How to Get from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang in 4 Ways

The moment you step off the plane at Krabi Airport, you’re just minutes away from Thailand’s stunning Andaman coast with its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and world-famous beaches. A little planning for your airport transfer ensures your tropical holiday starts smoothly and without the stress of figuring out transport after a long flight.

This comprehensive guide will show you exactly how to get from Krabi airport to Ao Nang and provide all the details for traveling from Krabi airport to city center. After hours in the air, knowing your options in advance is crucial, especially during Thailand’s peak tourist season when demand for transport is highest. Learn more about Krabi transportation options.

Your main Krabi airport transportation choices include the budget-friendly airport bus that stops at key locations, the convenient shared shuttle offering door-to-door service, the fast private taxi for maximum comfort, and local public transport for the most authentic Thai experience. Each option has distinct advantages depending on your budget, group size, and travel priorities.

Krabi Airport Transportation at a Glance

Understanding your transport options helps you make the right choice for your specific needs. Here’s a quick comparison of the main ways to travel from Krabi Airport:

Option	Average Cost (per person)	Travel Time to Ao Nang	Best For
Airport Bus	฿150	45-60 mins	Solo travellers, Budget-conscious
Shared Shuttle	฿150-200	40-50 mins	Families, Small groups, Value
Private Taxi	฿1,200-1,500 (per car)	30-40 mins	Convenience, Groups, Heavy luggage
Public Songthaew	฿50-100	60+ mins	Adventurous & flexible travellers

The distance from Krabi Airport (KBV) to Ao Nang covers approximately 25–30 kilometers, typically requiring 30–45 minutes of travel time depending on your chosen transport method and current traffic conditions. Meanwhile, the journey from Krabi Airport to Krabi City Center is notably shorter at around 12–15 kilometers, usually taking just 15–25 minutes by road.

Your choice of Krabi airport transportation depends on several key factors including your budget constraints, group size, comfort preferences, and how quickly you need to reach your destination. Solo travelers often prioritize cost savings, while families with children and multiple suitcases may prefer the convenience and direct service of a private transfer that eliminates the need for additional stops.

Option 1: The Budget-Friendly Airport Bus Krabi

The airport bus Krabi represents the official large air-conditioned coach service specifically designed to connect the airport with the main tourist destinations throughout the region. These modern buses provide reliable transportation with comfortable seating and adequate space for luggage storage.

The bus follows a set route from the airport, making its first major stop in Krabi Town before continuing onward to Ao Nang, where it drops passengers at several key locations including major hotels and the main beach area. This routing system ensures you can reach either destination using the same service.

Schedule and Cost Details:
The airport bus operates throughout the day with departures generally coordinated to align with major flight arrivals, though you may need to wait for the next scheduled departure. Tickets typically cost between ฿120–฿170 (approximately $3.50–$5 USD), making this the most economical choice for individual travelers. You can purchase tickets easily at the official transport counter located inside the arrivals hall, or sometimes directly from the driver before boarding.

Advantages and Drawbacks:
The main advantages include being the most affordable option available, offering reliable service with fixed routes, and providing a straightforward solution for solo travelers or those prioritizing budget savings. However, the disadvantages include following rigid schedules that may require waiting, potential delays while the bus fills to capacity before departing, and reduced convenience for late-night arrivals or travelers carrying substantial luggage. Find current bus schedules.

Option 2: The Balanced Krabi Airport Shuttle

The Krabi airport shuttle service operates shared minivans that typically accommodate 8-12 passengers per vehicle, offering a middle-ground option between budget bus travel and expensive private taxis. These vehicles are usually newer and more comfortable than public buses while remaining significantly more affordable than private transportation.

The key advantage of shuttle services lies in their door-to-door operation, meaning the driver will transport you directly to your specific hotel in Ao Nang or Krabi Town rather than dropping you at a central location. This eliminates the need to arrange additional transport or walk with luggage to your accommodation.

Booking Process and Pricing:
You can secure shuttle transportation by visiting booking counters inside the airport terminal immediately upon arrival, or you can pre-book online through various travel websites for guaranteed availability and peace of mind. The typical cost ranges from ฿150–฿200 ($4–$6 USD) per person, representing excellent value when you consider the door-to-door convenience included in the price.

This transportation method proves ideal for families traveling with children, small groups sharing costs, or solo travelers who want an excellent balance between affordability and convenience without the premium price of private transportation. Book your shuttle in advance.

Option 3: The Fastest Taxi from Krabi Airport

A taxi from Krabi airport provides the fastest, most private, and most convenient transportation method for reaching your destination, offering complete control over departure timing and route selection. This option eliminates waiting for other passengers and provides dedicated vehicle access with professional driver service.

Booking Methods and Vehicle Types:
The most reliable approach involves purchasing a fixed-rate, prepaid taxi voucher at the official transport counter inside the terminal building, which eliminates price negotiation and ensures fair pricing. Traditional metered taxis are less common but available, while modern ride-hailing applications like Grab provide another convenient booking option with transparent pricing and vehicle tracking.

Fare Structure and Journey Duration:
A private taxi from Krabi airport to Ao Nang typically costs ฿1,200–฿1,500 ($32–$40 USD) for the entire vehicle regardless of passenger number, making it economical for groups of three or four people. Transportation to Krabi Town costs considerably less at approximately ฿600–฿800 due to the shorter distance involved. This represents the fastest available option, requiring only 25-30 minutes for most destinations, operates 24 hours daily, and provides excellent luggage handling capabilities for travelers with multiple suitcases or oversized items. Compare taxi options.

Option 4: The Local Experience with Public Transport Krabi

For the most adventurous and budget-conscious travelers, songthaews offer an authentic local transportation experience. These distinctive converted pickup trucks feature two bench seats in the covered rear section and serve as the primary form of public transport Krabi residents use for daily commuting throughout the region.

