Quick Options Ranked by Reliability

ModeTimeCostComfort
VIP Bus (Minibus 1996)3h340 THB⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Private Taxi (Local Minivan)2h 30m3300 THB⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10)
Minivan (438 Transport)3h+300-550 THB⭐⭐⭐ (6/10)

The VIP bus wins for reliability and price. Runs 21 times daily from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 starting at 06:30. Last departure is 16:50 so don’t miss it.

Cheapest vs Fastest: Which Route Makes Sense?

Solo traveler? Take the VIP bus. No question. 340 THB and you’re done. Couple or family of 3-4? Split a private taxi. At 825 THB per person for four people, you save 90 minutes and avoid the crowded bus terminal chaos.

💡 TIMING HACK: Book the 06:30 bus to dodge Phuket’s morning traffic. Afternoon departures add 45min stuck near Chalong Circle.

Minivans sound convenient but they’re a gamble. Driver waits until all 12 seats fill. Saw one delayed 40 minutes last week because two passengers were late. If you’re on a tight ferry connection to Phi Phi, skip this option.

Bus Schedules & Ticket Prices from Terminal 2

Minibus 1996 operates hourly. First bus leaves at 06:30, last at 16:50. Peak season (Nov-Feb) sells out by 14:00 so book online via 12Go the night before. Walk-up tickets at the terminal cost the same 340 THB but you risk standing room only.

438 Phuket Krabi Transport runs ‘multiple daily’ which means whenever they have enough passengers. First van around 06:40, last around 16:40. Price jumps to 550 THB if they drop you directly at Ao Nang hotels instead of Krabi Bus Terminal.

💡 SCAM ALERT: Guys at Terminal 2 will claim ‘bus is full, take my van for 800 THB.’ Ignore them. Walk inside to the official ticket counter.
a group of boats sitting on top of a sandy beach

How to Book Online: Platform Comparison

Use 12Go for buses and minivans. Shows real-time availability and you can filter by departure time. Klook works too but charges 30 THB more per ticket. For private taxis, compare prices on Kiwitaxi versus local apps like Grab. Kiwitaxi guarantees pickup but Grab is sometimes 500 THB cheaper if you book 2 days ahead.

Payment? Both platforms take Visa/Mastercard. 12Go emails your e-ticket instantly. Show the QR code at the bus counter 15 minutes before departure. Don’t print it, they scan phones.

Traveler Tips: Luggage Rules, Scams & What to Expect

VIP bus allows 20kg per person underneath plus one backpack on your lap. Never seen them weigh bags but don’t bring surfboards. Minivans claim ‘1 medium bag + backpack’ but drivers always complain if your suitcase is bigger than carry-on size. Taxis? Unlimited luggage, just tip 50 THB if you’re hauling four giant bags.

💡 LUGGAGE CHECK: Bus storage compartments lock but drivers open them at rest stops. Keep valuables in your daypack, not checked luggage.

The 3-hour ride is boring. Landscape is flat until you hit the limestone cliffs near Krabi. Bring headphones because Thai pop music plays on loop. Bus stops once at a gas station with overpriced 7-Eleven snacks. Toilet is free but disgusting.

a small boat with people on it in the water

Traffic? Phuket exits are slow from 07:00-09:00 and 16:00-18:00. The highway to Krabi is smooth except near Phang Nga where trucks clog the right lane. Rainy season (May-Oct) adds 30 minutes because drivers slow down on wet roads.

Arrival at Krabi Bus Terminal is anticlimactic. It’s 4km north of Krabi Town. Tuk-tuks to Ao Nang Beach cost 150 THB, songthaews (shared pickups) are 60 THB but leave only when full. If you booked a minivan with ‘Ao Nang transfer’ they drop you at your hotel door.

One more thing. Don’t take the 16:50 bus if you have a 20:00 ferry to Phi Phi. Traffic happens. Mechanical breakdowns happen. Last month a bus blew a tire near Phang Nga and arrived 90 minutes late. Always buffer 3 hours minimum.