Longtail boat
Direct, fast option taking about 15 minutes with frequent departures
Private longtail boat
Flexible departure time with no waiting and more comfortable space
Shared boat
Cheap option around 100 THB but waits until boat is full
Land transport
No road access, cannot reach Railay Beach without boat transfer
Quick answer: Travelling from Ao Nang to Railay Beach offers simple boat‑transfer options: long‑tail boat or speedboat. The long‑tail is budget‑friendly and relaxed; the speedboat is faster. You can book tickets from Ao Nang to Railay Beach easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 3 km from Ao Nam Mao Pier (Ao Nang) to Railay East / approx. 10 km from Nop Pharat Thara Pier to Railay.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Long‑tail boat ~15–30 minutes | Speedboat ~15 minutes.
- 💰 Price range: Long‑tail boat US$ 5–7 pp (~THB 100‑250) | Speedboat ~US$ 14 pp.
- 🚢 Boat transfer: Long‑tail boats depart from Ao Nam Mao Pier or Ao Nang Beach and arrive at Railay East/West. Speedboats operate from Nop Pharat Thara Pier to Floating Pier at Railay East.
Last updated in April 2026
From Ao Nang to Railay Beach you can travel by longtail boat or speedboat.
Railay Beach is about 3 km from Ao Nang and is accessible only by boat. The most popular option is a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach or Ao Nam Mao Pier, taking 15–30 minutes and costing about $5–7 per person. You can also travel by speedboat from Noppharat Thara Pier in about 15 minutes or arrange a private boat transfer. Read more about Ao Nang.
Thailand‘s Railay Beach is one of the top attractions in Krabi, known for its limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and clear sea. Popular areas include East Railay, West Railay, Tonsai and Phra Nang Beach, all connected by walking paths.
Before your trip, check the weather in Railay to choose the best travel season. From Ao Nang you can also continue by boat to Koh Phi Phi or travel via Surat Thani to Koh Samui.
| Transfer Mode – Ao Nang to Railay Beach: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Longtail Boat (Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay Beach) | 30 minutes | $5-7/pp |
| Speedboat (Noppharat Thara Pier to Railay Beach) | 15 minutes | $14/pp |
How to get from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
1. LONGTAIL BOAT from Ao Nang to Railay Beach
👉 Longtail boat is the most popular and cheapest way to travel from Ao Nang to Railay Beach.
- ✔️ Good for: all travelers visiting Railay Beach
- ✔️ Duration: ~30 minutes
- ✔️ Price: $5–7 per person
- ✔️ Departure: Ao Nam Mao Pier or Ao Nang Beach
- ✅ Best option: Regular longtail boats with frequent departures throughout the day.
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure and book online during the high season.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Railay Beach is accessible only by boat, there are no roads connecting it to the mainland.
The most popular way to travel from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is by longtail boat. The trip takes about 30 minutes and tickets cost around $5–7 per person. Boats depart from Ao Nam Mao Pier and arrive at Floating Pier East Railay.
There are also regular longtail boats from Ao Nang Beach to Railay West. Passengers should check in at least 30 minutes before departure and read the booking instructions carefully.
Each traveler can bring hand luggage and one suitcase up to 30 kg. You can also book a private taxi transfer to Ao Nam Mao Pier from Krabi Town if needed.
2. SPEEDBOAT from Ao Nang to Railay Beach
👉 Speedboat is the fastest way to travel from Ao Nang to Railay Beach.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers looking for the quickest transfer
- ✔️ Duration: ~15 minutes
- ✔️ Price: about $14 per person
- ✔️ Departure: Noppharat Thara Pier
- ✅ Best option: Speedboats operated by SiriLanta Speedboats.
- 💡 Tip: Check in at least 30 minutes before departure and book tickets in advance.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Speedboats arrive at Floating Pier East Railay.
The speedboat is the fastest transfer from Ao Nang to Railay Beach, taking only about 15 minutes. Tickets cost around $14 per person, and boats depart from Noppharat Thara Pier.
The route is operated by SiriLanta Speedboats and arrives at Floating Pier East Railay. Passengers should check in at least 30 minutes before departure and read the booking instructions before traveling.
3. Book a private tour + activity in Krabi / Ao Nang
👉 A private tour is the best choice if you want to explore Railay Beach and nearby islands.
- ✔️ Good for: couples, families and small groups
- ✔️ Includes: boat trips, island tours, kayaking, diving and other activities
- ✔️ Flexibility: choose your own itinerary and departure time
- ✅ Best option: Local guided tours around Krabi and Ao Nang.
