โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Krabi International Airport (KBV) has recently undergone a transformative 4-billion-baht expansion, significantly elevating its status as a major aviation hub in southern Thailand. As of early 2026, the airport has completed the integration of the state-of-the-art Terminal 3 with the renovated Terminals 1 and 2, increasing its total capacity to over 8 million passengers per year. This expansion was designed to accommodate the surge in direct international flights from the Middle East, India, and Europe, while providing a seamless entry point for travelers heading to the world-famous beaches of Ao Nang, Railay, and the Phi Phi Islands.
The terminal's layout is organized across three integrated levels to ensure efficient passenger processing. The ground floor (Level 1) serves as the primary arrivals hub, with dedicated zones for international and domestic passengers. This level houses customs, immigration, and two large baggage claim carousels, alongside a comprehensive range of services including car rental desks, currency exchange booths, and local SIM card counters. The second floor (Level 2) is the main departures and airside zone, where passengers can access international gates 1-7 and domestic gates 8-14. Check-in operations for all flights are centralized on the third floor (Level 3), which features expanded zones A and B and modern self-service kiosks.
Amenities within the modernized Krabi terminal reflect the upscale and tourist-friendly nature of the region. The expansion has introduced a vast new food court on the landside, featuring international chains like Cafรฉ Amazon and Burger King alongside the "Yellow Orchid" restaurant managed by Thai Airways. Premium passengers can enjoy several high-quality lounges, including the Thai Airways Royal Orchid Lounge and the Bangkok Airways Boutique Lounge, the latter of which is complimentary for all Bangkok Airways passengers. Other essential facilities include a new multi-story car park for 2,700 vehicles, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and well-appointed children's play areas throughout the departure halls.
Ground transportation at Krabi Airport is exceptionally well-coordinated to support the region's tourism infrastructure. Official airport shuttle buses provide regular and affordable service to Krabi Town and Ao Nang Beach, with a typical journey time of 15 to 30 minutes. Prepaid taxi booths and private transfer desks are located just outside the arrivals hall, offering transparent pricing for longer journeys to destinations like the ferry piers for Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. For those preferring independent travel, more than half a dozen major car rental agencies operate from the ground floor. Travelers are generally advised to arrive three hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures to account for the airport's increased passenger volumes.
๐ Connection Tips
Krabi Airport (KBV) is a highly efficient and modern gateway serving the spectacular coastal resorts of southwestern Thailand. For international travelers, the most critical tip is understanding the terminal structure; KBV operates through two adjacent terminals: Terminal 1, which primarily handles international arrivals and departures, and the much larger Terminal 2, which handles the majority of domestic traffic. If you are connecting from an international flight to a domestic service (such as to Bangkok or Chiang Mai), you will need to clear immigration, collect your luggage, and move between terminals, which is a short 5-minute walk. Arriving 2 to 3 hours before international departures is standard to navigate the thorough security and passport control processes. Ground transportation is well-coordinated; the most reliable and affordable way to reach the nearby coastal hubs of Ao Nang or Klong Muang is via the official airport shuttle bus, which meets every scheduled arrival.
Authorized airport taxis are also readily available outside both terminals; ensure you agree on a fixed rate based on the official destination chart. Ride-sharing services like Grab are also active in the Krabi area and typically arrive at the terminal within 10 minutes. A unique tip for visitors is that many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services from the terminal. For those heading to the Railay Beach, a taxi will take you to the Ao Nam Mao or Ao Nang pier for a 15-minute longtail boat transfer.
Facilities at KBV are professional and welcoming, featuring free high-speed Wi-Fi, several airline lounges, and a diverse variety of dining options serving traditional Thai and international cuisine. The regional climate is tropical and pleasant year-round, but summer months (May-October) can bring heavy afternoon thunderstorms that may lead to light aircraft delays. KBV provides a remarkably fast and stress-free arrival experience compared to the massive hubs in Phuket, reflecting the unique beauty and laid-back character of the Andaman coast. Always check your gate assignment via the airport or airline app to ensure a smooth transition.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Chumphon Airport (CJM), also known by its ICAO code VTSE, is a significant regional aviation facility serving the city of Chumphon and the surrounding province in Southern Thailand. Located approximately 35 kilometers north of the city center in the Pathio District, the airport acts as the definitive gateway for travelers heading to the world-famous diving destination of Koh Tao and the neighboring islands of the Gulf of Thailand. The facility is managed by the Department of Airports and has seen steady growth as an efficient alternative to the more congested hubs in Surat Thani or Samui.
The airport features a modern and functional single passenger terminal building that was specifically designed to handle high-volume domestic tourist traffic. The terminal is organized on a single level, ensuring that check-in counters, security screening, and the departure lounge are all within close proximity. The architectural design emphasizes natural ventilation and a bright, airy atmosphere characteristic of Thai regional airfields. The facility has undergone recent modernization to improve passenger flow and accommodate the larger turboprop and narrow-body aircraft that connect the mainland with the national capital.
Amenities at Chumphon Airport are well-appointed for its size, catering primarily to adventure travelers and island-bound tourists. The terminal houses several cafes and snack bars serving both local Thai refreshments and international coffee. For the convenience of travelers, the main hall features dedicated transport desks for 'Lomprayah' and 'Boonsiri' high-speed ferries, where passengers can purchase combined bus and boat tickets directly upon arrival. Other facilities include several retail shops selling beach gear and regional souvenirs, multiple ATMs, and an information booth. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and the airport provides ample car rental options for those looking to explore the scenic Chumphon coastline.
CJM provides robust connectivity to Bangkok, serving as a key operational point for carriers like Nok Air and Thai AirAsia. Frequent daily flights connect Chumphon with Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), providing a rapid link for both international tourists and local residents. Ground transportation is well-coordinated with flight arrivals, with dedicated shuttle buses waiting to take passengers to the various ferry piers, such as Thung Makham Noi, for their onward journey to Koh Tao. Its role as a strategic transport node is fundamental to the tourism economy of the Gulf of Thailand, offering one of the fastest ways to reach the islands from the mainland.
๐ Connection Tips
Chumphon Airport (CJM) is a strategic transit point for travelers heading from Bangkok to the islands of the Gulf of Thailand, particularly Koh Tao. Most visitors use this airport as a link to the Lomprayah or Boonsiri high-speed ferry services. For the most seamless connection, it is highly recommended to book a 'joint ticket' or 'Island Transfer' directly with Nok Air or AirAsia. These packages bundle the flight from Bangkok (DMK), a 60-minute shuttle bus ride to the pier, and the subsequent ferry crossing.
Note that only early morning flights (typically departing DMK around 6:00 AM) align with the afternoon ferry departures; later arrivals will likely require an overnight stay in Chumphon town. Upon arrival at CJM, proceed to the ferry operator counters in the arrivals hall to collect your transfer stickers and boarding documents. The shuttle to Thung Makham Noi Pier (used by Lomprayah) takes about an hour. From the pier, high-speed catamarans reach Koh Tao in approximately 90 to 120 minutes.
If you have not pre-booked a bundle, you can purchase shuttle-plus-ferry transfers at the airport desks for roughly 800โ1,100 THB. Sea conditions in the Gulf can be choppy during the monsoon season (November to January), so motion sickness medication is advisable. For your return, ensure your ferry departs Koh Tao at least 5 hours before your flight to account for potential sea delays and the land transfer. The airport itself is a small, quiet facility with basic cafes, so it is best to buy essential supplies in Bangkok or upon reaching the islands.
โ Back to Krabi Airport