Phuket to Krabi Bus, Van and Boat Tickets

Phuket to Krabi is the classic Andaman handover: one province’s beaches to the next, around the big bay by road or straight across it by boat when sailings run. The road run is roughly 160-170 km — about 3 to 4 hours over the Sarasin Bridge and along the mainland coast — and the booking decision is less about price than about where exactly you end up.

We link 12Go because the route splits across modes and endings: buses from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 into Krabi’s bus terminal, minivans with hotel pickup running closer to your door, and boats that land at Ao Nang on dates with sailings. Krabi town and Ao Nang are more than half an hour apart, so a cheap ticket to the wrong one costs its saving straight back in a taxi.

Buses are the budget workhorses, while minivans can collect from hotels and skip the terminal legs on both ends. Current online fares vary materially by departure point and drop-off, so compare the exact endpoints. If you are three or more people with luggage, price a private transfer too rather than assuming the shared option is automatically better value.

The boat is the scenic wildcard. Direct sailings can reach Ao Nang in about 1 hour 20 minutes, though many itineraries take longer. July inventory can still show daily services, so this is not strictly a November-to-April option. Check the timetable for your exact date and keep a road backup when weather is unsettled.

If your real destination is Railay, aim everything at Ao Nang: there is no road onto the peninsula, and the longtail boats leave from Ao Nang and Ao Nam Mao. The Krabi guide covers the beach-zone choices; arriving by air instead, the Krabi airport transfer handles the KBV leg. Onward to the islands, the Phuket to Koh Phi Phi ferry page covers the other classic crossing from Rassada.

Insider Tip: Book the drop-off, not just the destination. “Krabi” tickets variously end at the bus terminal, Krabi town, Ao Nang or a pier — the right ending saves a 30-45 minute local leg at the far end.

Watch out: In the rainy season, do not build a same-day flight or ferry connection on the boat option. If the sea cancels it, the road takes twice as long and the last buses fill.