17/09/2019
Krabi International Airport (KBV) serves as a bustling gateway to some of Thailand’s most mesmerising southern islands, drawing travellers from across the globe eager to explore the Andaman Sea. For many, the ultimate destination is the breathtaking Ko Phi-Phi archipelago, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. To embark on this idyllic island adventure, your journey will invariably lead you through Klong Jilad Pier, the primary departure point for ferries to Ko Phi-Phi. Understanding how to seamlessly navigate from Krabi Airport to this crucial pier is key to a smooth and enjoyable start to your Thai escape.
Klong Jilad Pier is strategically located in Krabi Town, making it easily accessible from the airport. The Phi Phi Islands themselves are a collection of stunning natural wonders, with Ko Phi-Phi Don being the largest and most developed, offering a range of hotel resorts such as the Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Island. To its south lies Ko Phi-Phi Leh, an uninhabited jewel, famously featured in the book and film 'The Beach' with its iconic Maya Bay. While some areas of Ko Phi-Phi Leh have faced accessibility changes due to conservation efforts, the allure of these islands remains undiminished. Ferries departing from Klong Jilad Pier typically take around 90 minutes to reach Ko Phi-Phi, with a one-way ticket costing approximately 500 Thai Baht. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering stunning views as you glide across the Andaman Sea.
Getting from Krabi Airport to Klong Jilad Pier effectively means getting to Krabi Town, as the pier is an integral part of the town's transport infrastructure. The airport is conveniently located just about 11.5 kilometres (7 miles) east of Krabi Town, a journey that typically takes around 20 minutes by direct road. Despite the short distance, travellers are presented with a surprising array of transportation options, each offering different levels of convenience, affordability, and travel time.
The Krabi Airport Shuttle Bus: The Budget-Friendly Choice
For those mindful of their budget, the Krabi Airport Shuttle Bus stands out as an excellent and highly recommended option. Operating in sync with flight arrivals, these buses are readily available just outside the terminal, ensuring you won't have to wait long after collecting your luggage. The fare is remarkably affordable, usually around 100 Thai Baht for the journey into Krabi Town. What makes this service particularly appealing is its unique 'door-to-door' policy. You can inform the driver of your hotel or desired drop-off point in Krabi Town, and they will endeavour to drop you as close as possible, or even directly at your accommodation. This is incredibly convenient, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. Tickets can be purchased directly from any counter in the arrivals hall, eliminating the need for advance booking.
However, it's important to be aware of a couple of potential drawbacks. Firstly, while the service is efficient, the journey time can be extended. Since the driver makes multiple stops to drop off other passengers, your ride might be longer depending on your destination's order on the route. Secondly, buses often wait until they have a sufficient number of passengers before departing. This means you might buy your ticket, board the air-conditioned bus, and then spend some time waiting before the journey truly begins. Despite these minor inconveniences, the shuttle bus remains a fantastic blend of affordability and ease for reaching Krabi Town, and subsequently, Klong Jilad Pier.
Taxis: Speed and Comfort for a Seamless Transfer
If speed and directness are your top priorities, taking a taxi from Krabi Airport is undoubtedly the most efficient way to reach Klong Jilad Pier. While more expensive than the shuttle bus, the increased flexibility and reduced travel time often justify the cost, particularly for groups or those with tight schedules.
You have two main taxi options. The first is to book a private taxi service online in advance through platforms like 12Go. Companies such as Andaman Taxis, BangkokTaxi24, and Call Me Taxi offer pre-booked services, ensuring a driver is waiting for you upon arrival. This provides peace of mind and eliminates any on-the-spot negotiation or waiting. The cost, when split among a few passengers, can become surprisingly competitive with other options. Andaman Taxis, for instance, offers both standard cars and larger vans, catering to different group sizes and luggage needs.
Alternatively, you can opt for a local taxi directly outside the terminal. It's crucial to note that fares for these taxis are fixed and require pre-payment. You'll purchase a coupon from one of the designated counters inside the terminal, which you then hand to your driver. This system ensures fair pricing and prevents overcharging. The cost is generally comparable to pre-booked private taxis, making it a reliable choice if you prefer to arrange transport upon arrival. A taxi ride from Krabi Airport directly to Krabi Town (and thus close to Klong Jilad Pier) typically costs around 500 Thai Baht and takes roughly 20 minutes.
Minivans: A Shared Mid-Range Option
For a cost that sits somewhere between the shuttle bus and a private taxi, minivans offer another shared transport solution from Krabi Airport. These 14-passenger vans can also be booked online via platforms like 12Go, providing a comfortable, air-conditioned ride.
However, the primary limitation with minivans is their infrequent departure schedule. There are typically only two departures per day from the airport, usually at 11:00 am and 2:30 pm. This means they might not align perfectly with your flight arrival time, requiring a potentially long wait. Furthermore, these minivans generally travel direct to the Krabi Bus Terminal, taking about 20 minutes. From the bus terminal, you would then need to arrange further local transport (like a short taxi or songthaew ride) to reach Klong Jilad Pier, adding an extra step to your journey. This option is best suited for those with flexible schedules or who are planning to connect to another bus service from the terminal.
