How to Get from Pattaya to Krabi

Trading the neon lights and busy beachfronts of Pattaya for the limestone karsts and turquoise water of Krabi takes you from the Eastern Seaboard to the Andaman Coast. Hundreds of kilometers and the whole upper Gulf of Thailand lie between the two, and the shift from Chonburi's high energy to the laid-back tropical south is a classic Thai journey.

A private transfer spares you the bus terminals and airport changes. You watch the landscape shift from industrial hubs and pineapple fields to the palm-fringed highways of the south from a climate-controlled vehicle. It is a long haul, but it runs door to door and carries the luggage for you.

Pattaya to Krabi by Transfer

The most direct way to make the trip is a private transfer from your Pattaya hotel to your hotel in Krabi, with no change of vehicle. Book it on GoAsia.cc so your driver is waiting at your Pattaya accommodation. On booking platforms, the trip takes about 12 hours and costs about $331 to $430 per vehicle (October 2026), depending on the class.^[1]

Luxury VIP Van

For larger groups and families with a lot of luggage, the Luxury VIP Van is the best choice. It offers more legroom and plusher seating than a standard van, and it is the most expensive option at about $430 per vehicle. Split between six or seven people it works out as a cost-effective way to travel in style, and the cabin is quiet enough to sleep through the long stretches of highway.^[1]

Luxury SUV and Comfort Car

A couple or small family may prefer a Luxury SUV or Comfort Car, which feel more like a normal car on the road. The Comfort Car is the cheapest private option, starting at about $331 per vehicle. The Luxury SUV costs more and gives you more ride height and a better view of the countryside. With a private vehicle you can ask for restroom, snack or coffee stops at the highway service stations whenever you like.^[1]

Pattaya to Krabi via Bangkok

For a lower price, you can split the trip. Buses from Bangkok's Eastern (Ekkamai) bus terminal serve Pattaya,^[2] and Thai AirAsia, Thai Lion Air, AirAsia and Bangkok Airways fly non-stop from Bangkok to Krabi in around 1 hour 20 minutes.^[3] You have to change between buses, airports and flights, so this option costs you more effort than the transfer.

Comparing Your Options

Tips for Traveling from Pattaya to Krabi

• Strategic Departure: With about 12 hours on the road, leave Pattaya early in the morning to reach Krabi for a late dinner. Or leave in the evening, sleep through the drive and wake up as the sun rises over the southern limestone peaks.
• Water and Snacks: Highway stations such as PTT and Shell are mini-malls with 7-Eleven stores and cafes, but keep a bottle of water and a snack in the car anyway.
• Entertainment: Charge your devices and download films or podcasts. Mobile data can dip in rural stretches between provinces.
• Luggage Space: With surfboards, golf clubs or diving gear, the Luxury VIP Van is the sensible choice. Mention oversized luggage when you book.
• Route Scenery: As you approach Surat Thani and Phang Nga, the road starts to wind past limestone outcrops that signal the Andaman region.