How to get from Krabi to Koh Jum

Krabi is your gateway to the quiet island of Koh Jum; here’s how to get from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Krabi Airport to the island by ferry, longtail boat and private transfer, with timings, costs and booking tips.
At A Glance (Krabi to Koh Jum)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ⛴️ Ferry / Speedboat (Krabi Town / Ao Nang → Koh Jum) | ~45–75 min on water (+ 30–60 min hotel/airport transfer) | Most travelers, high-season simplicity |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 400–1,200 one-way per adult » compare ferries | alt. listings | ||
| 🚕 Taxi/Van + Local Longtail via Laem Kruat Pier | ~1–1.5 h road + ~40–45 min boat | Year-round reliability, flexible departure times |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 1,800–3,000 per group (up to 3–6 people) including boat » taxi/van combos | private cars | ||
| 🚐 Shared Van + Ferry Package | ~2–3 h door-to-door (hotel → pier → Koh Jum) | Budget travelers who still want a joined-up ticket |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 300–700 per person depending on season and pickup point » check vans | Krabi transfers | ||
| 🏝️ Resort / Private Door-to-Door Transfer | ~1.5–3 h (airport/hotel pickup → private pier → Koh Jum) | Families, groups, lots of luggage, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 3,000–6,000 per group depending on boat type and distance » airport pickup ideas | premium options | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most convenient: In high season, go for the direct ferry or speedboat from Krabi Town or Ao Nang. It minimizes transfers and is easy to book online in advance.
- Most reliable year-round: The taxi or van plus local longtail via Laem Kruat Pier runs even when some island ferries stop during low season.
- Cheapest: Budget travelers who don’t mind basic boats can use shared van packages or even DIY local transport to Laem Kruat, then hop on the public longtail.
- Most comfortable and flexible: If you’re landing late, traveling with kids, or carrying dive gear, a door-to-door private transfer arranged with a resort or driver is worth the premium.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Compare routes and prices online: Use platforms such as 12Go Asia to see current ferry, speedboat, van and taxi schedules between Krabi and Koh Jum.
- Reserve popular departures in peak season: From November to April seats can sell out; pre-book your preferred time on sites like 12Go, or bundle pier transfers using Krabi airport transfers on GetYourGuide.
- Coordinate boats with your flight: Flying into Krabi first? Search flights into Krabi (KBV) on Booking.com Flights and allow at least 2–3 hours between landing and your boat departure.
- Book accommodation on Koh Jum in advance: The island is small and fills up in high season; check options and reviews on Koh Jum hotels on Booking.com or Koh Jum stays on Trip.com.
- Expect schedule changes with weather: Strong winds or rough seas can delay or cancel boats; build in buffer time and follow operator messages or your resort’s advice.
- Have cash on hand: Public longtails from Laem Kruat and small pier fees are usually cash-only; carry small Thai baht notes.
- Travel light if possible: Longtail boats involve stepping from a pier or the beach into the boat; waterproof your essentials and keep bags manageable. If you need to store extra luggage in Krabi, you can look for short-term options via services like Radical Storage.
⛴️ Option #1 — Direct Ferry / Speedboat from Krabi Town or Ao Nang (High Season Favorite)
Balanced cost Simple route Mostly Nov–Apr
- Overview: In high season, several operators run ferries and speedboats from Krabi Town (Chaofa or Klong Jilad piers) and sometimes Ao Nang/Nopparat Thara directly to Koh Jum. The boat ride usually takes about 40–75 minutes depending on vessel and stops.
- How to book (with price): Typical tickets cost around THB 400–1,200 one-way per adult. You can compare Krabi–Koh Jum ferries and speedboats, see live timetables and book e-tickets on 12Go Asia. For bundled island-hopping or transfer-inclusive trips, browse Klook’s Krabi boat trips or look at Krabi experiences on Trip.com.
- Pros: Fast, scenic, minimal changing of boats; pier staff are used to tourists and can help coordinate resort pick-ups on Koh Jum.
- Cons: Some services operate only in high season and may not run daily; weather can cause delays; you need to align your flight or overland arrival with fixed departure times.
- Good to know: Boats may stop offshore, with longtails from your resort meeting the ferry – keep valuables in a dry bag and wear sandals or shoes you can get wet.
Step-by-step: Direct Ferry / Speedboat
- Choose your departure pier: Most visitors depart from Krabi Town (Chaofa or Klong Jilad Pier) or occasionally Ao Nang/Nopparat Thara. Pick whichever is closest to your hotel to minimize transfers.
- Check the season and timetable: Confirm that ferries to Koh Jum are running on your dates and note departure times. Use an aggregator like 12Go Asia or your hotel’s tour desk to confirm.
- Book your ticket: Reserve online with instant confirmation, or buy through a trusted local travel agent in Krabi Town or Ao Nang. If you prefer a bundled transfer, look for packages on GetYourGuide’s Krabi activities that include hotel pickup plus boat.
