Heading from Krabi to Phuket in Thailand is easy, but choosing the best way depends on your budget, schedule, and where you’re staying.
During our time in Krabi, we looked into every option — from the budget-friendly minivans to speedboats that get you there in just over an hour. Whether you’re staying in Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or Railay, there’s a way to get to Phuket that fits your travel style.
We always book through 12Go — it’s reliable, easy to use, and offers free cancellation, which is super helpful if your plans change last minute.
In this guide, we’ll break down every option — including travel times, costs, and tips — so you can pick the best route for your trip.
Key Highlights
⭐️ Fastest: Speedboat from Ao Nang or Railay
⭐️ Cheapest: Minivan from Krabi Town
⭐️ Most comfortable: Ferry with van transfer
⭐️ Most scenic: Speedboat ride
Quick Overview
Traveling from Krabi to Phuket is pretty straightforward, but the best option really depends on where you’re starting from and how much time or money you want to spend.
From Krabi Town, the fastest option is to take a speedboat, while the cheapest (but slower) way is by minivan.
If you’re staying in Ao Nang or Railay, you’ll need to take a speedboat or ferry, with a van transfer available once you arrive in Phuket.
For all bookings, we always use 12Go. It’s easy, reliable, and comes with free cancellation, which is perfect if your plans change — plus, their customer support has always been great in our experience.
From Krabi town
- By bus – takes 3 to 4 hours, from 324 THB
- Minivan (cheapest) – takes 2.5 – 4 hours, from 280 THB
- Speedboat (fastest, most expensive) – takes 2 to 4 hours, from 1000 THB
- By airplane – takes at least 5 hours, from 1700 THB
Read about all the best things to do in Krabi.
By Bus – 3 to 4 hours | from 324 THB
This is the standard option for most travelers. Expect a typical large bus, departing from the Krabi Bus Terminal and arriving at either Phuket Bus Terminal 1 or 2. The ride usually takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the company you choose.
There are multiple departures daily, so getting a seat isn’t a problem — but we always recommend booking online with 12Go for reliable service, free cancellation, and to avoid scams.
By Minivan – 2.5 to 4 hours | from 280 THB (cheapest option)
Taking a minivan is slightly faster than the bus and usually the cheapest way to travel between Krabi Town and Phuket. The journey can be as quick as 2.5 hours, though it sometimes stretches to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Most vans leave from the Krabi Bus Terminal, but some services offer hotel pick-up, which is super convenient if you’re staying in town. All vans arrive at either Phuket Bus Terminal 1 or 2.
Tickets can be bought from local agencies, hotels, or online via 12Go, which is what we used — easy and reliable.
By Speedboat – 2 to 4 hours | from 1000 THB (fastest option)
If you want to get to Phuket as quickly as possible, the speedboat is the way to go — though it’s definitely the most expensive. Travel time ranges between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the route and sea conditions.
Boats depart from Ao Nam Mao Pier, Klong Jilad Pier, or Kong Ka Pier. Some operators even include hotel pick-up in Krabi for added convenience.
Check the latest routes and schedules on 12Go to compare times and prices before booking.
By Plane – at least 5 hours | from 1700 THB
Even though both Krabi and Phuket have airports, there are no direct flights between the two. Flights almost always connect in Bangkok, which makes this the slowest and least convenient option.
By the time you factor in airport transfers, waiting time, and layovers, it can take 5 hours or more and costs start around 1700 THB. Unless you’re booking as part of a longer domestic itinerary, we wouldn’t recommend this route.
From Ao Nang by speedboat or ferry
If you’re staying in Ao Nang, the only way to get to Phuket is by speedboat or ferry. All boats depart from the Nopparat Thara Pier, just a few minutes from the main beach.
Travel times vary depending on the company and the type of boat — the fastest speedboats take just 1 hour, while ferries can take up to 3 hours. Tickets start at around 850 THB. You can buy them directly at the pier, but we prefer booking in advance via 12Go to lock in a spot and avoid last-minute stress.
If you want a smoother experience, look for combo tickets that include a hotel pick-up in Ao Nang before departure or a van drop-off in Phuket once you arrive. Just make sure to select the correct drop-off area to avoid any confusion.
From Railay by speedboat or ferry
If you’re staying in Railay, you don’t need to head back to Ao Nang or Krabi Town — you can travel directly to Phuket. Both ferries and speedboats depart from the East Railay floating pier several times a day.
If you’re planning a trip to Railay from Krabi, read our travel guide to find out how to get there.
The fastest speedboats take just 1 hour and 10 minutes, while slower options can take up to 3.5 hours, depending on the route and stops. Prices start at around 850 THB.
For extra convenience, you can also book a ferry + van combo ticket, which includes drop-off in your chosen area of Phuket. It’s a great option if you want a seamless transfer without worrying about arranging transport after arrival.
Tips for booking
Use 12Go for tickets – It’s our go-to for transport bookings in Thailand. It’s reliable, easy to use, and lets you compare all available options in one place. Plus, you get free cancellation, which is a lifesaver if your plans change last minute.
Book early in high season – From December to March, tickets for ferries and speedboats can sell out quickly. If you’re traveling during this time, try to book at least a few days in advance.
Bring some cash – Some piers charge a small pier fee (usually 20–30 THB), and this is cash-only. Keep small bills handy to make things easier.
What to expect on the journey
If you’re traveling during the rainy season (June to October), be prepared for rougher seas and occasional delays or even cancellations, especially if you’re taking a speedboat. The ferries are generally more stable, so they’re a better option if the weather isn’t great.
For luggage, most operators allow one small bag and one larger piece for free, but if you’re carrying oversized items or extra bags, there might be a small surcharge. It’s best to double-check the rules when you book so there are no surprises at the pier.
In terms of comfort, speedboats are definitely the fastest and offer some incredible views, but they can get bumpy, so they’re not the best choice if you’re prone to seasickness.
Ferries are slower but much more spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room to move around during the ride. Minivans are great for road travel — efficient and air-conditioned — but the space can feel tight if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage.
Speedboat vs Ferry
Both speedboats and ferries are great options for traveling between Krabi and Phuket, but they offer very different experiences.
The speedboat is perfect if you want to get there quickly and enjoy a scenic ride along the coastline, though it can be quite bumpy — especially during the rainy season or on windy days. Space is limited, so it’s not the most comfortable option.
On the other hand, the ferry is slower but much more spacious and stable, making it a better choice if you’re prone to seasickness or just prefer a more relaxed journey.
If comfort matters more to you than speed, the ferry is the way to go; but if you’re short on time and want an adventure, the speedboat is hard to beat.
Final thoughts
Getting from Krabi to Phuket is easy, but the best option really depends on your priorities.
No matter which option you choose, the journey is pretty straightforward — just book in advance during high season, keep a bit of cash on hand for pier fees, and double-check the details of your trip so everything goes smoothly.
