Phuket to Krabi: Ferry or Bus?
Phuket to Krabi crosses the Andaman coast between Thailand's two big beach bases. The ferry is the scenic way, often via Koh Phi Phi, while the bus and shared van take the road around Phang Nga Bay. Here is how the options compare.
| By road | Around Phang Nga Bay |
|---|---|
| Cheapest | Local bus |
| Most scenic | Andaman ferry |
| For | Ao Nang, Railay and the Krabi beaches |
Phuket to Krabi: your options
| Mode | Operator | Duration | Approx fare | Overnight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry | Andaman ferry (often via Koh Phi Phi) The scenic choice across the Andaman Sea. Many services route via Koh Phi Phi, so allow extra time. Seasonal, mainly high season. |
about 2 hours (direct) to a half day via islands | approx €18 to €35 | No | Check on 12Go → |
| Bus | Local bus / coach Cheapest, on the road around Phang Nga Bay to Krabi town or Ao Nang. |
about 3 to 4 hours | approx €5 to €12 | No | Check on 12Go → |
| Bus | Shared minivan Quicker than the big bus, with hotel or pier pickup. The usual door to door option. |
about 3 hours | approx €8 to €15 | No | Check on 12Go → |
Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.
Show stays for:
Where to stay in Phuket
Option 1
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Beehive Phuket Oldtown Hostel
★ 8.3
1058 reviews
Option 2
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Hotel The Journey Patong New
★ 8.1
443 reviews
Option 1
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Oceanfront Beach Resort
★ 8.6
3187 reviews
Option 2
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Grand Mercure Phuket Patong
★ 8.6
2926 reviews
Option 3
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa
★ 8.5
9285 reviews
Option 1
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
The Shore at Katathani - Adults only
★ 9.1
3046 reviews
Option 2
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Hotel Clover Patong Phuket
★ 8.9
7260 reviews
Option 3
Phuket
Top-rated stay in Phuket
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
★ 8.9
4000 reviews
Where to stay in Krabi
Option 2
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Funky Crab The River
★ 8.1
169 reviews
Option 1
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
BlueSotel SMART Krabi Aonang Beach - Adults only
★ 8.7
4948 reviews
Option 2
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Sea Seeker Krabi Resort
★ 9.0
12006 reviews
Option 3
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Krabi Tipa Resort
★ 8.3
3275 reviews
Option 1
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Hotel Adam Krabi
★ 9.4
1049 reviews
Option 2
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Banyan Tree Krabi
★ 9.2
938 reviews
Option 3
Krabi
Top-rated stay in Krabi
Ban Sainai Resort
★ 9.1
3614 reviews
Things to do
In Phuket
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In Krabi
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best way from Phuket to Krabi?
The shared minivan is the usual door to door choice at about three hours. The ferry is more scenic across the Andaman, and the local bus is cheapest.
How long is the ferry from Phuket to Krabi?
A direct crossing is roughly two hours, but many ferries route via Koh Phi Phi, which turns it into a half-day trip. Check whether yours is direct.
Does the ferry run all year?
Ferry service is strongest in the high season from about November to April and can be reduced or rougher in the low season, when the road options are more reliable.
Is Krabi town or Ao Nang better to arrive in?
Ao Nang is the beach base for most visitors, while Krabi town is the transport hub. Many vans and buses serve both, so pick your destination when you book.
How much does it cost to get from Phuket to Krabi?
The local bus is cheapest from about EUR 5, minivans run roughly EUR 8 to 15, and the ferry costs more but adds the sea scenery.
Plan your own version
Set your dates, budget and pace, and the planner builds an optimized trip with live prices.
Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.