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How to get from Koh Samui to Krabi
Combined boat-and-bus tickets take about 5 to 7 hours from Koh Samui to Krabi town or Ao Nang for roughly ฿600–1,000. Flights are much faster but direct flights are limited and expensive; otherwise connections run via Bangkok.
Best option: Bus. A joint boat-and-bus ticket is the simplest and cheapest door-to-door option.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Joint boat-and-bus tickets (several companies): ferry from Samui to Donsak, then minibus or coach to Krabi | about 5 h – 7 h | several departures a day | about ฿600–1,000 | Most include hotel pick-up in Samui and drop-off in Krabi town or Ao Nang. |
| car Car ferry from Samui to Donsak, then drive via Surat Thani to Krabi | about 5 h – 6 h including the ferry | car ferries run frequently through the day | car ferry about ฿500–700 plus fuel | Check whether your rental car is allowed on the ferry. |
| flight Flights from Samui (USM) to Krabi (KBV), direct when available or via Bangkok | about 1 h direct; 4 h + via Bangkok | limited | often ฿3,000–8,000 | Samui airport fares are high; check current schedules. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy joint tickets from a reputable agent or online.
- Bring snacks and water for the bus leg.
- Check whether your ticket goes to Krabi town or Ao Nang.
- Allow extra time in the monsoon season when seas can be rough.
Common questions
How long does it take from Koh Samui to Krabi?
Joint boat-and-bus tickets take about 5 to 7 hours, including the ferry to Donsak on the mainland and a minibus or coach to Krabi. A direct flight takes about an hour but is not always available, and flights via Bangkok take several hours.
What is the cheapest way?
Joint boat-and-bus tickets are cheapest, at about ฿600–1,000 per person. They are sold at agents all over Samui and online, and usually include hotel pick-up and drop-off in Krabi town or Ao Nang. Flights from Samui are among the most expensive domestic fares in Thailand, so they rarely save money.
Is there a direct ferry from Koh Samui to Krabi?
No. Koh Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand and Krabi is on the Andaman Sea on the other side of the peninsula, so no boat links them directly. Every route crosses the mainland, usually by ferry to Donsak near Surat Thani and then by road, which is why the trip takes most of a day.
Do I need to book ahead?
In high season, roughly December to March, book a day or two ahead. Otherwise you can usually buy a ticket the day before from an agent or your hotel. Check the pick-up time, which can be early in the morning, and whether the drop-off is Krabi town or Ao Nang, as they are about 20 km apart.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.