How to get from Krabi to Surat Thani
Krabi to Surat Thani is an easy cross-peninsula hop. Most travelers use direct minivans/buses to Surat Thani Bus Terminal or Phunphin (Surat Thani Train Station). Private cars shave time and stop where you want, while self-driving is straightforward on Route 44. If you’re catching a flight at Surat Thani Airport (URT) or a night train north, pick the option that ends closest to your onward connection.
At A Glance (Krabi to Surat Thani)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Direct Minivan/Bus (Krabi Town/Ao Nang → Surat Thani) | ~2.5–4h (route/operator) | Cheapest, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 220–450 one-way » compare times & operators | alt. listings | ||
| 🚐 Private Car/Van (Door-to-door) | ~2.5–3.5h | Families, big luggage, exact timing |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 2,200–4,500 per vehicle » instant quotes | GetYourGuide transfers | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive Rental Car | ~3–3.5h (via Hwy 4 + Rte 44) | Side trips & full flexibility |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~THB 900–1,800/day + fuel/tolls » compare rentals | Trip.com cars | ||
| 🚌🚆 Bus to Phunphin (Surat Thani Train Station) | ~3.5–5h to station | Catching northbound/night trains |
| 🏷️ Cost: Bus ~THB 250–450; onward trains extra » Krabi→Phunphin | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest & simplest for most: Direct minivan/bus to Surat Thani Bus Terminal or Phunphin.
- Best with kids/gear or odd hours: Private car/van from your hotel or Krabi Airport (KBV) to your exact address in Surat Thani.
- Planning day stops: Self-drive via scenic Route 44 with detours (Khao Phanom Bencha, coffee stops).
- Continuing by rail north: Bus to Phunphin Station for sleeper trains toward Bangkok/Chumphon/Hua Hin.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Compare departures online: Use 12Go to view minivan/bus timetables, station details, and reviews.
- Hotel/airport pickups: Some vans include hotel pickups in Ao Nang/Krabi Town—check notes before paying.
- Ride-hailing: Grab operates in Krabi and Surat Thani for short hops to terminals. For long distances with fixed pricing and English support, compare GetTransfer.
- Luggage & lockers: If you need to roam bag-free, check nearby options on Radical Storage Krabi and Radical Storage Surat Thani.
- Scooters in Surat Thani: Confident riders can rent upon arrival; compare on BikesBooking.
🚌 Option #1 — Direct Minivan/Bus (Most Popular, Good Value)
Budget Frequent departures Space varies
- Overview: Vans and buses connect Krabi Town/Ao Nang to Surat Thani Bus Terminal or Phunphin (Surat Thani Train Station). Many services go via Hwy 4 → Route 44 “cross-peninsula expressway,” avoiding Phuket traffic.
- How to book (with price): ~THB 220–450 one-way depending on pickup/endpoint and luggage policy. Check times, boarding points, and reviews on 12Go or browse operators on Klook.
- Pros: Cheap, reliable, lots of departures. Cons: Tight seating in vans; short restroom stops only.
Step-by-step: Direct Minivan/Bus
- Choose your endpoint: Surat Thani Bus Terminal (for city stays/buses) or Phunphin Train Station (for trains north).
- Book on 12Go and note the exact pickup (Ao Nang hotel, Krabi Town office, or Krabi Bus Terminal).
- Be ready 15–30 minutes early; keep your voucher ID and passport handy for check-in.
- Ride 2.5–4 hours with a brief service stop; on arrival, use Grab or local songthaews to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi)
- Ao Nang hotels → meeting points: Walk or Grab to your operator’s office on Ao Nang Beach Rd (varies by booking).
- Krabi Town → Bus Terminal: Grab/taxi from Krabi Town riverside (~10–15 min).
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #2 — Private Transfer / Taxi (Door-to-Door, Fastest on the Road)
No transfers Luggage-friendly Higher cost
- Overview: A car/van collects you at your Krabi address (Ao Nang/Krabi Town/KBV) and drives directly to your hotel, the Bus Terminal, Phunphin Station, or Surat Thani Airport (URT).
