Krabi Airport to Ao Nang

Most visitors to Ao Nang fly into Krabi International Airport, which sits on the far side of Krabi Town from the coast. The transfer is short and you have several ways to make it — a fixed-price taxi from the arrivals hall, a shared shuttle bus, a ride-hailing app or a rental car. Here's how each one works, and what to do if your flight lands late.

How Far Is Ao Nang from Krabi Airport?

The airport is east of Krabi Town, while Ao Nang is on the west coast facing the Andaman Sea. By car the trip usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic and exactly where in Ao Nang you're heading. Shared transport takes longer, because it stops to drop off other passengers along the way.

It's a straightforward drive on main roads, and there's no boat involved — unlike Railay Beach, Ao Nang is connected to the rest of Krabi by road.

Option 1: Taxi or Private Transfer

Taxi counters in the arrivals hall

For most travellers this is the simplest choice. Once you've collected your bags, you'll find taxi and transfer counters in the arrivals hall. Tell them where you're going, pay a fixed price for the car rather than per person, and someone will take you out to the vehicle. Fares are set by the operators and change from time to time, so check the current price at the counter before you pay.

A taxi takes you door to door, which helps with children or a lot of luggage, and the cost per person drops when a group shares the car.

Booking a private transfer in advance

If you'd rather not deal with anything after a long flight, book a private transfer before you travel. The driver meets you in arrivals, usually with a sign showing your name, and takes you straight to your hotel. You'll know the price in advance, and it's the most relaxed option for families and late arrivals. Give the transfer company your flight number so the driver can follow any delay.

Option 2: The Airport Shuttle Bus

Shared shuttle buses and minivans run between the airport and Ao Nang, and they're the cheapest way to make the trip if you're travelling light. Tickets are sold at counters inside the terminal. Because the bus stops for other passengers, the journey takes longer than a taxi. Depending on the service, it may drop you at your hotel or at a stop nearby — ask when you buy your ticket.

Shuttles run to a timetable, and that timetable changes with the season. Check the current schedule at the counter or online before you rely on it, and don't count on a bus if your flight lands late in the evening.

Option 3: Ride-Hailing Apps

Grab, Southeast Asia's main ride-hailing app, operates in Krabi, and it's a handy way to see the price before you get into a car. A few tips:

• Set it up before you fly — download the app, add a payment method and make sure your phone will have data when you land, either with a local SIM or an eSIM bought in advance.
• Follow the app's directions to the pick-up point. Airports often have a set place for ride-hailing cars, and it isn't always right outside the door.
• Fares change with demand, so compare the in-app price with the taxi counter. At busy times the counter can work out the same or cheaper.
• Check the number plate against the app before you get in.

Option 4: Renting a Car

Car rental desks in the arrivals hall cover both international and local companies, and a car gives you the freedom to explore inland Krabi — temples, waterfalls and viewpoints — on your own schedule. Thailand drives on the left. Before you travel, check which licence the rental company needs to see (many ask for an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence), and make sure your insurance covers you. If you're arriving by car, message us before you arrive to ask about parking at the hotel.

Once you're in Ao Nang you may not need a car at all. The beach road and the night market are an easy walk from the hotel, and we rent motorbikes by the day — you'll need a valid motorcycle licence and your passport, and a helmet is provided. You'll find the bikes on our tours and rentals page.

Tips for Late Arrivals

• Plan the last leg before you fly. If you land in the evening, the shuttle bus may have stopped running; a pre-booked transfer or the taxi counter are the dependable options.
• Allow for delays. Give your flight number to anyone collecting you, so they can follow the actual landing time rather than the scheduled one.
• Tell us when you'll get here. Check-in at Happy Hotel is from 14:00. If you'll be arriving late at night, send us your expected arrival time on WhatsApp or by phone on +66 94 951 7676, so we know when to expect you. All our details are on the contact page.
• Keep the address handy. Save it on your phone in English: Happy Hotel, 658 Moo.2, T. Ao-Nang, Muang Krabi 81000. A map pin saves time when you show the driver.
• Carry some Thai baht. There are ATMs and currency exchange counters in the terminal, and small notes are useful for snacks, tips and anywhere that doesn't take cards.

Arriving Early Instead?

Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is at 12:00. If your flight lands in the morning, a long lunch on the beach road and a walk along Ao Nang Beach is an easy way to fill the time.

Once You're Here

Most of what visitors come to Ao Nang for is close by. Our island tours to Hong Island and the Phi Phi Islands include hotel transfer, longtail boats run across to Railay Beach, and speedboats connect Ao Nang with Phi Phi, the Koh Yao islands, Koh Lanta and Phuket. For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in Ao Nang — and if you're still choosing your dates, read about the best time to visit Ao Nang.

Frequently Asked Questions