Direct flight
Fastest and most convenient
Flight + private transfer
Easy arrival and hotel transfer
Bus or train + bus
Cheapest but longest journey
Separate tickets
Greater risk of missed connections
Quick answer: From Chiang Mai to Krabi you can travel by direct flight, tourist bus, or train + bus. Direct flights are the fastest and most comfortable option, while buses and train connections are cheaper but require a much longer journey with transfers.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: About 1,300 km by air or 1,500 km by road and rail.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Flight: 2 hr | Bus: 23–30 hr | Train + Bus: 37–50 hr.
- 💰 Price range: Flight: US$100–220 | Bus: US$40–65 | Train + Bus: US$50–100.
- ✈️ Fastest option: Direct flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
- 🚆 Train route: Travel via Bangkok, then continue by bus or minivan.
- 🚍 Budget option: Tourist buses offer the lowest fares but the longest travel time.
Last updated: July 2026
From Chiang Mai to Krabi you can travel by plane, bus, train + bus, or private taxi.
The travel distance from Chiang Mai to Krabi in Thailand is about 1,500 km by land and 1,300 km by air. The fastest option is a direct flight, taking about 2 hours and costing around $100-220 per person. You can also travel by train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani or by tourist bus.
Krabi has no railway station, so train travel requires a bus or minivan from Surat Thani. Tourist buses take about 23-30 hours, while private taxis are the most comfortable but also the most expensive option. Flights and tickets can be booked online in advance.
Krabi Province is one of Thailand’s top beach destinations. From Krabi you can continue to Koh Phangan or Phuket. Before your trip, check the Weather in Krabi.
| Transfer Mode – Chiang Mai to Krabi: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane (Direct Flight) | 2 hours | $100-220/pp |
| Train + Bus (via Surat Thani) | 37-50 hours | $50-100/pp |
| Tourist Bus / Van (via Bangkok) | 23-30 hours | $40-65/pp |
| Private Car / Taxi (via Bangkok) | 22-26 hours | $550-800 (car) |
How to get and travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
1. FLIGHTS from Chiang Mai to Krabi
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time and avoid long land transfers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2 hours (about 6–7 hours total including airport time)
- ✔️ Cost: $100–220 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flight with modern aircraft)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flights with Thai AirAsia or connecting flights with Bangkok Airways
- 💡 Tip: Book your flight early due to limited direct schedules.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Consider connecting flights if direct options don’t fit your timing.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi is by direct flight. It takes about 2 hours, and the total travel time, including airport transfers and check-in, is around 6-7 hours.
Flights operate from Chiang Mai International Airport to Krabi International Airport. Direct flights are limited, but connecting flights via Bangkok are also available if needed.
Direct flights are operated mainly by Thai AirAsia, while airlines such as Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Air, and Thai Smile offer connecting services. Flight prices range from about $100-220 per person, depending on the season and booking date.
Booking flights in advance is recommended, as direct departures are limited. Flying is the best choice if you want to save time and avoid the long overland journey.
2. TRAIN + BUS to Krabi (via Surat Thani)
👉 Train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani is the cheapest land option, but very time-consuming.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers with plenty of time
- ✔️ Travel time: ~37–50 hours (multiple transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: $50–100 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (better with sleeper trains)
- ✅ Best Option: Sleeper trains + minivan/bus from Surat Thani to Krabi
- 💡 Tip: Book all tickets in advance and plan transfers carefully.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose sleeper berths for long overnight journeys.
You can also travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi by train + bus via Bangkok and Surat Thani. As Krabi has no railway station, the final part of the journey is by bus or minivan from Surat Thani to Krabi.
This route has 3 steps: Chiang Mai to Bangkok by train, Bangkok to Surat Thani by train (see the Thai railway map), then a bus or minivan to Krabi. The total journey takes about 37-50 hours.
Train and bus tickets cost about $50-100 per person. Overnight sleeper trains are recommended for this long route and offer the most comfortable travel.
All tickets can be booked online in advance. As this journey has three separate sections, you need to book each ticket individually.