- How to book (with price): From ~THB 2,200–4,500 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare vehicles and instant quotes at GetTransfer or browse GetYourGuide transfers.
- Pros: Quickest door-to-door, child seats on request. Cons: More expensive than bus/van.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and select car size on GetTransfer (or message your hotel to arrange).
- Confirm inclusions (tolls/waiting time/night surcharge) and meeting point (lobby/arrivals).
- Share your live location on pickup day; ride ~2.5–3.5 hours via Route 44 straight to your destination.
Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi → Surat Thani)
- From Krabi Airport (KBV): Meet-and-greet at arrivals; ideal for tight flight-to-train connections at Phunphin.
- Drop choices: Bus Terminal, Phunphin Station, URT Airport, or your hotel downtown.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #3 — Self-Drive Rental Car (Maximum Flexibility)
Set your own pace Easy highway Parking in town
- Overview: Pick up a car in Krabi (airport or town) and drive Hwy 4 to Ao Luek, then east along Route 44 to Surat Thani—fast and well-signed.
- How to book (with price): From ~THB 900–1,800/day for a compact. Compare agencies and pickup points on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Detour to cafes/viewpoints; perfect if you’re continuing beyond Surat Thani. Cons: Responsibility for fuel, insurance, and parking.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Reserve a car class with full insurance and note the deposit policy on Booking.com or Trip.com.
- Collect the car (airport or town counter); photograph existing scratches; set GPS to “Surat Thani Bus Terminal” or your hotel.
- Drive Hwy 4 → Route 44; plan a fuel/rest stop around the halfway mark; enter Surat Thani via Hwy 401/41.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Downtown)
- Pickup: Krabi Airport counters have long hours; town depots are convenient from Ao Nang.
- Arrival: Many hotels have small lots; check street parking rules with your host.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌🚆 Option #4 — Bus to Phunphin (Surat Thani Train Station) for Night Trains North
Rail connections One ticket to the station Longer total time
- Overview: Take a Krabi→Phunphin bus/van that drops at Surat Thani Train Station for popular sleepers to Chumphon/Hua Hin/Bangkok or northbound day trains.
- How to book (with price): Bus to station ~THB 250–450. Check direct station-drop services on 12Go, then buy the onward train there (or prebook separately).
- Pros: Easy handoff to rail; covered waiting area. Cons: Timing matters—build a buffer for delays.
Step-by-step: Bus → Train
- Pick a Krabi → Surat Thani Train Station (Phunphin) service on 12Go; note the meeting point (Ao Nang office/Krabi Town/Bus Terminal).
- Arrive early for check-in; label luggage. Confirm with staff that the drop is at the train station (not only the Bus Terminal).
- On arrival at Phunphin, purchase/collect your rail ticket and board your scheduled train north.
Getting to the main embarking points (Krabi Meeting Points)
- Ao Nang & Krabi Town: Use Grab/taxi to the operator’s office or Krabi Bus Terminal.
- Phunphin Station: Food stalls, ATMs, taxis outside for last-mile in Surat Thani city if staying overnight.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Krabi to Surat Thani)
Is there a direct train from Krabi to Surat Thani?
No—Krabi has no rail station. Use bus/van or car to Phunphin (Surat Thani Train Station) for trains north.
How long is the road trip?
About 2.5–4 hours depending on traffic, route, and stops. Route 44 makes the cross-peninsula segment fast.
Which endpoint should I choose?
Bus Terminal for city hotels/buses; Phunphin for trains; URT for flights. Pick the option that ends closest to your onward connection.
Are vans cramped?
Space varies by operator. If you prefer more room, choose a big bus or book an extra seat for luggage.
Can I get hotel pickup?
Yes—many van tickets include Ao Nang/Krabi Town pickup or offer it for a small fee. Check your voucher details.
What about ferries to the Gulf islands?
If you’re ultimately going to Koh Samui/Koh Phangan/Koh Tao, many tickets combine Krabi→Donsak Pier→ferry. Compare combos on 12Go or Klook.