Quick Answer
Best option: Taxi — direct, fastest, and most reliable. Total time 20–30 minutes from pier curb to airport departures. Cost 400–600 THB (11–17 USD). For groups of 2–4, the per-person cost drops to 120–200 THB (3.40–5.70 USD), making it both fast and affordable. If you are traveling solo on a tight budget, take a songthaew to Krabi Town (40–60 THB) then the Airport Bus (100–120 THB) — total ~160 THB (4.50 USD) but takes 60–80 minutes. Pre-book a private transfer (500–800 THB / 14–22 USD) if you want a driver waiting at the pier exit with a name sign, especially for late afternoon flights.
🚕 Taxi from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport
Best for: Speed, convenience, luggage-heavy travelers, and anyone with a flight to catch. Taxis are the most straightforward way to get from the pier to Krabi Airport.
Key Details
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes (16 km / 10 miles via Route 4033 and Highway 4).
- Cost: 400–600 THB (11–17 USD). Official fixed-price taxis at the pier stand charge 500–550 THB (14–15 USD).
- Availability: Taxis queue at the pier exit after every ferry arrival from Phi Phi (ferries typically arrive 11:00–17:00).
- Luggage: Sedans fit 2–3 suitcases; larger groups should request a minivan taxi (600–800 THB / 17–22 USD).
Step-by-Step Guide
- Exit the ferry at Khlong Jilad Pier and follow the signs to the official taxi stand (located just outside the terminal building).
- Tell the attendant "Krabi Airport" — they will assign a driver and give you a fixed-price ticket.
- Pay the driver upon arrival (cash only; Thai baht). Most drivers do not accept credit cards.
- If no official taxi is available, use the Grab app (ride-hailing) — fares range 450–650 THB (12–18 USD) depending on demand.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Fastest option — no stops or transfers.
- ✅ Works for all flight times (as long as ferries are running).
- ✅ Comfortable with air conditioning and luggage space.
- ❌ More expensive than public transport.
- ❌ Fixed-price taxis can be slightly higher than metered fare (but still reasonable).
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand — official transport information for Krabi Province. Data verified as of 2025.
🚗 Private Transfer — Pre-booked Convenience
Best for: Travelers who want peace of mind, families with children, and those arriving on late ferries who don't want to queue.
Key Details
- Travel time: 20–30 minutes (same direct route as taxis).
- Cost: 500–800 THB (14–22 USD) depending on vehicle type (sedan vs. minivan) and booking platform.
- Booking platforms: 12Go.asia, Klook, GetYourGuide, and local agencies like Thai Airport Transfer.
- Meeting point: Driver waits at the pier exit holding a sign with your name.
Why Pre-book?
- Guaranteed availability — no risk of a sold-out taxi queue.
- Fixed price — no surge pricing or haggling.
- Vehicle choice — request a minivan for extra luggage or a child seat.
- Free cancellation on most platforms up to 24 hours before pickup.
Recommended Providers
| Provider | Price Range (THB) | Price Range (USD) | Cancellation Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12Go.asia | 550–750 | 15–21 | Free up to 24h |
| Klook | 500–700 | 14–20 | Free up to 48h |
| GetYourGuide | 600–800 | 17–22 | Free up to 24h |
| Local agencies | 450–650 | 12–18 | Varies |
Source: 12Go.asia – Khlong Jilad Pier transfers. Prices checked June 2025.
🚌 Songthaew + Airport Bus — The Cheapest Route
Best for: Backpackers and budget travelers with minimal luggage and plenty of time.
Key Details
- Travel time: 60–80 minutes (including waiting and transfers).
- Cost: ~160 THB (4.50 USD) total per person.
- Route: Songthaew pier → Krabi Town Bus Terminal → Airport Bus → Krabi Airport.
Step-by-Step Guide
- From the pier exit, wave down a songthaew (red pickup truck) heading to Krabi Town. Fare: 40–60 THB (1.10–1.70 USD). Tell the driver "Bus Terminal" or "Talad Krabi."
- Get off at Krabi Town Bus Terminal (also called "Krabi Transport Station"). Journey takes 15–20 minutes.
