How to Get from Surat Thani to Krabi
Compare private transfers, vans and SUVs from Surat Thani to Krabi, with prices from about $74, travel times and pickup tips.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Contents
Leaving Surat Thani for the limestone cliffs of Krabi takes you from the Gulf side of the peninsula to the Andaman Coast. The route is a staple for travelers who have finished island hopping around Koh Samui or Koh Phangan and now want Krabi's sunsets and emerald water. The drive crosses the heart of southern Thailand, past oil palm plantations and rural villages far from the tourist hotspots.
The journey is fairly short, which makes it a good leg to splurge on a private vehicle that drops you exactly where you need to be: Krabi Town, the beach at Ao Nang or a pier for your next boat. View the options and book your tickets for this route on GoAsia.cc.
Surat Thani to Krabi by Transfer
Private transfers and van services are the most direct way to bridge the gap, with no changes at local bus terminals. On booking platforms, they cost about $74 to $258 per vehicle (October 2026) and take from about 1 hour 55 minutes, up to around 3 hours 50 minutes depending on your pickup point in Surat Thani and your final stop in the Krabi area.[1]
If you would rather take a bus, Seatran Discovery sells bus transfers between Surat Thani and Krabi, with stops including the airport, Krabi Town and Ao Nang.[2]
Private Cars and SUVs
Solo travelers, couples and small families can choose an Economy or Comfort car or a 4-passenger SUV, with privacy and flexibility. The SUV is the better choice with bulky luggage or diving gear, since it offers more trunk space than a sedan.[1]
Vans and VIP Minivans
Larger groups can book a 9- or 10-passenger van or a VIP van with extra legroom. They are the workhorses of Thai tourism, with strong air conditioning and comfortable seats, and the van price splits easily between eight or nine people.[1]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price (USD) | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Car or SUV | $74 - $258[1] | From 1h 55min | High |
| Van (9-10 passengers) | $74 - $258[1] | From 1h 55min | High |
| VIP Van | $74 - $258[1] | From 1h 55min | Luxury |
Tips for Traveling from Surat Thani to Krabi
- Book in Advance: In high season, private drivers and good vans are in demand. Booking a few days ahead gets you the vehicle you want.
- Pick-up Points: Say whether you start at the airport, the train station or a pier. Surat Thani Airport is in Phunphin District, about 27 km from the city centre.[3]
- Water: Carry a bottle of water. Most drivers will stop at a 7-Eleven or a gas station if you need a break.
- Scenic Views: As you approach Krabi, keep your camera ready. The flat country around Surat Thani gives way to the karst mountains that made Krabi famous.
- Arrival Location: Krabi is a large province. Say whether you are going to Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Klong Muang, since the stops lie some distance apart.
Timetable
| Taxi Surat Thani - Krabi $ 73.57โ257.29 1h 55m โ 3h 50m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Surat Thani to Krabi, including current prices and schedules.
A private transfer starts at about $74 per vehicle on booking platforms (October 2026), and splitting a van among a group makes it cheaper per person. Seatran Discovery also sells bus transfers on the route.
A private van or car transfer is the fastest, from about 1 hour 55 minutes, and it runs door to door without the stops of public options.
The journey takes from about 1 hour 55 minutes, up to around 3 hours 50 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the pickup and drop-off points. Traffic around Krabi Town can add a little time.
Yes. Many private transfer services pick up at Surat Thani Airport (URT), which is handy if you fly in from Bangkok and want to go straight to the beaches of Krabi.
Yes, it is generally very safe. Professional transfer companies use experienced drivers who know the local roads, and a reputable booking platform helps you find a licensed operator.
Arrange for your driver to meet you at the train station and give the exact station name when you book, so your pickup is waiting for you.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] 12Go: Surat Thani - Krabi timetable. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] Seatran Discovery: Seatran Discovery: bus and ferry transfers. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
- [3] Grab: Surat Thani International Airport (URT) transfers. Retrieved October 27, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.