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Krabi is a beach province on Thailand's Andaman coast. Limestone karsts rise straight out of the sea there, and longtail boats run to the islands offshore. It lies 128 kilometres (80 miles) west of Surat Thani. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi at $5.70 (190 THB), and the ride takes 5h. A taxi is the quickest option at 2h 30m - 3h, though it costs a lot more. The minivan sits in between on price.
Distance from Surat Thani to Krabi
Surat Thani and Krabi are about 128 km (80 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 158 km by road. The quickest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi is by taking the taxi, which takes around 2h 30m - 3h.
3 ways to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi
There are three ways to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private transport. The journey takes 2h 30m–5h and the quickest way is by private transport. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $5.70 (190 THB).
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Surat Thani to Krabi by Bus
There are available local buses departing from Talad Kaset 2 for the Surat Thani to Krabi route.
Although cheap, the thing about local buses is that there's a huge chance you'll have to wait a few hours at the station. Its schedules are erratic and even most locals don't know what time exactly the bus departs and arrives.
It's also worth noting that with a bus fare of $5.70 (190 THB), the local bus is only a bit cheaper than a minivan, which has a fixed schedule and is available to book online.
Bus schedule from Surat Thani to Krabi
Bus tickets are available on Bookaway.
Surat Thani to Krabi by Minivan
The minivan is a cheap and convenient option from Surat Thani to Krabi. Fare starts at $6.90 (229 THB) for the minivan trip that takes around 3h - 6h 30m.
Phichet Transport, Phangan Tour 2000, Phantip 1970 and 12Go Transport are the four companies operating minivans for this route. Most of these companies receive good reviews.
There are several minivan departures a day from 02:00 to 16:30.
Departure stations
The minivans depart from different stations in Surat Thani town centre:
- Phantip Travel departs from their head office.
- Phangan Tour departs from their headquarters.
- Pichet Transport is available at Tha Kaset 2 Market.
The stations are only a 3-6-minute walk from each other.
Minivan schedule from Surat Thani to Krabi
Arrival stations
The last stop for the minivans is Krabi Bus Terminal, which is about 10 minutes away from Krabi Town by taxi. Phantip Travel also has minivans arriving at Ao Nam Mao Pier near some beach resorts.
We suggest booking your tickets online in advance.
Surat Thani to Krabi by Taxi
When travelling in a group, you can be more comfortable with a private transfer from Surat Thani to Krabi. Prices start at $86 (2,842 THB) for a 3-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about $29 (947 THB) per person.
The journey takes 2h 30m - 3h to complete by taxi, depending on your destination in Krabi.
We recommend Andaman Taxis for the private transfer from the Surat Thani to Krabi route. You can book via BookAway to get a fixed price.
Alternatively, you can book a taxi through local companies and travel agencies. You can also hail a taxi from the street, although this is often more expensive and you might have to haggle for cheaper rates.
Private Transport options from Surat Thani to Krabi
Taxi tickets are available on Bookaway.
Our favourite places to stay in Krabi
- Ao Nang — here you’ll have access to everything you need; the beach, restaurants, shops, international brands, bars and clubs. It's a great jumping-off point to the nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. The downside is that it almost feels overrun by tourists.
- Railay — a small peninsula south of Ao Nang and separated from the mainland by those towering limestone cliffs most of us associate with Thailand. The only way to get to the magical beaches of Railay is by boat.
- Krabi Town — despite the tourists, it's managed to maintain a quaint Thai-Chinese market feel. Accommodation is cheaper here whilst not being too far from the beach.
BudgetThe Morning Mini House
The Morning Mini House is a great budget option in Ao Nang Beach. It's a 10-minute drive to the beach. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable, offering a great night's sleep. Some of them even come with balconies.
The owners of the guesthouse are incredibly friendly and helpful, taking your stay in Krabi to another level. You'll instantly feel at home here.
- Amazing owner
- Large and clean rooms
- Great value for money
- 10-minute drive from Ao Nang Beach
Private rooms start from $20 per night.
BudgetThe Box House
Located centrally in Krabi Town, The Box House puts you within minutes of many sights in the town. The spacious and colourful rooms boast large, comfortable beds that offer you a great night’s sleep.
Each room is equipped with air conditioning and a flat-screen tv for your enjoyment. The owners are friendly, welcoming and offer motorbike rentals onsite.
- Beautiful gardens
- Comfortable and clean rooms
- Motorbike rentals available onsite
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start at $16 per night.
Mid-RangeVipa Tropical Resort
Need to escape to nature? Vipa Tropical Resort is the perfect place to do just that. The resort is backed by towering limestone mountains and surrounded by lush greenery.
The cottages are cute and cosy, with private balconies where you can relax after a day at the beach. Or chill by the pool and go for a swim. The resort is a 5-minute drive to Ao Nang Beach, which the resort provides a free shuttle for.
- Cosy cottages with balconies
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Surrounded by nature and mountains
- Free shuttle to Ao Nang Beach
Cottages start at $48 per night.
Mid-Range@Aonang Guesthouse
@Aonang Guesthouse offers both comfortable dorm rooms and modern private rooms. Whatever you choose to stay in, you can enjoy their refreshing and clean swimming pool.
Tin is one of the best hosts in Thailand, offering the best recommendations and help when you need it. The guesthouse is located in a more local neighbourhood in Krabi and next to one of the best Thai restaurants in the area. This place has a near-perfect rating and it's easy to see why!
- An amazing host
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Modern and clean rooms
- Located in a local neighbourhood
Private rooms start from $48 per night.
Treat YourselfPinthong Aonang Villa
Pinthong Aonang Villa might be classed as high-end accommodation, but it doesn't have to be expensive if you find some friends! The hotel offers two-bedroom villas for $80 that can fit 4 people. That's $20 a night for a luxury villa.
The outdoor swimming pool is beautiful, and every inch of the hotel is spotlessly clean. Located in Ao Nang, they even arrange a free shuttle to the beach. This place is the perfect place to relax and take life slowly.
- Great value for money
- Beautiful villas
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Free shuttle to the beach
Two-bedroom villas start from $80 per night.
Treat YourselfAonang Eco Villa
Aonang Eco Villa is the kind of place you dream of. Beautifully designed and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open up to lush gardens. Wander through the gardens to the refreshing outdoor swimming pool or the onsite bar. The cocktails and fruit juice are delicious!
The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, making sure that you can fully relax and enjoy your stay. There are only 10 villas, creating an exclusive and private feel.
- Beautiful swimming pool
- Bright and spacious villas
- Great onsite bar
- 10 minutes from the town
Villas start from $120 per night.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Krabi?
Krabi is a tropical gem on Thailand’s southwest coast. This bustling region is filled with stunning beaches and spectacular limestone cliffs. But as with most places in Southeast Asia, you’ll have to go to its outskirts to see it at its most beautiful.
There are so many things to do in Krabi, making you feel that a few days will not be enough to fit them all into your itinerary. You can go beach-hopping, rock-climbing, and island-hopping. Krabi is also a strategic gateway to the nearby islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Surat Thani to Krabi, roughly 128 kilometres (80 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $5.70 (190 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 Surat Thani to Krabi?
The distance from Surat Thani to Krabi is 128 kilometres (80 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi?
The fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi is by private transport and takes 2h 30m - 3h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi?
The cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi is by bus with ticket costs starting from 190 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.
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