3. BUS from Chiang Mai to Krabi (via Bangkok)
👉 Bus via Bangkok is a budget-friendly option to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi, but with a long journey.
- ✔️ Best for: low-cost travelers who don’t mind long travel times
- ✔️ Travel time: ~23–30 hours (including transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $40–65 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate (modern buses with reclining seats or beds)
- ✅ Best Option: Comfortable buses with reclining seats between Chiang Mai – Bangkok – Krabi
- 💡 Tip: Book both bus tickets online in advance and plan transfer time.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose overnight buses to save time on accommodation.
You can also travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi by tourist bus with a transfer in Bangkok. Modern buses offer reclining seats or sleeper beds, making this a popular low-cost option.
Buses depart from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3, Arcade 2, and other stations, with transfers in Bangkok before continuing to Krabi. The total journey takes about 23-30 hours, depending on the connection.
Bus tickets cost around $40-65 per person. As there is no direct bus, you need to book two separate tickets: Chiang Mai → Bangkok and Bangkok → Krabi.
Book tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays. This option is best for budget travelers who don’t mind a long overland journey.
4. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR to Krabi (via Bangkok)
👉 Private taxi/car via Bangkok is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi.
- ✔️ Best for: groups, families, and travelers seeking maximum comfort and flexibility
- ✔️ Travel time: ~22–26 hours (with transfer in Bangkok)
- ✔️ Cost: $550–800 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private car, SUV or minivan with experienced driver)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Glassflower, Bangkok Taxi 24, or Kanokwan Travel
- 💡 Tip: Book your transfer online and plan stopover timing in Bangkok.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Best value for groups—split the cost per passenger.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable, but also the most expensive way to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi. This option includes a transfer in Bangkok and allows flexible hotel pickup and drop-off.
Companies such as Bangkok Taxi 24, Glassflower, Kim Transfers Thailand, Jed Yord, Go2Trip, Kanokwan Travel, and others operate this route with standard cars, SUVs, and spacious minivans for groups.
The journey via Bangkok takes about 22-26 hours and costs around $550-800 per vehicle. Minivans are a good choice for groups, as the total fare can be shared between passengers.
Private transfers can be booked online in advance and are ideal for travelers looking for maximum comfort and flexible departure times.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel route from Chiang Mai to Krabi
How to book tickets or flights from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
How long does it take to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
Direct flights take about 2 hours, buses 23-30 hours, train + bus 37-50 hours, and private cars 22-26 hours.
How far is Krabi from Chiang Mai?
The distance is about 1,500 km by land or around 1,300 km by air.
How much does it cost to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
Flights cost $100-220, buses $40-65, train + bus $50-100, and private cars $550-800 per vehicle.
What is the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, taking only about 2 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
Tourist buses are usually the cheapest option, while discounted flights can sometimes offer similar prices.
Is there a private taxi from Chiang Mai to Krabi?
Yes. Private transfers are available via Bangkok and can be booked online in advance.
How to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi?
Travel by bus, minivan, or private taxi. See Surat Thani to Krabi.
How to travel from Krabi to Koh Yao?
Take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi. The trip takes about 1 hour.
Where can you travel from Krabi?
From Krabi you can visit Koh Lanta, Koh Lipe, Bangkok, or Khao Sok National Park.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Mai to Krabi
Traveling from Chiang Mai to Krabi is possible by direct flight, tourist bus, train + bus, or private car. Flying is the fastest option, while buses and trains are better for budget travelers.
- Best Choice: Direct flights save the most time and take only about 2 hours.
- Budget Option: Tourist buses are usually the cheapest way to reach Krabi.
- Train Route: Travel via Bangkok and Surat Thani, then continue by bus to Krabi.
- Book Early: Reserve flights and sleeper trains in advance during the high season.
- Long Journey: Bring snacks, water, a charger, and comfortable clothing.
- Transfers: Allow enough time when changing between trains, buses, or flights. Read more about transport in Thailand.
Tip: Book flights, buses, and train tickets online in advance for the best prices and schedules.