- Get to the pier: From your hotel, take a songthaew, local taxi or Grab (the main ride-hailing app in Krabi), or pre-book a transfer via GetYourGuide transfers or similar. Aim to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
- Board the boat: Check in with staff, tag your luggage and follow instructions; on arrival near Koh Jum, either disembark at the pier or transfer to a longtail that drops you closer to your beach.
Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Town & Ao Nang Piers)
- From Krabi Town: Most piers (Chaofa, Klong Jilad) are a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride from the town center; you can also ask your guesthouse to arrange a songthaew or minivan transfer.
- From Ao Nang: Shared songthaews run between Ao Nang and Krabi Town; in high season there are also boats and speedboat transfers from Nopparat Thara. For convenience, arrange a hotel pickup through a tour desk or via a pre-booked transfer.
- From Krabi Airport (KBV): The airport is about 30–40 minutes by road from Krabi Town. You can book a private airport pickup to the pier with services like Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or use a taxi/Grab from outside the terminal. If you prefer to drive yourself, check car hire at Krabi car rentals on Booking.com.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #2 — Taxi or Van + Local Longtail via Laem Kruat Pier (Year-Round, Scenic)
Good value Works in low season A bit more DIY
- Overview: Travel by road from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Krabi Airport to Laem Kruat Pier on the mainland (about 1–1.5 hours), then take a local longtail boat across to one of Koh Jum’s piers (around 40–45 minutes). Boats run regularly through the day and are used by locals as well as visitors.
- How to book (with price): A private taxi or van from Krabi to Laem Kruat typically costs around THB 1,200–2,500 depending on group size. Longtail tickets from Laem Kruat to Koh Jum are usually about THB 70–100 per person, bought at the pier. You can pre-book road transfers or combined taxi + longtail packages via 12Go Asia’s Krabi–Koh Jum listings or book a private car with GetTransfer. Your hotel can also organize a driver.
- Pros: Operates even when some direct ferries are not; flexible departure times; very local experience and often cheaper for groups.
- Cons: More steps than a direct ferry; you’ll handle your own bags on and off the longtail; pier facilities are basic.
- Official info: For background on Krabi province and its transport hubs, you can browse the Krabi page from the Tourism Authority of Thailand before you travel.
Step-by-step: Taxi/Van + Laem Kruat Longtail
- Arrange your road transfer: From your hotel or Krabi Airport, book a taxi or van to Laem Kruat Pier. You can compare options online (12Go, GetTransfer) or ask your guesthouse to arrange a driver. Ride-hailing apps like Grab may cover part of the route, but a pre-booked car is usually easier for this rural pier.
- Plan arrival time at Laem Kruat: Longtails generally run every 30–60 minutes during daylight. Aim to reach the pier by late afternoon so you’re not on the last boat of the day.
- Buy your boat ticket: At Laem Kruat, purchase a ticket at the small kiosk or from boat staff, telling them which area of Koh Jum you’re staying (for example, Mutu Pier or Koh Pu). Keep your luggage together while waiting.
- Board the longtail: Follow staff instructions when boarding; you may have to step down into the boat, so keep both hands free and wear sandals. Life jackets are normally provided.
- Arrive on Koh Jum: On arrival at your pier, your resort may send a pickup, or you can take a local taxi or motorbike to your accommodation.
Getting to the main embarking points (Laem Kruat Pier)
- From Krabi Town: Laem Kruat is roughly an hour by road from Krabi Town. Most travelers use a pre-booked taxi or minivan; ask your hotel or book online in advance.
- From Ao Nang: Expect about 1.5 hours by road depending on traffic. Combine a local taxi from Ao Nang to Krabi Town with a pre-arranged car onwards, or book a door-to-door van.
- From Krabi Airport: It’s typically about an hour’s drive. Private airport transfers booked with Welcome Pickups in Krabi or taxis arranged at the airport are straightforward; just show the driver “Laem Kruat Pier, Krabi” on your phone map.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #3 — Shared Van + Ferry Packages (Budget-Friendly)
Cheapest easy option Hotel pickup available Fixed departure times
- Overview: Many local agencies sell combined tickets that include hotel pickup in Krabi Town or Ao Nang, a shared van ride to the pier (Krabi Town or Laem Kruat) and the ferry or longtail to Koh Jum, all on one voucher.
- How to book (with price): Expect to pay around THB 300–700 per person depending on pickup area and boat type. You can pre-book some of these packages online using 12Go’s van + ferry options, or browse Krabi transfer products on GetYourGuide and day-trip style transfers from Krabi on Trip.com’s Krabi guide.
- Pros: Door-to-door convenience; no need to negotiate prices at each leg; ideal if you’re nervous about DIY transport.
- Cons: Less flexibility – you must depart at the scheduled time and may make multiple hotel pickups before reaching the pier.
- Tip: When booking, double-check whether the final drop-off on Koh Jum is at your resort, a shared beach drop, or the main pier; factor in any final tuk-tuk ride.
Step-by-step: Shared Van + Ferry
- Choose your package: Decide whether you want pickup from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Krabi Airport, then select a package that ends on Koh Jum (some may continue to Koh Lanta, so make sure Koh Jum is included as a stop).
