Bus + ferry (combined ticket)
Best balance of price and smooth transfers
Private car + ferry
Door-to-door journey with flexible timing and minimal hassle
Van + ferry
Cheap option with shared transport and simple transfer process
Direct flight
There are direct flights by Bangkok Air
Quick answer: Travelling from Koh Samui to Krabi offers several good options: ferry + bus/van, direct flight, or ferry + private car/taxi. Ferry + bus is the most budget-friendly; the flight is the fastest; ferry + private car/taxi gives flexible door-to-door service. You can book tickets from Koh Samui to Krabi easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 250 km by land via Surat Thani.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry + Bus/Van ~4–10 hours | Direct Flight ~1 hour | Ferry + Car/Taxi ~4–6 hours.
- 💰 Price range: Ferry + Bus/Van US$ 15–46 pp | Flight US$ 100–160 pp | Ferry + Car/Taxi US$ 150–450
- 🚢 Ferry + Bus/Van: Many combo tickets from Koh Samui via Surat Thani to Krabi city, Ao Nang or Railay.
- ✈️ Direct Flight: There are flights from Koh Samui Airport to Krabi Airport taking about 1 hour.
- 🚕 Ferry + Private Car/Taxi: Private transfer from Koh Samui to pier + car to Krabi—fastest and most flexible for groups.
Last updated in October 2026
Koh Samui to Krabi: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry + Bus / Van | 4–10 h | $15–46 pp | ★★★★☆ | Best value |
| Direct Flight | About 1 h | $100–160 pp | ★★★★★ | Fastest travel |
| Ferry + Private Car / Taxi | 4–6 h | $150–450/car | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Travel from Koh Samui to Krabi by combined ferry and bus/van, direct flight, or ferry and private car. Combined tickets can arrive in Krabi Town, Ao Nang or other destinations in Krabi Province, while private transfers offer hotel pickup and flexible drop-off.
How do I get from Koh Samui to Krabi?
1. BUS/VAN + FERRY from Koh Samui to Krabi
👉 Ferry + bus is the most popular and affordable way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi.
- ✔️ Good for: budget travelers and backpackers
- ✔️ Duration: ~6–8 hours including transfers
- ✔️ Price: $15–46 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (modern ferry and air-conditioned bus or minivan)
- ✅ Best option: Combined ferry + bus ticket via Surat Thani
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket for easier transfers.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Reserve online in advance during high season.
1. Ferry from Koh Samui to Surat Thani
The first step is a ferry transfer from Koh Samui to Surat Thani or Donsak Pier. The journey takes about 2–3 hours, with departures from Na Thon or Lipa Noi piers. Modern ferries offer comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, and this route is operated by companies such as Lomprayah, Raja Ferry, Seatran Ferry, Songserm and Phantip.
2. Bus / Minivan from Surat Thani to Krabi
From Surat Thani, continue by bus or minivan to Krabi. The journey takes about 4–5 hours, with arrivals at Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Railay transfer points or other popular destinations. Combined ferry + bus tickets from Koh Samui to Krabi cost about $15–46 per person. For more details, read How to travel from Surat Thani to Krabi. Booking combined tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during the high tourist season.
| Bus + Ferry Company | Departure in Koh Samui | Arrival in Krabi | Bus + Ferry Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raja Ferry | 05:00 | 14:00 | From $18.00 |
| Raja Ferry | 09:00 | 16:00 | From $18.00 |
| Raja Ferry | 11:00 | 19:00 | From $18.00 |
| Raja Ferry | 14:00 | 19:00 | From $18.00 |
| Phantip | 08:00 | 15:00 | From $17.00 |
| Phantip | 10:00 | 17:30 | From $21.00 |
| Phantip | 14:00 | 20:00 | From $21.00 |
| Lomprayah | 08:30 | 14:00 | From $42.00 |
| Lomprayah | 11:45 | 18:00 | From $42.00 |
2. FLIGHT from Koh Samui to Krabi
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi.
- ✔️ Good for: travelers who want to save time
- ✔️ Duration: ~1 hour
- ✔️ Price: $100–160 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (direct flight with short travel time)
- ✅ Best option: Direct Bangkok Airways flight to Krabi International Airport
- 💡 Tip: Book early because daily flights are limited.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Arrange your Krabi airport transfer in advance.
The fastest way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi is by direct flight. Bangkok Airways operates non-stop flights from Koh Samui Airport to Krabi International Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour and tickets usually cost $100–160 per person.
Although flying is more expensive than traveling by ferry and bus, it saves several hours and is the most convenient option for travelers with limited time. Because the number of daily flights is limited, booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during the high tourist season.
From Krabi Airport, you can easily continue by shuttle bus, minivan or private taxi to Krabi Town or Ao Nang. If you are heading to Railay Beach, simply take a longtail boat from Ao Nang after arriving.
