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Getting from Krabi to Railay Beach in Thailand isn’t complicated, but it’s definitely part of the adventure.
Since Railay is cut off from the mainland by towering limestone cliffs, the only way to reach it is by boat — whether you’re coming from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or even straight from the airport.
When I first made the trip, backpack strapped on and tickets in hand, I felt like I was heading somewhere truly remote. The ride itself is beautiful: a longtail boat skimming across turquoise water, cliffs growing bigger with every minute.
In this guide, I’ll break down all the ways to get from Krabi to Railay, with prices, travel times, and a few insider tips to make your trip smooth (and a little more fun).
Where is Railay beach
Railay beach is a peninsula located in Krabi province in Thailand. The nearest cities are Krabi town or Ao Nang.
You can get to Railay beach from both Krabi, Ao Nang, as well as from Phi Phi islands (home of the famous Maya Bay), Koh Lanta, or Phuket.
The peninsula can be divided into three parts – Railay East, Railay West, and Phra Nang Beach. Keep on reading to find out how to get here from different places in Krabi.
Planning to spend some time in Railay? Check out my complete Railay Beach Travel Guide — packed with tips, personal experiences, and the best things to do while you’re there.
Krabi town to Railay beach
Chao Fah Park Pier
Ticket Price: 150 THB
Duration: 40 minutes
This pier is right in Krabi Town, which made it super convenient for me since I was staying nearby.
When I got there in the morning, the boat was waiting to fill up — they need at least 8 passengers before heading out. In my case, it didn’t take long, but if it’s quiet, the drivers will usually ask if everyone is okay splitting the 1,200 THB total cost so they can leave sooner.
There’s no fixed schedule, but from what I saw, the first boats usually head out around 9:00 AM and then around 11:00 AM. Still, I’d recommend checking with your hotel or asking locals just to make sure, since times can change.
The ride itself was smooth, about 40 minutes, and dropped us off at Railay East, right at the floating pier — which I loved because it meant I didn’t have to jump out into the water with my backpack.
Don’t forget to check out all the best things to do in Krabi.
Speaking of backpacks, I was the only one on my boat with luggage; everyone else was just day-tripping to Railay, planning to head back to Krabi later.
If you’re coming straight from Krabi Airport, expect to pay around 350 THB for a fixed-price taxi to the pier.
If you’re planning to spend some time in Krabi, definitely don’t skip the Tiger Cave Temple.
Ao Nam Mao Pier
Ticket Price: 100 THB
Duration: 20 minutes
Ao Nam Mao Pier is a little farther out from Krabi Town, so you’ll need to arrange a taxi or transfer to get there (about a 25-minute drive).
The setup is pretty much the same — boats wait to fill up with passengers before heading out — but the ride from here is shorter, usually around 20 minutes.
Like the Krabi Town route, these boats also drop you at Railay East, right at the floating pier, which is convenient if you’re carrying luggage.
Where to get the tickets
Buying tickets for the longtail boat to Railay is super simple — there’s really no need to book in advance.
Most hotels and guesthouses in Krabi Town sell tickets and can even arrange a transfer to the pier, which is convenient if you don’t want to think about logistics or have a lot of luggage.
Otherwise, you can just buy your ticket at the pier. There’s a small ticket kiosk at both Chao Fah Park Pier and Ao Nam Mao Pier, where you pay right before boarding.
If you’re coming from Ao Nam Mao Pier and prefer to book ahead, you can also purchase tickets through 12Go — though they’re pricier there (around 260 THB one-way).
Heading to Phuket next? Read about how to get from Krabi to Phuket.
From Ao Nang
Price: 100 THB
Duration: 20 minutes
Another popular place to stay in Krabi is Ao Nang Beach, and luckily, getting from Ao Nang to Railay is a piece of cake.
The ride only takes about 10–15 minutes and costs 100 THB per person one-way. Boats are going back and forth throughout the day, so you can just walk down to the beach, grab your ticket at the counter, and wait for the next one to fill up.
As of now, you can’t book the tickets online, but it’s really not a problem — you’ll always find a boat during the day. After dark, the drivers might ask for a higher fare, and the last boat usually leaves around 6 PM.
If you’re traveling during the low season and the sea is rough, it can sometimes be harder to catch a boat.
One of my favorite adventures here was climbing up to East Railay Viewpoint. Read more about it in this travel guide.
Best activities on Railay beach
Where to stay on Railay beach
Railay beach is a relatively small area, so there’s not a lot of choice when it comes to choosing the best hotel. Luckily, you can find a place for all budgets here.
Keep in mind that accommodation prices are generally higher than in other parts of Thailand. However, it’s one of the best places to visit in Thailand, so trust me, it’s worth it.
Best hotels on Railay beach
Check availability
Final Thoughts
Getting to Railay from Krabi might sound a bit tricky at first, but it’s actually really simple once you know your options.
Whether you’re coming from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, or hopping on a tour boat, the ride is quick, scenic, and part of what makes it feel like a hidden escape.
Once you’ve made it across, you’ll quickly see why Railay is considered one of the highlights of Krabi — and why so many travelers wish they’d planned to stay longer. Definitely make space for it in your Thailand itinerary.
