Having soaked up the beautiful beaches of Krabi, you might just be ready for a dose of busy Bangkok. How you get there likely depends on your budget and how much time you have. This guide will help you get from Krabi to Bangkok via the route most suited to your circumstances.
Traveling from Krabi to Bangkok by Bus
Departure Points in Krabi
When traveling from Krabi to Bangkok by bus, there are two primary departure points:
- Nuea Khlong: Located about 15 km from Krabi, near Krabi International Airport.
- Krabi Bus Terminal: Situated near Talat Kao, approximately 4 km north of Krabi town center.
Arrival Points in Bangkok
Buses from Krabi arrive in Bangkok at either of these major terminals:
- Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai): Located on Phutthamonthon Sai Road in the Thonburi district, west of the Chao Phraya River.
- Northern Bus Terminal (Morchit): Offers better public transportation connections to various parts of the city.
Bus Options and Costs
- Express Buses: Cover the distance in about 11 hours, with tickets priced at THB 664.
- VIP24 Buses: More luxurious, costing THB 970.
(Both operated by Lignite Company)
Departure Times
- Morning Bus: Departs at 8 am, ideal if you want to make stops along the way, such as in Hua Hin.
- Afternoon Buses: Depart at 4:10 pm and 5 pm, more suitable for direct travel to Bangkok. These buses arrive in the early morning hours, so it’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance. Alternatively, if you're heading further north, morning buses might be a better option.
Amenities
All buses are equipped with air-conditioning, snacks, and blankets, and make several pit stops at large gas stations that have convenience stores, cafes, and restrooms.
Traveling from Krabi to Bangkok by Train
Bus to Suratthani
While Krabi Town lacks a direct railway connection, you can still travel to Bangkok by combining a bus ride to Suratthani with a train journey from there. Suratthani is home to the nearest railway station, situated in Phun Phin, approximately 150 km from Krabi Town. To reach Phun Phin, you'll need to take a three-to-four hour bus ride.
Buses are typically standard air-conditioned coaches, with tickets costing around THB 180 per person.
Train from Suratthani to Bangkok
Trains from Phun Phin (Suratthani) travel to Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok. The quickest option is a morning train with 2nd class air-conditioned seats, covering the distance in about 9 hours for THB 858. Other trains, which take up to 12 hours, depart in the afternoon and evening at 4:40 pm, 5:35 pm, 6:37 pm, 8:35 pm, and 9:05 pm.
Types of Train Accommodation
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- 1st Class AC Sleeper: The most comfortable option, with trains #84 and #86 departing at 9:05 pm and 6:37 pm respectively, costing THB 1,589.
- 2nd Class AC Sleeper: Provides beds that fold out from the seating area, priced between THB 998 and THB 1,058. Though less private than 1st class, they are still very comfortable.
- Fan Sleeper: Similar to a regular sleeper but without air conditioning, allowing you to experience the countryside aromas along the way. These cost THB 758 per person.
Booking Tips
Lower berths are wider and tend to sell out first, so it’s advisable to book them well in advance. They are especially recommended for travelers with babies.
Stopping Overnight in Suratthani
You might want to break up your trip by stopping overnight. Suratthani is often overlooked by tourists, as it's a travel-through for those on their way to Samui and Krabi, but it really is the authentic heart of Southern Thailand, and offers insight to local life outside of the tourist traps.
If you don't mind a 1.5 hour taxi ride, you can visit Khao Sok National Park. A natural wonder, the park is blessed with dense, untouched jungle and towering limestone karst formations, along with the expansive Cheow Lan Lake. This park is a sanctuary for rare species, including the giant parasitic Rafflesia flower, majestic hornbill birds, playful gibbons and elusive tigers.
If you want to stay local, perhaps take a boat ride down the Tapi River, where the waterways are lined with mangrove forests. Or, visit Ban Phum Riang, a historic fishing village where Muslim women craft exquisite cloths in vibrant red, yellow and black hues.
Of course, you have the usual culinary delights everywhere, offering a variety of Southern Thai dishes and traditional Muslim curries, and a night market.
From Krabi to Bangkok by Plane
Several low-cost airlines offer competitive prices for flights between Krabi and Bangkok, making air travel a strong alternative to overland options. If deciding between flying or taking the bus, consider traveling by land from Bangkok to Krabi and flying back. This allows you to endure a long journey before a relaxing vacation, rather than after.
The flight from Krabi to Bangkok is only 1.5 hours. On clear days, you might even enjoy stunning aerial views of Krabi’s famous karst formations.
Flight Options and Pricing
Thai Lion Air operates four daily flights from Krabi International Airport to Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok. The flights depart at 8:40 am, 9:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 6:00 pm. During the low season, ticket prices can be as low as THB 1,000, which includes 15 kg of checked luggage and 7 kg of cabin luggage.
Booking early can secure these low prices year-round, though last-minute tickets might cost between THB 2,500 and THB 3,500.
Airport Transportation
Krabi International Airport is located 15 km northeast of the city center and about 30 km from Ao Nang. You can reach the airport via air-conditioned shuttle buses from these locations, costing THB 90 from Krabi Town and THB 150 from Ao Nang.
Public songthaews are available from Krabi Town for THB 50, or you can negotiate a private ride for around THB 250. Motorbike taxis are also an option for THB 150, suitable if you have minimal luggage.
The journey to the airport takes approximately 20 minutes from Krabi Town and 40 minutes from Ao Nang.
Airport Facilities
Krabi International Airport has two terminals, one for domestic and one for international flights. Shopping and dining options are limited, with just a couple of coffee shops and snack booths available.
Transferring in Bangkok at Don Mueang International Airport
Airport Shuttle Buses
Lion Air operates out of Don Mueang International Airport, located north of Bangkok. The airport is well-connected to the city by two shuttle bus routes, A1 and A2.
The A1 route heads directly to the Morchit bus terminal, with a stop at Morchit BTS station along the way.
The A2 route also stops at Morchit BTS before continuing to Saphan Kwai BTS, Ari BTS, Sanam Pao BTS, and finally reaching Victory Monument. The fare for these buses is THB 30, and the travel time ranges from 60 to 80 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Commuter Trains
If you prefer rail travel, commuter trains run between Don Mueang airport and Hua Lamphong train station in central Bangkok. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. Trains operate from 3:10 am to 10:15 pm, ensuring connectivity throughout most of the day.
Tips to Start Planning Your Trip:
Book Your Accommodation
Book your accommodation in Bangkok at a discounted rate on Agoda
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
You will need solid travel insurance, especially if you want to ride a bike. Most of us use SafetyWing.
Reserve Bus and Train Tickets
If you want to take a bus or train trip, reserve your tickets on 12GoAsia.com.