- Confirm pickup details: Provide your hotel name and room number when booking. Operators typically confirm an approximate pickup time the evening before departure.
- Be ready early: Shared vans often run on a window of time; be waiting 10–15 minutes before the stated pickup time with luggage ready.
- Ride to the pier and check in: The van will take you to the relevant pier; keep your ticket handy and follow staff to the correct boat.
- Arrive on Koh Jum: Depending on the package, you may be taken straight to your beach or to a central drop-off where local transport can be arranged.
Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Pickup Zones)
- Krabi Town hotels: Most budget hotels and guesthouses in Krabi Town fall within standard pickup zones; confirm any surcharge if you’re staying further out.
- Ao Nang hotels: Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara are usually covered; if you’re staying at a remote resort or Railay, you may need to meet the van in town.
- Airport pickups: Some packages start at Krabi Airport; if not, you can still schedule an airport transfer into town using services like Welcome Pickups Krabi or a local taxi, then use a shared van package the next morning.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🏝️ Option #4 — Resort or Private Door-to-Door Transfer (Most Comfortable)
Max comfort Door-to-door Highest cost
- Overview: Many mid-range and upscale resorts on Koh Jum can arrange full transfers: a private car or minivan from Krabi Airport, Krabi Town or Ao Nang to a suitable pier, followed by a private or semi-private longtail or speedboat directly to your beach.
- How to book (with price): Expect packages in the range of THB 3,000–6,000 per group depending on group size and boat type. When reserving accommodation, look for resorts that mention transfer services (for example, some properties listed on Koh Jum hotels on Booking.com or on Koh Jum Resort on Klook) and ask them to quote a door-to-door price.
- Pros: Easiest option with kids, surfboards or dive gear; someone meets you at arrivals and guides you through the whole journey; timings can be tailored around your flight.
- Cons: Most expensive way to travel; may still be affected by weather; cancellation terms vary by resort or operator.
- Official info: For general arrival information, check flights and airport details via the Krabi International Airport official site before arranging pickups.
Step-by-step: Resort or Private Door-to-Door Transfer
- Book your accommodation: Choose a Koh Jum resort that explicitly offers transfer services or can help organize them; confirm prices per group and whether night-time arrivals are possible.
- Send your arrival details: Provide flight number, landing time and number of passengers. Ask whether the transfer uses Laem Kruat or a private pier closer to your resort.
- Meet your driver: On arrival in Krabi, your driver or representative will typically be waiting at the airport or hotel lobby with a sign; they’ll assist with luggage and drive you to the pier.
- Boat to Koh Jum: Board the arranged longtail or speedboat; life jackets should be available. Keep phones and valuables in a dry bag and enjoy the ride.
- Check in and confirm your return: Once at your resort, confirm your departure transfer back to Krabi so it aligns with your onward flight or ferry.
Getting to the main embarking points (Private Piers & Beaches)
- Private piers near Krabi: Some resorts use quieter piers or beaches rather than the main public terminals; your driver will take you there directly, so you don’t need to navigate yourself.
- On Koh Jum: Private boats can often land directly in front of beach resorts at mid to high tide; at lower tide you may walk a short distance along the sand or a jetty.
- Combining with self-drive: If you’re renting a car for a wider southern Thailand trip, you can hire one at Krabi Airport through Krabi car rentals on Booking.com, drive to the agreed pier, then arrange to leave the car securely parked while you’re on Koh Jum.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Krabi to Koh Jum)
How long does it take to travel from Krabi to Koh Jum?
Most travelers take between 1.5 and 3 hours door-to-door depending on where they start (Krabi Airport, Krabi Town, or Ao Nang) and which route they use. The boat segment is usually 40–75 minutes, with the rest being road transfers and time at the pier.
Can I travel from Krabi to Koh Jum in the low (rainy) season?
Yes, but your options may be more limited. Direct island ferries may reduce frequency or stop altogether in the wettest months, while local longtail boats from Laem Kruat normally continue to run when conditions are safe. Always check a day or two ahead with your resort or the operator, and avoid planning tight same-day connections in stormy weather.
Do I need to book my ferry or longtail in advance?
For high season (especially December–February) and if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s wise to pre-book ferries, speedboats and van packages online. Local longtails from Laem Kruat can often be paid on the spot, but having a pre-arranged taxi + boat package offers extra peace of mind after a long flight.
Is the trip suitable for children and people who get seasick?
Yes, but choose calmer morning departures when seas are typically smoother, and opt for larger ferries rather than the smallest longtails or speedboats. Sit towards the middle or back of the boat, keep hydrated and consider motion-sickness medication if you’re prone to nausea.
Can I take a motorbike or bicycle to Koh Jum?
Local longtails from Laem Kruat sometimes carry motorbikes for an extra fee, but this is at the captain’s discretion and depends on space and sea conditions. For most visitors it’s easier to rent a scooter on the island instead; compare prices and book ahead in Krabi via platforms like BikesBooking’s Krabi rentals, then ask local rental agencies whether island drop-off or temporary parking is possible.






