Minivan / van
Best balance of price, speed and flexible drop-off locations
Private car / taxi
Door-to-door transfer with maximum comfort and flexible travel time
Bus
Cheapest option with regular departures from main terminals
Train
No connection available between these destinations
Quick answer: Traveling from Surat Thani to Krabi is possible by bus, minivan or private taxi. Minivans are the most popular option, combining speed and affordability. Buses are the cheapest, while private taxis offer the most comfort. There is no train or direct flight on this route. Tickets and private transfers can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: approx. 160 km from Surat Thani to Krabi.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus ~4.5–5 hours | Van ~3.5–4 hours | Private car/taxi ~3.5–4 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Bus ~US$ 4–13 | Van/minivan ~US$ 7–21 | Private car ~US$ 70–280 (for full vehicle)
- 🚌 Bus: Most cost-effective, suitable for budget travellers with flexible time.
- 🚐 Van: Faster than bus, good compromise between price and duration.
- 🚕 Private car/taxi: Best for comfort, direct routes, and groups with luggage.
Last updated in October 2026
Surat Thani to Krabi: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minivan / Van | 2.5–4 h | $7–21/person | ★★★★☆ | Most travelers |
| Bus | ~5 h | From $7/person | ★★★☆☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Car / Taxi | 2–3 h | $70–280/vehicle | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Surat Thani to Krabi by minivan, bus or private taxi. The minivan is the most popular choice because it offers a good balance of price and travel time. Buses are the cheapest option, while a private car or taxi provides the fastest and most comfortable door-to-door transfer.
How do I get from Surat Thani to Krabi?
1. MINIVAN / VAN from Surat Thani to Krabi
👉 Minivan / minibus is the most practical and budget-friendly way to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi.
- ✔️ Best for: solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $7–21 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (compact vans with 9–14 seats)
- ✅ Best Option: Services by operators like Phantip 1970 or Phichet Transport
- 💡 Tip: Check departure and arrival points carefully and book tickets online in advance to secure your seat.
The cheapest and most popular way to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi is by minivan or minibus. Since there is no railway on this route, shared minivans are the most practical option. Companies such as Phantip 1970, 12GO Transport and Phangan Tour 2000 operate frequent daily services.
Minivans depart from Surat Thani and arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal, Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao Pier. Travel time is about 4-5 hours and tickets cost around $7-21 per person.
BOOK TICKETS to Krabi / Ao Nang ➜
Book your tickets online in advance and arrive at the departure point at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
2. BUS from Surat Thani to Krabi
👉 Bus is the cheapest transport option from Surat Thani to Krabi, suitable for travelers on a tight budget.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind longer travel time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: from $7 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: basic to moderate (standard buses with seats, possible stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Bus services operated by companies like Phantip 1970 or Phichet Transport
- 💡 Tip: E-tickets are usually accepted on your phone and you can easily book your bus tickets online in advance.
Another affordable option is to travel by bus. Compared to minivans, buses are slightly slower but offer more space. Companies such as Phichet Transport and Phantip 1970 operate regular services between Surat Thani and Krabi.
Buses usually depart from Surat Thani Bus Terminal and arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal. The journey takes about 5 hours and tickets cost from around $7 per person.
Bus tickets can be booked online in advance, and most companies accept mobile e-tickets. Be sure to check the latest departure information and arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure.
| Bus Company | Departs in Surat Thani | Arrival in Krabi | Bus Ticket – Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phantip 1970 | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $7-14/pp |
| Phantip 1970 | 10:30 | 13:30 | From $7-14/pp |
| Phantip 1970 | 12:00 | 16:00 | From $7-14/pp |
| 12GO Transport | 08:00 | 13:30 | From $16-21/pp |
| 12GO Transport | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $16.00/pp |
| 12GO Transport | 10:30 | 14:30 | From $16.00/pp |
| 12GO Transport | 13:30 | 17:30 | From $16.00/pp |
| 12GO Transport | 16:30 | 19:30 | From $16.00/pp |
| Phangan Tour | 09:00 | 13:00 | From $17.00/pp |
| Phangan Tour | 10:30 | 14:30 | From $17.00/pp |
| Phangan Tour | 16:30 | 19:30 | From $10.00/pp |
| Phichet Trans. | 10:00 | 15:00 | From $7.00/pp |
3. TAXI / CAR from Surat Thani to Krabi
👉 Private taxi/car is the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Surat Thani to Krabi.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers seeking maximum comfort
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $70–280 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, SUVs or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Private transfer services like Krabi Shuttle or Bangkok Taxi 24
- 💡 Tip: Share the cost with others and choose hotel pickup/drop-off for a smooth door-to-door experience.
The fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi is by private car or taxi with a driver. This option offers a direct door-to-door transfer, allowing you to choose your pickup and drop-off locations.
Companies such as Krabi Shuttle, 12GO Transport, Van2Travel, Bangkok Taxi24 and Call Me Taxi operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans for individuals and groups.
The journey takes about 2-3 hours and prices range from $70-280 per vehicle, depending on the car type. You can easily compare and book private transfers online in advance.
| Taxi Company | Departs in Surat Thani | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Taxi 24 | Any time | 02:05 | From $82.00 |
| Andaman Taxis | Any time | 03:00 | From $90.00 |
| Mr Toon | Any time | 02:30 | From $103.00 |
| Kim Transfers | Any time | 02:30 | From $96.00 |
| Ramon Transport | Any time | 02:30 | From $81.00 |
| Phuket Transfer | Any time | 03:00 | From $87.00 |
| 12GO Transport | Any time | 02:30 | From $80.00 |
| King Travel | Any time | 02:30 | From $85.00 |
| Kanokwan Travel | Any time | 03:30 | From $85.00 |
| Van2 Travel | Any time | 03:00 | From $95.00 |
| Smile on Transport | Any time | 02:30 | From $80.00 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Surat Thani to Krabi Travel
How long does it take to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi?
Minivans and buses take about 3–5.5 hours, while a private taxi usually takes 2–3 hours.
What is the travel distance?
The distance between Surat Thani and Krabi is approximately 160 km by road.
How much does the trip cost?
Minivan and bus tickets cost about $7–21 per person, while private cars range from $70–280 per vehicle.
Can I travel directly to Ao Nang?
Yes. Several minivans and buses run directly to Ao Nang, taking around 4.5 hours.
What transport options are available?
You can travel by minivan, bus or private taxi. There is no train or direct flight on this route.
Is a taxi available from Surat Thani Airport?
Yes. Private taxis operate directly from Surat Thani Airport to Krabi and can be booked online in advance.
Can I travel by train?
No. Krabi has no railway station, so train travel is not possible.
Are there direct flights?
No. There are no direct flights between Surat Thani and Krabi.
Where can I travel from Krabi?
From Krabi you can continue by boat to Koh Phi Phi or Koh Lanta, or visit Khao Sok National Park.
How do I get to the Koh Yao Islands?
Take a speedboat from Ao Nang or Railay to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi. The trip takes about 30–60 minutes.
How do I travel back to Surat Thani?
You can return by bus, minivan or private taxi. See Krabi to Surat Thani for details.
Where else can I travel from Surat Thani?
You can take a train to Hua Hin, with a journey time of about 6–8 hours.
Which Thai islands are worth visiting?
Popular choices include Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Kood. See Best Islands in Thailand for more inspiration.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Surat Thani:
If you’re planning your next trip from Surat Thani, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, ferry, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Surat Thani for visitors exploring Southern + Northern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Surat Thani to Krabi
Traveling from Surat Thani to Krabi is easy by minivan, bus or private taxi. There is no railway between these destinations, making road transport the only practical option.
- Minivan: The most popular choice, offering a good balance of price, speed and comfort.
- Bus: Usually the cheapest option, but slightly slower than a minivan.
- Private Taxi: Best for families or groups, with direct hotel-to-hotel transfers.
- Travel Time: Allow around 3–5.5 hours by bus or minivan, or 2–3 hours by private car.
- Book Early: Reserve your tickets in advance during weekends and the high tourist season.
- Arrival Points: Some services continue to Ao Nang, while others stop at Krabi Bus Terminal.
Tip: Bus, minivan and private taxi tickets from Surat Thani to Krabi can be searched and booked online in advance.
How to Travel from Surat Thani to Krabi (Van, Bus & Taxi)
Traveling from Surat Thani to Krabi is easy by shared minivan, bus or private taxi. The route is about 160 km, with shared minivans being the most popular option thanks to their good balance of price and travel time. The journey takes around 4–5 hours, and tickets cost between $7–21 per person.
A private taxi is the fastest and most comfortable option, taking about 2–3 hours and costing $70–280 per vehicle, depending on the type of car. There is no railway or direct flight between Surat Thani and Krabi. After arriving, you can continue by ferry to Koh Yao Yai or Phuket.
Krabi is one of Thailand’s top beach destinations, famous for limestone cliffs, island tours and beautiful beaches such as Railay Beach. From Surat Thani, you can also travel by ferry to Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand.