The five options at a glance
| Option | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Private transfer | Families, groups, late landings, going straight to the hotel | Costs more than a bus for one traveller |
| Bus or minivan | A light bag and a flexible schedule | The bus terminal is in Phuket Town, not at the airport |
| Taxi from the airport | Deciding on arrival | Agree the full fare for 165 km before you get in |
| Ride-hailing app | Comfortable with apps and mobile data | Check that the app offers a trip this long |
| Rental car | Touring Krabi province for several days | Left-hand traffic and returning the car |
Fares and timetables for the public options change. Check the current ones before you plan around them.
Private transfer
The driver meets you at the airport, follows your flight number and drives to your hotel in Krabi without changing vehicles. The price is fixed per car: 4,599 THB for a sedan up to 6,399 THB for a VIP minibus. For a family with luggage after a long flight, it is the simplest way to cover 165 km. For one traveller with a small bag it costs more than the alternatives. Details are on the booking page and the price page.
Bus or minivan
Intercity buses and minivans to Krabi leave from the Phuket bus terminal on the north side of Phuket Town, not from the airport, so you first need a way to reach it. At the other end they arrive at the Krabi bus terminal, which is outside the town centre and not at your hotel. That is two extra legs on a long day. Minivans are quicker than buses, and hotels and agents can book them. Check which departures run and when the last one leaves before you count on it after a late landing.
Taxi from the airport
Taxis queue outside arrivals and need no booking. For 165 km, the fare is a long conversation. Settle the full amount to Krabi before the car moves, and ask whether the driver is willing to go that far at all. Late at night, the choice in the queue can be thin.
Ride-hailing apps
Apps work well for short trips on Phuket. For Krabi, open the app before you land and see whether it offers the trip, what price it shows and whether a driver accepts it. If none does, you have lost time standing in the arrivals hall. You also need a working data connection from the moment you land.
Rental car
A car makes sense if you plan to explore Krabi province for several days. Traffic keeps left, the mainland roads carry lorries, and you need to check your licence rules. Ask the rental company whether you can leave the car in Krabi, because driving it back to Phuket means doing the 165 km a second time.
What about the boat?
Boats connect piers on Phuket's east coast, such as Rassada near Phuket Town, with piers on the Krabi coast, some of them via Koh Phi Phi. The airport is not at a pier, so you still need a car to the boat and another at the Krabi end. It suits a trip where the sea crossing is part of the plan. Check current sailings.
Which one to pick
- Family, groups, heavy bags or a late flight: private transfer.
- Alone, light bag, time to spare: bus or minivan.
- Travelling to Krabi Town after a flight from abroad: book a car ahead.
- A week in Krabi province: rental car, once you have checked the one-way return.
Questions about this transfer
What is the cheapest way from Phuket airport to Krabi?
A bus or shared minivan usually costs less for one traveller. It takes longer, starts away from the airport and ends away from your hotel. Check the current fares.
Does the bus leave from the airport?
No. The intercity buses leave from the bus terminal on the north side of Phuket Town, so you need to get there first.
How long does a private car take?
About 2 hours 40 minutes for 165 km to Krabi Town in normal traffic. Public options take longer because of waiting and changes.
Can I get to Krabi after midnight?
A private transfer runs 24/7. For buses, minivans and boats, check the last departure.
What do I need to book a private transfer?
Your flight number, the name of your Krabi hotel with a map pin, and the car size. You pay by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal when you book.