- 💡 Tip: Book online in advance, especially during the high season.
- 🌏 Extra tip: You can also book private transfers and scuba diving experiences.
Besides regular boat transfers, you can book private tours and activities around Krabi and Ao Nang. Popular options include island-hopping trips, private boat tours, kayaking, cycling and scuba diving.
Most tours are led by local guides and can be booked online before your trip. Private transfers are also available, making it easy to explore Railay Beach and other nearby attractions.
❓ FAQ — Travel by ferry from Ao Nang to Railay Beach
How can you book boat tickets from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
Book boat tickets easily online via 12go.asia. You can also book routes to Phuket, Koh Lanta and other destinations.
What is the travel time from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
Longtail boats take about 30 minutes, while speedboats take about 15 minutes.
What is the travel distance from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
The distance is about 3 km from Ao Nam Mao Pier and about 10 km from Noppharat Thara Pier.
How much do boat tickets cost?
Longtail boat tickets cost about $5–7 per person. Speedboat tickets cost about $14 per person.
How do you get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?
Travel by minivan, minibus or private taxi in about 1.5 hours. Read How to get to Ao Nang from Krabi Airport?
Is there another way to reach Railay Beach?
Railay Beach is accessible only by boat. You can also book island tours with Klook or visit Koh Yao Yai.
Where can you travel from Ao Nang?
Popular routes include Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta.
How do you return from Railay Beach to Ao Nang?
Use the same longtail boat or speedboat services back to Ao Nang or Ao Nam Mao Pier.
Is it safe to take a longtail boat?
Yes. Wear a life jacket and follow the crew’s safety instructions.
What is the best time to travel from Ao Nang to Railay Beach?
The best time is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the weather is dry.
Can you book a private taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nang?
Yes. Private taxis and minivans to Ao Nang can be booked via 12go.asia.
When is the best time to visit Railay Beach?
November to April offers the best weather, calm sea and ideal conditions for beach activities.
How do you get around Railay Beach?
Railay is car-free. You can walk between Railay West, Railay East and Tonsai. More about transportation in Thailand.
Which are the most beautiful islands in Thailand?
Discover Thailand’s top islands in The Best Islands in Thailand.
How can you travel solo in Thailand?
Thailand is ideal for solo travel. Read Solo Travel in Thailand for useful tips.
| Type of boat | Departs in Ao Nang | Arrival in Railay | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longtail Boat | 09:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | 09:20 | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 11:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | 11:20 | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 13:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | 13:20 | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 15:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | 15:20 | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 17:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | 17:20 | From $7.00 |
| SiriLanta Speedb. | 08:30 (Nopparat Thara Pier) | 08:45 | From $14.00 |
| SiriLanta Speedb. | 11:00 (Nopparat Thara Pier) | 11:15 | From $14.00 |
| Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 07:30 | 08:20 | From $11.00 |
| Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 08:00 | 08:20 | From $11.00 |
| Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 12:00 | 12:20 | From $11.00 | Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 13:30 | 14:20 | From $11.00 | Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 14:00 | 14:20 | From $11.00 |
| Type of boat | Departs in Railay | Arrival in Ao Nang | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Longtail Boat | 09:30 | 10:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 11:30 | 12:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | From $7.00 |
| Longtail Boat | 13:30 | 14:00 (Ao Nam Mao) | From $7.00 | Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 09:30 | 10:20 | From $11.00 | Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 13:30 | 14:20 | From $11.00 | Andaman Shuttle (van + ferry) | 11:30 | 12:20 | From $11.00 |
🧭 Popular travel routes from Krabi / Ao Nang in southern Thailand:
If you’re planning your next trip from Krabi, here are other popular routes you can take by bus / van, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Krabi for visitors exploring Southern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Ao Nang to Railay Beach
Traveling from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is quick and easy by longtail boat or speedboat. Boats operate frequently throughout the day and reach Railay in just 15–30 minutes.
- Choose Your Boat: Longtail boats are the cheapest option, while speedboats are faster and more comfortable.
- Arrive Early: During high season, boats can fill up quickly, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
- Carry Cash: Longtail boat tickets are often paid in cash directly at the pier.
- Protect Your Luggage: Keep valuables in a waterproof bag, as you may get splashed during boarding.
- Check the Weather: Boat services may be limited during rough sea conditions in the rainy season.
- Travel Light: Railay has no roads, so you will walk from the beach to your hotel.
Tip: Boat tickets from Ao Nang to Railay Beach can be purchased at the pier or booked online in advance via 12go.asia.