ARRIVING AT
KRABILeaving Krabi: transport guide
Krabi · Thailand
Medium riskUpdated June 2026Medium confidence
Krabi Airport is known for taxi scams and a 'taxi cartel' that actively undermines ride-hailing services like Grab.
TL;DR
KBV (Krabi) is the main international airport serving Krabi, Thailand. The recommended way out is Airport Bus (~THB 150-200 (estimated), 25 min to Krabi Town). Pickup is at Outside the arrivals hall, follow signs for public bus.. The most common scam to watch for is "Taxi Cartel Fixed Prices". Fares on the AIRPORT → City Centre route typically run THB 150-200 (bus) / THB 350-450 (Grab) / THB 400-600 (taxi/private transfer); anything above THB 600+ for taxi to Krabi Town / THB 800+ for taxi to Ao Nang is almost certainly a scam. Last updated June 2026.
IF YOU ONLY READ ONE THING
Airport Bus
- Typical fare
- THB 150-200 (estimated)
- Journey time
- 25 min to Krabi Town
- Pickup
- Outside the arrivals hall, follow signs for public bus.
WARNING · Ensure the bus is going to your specific destination (Krabi Town or Ao Nang) as prices vary.
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Compare your options at a glance
| Option | Cost | Wait | Payment | Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Airport Bus | THB 150-200 | Runs frequently (06:00-00:00) | 💵Cash | |
Grab (Ride-hailing app) | THB 350-450 | 5-15 min | 📱App | |
Airport Taxi | THB 400-600 | 0-10 min | 💳Card / Cash | — |
Private Transfer (Pre-booked) | US$ 25.15 (approx. THB 900) | Pre-arranged | 💳Card | — |
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Your first 30 minutes
- 1Connect to airport WiFi
- 2Download Grab app
- 3Exchange small cash
- 4Locate bus stands
- 5Avoid aggressive touts
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Airport exit score
AIRPORT EXIT SCORE
65/ 100
- Scam risk30
- Public transport70
- Ride-hailing60
- Signage clarity80
- Payment convenience70
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Fare reality check
AIRPORT → City Centre
- THB 150-200 (bus) / THB 350-450 (Grab) / THB 400-600 (taxi/private transfer)ExpectedWhat locals actually pay
- Above THB 500 for a taxi to Krabi Town, or above THB 800 for Ao Nang.ConcerningQuestion this — ask for the meter
- THB 600+ for taxi to Krabi Town / THB 800+ for taxi to Ao NangProbably being scammedWalk away. Find another ride.
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Best ways out, ranked
- 1
Airport Bus
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- THB 150-200
- Journey
- 25 min to Krabi Town
- Wait
- Runs frequently (06:00-00:00)
- Payment
- 💵 Cash
Pros- Cheapest option
- Direct to Krabi Town
Cons- May not go directly to your hotel
- Not 24/7
- 2
Grab (Ride-hailing app)
RECOMMENDED- Cost
- THB 350-450
- Journey
- 20 min to Krabi Town
- Wait
- 5-15 min
- Payment
- 📱 App
Pros- Fixed fares upfront
- Convenient door-to-door service
- Avoids language barrier with GrabChat
Cons- Local taxi 'mafia' may target Grab drivers
- Driver might ask for cash payment to avoid commission
- 3
Airport Taxi
- Cost
- THB 400-600
- Journey
- 20 min to Krabi Town
- Wait
- 0-10 min
- Payment
- 💳 Card / Cash
Pros- Door-to-door service
- Available 24/7
Cons- Higher risk of overcharging/scams
- Negotiation might be required or fixed-price from counter is often inflated
- 4
Private Transfer (Pre-booked)
- Cost
- US$ 25.15 (approx. THB 900)
- Journey
- 20 min
- Wait
- Pre-arranged
- Payment
- 💳 Card
Pros- Hassle-free, driver waiting
- Good for groups or specific needs
Cons- Most expensive option
- Less flexible if plans change
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Paying without surprises
- Always clarify the total fare before starting any journey.
- Carry small denominations of THB cash for buses and local taxis.
- Be cautious if a Grab driver asks to cancel the app ride and pay cash.
- Credit card payments might be subject to surcharges or not accepted by all taxis.
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Common scams
Taxi Cartel Fixed Prices
High riskTaxi stands or individual drivers quoting exorbitant fixed prices, much higher than metered or Grab fares.
HOW TO AVOID · Use Grab to check realistic prices; opt for the airport bus if available.
Grab Cash Request
Medium riskA Grab driver asks you to cancel the app-booked ride and pay them directly in cash, often for a higher fare.
HOW TO AVOID · Refuse and insist on paying through the app; if the driver insists, cancel and rebook.
Airport Touts
High riskAggressive individuals approaching you upon arrival offering 'special' taxi deals that are overpriced.
HOW TO AVOID · Ignore them and proceed directly to official transport desks or bus signs.
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What locals & travellers say
KBV·Krabi
“There is now a pickup point at Arrivals Gate 17 for ride-hailing apps, walk straight on a bit.”
Redditr/ThailandTourismChecked Oct 2023confirmed
01 / 03
- "There is now a pickup point at Arrivals Gate 17 for ride-hailing apps, walk straight on a bit." — r/ThailandTourism
- "Local taxi mafia dislikes Grab; if using Grab, try to sit in front and pretend the driver is a friend to avoid issues with other taxi drivers." — r/ThailandTourism
- "For the bus, verify the destination (Krabi Town or Ao Nang) and the correct fare before boarding." — Welcome Pickups
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Arrival checklist
- Download Grab
- Cash ready
- Know your fare
- Avoid touts
✉︎
Take it with you
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KBV arrival FAQs
- What is the safest way to leave Krabi?
- Airport Bus. Ensure the bus is going to your specific destination (Krabi Town or Ao Nang) as prices vary..
- Are taxis at KBV safe?
- Official taxis from the marked rank are generally fine, but watch for: taxi cartel fixed prices — Taxi stands or individual drivers quoting exorbitant fixed prices, much higher than metered or Grab fares. Use Grab to check realistic prices; opt for the airport bus if available.
- Is ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt, Grab or similar) available at KBV?
- Yes — Grab (Ride-hailing app) works at KBV. Typical cost THB 350-450, journey ~20 min to Krabi Town. Use the in-app pickup point rather than the arrivals curb.
- How much should a taxi from KBV to the city centre cost?
- Expected fare on the AIRPORT → City Centre route is roughly THB 150-200 (bus) / THB 350-450 (Grab) / THB 400-600 (taxi/private transfer). Anything around Above THB 500 for a taxi to Krabi Town, or above THB 800 for Ao Nang. is high — THB 600+ for taxi to Krabi Town / THB 800+ for taxi to Ao Nang is a scam. Fares vary with traffic, time of day and taxi type, so confirm before you get in.
- Do I need cash for a taxi at KBV?
- Carry small local notes — Airport Bus expects cash. A backup card with no FX fees helps if a driver claims the terminal is broken.
- Where is the official taxi pickup at Krabi?
- Outside the arrivals hall, follow signs for public bus.. If you can't see a marked rank with a dispatcher or queue, walk back inside and ask at the information desk — never take an offer from someone roaming arrivals.
- Is KBV safe to arrive at late at night?
- KBV is generally manageable at night if you stick to the official taxi rank or pre-book a transfer. Avoid empty bus stops and outdoor pickup zones, and confirm your ride is moving before sharing personal details.
- What scams should I watch for at KBV?
- The most reported at KBV: Taxi Cartel Fixed Prices; Grab Cash Request; Airport Touts. See the scams section above for how each one works and how to avoid it.
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