Krabi Airport: description with map, how to get to and from the airport

Krabi Airport (Krabi International Airport (KBV)).
It was opened in July 1999. Construction of the modern terminal took place from 2003 to 2005, and in 2006 the airport received international status. The new building accommodates up to 1,200 passengers: 600 arrivals and 600 departures. The runway is 3 km long.

It is located only 7 km northeast of Krabi town and 30 km from the local tourist hub – Ao Nang. It is not large, but well-equipped and fully meets modern expectations for passenger comfort while waiting for departure. Of course, there are no luxury boutiques and duty-free shops, colossal statues, or fancy flower beds like in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, but it cannot be called small or outdated either.
Krabi Airport on the map:

Krabi Airport Layout

The building consists of four floors and is shaped like a small airplane with short wings. There are two terminals: the first handles international flights and charters, the second handles domestic flights. Both occupy four floors.

On the 1st floor, you can collect your baggage. You can also rent a car, order a taxi, buy a bus ticket, book a hotel, or get information at the help desk. There is also a medical station, ATMs, currency exchange points, small shops, and several cafés.

For the convenience of mothers with small children, there is a mother-and-child room. There are shops selling cosmetics, clothing, and printed materials. If you are flying home, you can purchase “unfinished” souvenirs and photo albums with beautiful images of the province. There is also a luggage storage room.

Attention! Purchases can only be paid for in cash and in local currency.

On the 2nd floor, there are arrival halls for international flights (right) and domestic flights (left), as well as passport control.

Along with the new developments, passenger processing has been streamlined. All travellers now enter via Terminal 1. Those with checked baggage check in at Zone A or B on the third floor, while self-service kiosks are available for passengers without checked baggage. International passengers depart through Gates 1–7; domestic passengers use Gates 8–14.

On the 3rd floor, there are check-in areas, border control, and customs inspection, as well as waiting lounges: international flights on the right and domestic flights on the left. There is an office where tourists can get necessary information.

4th floor is divided into a VIP passenger area, airline offices, and technical rooms. There are also several restaurants here.

Krabi Airport has a duty-free shop.

At Krabi Airport duty-free, you can buy non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks, cosmetics, dried fruits, tea, candies, leather goods, and some other products. For example, a bottle of Chivas Regal costs 1,500 baht, and L’Oréal cream – 800 baht. At the end of the shopping area, there is a smoking room.
Airport overview:

After passing passport control, you can get a VAT refund if your purchase exceeds 2,000 baht. Look for the counter labeled VAT Refund for Tourists.

Krabi Airport Online Flight Board

Airlines and Flights Details

Getting to the eternal tropical summer is easy: planes from many companies fly here daily from all over the world and different regions of Thailand. Here is a list of countries from which you can reach Krabi directly:

• China,
• Malaysia,
• Singapore,
• Finland,
• Qatar.

Although there are no direct regular flights from Russia, it is easy to find a convenient option. Cities with one-stop flights to Krabi:

• Moscow,
• Saint Petersburg,
• Novosibirsk,
• Vladivostok.

So you can make this southern Thai city on the Andaman Sea the starting point of your trip around the “Land of Smiles” – the journey won’t be too long or tiring. Note that the flight schedule changes depending on the season, and charters from different countries, including Russia, also operate here.

Most domestic flights are operated by local carriers:

1. Bangkok Airways, the main carrier in this region,
2. Thai Airways and its subsidiary Thai Smile,
3. Thai Lion Air and Nok Air – low-cost airlines.

Direct domestic flights to Krabi are available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui.

Foreign airlines with a smaller share of direct flights:

1. AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur,
2. Qatar Airways from Doha,
3. Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways from Singapore,
4. Finnair from Helsinki,
5. China Eastern Airlines from Guangzhou,
6. Shanghai Airlines from Shanghai.

As mentioned, there are no direct flights from Russian cities to Krabi. The following information will be useful if you plan to transfer in Bangkok. It may be more convenient and cost-effective to buy two separate tickets: one to Bangkok and one from Bangkok to Krabi.