Songthaews: The Adventurous (and Frugal) Route
While less common for airport transfers due to the abundance of other convenient options, songthaews (converted pickup trucks with two rows of seats) represent the most local experience and potentially the cheapest way to get into Krabi Town. This option is generally considered a last resort or for travellers truly seeking an authentic, budget-conscious adventure.
To catch a songthaew, you'll need to walk out of the airport terminal and onto the main road. Here, you can flag down a passing songthaew heading towards Krabi Town. The fare is negotiable, so your final cost will depend on your bargaining skills. While this method can save you money, it won't necessarily save you time due to the walk from the terminal and the potential for multiple stops. It involves a bit of hassle and is not recommended if you have heavy luggage or are looking for a straightforward, comfortable transfer.
Comparative Overview of Krabi Airport to Klong Jilad Pier Transfers
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick comparison of the most popular transport options from Krabi Airport towards Klong Jilad Pier:
| Transport Type | Cost (Approx.) | Journey Time (KBV to Krabi Town) | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Bus | 100 THB | 30-60+ mins | Door-to-door service within Krabi Town, Air-conditioned, no pre-booking needed. | Budget travellers, solo travellers, those not in a rush. |
| Taxi (Private/Local) | 500 THB | ~20 mins | Direct, comfortable, fast, can be pre-booked online or on-arrival (fixed fare). | Speed, comfort, groups/families, those with heavy luggage. |
| Minivan (Shared) | Mid-range (e.g., 150-200 THB) | ~20 mins (to Bus Terminal) | Air-conditioned, shared cost, limited daily departures, drops at Bus Terminal. | Budget-conscious with flexible timing, connecting to other bus routes. |
| Songthaew | Negotiable (cheapest) | Varies (can be long) | Local experience, requires walking out of airport, negotiation involved. | Extreme budget travellers, adventurous spirits, light luggage. |
Beyond Phi Phi: Krabi Airport's Other Island Connections
While Ko Phi-Phi is a prime destination, Krabi Airport also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea. For example, the island of Ko Lanta is another incredibly popular choice, known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning beaches. Getting to Ko Lanta from Krabi Airport often involves a combination of shuttle bus and ferry.
Minivans or shuttle buses from Krabi Airport can take you to Hua Hin Pier, a journey of about 60 minutes. From there, a ferry will transport you to Ko Lanta. The ferry crossing itself is quite quick, around 20 minutes, and during this time, you can often stay in the minibus or step out to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery. Upon docking, it takes another 20 minutes to reach accommodations in the north of Ko Lanta, or about 50 minutes to the island's southern parts. This entire journey to Ko Lanta is also very affordable, with average ticket prices around 350-400 Thai Baht per person, including the ferry. This highlights Krabi Airport's versatility as a hub for island hopping.
Important Tips for Your Journey
- Consider Pre-booking: Especially for taxis, pre-booking online can save you time and ensure a vehicle is ready upon your arrival, removing any potential stress or waiting.
- Luggage: While all options accommodate luggage, taxis offer the most space and ease, particularly if you have multiple large bags.
- Time of Arrival: If your flight arrives very late at night or very early in the morning, taxi services might be the most reliable option, as shuttle and minivan frequencies can decrease.
- Local Currency: Ensure you have Thai Baht (THB) for immediate expenses like shuttle tickets or taxi coupons, though many online booking services allow card payments.
- Connectivity: Remember that Klong Jilad Pier is located in Krabi Town. Therefore, any transport option that gets you efficiently to Krabi Town will also get you to the pier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a taxi from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang?
A taxi ride from Krabi Airport to Ao Nang typically costs around 700 Thai Baht.
How much is a taxi from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town?
The taxi ride from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town is a quick and easy transfer, costing around 500 Thai Baht.
How much is a taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nang Beach?
You can expect to pay around 550 Thai Baht for a taxi from Krabi Town to Ao Nang Beach.
How do you get from Krabi Airport to Krabi Bus Station?
Krabi Airport Shuttle buses can take you directly from Krabi Airport to Krabi Bus Station, with ticket prices starting at 100 Thai Baht. Be aware that journey times can be quite extended due to multiple stops.
How long is the Taxi ride from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town?
The taxi ride from Krabi Airport to Krabi Town is very quick, usually taking only about 20 minutes. Prices start at 500 Thai Baht.
How much does it cost to travel from Klong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport (reverse journey)?
If you're travelling in the reverse direction, from Klong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport, a taxi will be the most expensive option, costing approximately 50.42 EUR. A shared van would be much more affordable, costing as low as 5.31 EUR.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey from Krabi Airport to the enchanting Ko Phi-Phi Islands via Klong Jilad Pier is an exciting part of your Thai adventure. Whether you prioritise affordability, speed, or the convenience of a door-to-door service, Krabi offers a range of reliable transport options. The Airport Shuttle Bus provides excellent value, while taxis offer unparalleled speed and comfort. By understanding these choices and planning slightly ahead, you can ensure a seamless and stress-free transfer, leaving you more time to soak in the beauty of Thailand's southern paradise. Bon voyage!
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