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How to get from Krabi to Phuket
There is no railway or bridge-free shortcut: the road goes around Phang Nga Bay, so buses and minivans take about 3–4 hours. In the dry season (roughly November to April) ferries link Krabi and Ao Nang with Phuket in about 2–3 hours, often via Phi Phi. A private taxi is the fastest door-to-door option at about 2 h 30–3 h.
Best option: Bus. Buses and minivans run all year, are cheap and drop you at Phuket's bus terminal or your hotel area.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bus Air-conditioned buses and minivans from Krabi bus terminal (or hotel pick-up in Ao Nang) to Phuket Bus Terminal 2 or Phuket Town | about 3–4 h | several departures a day, roughly hourly in the daytime | about 150–400 THB | Minivans are quicker but cramped for big luggage; buses have a hold for bags. |
| ferry Passenger ferries and speedboats from Krabi (Klong Jilad pier) or Ao Nang to Phuket's Rassada pier, many calling at Koh Phi Phi | about 2–3 h (longer with a stop on Phi Phi) | a few a day in high season, reduced or suspended in the monsoon (about May–October) | about 600–1,200 THB including pier transfers | Seasonal; seas can be rough. Check current timetables. |
| taxi Private taxi or pre-booked transfer by road via Phang Nga | about 2 h 30–3 h | on demand | about 2,500–3,500 THB per car | Good value for a family or group; agree the price before leaving. |
| car Highway 4 north around Phang Nga Bay, then across the Sarasin/Thep Krasattri bridges onto Phuket | about 2 h 30–3 h (about 170 km) | fuel only, no tolls | Traffic on Phuket's main roads can be slow in the afternoon. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Combine the ferry with a stop on Koh Phi Phi to break the trip into two legs.
- Ask whether the bus or minivan ticket includes a drop-off at your hotel area; many end at Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
- In the monsoon months, assume the road is the only reliable option.
- Phuket's airport is at the north of the island, about 30–40 minutes closer to the bridge than Patong or Kata.
Common questions
Is there a train from Krabi to Phuket?
No. Neither Krabi nor Phuket has a railway station; the nearest rail line ends at Surat Thani, far to the east. The choice is between buses and minivans by road, ferries across the water in the dry season, or a private taxi. For most travellers a bus or minivan is the simplest and cheapest way.
Is the ferry faster than the bus?
The crossing itself is about 2–3 hours, similar to the road trip, but it can be more pleasant and lets you stop on Koh Phi Phi. Add time for transfers to and from the piers. Ferries are reduced or stop in the monsoon season, roughly May to October, so check current timetables before planning around them.
What is the cheapest way?
A public bus from Krabi bus terminal to Phuket Bus Terminal 2 is the cheapest, at roughly 150–250 THB. Minivans cost a little more but often include pick-up. Ferries and private taxis are several times more expensive. If you travel as a group of three or four, a shared private taxi can work out close to the ferry price per person.
Do I need to book ahead?
For buses and minivans you can usually buy a ticket on the day, although booking through your hotel or a travel desk a day before guarantees a seat and pick-up. In the December–January peak, book ferries and transfers a few days ahead. Private taxis can normally be arranged the same day.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.