How to Get from Phuket to Railay Beach
You’ve visited Phuket, and now it’s time to plan your trip from Phuket to Railay Beach in Krabi. Or you’re researching everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Southern Thailand.
This complete transportation guide tells you everything you need to know about getting to Railay Beach from Phuket. As well as a few tips you should know so your trip to Railay Beach from Phuket goes smoothly!
Getting from Phuket to Railay Beach: 3 Different Ways
There are three different ways you can get to Railay Beach from Phuket. Depending on your preference, you may prefer one transportation method over the other.
I’ve only taken two of these methods: the ferry and the minibus van; I’ve never driven from Phuket to Railay. But next time I visit Phuket and make this trip again, I plan to rent a car and drive to Railay!
Something important you should know is Railay Beach is not accessible by land. You must take a boat to get to Railay Beach.
While Railay Beach is connected to mainland Krabi and is NOT an island, you must still take a boat to get there due to nature dividing Railay.
The only direct transportation to Railay Beach from Phuket is by Ferry. The other two methods will involve boarding a longtail taxi from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket to Railay Beach?
The cheapest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket is by MiniBus van and longtail boat taxi, which will cost you around $18 US.
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket to Railay Beach?
The fastest way is taking the ferry from Phuket; it takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Ferry from Phuket to Railay Beach
The most popular way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket is by ferry.
Not only is it the fastest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket, but it’s also the most convenient and the only direct form of transportation to Railay Beach.
You don’t have to worry about getting on a longtail boat taxi in Ao Nang to get to Railay Beach, which can be challenging, especially when you have luggage!
Ferries to Railay Beach from Phuket mainly depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket, and speed boats tend to depart from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket.
It’s a 2 Hour & 30 minutes ferry ride to Railay Beach from Phuket. The ferry will cost $20-32 US.
Check your ticket and make your way to the correct pier; check in 30 minutes before departure.
You will be arriving at Floating Pier East Railay, and from there, you can make your way to your hotel.
If hotel staff doesn’t come to get your luggage, don’t worry, it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to all hotels; Railay is a small area!
A limited number of ferries are leaving for Railay Beach from Phuket daily, so if you’re looking for more time flexibility, you should take a Minibus van and longtail boat taxi instead.
TIP: If you’re looking to go direct to Railay Beach and would prefer to avoid getting on a longtail boat taxi – When purchasing your ferry ticket, make sure the end destination on your ticket says Floating Pier East Railay.
Minibus from Phuket to Railay Beach + Longtail Boat Taxi
Another great way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket is by taking a MiniBus Van to Ao Nang Beach and then getting on a longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang to Railay Beach.
You will get picked up from your hotel in Phuket in a white MiniBus that fits 12 people. The driver will pick up other passengers in Phuket until the minibus is full.
Only once the minibus is full they will drive to Ao Nang, which takes around 4-5 Hours from Phuket. Sit back, relax, and look out your window; the landscape is beautiful on the way to Ao Nang from Phuket!
After 4-5 hours, you will arrive at Ao Nang Beach, and the driver will show you where to take the 10 Minute longtail boat taxi to Railay Beach – They will speak with the woman operating the tickets to ensure they don’t charge you again for the boat taxi.
You’ll arrive at Railay Beach West after taking the longtail boat taxi. MiniBus and Longtail will cost $15-$20 US
Book MiniBus Van/Longtail Taxi Tickets Here
Your MiniBus ticket should state, “All Connections Guaranteed.” This means your Longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang to Railay Beach is INCLUDED in your MiniBus van ticket purchase.
While it may not be the fastest way to Railay, taking a Minibus Van is the cheapest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket. But it’s not a significant price difference between the ferry and the minibus/longtail taxi!
For those who get seasick, I’d suggest you take a MiniBus Van to Railay Beach; that way, you will only be on a longtail boat taxi for 10 minutes.
Drive from Phuket to Railay Beach + Longtail Boat Taxi
This is the least common way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket, but it’s perfect for those looking to adventure!
Along your 4-hour drive to Ao Nang, the scenery is breathtaking, with mountainous views of dense forest and ocean views.
Driving is a great way to see the landscape; you can always add a place or two you’d like to see on the map on your way!
Once you’ve rented a car, you must drive to Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. Once you arrive in Ao Nang and you’ve dropped off your rented car, go to Ao Nang Beach and look for the Longtail boat taxis on either end of the beach.
The longtail taxi boat is 100 baht per way, roughly $2.89 US
You will take a Longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach West. From there, you can make your way to your hotel!
Is Railay Beach Worth It?
Railay Beach in Krabi is worth visiting, and there’s nothing like it in Thailand. The nature that Railay Beach is home to is mesmerizing, and there are so many fun activities to do here.
After visiting Railay Beach twice, I can say it’s the most beautiful place I’ve visited in Thailand, nature-wise. Walking along Phra Nang Cave Beach had me amazed. Make sure you do the Krabi 4 Island Tour when in Railay!
Railay West Beach is also beautiful, especially during sunset; tourists have picnics, and with the large limestones in sight, Railay has a unique vibe.
If you’re debating between staying in Railay Beach and Ao Nang, this comparison guide should help!
How many days do you need in Railay Beach?
You need at least 2-3 days to experience Railay. Many visit Railay Beach for a day trip, and it can be done, but you will feel rushed.
A beach day at Phra Nang Cave Beach is a must; there are many rock climbing spots, and the famous Railay Lagoon is a must-visit!
In the past, I’ve visited Railay for a day trip, and after returning and staying five days, I had a whole new appreciation for it.
Make sure you purchase Travel Insurance before coming to Thailand; it’s best to be covered when visiting tropical locations!
Phuket to Railay Beach FAQs:
By boat, it’s 75km with a travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes. By van and longtail boat taxi, it’s 175km with a travel time of 4 to 5 hours.
You can visit, it takes 2.5 hours by ferry, but it’s not recommended for a day trip because only a few ferries operate daily.
If you’re looking to visit Railay Beach from Phuket, it’s best you at least spend a night there.
Railay Beach is famous for its breathtaking nature; there’s nothing like it.
The cliff-high limestones, monkeys jumping around, and many beautiful beaches; it’s also home to several activities for all!
Besides nature, Railay Beach is a popular destination for backpackers to visit along their adventures in Krabi, Thailand.
To get to Phuket from Railay Beach, you can take a ferry from East Railay Beach to Rassada Pier in Phuket.
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