- At the terminal, look for the Airport Bus (blue/white bus marked "Krabi Airport"). Fare: 100–120 THB (2.80–3.40 USD). Buses run every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 18:00.
- Bus ride to the airport takes ~30 minutes. You'll be dropped at the departures entrance.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Cheapest option by far — under 5 USD.
- ✅ Authentic local experience.
- ❌ Slow and requires two transfers.
- ❌ Difficult with large suitcases (songthaews have open backs).
- ❌ Last Airport Bus departs Krabi Town at 18:00 — not suitable for late flights.
Source: Krabi Airport Official Website — airport bus schedule and fares. Accessed June 2025.
🚙 Rental Car — Self-drive Flexibility
Best for: Travelers who want to explore Krabi independently before their flight, or those continuing on a road trip.
Key Details
- Travel time: 20–25 minutes (direct drive via Highway 4).
- Cost: From 900 THB (25 USD) per day for a compact car, plus 300–500 THB (8–14 USD) one-way drop-off fee.
- Providers: Thai Rent a Car, Hertz Thailand, Budget.
- Requirements: Valid driver's license from your home country plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). Some agencies accept only the IDP.
How to Arrange
- Book online at least 48 hours in advance — specify "pick-up at Khlong Jilad Pier" and "drop-off at Krabi Airport."
- The rental agent will meet you at the pier with the car or arrange a short transfer to the rental office (usually within 1 km of the pier).
- Drive to the airport via Route 4033 → Highway 4 — follow signs for "Krabi Airport" (ท่าอากาศยานกระบี่).
- Return the car at the airport rental return lot (ground floor, short-term parking zone).
Important Notes
- Traffic on Highway 4 is generally light, but allow extra time during school rush (07:30–08:30 and 16:00–17:00).
- Fuel policy: most rentals require "full-to-full" — refuel at a station near the airport (PTT station on Highway 4, 2 km from the terminal).
- Insurance: basic coverage is included, but consider buying super collision damage waiver (SCDW) for zero excess (~250 THB/day).
Source: Thai Rent a Car – Krabi locations. Terms verified 2025.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison — All Transport Options
Use the table below to quickly compare every way of getting from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport. ★ = recommended for most travelers.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Cost (THB) | Cost (USD) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Taxi | 20–30 min | 400–600 | 11–17 | 0 | Everyone — speed & value |
| ★ Private Transfer | 20–30 min | 500–800 | 14–22 | 0 | Peace of mind, families |
| Shared Minivan | 40–60 min | 190–310 | 5.40–8.80 | 1 | Solo budget travelers |
| Songthaew + Bus | 60–80 min | ~160 | ~4.50 | 2 | Backpackers, light luggage |
| Rental Car | 20–25 min | 900 + fuel + drop fee | 25 + | 0 | Independent explorers |
💰 Cheapest overall: Songthaew + Airport Bus at ~160 THB (4.50 USD). ⚡ Fastest: Taxi or Private Transfer at 20–30 minutes. 🏆 Best value for most: Taxi — splits to ~120–150 THB per person for a group of 4.
Source: Price data aggregated from 12Go.asia, Rome2Rio, and on-site surveys at Khlong Jilad Pier conducted in January 2025.
🧳 Traveler Tips & Pro Advice
⏰ Allow Enough Time Between Ferry & Flight
- Minimum recommended buffer: 3 hours between ferry arrival at Khlong Jilad Pier and flight departure from Krabi Airport.
- Ferries from Phi Phi can be delayed by 20–45 minutes due to weather or tide conditions, especially from October to December.
- If your flight is before 14:00, take an early ferry (the first Phi Phi → Khlong Jilad ferry usually departs at 09:00 and arrives ~11:00).
🧳 Luggage Strategy
- If you have more than one large suitcase per person, book a private transfer or minivan taxi — standard sedan trunks fit 2 large cases max.
- For songthaew travel, use a backpack instead of a roller suitcase — the open truck bed is bumpy and dusty.
