Most Indian travellers reach Phuket and Krabi by air, and the flight is the main journey of the trip. Direct services run from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, which keeps the travel time short. Once you land, the local journey is by road, and the Krabi stay and island trips use boats. This guide explains the flights, the airports, the local transport and how to plan the transfers.
Which flights go direct from India?
Direct services are available from three Indian cities. From Delhi, IndiGo and Air India operate direct flights, taking about four and a half hours. From Mumbai, IndiGo operates direct flights in the same time. From Bengaluru, IndiGo operates direct flights in about four and a half hours. Schedules, airlines and frequencies can change, so check the timings at the time you plan. Our packages are land-only, so flights are booked separately, and our planners can suggest timings that suit your arrival and departure.
Which airports should you use?
The main airport for the trip is Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is the nearest airport for Phuket. For the Krabi stay, travellers use Krabi airport, and the visa guide also refers to arrival at Phuket or Krabi airport. If your trip covers both destinations, plan the road journey between the two as a full travel day. Check which airport your flight uses before you book your transfers.
How do you get from the airport to your hotel?
Visitors typically use airport taxis, hotel transfers and ride-hailing services when they land. Metered or app-based taxis are also available for the local journey. Our packages include airport arrival and departure transfers, so your transfer is planned as part of the trip. Ask your planner to confirm the transfer type, the pick-up point and the time for your flight.
How do you move around once you arrive?
Phuket and Krabi use a mix of transport. On Phuket, you can use tuk-tuks, rental cars, scooters, ride-hailing services or taxis, and hotel transfers are the simplest choice for a short trip. In Krabi, the boat is part of daily life, and long-tail boats and scheduled ferries reach the islands and beaches. Rental scooters are common, but check that your licence and insurance cover you before you ride.
How do you travel between Phuket and Krabi?
Phuket and Krabi are connected by road, so a combined trip uses a road transfer between the two. The journey takes most of a day, so plan it as a travel day and avoid booking boat trips on the same day. Ask your planner whether a transfer is included in your package or should be quoted as an extra. A combined trip works best over seven days or more.
How do you get to the islands?
Island excursions use scheduled ferries or tour boats. The Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay and the Four Islands are reached by boat, and the boat departure point depends on the trip. Railay Beach is reached by boat from Ao Nang. Check the boat departure time and return time, and confirm the operator. Marine weather and national-park access can change the plan, so keep a flexible schedule.
What should you pack for the journey?
Pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat and water for the heat, and a light covering for temple visits. A dry bag is useful for boat trips, and shoes with grip help on wet paths. Keep your passport, travel documents and the Thailand Digital Arrival Card confirmation together for immigration.
Planning checklist for the journey
- Book flights early for December to February, when demand is high.
- Choose a flight time that suits your transfer and hotel check-in.
- Confirm your airport, transfer type and pick-up point.
- Plan the road journey between Phuket and Krabi as a full day.
- Check the boat departure and return times for each island trip.
- Read the visa guide for Indians before you book.
How was this guide compiled?
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and was last checked on 2 November 2026. Flight schedules and transport options change, so confirm them with the airline and your planner before you travel.
Where to go next
Read the Phuket and Krabi travel guide for the full overview, then check when to visit Phuket and Krabi to choose your dates. For the places to see once you arrive, read places to visit in Phuket and Krabi and things to do in Phuket and Krabi. Compare the Phuket and Krabi tour packages or the Thailand travel guide for the wider country.