3. FERRY + TAXI / CAR from Koh Samui to Krabi
👉 Ferry + private car is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi.
- ✔️ Good for: families, groups and travelers with luggage
- ✔️ Duration: ~3.5–6 hours
- ✔️ Price: $150–450 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: high (private door-to-door transfer)
- ✅ Best option: Private car or minivan with hotel pickup and flexible drop-off
- 💡 Tip: Choose your Krabi drop-off point when booking.
- ⭐ Extra Tip: Share the cost with your group to save money.
Another comfortable option is a private car with a ferry transfer from Koh Samui to Krabi. This door-to-door service combines a ferry crossing to the mainland with a private vehicle, making it an excellent choice for families, groups or travelers with more luggage. The total travel time is about 3.5–6 hours.
Private transfers are available with companies such as Bangkok Taxi24, Raja Ferry, Easyride Services, Glassflower, Van2Travel and Firstplan Transport Services. Prices range from $150–450 per car, depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers. Hotel pickup is available in Koh Samui, with drop-off at Krabi Town, Krabi Airport or Ao Nang.
Although this is the most expensive option, it offers maximum comfort, flexible departure times and no unnecessary transfers. If you continue your journey, you can also travel by private car from Ao Nang to Khao Sok National Park.
| Taxi Service | Travel Time | Price (Car) |
|---|---|---|
| Easyride Services | 05:00 | From $240.00 |
| Glassflower | 05:00 | From $335.00 |
| Van2Travel | 07:00 | From $250.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 06:00 | From $240.00 |
| Bangkok Taxi24 | 06:00 | From $240.00 |
| Firstplan Transport | 06:00 | From $280.00 |
❓ FAQ – Travel from Koh Samui to Krabi
How long does it usually take to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi?
Ferry + bus takes about 4–10 hours, direct flights about 1 hour, and private car + ferry about 3.5–6 hours.
What is the approximate travel distance from Koh Samui to Krabi?
The distance is about 250–270 km via Surat Thani and Donsak Pier, depending on the route taken.
How much does it usually cost to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi?
Ferry + bus costs $15–46, flights $100–160, and private transfers about $150–450 per car, depending on the service.
Is a private transfer available from Koh Samui to Krabi?
Yes. Private cars with ferry transfer are available, with hotel pickup on Koh Samui and drop-off in Krabi or Ao Nang.
Can you travel by train from Surat Thani to Krabi?
No. There is currently no railway between Surat Thani and Krabi, so you need to continue by bus, minivan, or taxi.
What is the best way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi?
A direct flight is the fastest option, while ferry + bus offers the best value and is suitable for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Koh Samui to Krabi?
The cheapest option is usually a combined ferry + bus ticket, with fares starting from about $15–18 per person.
How can I get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang after arriving?
You can travel by shuttle bus, minivan, or taxi in about 1–1.5 hours. See this guide.
Where can you travel from Krabi after arriving in the region?
Popular routes include Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lanta and Chiang Mai.
Where should you stay in Krabi for a convenient visit?
Krabi offers budget hotels, luxury resorts and hostels.
Is Thailand a good destination for solo travelers?
Yes. Thailand is safe, affordable, and easy to explore for solo travelers. Read Solo Travel in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Koh Samui to Krabi
Traveling from Koh Samui to Krabi is straightforward, with options including a combined ferry + bus transfer, a direct flight, or a private car with ferry. The best choice depends on your budget, travel time and final destination in Krabi Province.
- Best Option: Ferry + bus offers the best balance of price, travel time and frequent departures.
- Fastest Route: A direct flight to Krabi takes about 1 hour, but flights are limited and usually more expensive.
- Book Combined Tickets: Ferry and bus tickets are often sold together, making transfers easier and more reliable.
- Choose Your Arrival: You can arrive at Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Krabi Airport or nearby tourist areas.
- Private Transfer: A private car with ferry is ideal for families or groups seeking maximum comfort.
- Plan Ahead: Ferry schedules may change during the low season or in bad weather, so book early whenever possible.
Tip: Ferry, bus, flight and private transfer tickets from Koh Samui to Krabi can be searched and booked online in advance.
How to Travel from Koh Samui to Krabi
Travel from Koh Samui to Krabi covers about 250 km via Surat Thani. You can travel by ferry + bus/minivan, ferry + private car or take a direct flight. The most popular and cheapest option is a combined ferry and bus transfer.
Ferry + bus journeys take about 4–10 hours and can end in Krabi Town, Krabi Bus Terminal, Ao Nang or Railay Beach. Direct flights from Koh Samui to Krabi take only about 1 hour, making them the fastest option.
From Krabi you can continue by ferry to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Yai or travel to Phuket. Before your trip, check the weather in Krabi for the best travel conditions.