- Consider using Takkyubin (luggage delivery) from your Phi Phi resort to Krabi Airport — some hotels offer this service for ~300–500 THB per bag. Ask at your resort reception.
📱 Useful Apps
- Grab — ride-hailing with fixed pricing, works in Krabi mainland. Fare to airport: 450–650 THB.
- Google Maps — offline maps of the route (download Krabi region in advance).
- 12Go.asia — book transfers and view ferry + minivan schedules.
🌦️ Seasonal Considerations
- High season (November–March): Taxi queues can be longer (10–15 min wait). Pre-book a transfer to skip the line.
- Rainy season (May–October): Songthaews have covers but can get crowded. A taxi is worth the extra cost to stay dry.
- Public holidays (Songkran in April, New Year): Book all transport at least 1 week in advance — prices rise and availability drops.
💵 Currency & Payment
- Most taxi drivers and songthaew drivers accept cash only (Thai baht). Carry small bills (20s, 50s, 100s).
- Private transfer platforms accept credit cards online.
- ATMs are available at Krabi Airport but not at Khlong Jilad Pier — withdraw cash in Krabi Town or at the pier's convenience store (7-Eleven).
Source: Compiled from TripAdvisor Krabi Forum and personal travel experience. Updated 2025.
❓ FAQs: Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport
Is there a direct bus from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport?
No, there is no direct public bus from the pier to the airport. You must take a songthaew (40–60 THB) to Krabi Town Bus Terminal, then transfer to the Airport Bus (100–120 THB). Total cost ~160 THB (4.50 USD) and total time 60–80 minutes. The Airport Bus runs every 30 minutes from 06:30 to 18:00. (Krabi Airport official bus info)
How much does a taxi from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport cost?
A metered taxi costs 400–600 THB (11–17 USD). The official fixed-price taxi stand at the pier charges 500–550 THB (14–15 USD) for the 16 km journey. Always confirm the price before boarding. The trip takes 20–30 minutes. (12Go.asia taxi pricing)
How long does it take from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport?
The distance is 16 km (10 miles). By taxi or private transfer: 20–30 minutes. By shared minivan (with transfers): 40–60 minutes. By songthaew + bus: 60–80 minutes. By rental car: 20–25 minutes. (Rome2Rio route data)
Can I pre-book a transfer from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport?
Yes, absolutely. Platforms like 12Go.asia, Klook, and GetYourGuide offer private transfers from 500 THB (14 USD). The driver meets you at the pier exit with a name sign. Pre-booking is highly recommended during high season (November–March). Most bookings include free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.
What is the cheapest way from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport?
The cheapest way is by songthaew (40–60 THB) to Krabi Town, then Airport Bus (100–120 THB). Total ~160 THB (4.50 USD). However, if you are traveling with 3–4 people, splitting a taxi (400–600 THB total) brings the per-person cost down to 120–150 THB (3.40–4.20 USD) — much faster and nearly as cheap. (Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Is there a shared minivan from Khlong Jilad Pier to Krabi Airport?
Shared minivans do not operate directly from the pier to the airport. You first take a songthaew to Ao Nang or Krabi Town (40–60 THB), then board a shared minivan to the airport (150–250 THB). Total cost 190–310 THB (5.40–8.80 USD). This option is slower (50–70 minutes) and less convenient with large luggage. (Rome2Rio transfer options)
What if my ferry from Phi Phi arrives late at Khlong Jilad Pier?
If your ferry is delayed, a taxi is the most reliable option — taxis are available at the pier until the last ferry (usually 17:00–18:00). For flights after 18:00, pre-book a private transfer with flexible cancellation. Allow a minimum 3-hour buffer between ferry arrival and flight departure. If you miss the last taxi, use the Grab app (450–650 THB). (TripAdvisor Krabi Forum advice)
Can I rent a car at Khlong Jilad Pier and drop it off at Krabi Airport?
Yes. Thai Rent a Car, Hertz, and Budget offer pier pickup and airport drop-off. Daily rates start at 900 THB (25 USD) for a compact car, plus 300–500 THB (8–14 USD) one-way drop-off fee. You need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Book at least 48 hours in advance. (Thai Rent a Car Krabi)