 THB). You can find this bus near the car park area.
If you prefer something more comfortable, you can take a metered taxi, which will cost about $4.20 (140 THB). Be sure to agree with the driver on a price or have the metre turned on prior to departing.
Arrival Stations
In Surat Thani, there are three arrival stations. Pichet Transport completes its journey at Tha Kaset 2 Market.
The last stop for Phantip Travel minivans is their head office in the city centre, while Hat Yai World Tour minivans arrive at Surat Thani Town bus stop.
Krabi to Surat Thani by Bus
If you're travelling on a budget, riding a bus is the way to go. Bus fares start from $7 (233 THB) and the journey takes around 3h - 4h 30m.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route: Phichet Transport and Phantip 1970.
Bus schedule from Krabi to Surat Thani
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Krabi to Surat Thani by Private Transport
Booking a private transport from Krabi to Surat Thani is much more expensive than taking a minivan. However, if you are travelling in a group, this can be a good option for you.
The benefit of taking a private transport is that you have door-to-door transportation. Travel time is around 2h 30m - 3h, so you will arrive in Surat Thani faster than if you’d taken the minivan.
Rates for a 3-seater car start from $86 (2,842 THB). Note that taxis should be booked in advance.
Private Transport options from Krabi to Surat Thani
Private Transport tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani
Here are our favourite places to stay in Surat Thani for every budget.
BudgetDD Modern House
DD Modern House, as the name suggests is a modern, clean and bright hotel that will make you feel instantly at home. It's amazing value for money with king rooms costing just $14 (465 THB) per night. The beds are huge and the room comes with everything you could need.
The rooms even have their own balcony overlooking Surat Thani. Plus, you won't have to go too far to find a number of restaurants and shops. This place books up fast, so don't miss out!
- Huge and comfortable beds
- Spacious and clean rooms
- Private balcony
- Good location
Private rooms start at $14 (465 THB) per night.
BudgetGarden Homestay
Looking for authentic Thai culture and a welcome like no other? Garden Homestay is the best choice for you! The hosts are known to be extremely friendly and enjoy spending time with guests, showing them around town and taking them to the sights.
A wonderful Asian-style breakfast is included every morning and the homestay is centrally located.
- Extremely friendly and welcoming hosts
- Breakfast included
- Very comfortable beds
- Garden area
Private rooms start at $20 (665 THB) per night.
BudgetBlu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani
Set centrally in Surat Thani, the Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Suratthani is a quirky monkey-themed hostel/hotel. It's a great place to meet other travellers as the place offers free activities and also free bike rental. All day there's complimentary drinking water and juice to enjoy.
And don't forget about the delicious Asian breakfast that's included in your stay. In need of coffee? They have an onsite coffee shop.
- Very comfortable beds
- Onsite coffee shop
- Walking distance to the night market
- Delicious breakfast included
Private rooms start at $23 (765 THB) per night.
Mid-RangeBangsrai Cottage
Enjoy the stunning river views from the terrace at this centrally located cottage in Surat Thani. The outdoor swimming pool is the perfect place to cool down after exploring the area and the cottage gardens.
There is also a shared lounge, free Wi-Fi and free bike rentals for guests to enjoy. A delicious continental breakfast is included with your stay too.
- Delicious breakfast included
- Swimming pool
- River views
- Centrally located
Private bungalows start at $41 (1,363 THB) per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Surat Thani?
Surat Thani is a popular transport hub in southern Thailand. It often serves as a stop along the way to Krabi, Phuket or to islands in the Gulf of Thailand. The city may not be as exciting as the islands but it still offers some charm and sights.
Often used as a mere stopover by tourists, you can enjoy a more authentic Thai experience in this city. So if you have some extra time in your itinerary, our recommended activities in Surat Thani include exploring the floating market, the nearby Khao Sok National Park, and Surat Thani Pillar Shrine.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Krabi to Surat Thani, roughly 128 kilometres (80 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $7 (233 THB). The quickest trip takes 2h 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Krabi to Surat Thani?
The distance from Krabi to Surat Thani is 128 kilometres (80 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Krabi to Surat Thani?
Journey times from Krabi to Surat Thani overlap: minivan 2h 30m - 5h 45m, bus 3h - 4h 30m, private transport 2h 30m - 3h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Krabi to Surat Thani?
The cheapest way to get from Krabi to Surat Thani is by minivan with ticket costs starting from 233 THB.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She's loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand's beaches also have a special place in her heart.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