Almost all low-cost carriers flying to Bangkok land at Don Mueang. Keep this in mind, as the distance to Suvarnabhumi is 50 km. It’s easy to get there: there are many options, including a free shuttle every 1.5 hours from 5 am to midnight, but the trip takes some time. Sometimes a single ticket also requires changing airports during a connection.

The Best Way to Get to Krabi

Krabi Province is one of the most attractive for beach holiday lovers. It has the best beaches in the country, incredibly beautiful landscapes, and amazing underwater sights. You can reach the desired resort by land or air. The cheapest and longest way is by bus, while there are currently no trains.

However, the province’s tourist infrastructure is actively developing, and the most convincing proof is the thorough modernization of the airport, which now even handles international flights. Moreover, the most convenient, fastest, and popular option is, of course, by plane.

Traveling from Bangkok to Krabi by bus, you will cover over 850 km and spend more than twelve hours on the road – every minute counts. By air, it takes less than an hour, as the direct distance to Bangkok is slightly over 650 km. Ticket prices start from 650 baht (about $20). A taxi from Krabi Airport to a hotel – depending on its location – may cost the same or more.

How to Get to Your Hotel from the Airport

Tourism is very important for Krabi Province, so travelers are offered all possible options to quickly reach their room, wash off the road dust, and take a short nap. If you plan your trip carefully and calculate every step in advance, you can easily book a taxi on an agency website. The simplest ways are:

• By taxi. Ordering it at the airport upon arrival is the simplest but most expensive option.
• By rental car. If you plan to drive immediately after the flight, there will be no problem renting a car.
• Using a transfer service if the room is booked in advance. Almost any hotel will gladly send a car if you notify the administration or host a couple of days before arrival.

Hotels near the airport exist, but only one is within walking distance: Joy Bungalow Nuea Khlong.

How to Get to Ao Nang and Krabi Town

By Bus or Minibus

The main advantage is low cost. Routes: bus station – 80 baht (about $2.5), city center – 90 baht (less than $3), and Ao Nang – 150 baht (about $4.5). Luggage transport is included.

There is no strict timetable. Buses “follow” arriving flights and depart as they fill up. Travel time depends on traffic. Ao Nang can be reached in about an hour. Tickets are sold in the airport building; to the left of the exit, you’ll see “Shuttle bus”. Buses are small, white, with “airport” written in English. Seats are sufficient, no need to stand.

Again, it is better to book the hotel in advance. There is no fixed route with stops. Passengers tell the attendant their hotel names, and the bus stops at each one. This significantly increases travel time. Buses do not operate past Ao Nang, not even at night.

By Songthaew (pickup shuttle)

You need to catch it on the road: exit the terminal and cross the parking lot (about 300 m). The fare to the city starts from 50 baht (about $1.5).

By Taxi
The only option if you plan to stay near Klong Muang or Tubkaek beaches.

You can order a taxi in several ways.

Taxi (Transfer) from the Airport to the Hotel

As mentioned, tourism is very important for the city, and all transportation options prove it. Yes, reaching the desired point is easy.

Online via an agency website in advance

Booking a taxi online in advance has two advantages: it can be cheaper than at the hotel, and the driver will know exactly where to go. I recommend Kiwi Taxi; they allow advance booking and online payment.

At the airport upon arrival

On the first floor, there is also a taxi counter. Prices are fixed. Pay, take a ticket, go outside, and choose a licensed taxi. The ride to Krabi Town costs 350 baht (just over $10), to Ao Nang – 600 baht (about $18). For groups of six or more, you can book a minivan – 600 and 1,050 baht ($32) respectively.

By rental car

There are four rental companies at Krabi Airport: Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thai Rent A Car. You can rent a car in advance online or directly at the airport. Prices start from 700 baht per day (about $22).

By private transfer from your hotel

Most resorts offer this service. The main advantage is that the driver will meet you in the hall, carry your luggage, and take you directly to the hotel.

Useful Numbers and Information

• Airport phone: +66 75 628 000
• Airport website: krabiairportonline.com
• Tourist information: 1672 (free in Thailand)