Songthaews can sometimes be found waiting outside the terminal building, though you may need to walk a short distance to the main road where they more commonly operate. Unlike scheduled bus services, these vehicles don’t follow fixed timetables and operate more informally, picking up and dropping off passengers along established routes as demand requires.

Pricing and Suitability Considerations:
The fare structure can be remarkably affordable, often costing as little as ฿50–฿100 depending on your destination, though prices typically require negotiation before boarding and may vary based on distance, time of day, and your bargaining skills. This transportation method works best for adventurous budget travelers carrying only light luggage who maintain flexible schedules, as departure times and availability can be unpredictable. It’s not well-suited for late-night arrivals when fewer vehicles operate, or for travelers with time constraints or substantial baggage requirements.

Beyond Ao Nang: Getting from Krabi Airport to City Center

Many travelers specifically search for Krabi airport to city center transportation because they plan to stay in Krabi Town, explore the vibrant local markets and authentic Thai street food scene, or catch onward transportation to other popular destinations like Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, or Phuket.

Transportation Options for Krabi Town:
The same airport bus and shared shuttle services that serve Ao Nang also make convenient stops throughout Krabi Town, representing the most common and cost-effective method for reaching the city center. A private taxi or Grab ride offers the most direct option with a quick 15-25 minute journey directly to your hotel entrance. Local songthaews also serve this route, providing the most authentic local experience while maintaining the lowest possible cost.

The choice between Ao Nang and Krabi Town often depends on your travel style and planned activities. Ao Nang focuses on beach activities, water sports, and island hopping tours, while Krabi Town offers cultural experiences, local markets, authentic cuisine, and serves as a transportation hub for exploring the broader region. For inspiration on must-see excursions from both bases, explore our Top 10 Day Trips from Krabi.

Once You’ve Arrived: Getting Around Krabi Without a Car

After settling into your accommodation, you’ll want to explore the incredible attractions Krabi offers. Fortunately, getting around Krabi without a car proves remarkably simple and affordable using the extensive local transportation network.

Within both Ao Nang and Krabi Town, songthaews and colorful tuk-tuks operate constantly throughout the day and evening, connecting hotels, beaches, restaurants, and attractions. Always agree on the fare before beginning your journey, as prices aren’t metered—short trips within town typically cost ฿20–฿80 depending on distance and your negotiation skills.

From Ao Nang Beach, you can easily hire traditional long-tail boats for spectacular day trips to nearby attractions including the famous Railay Beach with its world-class rock climbing, peaceful Tonsai Beach, stunning Poda Island with pristine white sand, and Chicken Island known for its distinctive rock formation. For more detailed insights into Ao Nang, Railay, and other coastal highlights, see our Best Beaches in Krabi: Railay, Ao Nang & Hidden Gems.

Scooter Rentals for Ultimate Freedom:
Renting a scooter or motorbike represents one of the most popular methods for exploring Krabi at your own pace, allowing access to hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, and local restaurants away from tourist areas. Rental shops are abundant and typically charge ฿150–฿250 per day for well-maintained vehicles. Always inspect the vehicle carefully before accepting it, photograph any pre-existing damage for your protection, and prioritize safety by wearing a helmet at all times. For a reliable and hassle-free rental experience, consider a trusted service like Byklo. They offer well-maintained motorbikes, ensuring you can explore Krabi’s hidden gems safely and with peace of mind. For specific rental options in Ao Nang, check out our Ao Nang Bike For Rent Joins Byklo.

Pro Tips for Your Krabi Airport Transfer

Book in Advance During Peak Season: Pre-booking your shuttle or taxi online becomes essential when traveling during Thailand’s high season (November-March) or major holidays to avoid lengthy waits and guarantee vehicle availability. During off-season periods, booking upon arrival typically works fine with minimal delays.

Use Official Counters Only: Always use the official transport counters located inside the airport arrivals hall rather than accepting offers from unofficial touts waiting outside the terminal. Official counters guarantee fixed, fair pricing and provide recourse if problems arise with your transportation.

Consider Your Luggage Needs: Travelers with heavy suitcases, sports equipment, or bulky items will find private taxis or shuttle services far more convenient than trying to manage luggage on buses or songthaews with limited storage space.

Calculate Group Costs: When traveling in groups of three or four people, a private taxi often costs nearly the same per person as individual shuttle tickets while providing superior comfort, speed, and convenience.

Saving money on your airport transfer means having more budget available for exciting adventures and activities. Once you’re comfortably settled in your accommodation, consider giving yourself the freedom to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations by renting a scooter. A reputable platform like Byklo can set you up with the perfect vehicle for discovering Krabi’s stunning landscape and hidden treasures on your own terms.

Conclusion

Understanding how to get from Krabi airport to Ao Nang becomes straightforward when you know the available options and can match them to your specific travel style, budget, and comfort preferences. For a full overview of Krabi’s attractions, accommodations, and itineraries, check out our Ultimate Krabi Travel Guide: Your 2025 Passport to Paradise.

Final Recommendations by Traveler Type:

• Best for Budget-Conscious Solo Travelers: The airport bus Krabi offers the most economical transportation with reliable service and comfortable vehicles.
• Best for Families and Comfort-Seekers: The Krabi airport shuttle or private taxi provides door-to-door convenience, luggage assistance, and flexible departure times.
• Best for Speed and Ultimate Convenience: A pre-paid taxi from Krabi airport delivers the fastest journey time with complete privacy and professional service.

Now that your airport transfer is completely sorted, you’re ready to fully enjoy the incredible beaches, stunning islands, thrilling adventures, and warm Thai hospitality that await you in Krabi. Have an absolutely amazing trip exploring this tropical paradise!