The Peace Destinations
Sep 13 • 3 min read
The distance between Ao Nang and Tubkaek Beach is about 15 to 17 kilometres (9 to 10.5 miles) by road, a drive that typically takes 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. You can check the exact route on Google Maps before you travel, since it's a straightforward coastal road heading northwest from Ao Nang.
Distance in Numbers
Road distance: roughly 15-17km (9-10.5 miles). Straight-line distance is shorter, around 11km (7 miles), but the coastal road adds some length as it follows the shoreline rather than cutting directly across. Sources vary slightly on the exact figure depending on which point in each town they measure from, but all land within this range.
How Long Does It Take
Driving time runs 20 to 30 minutes under normal conditions. The lower end applies with light traffic, while the upper end is more realistic during peak tourist season or if you're travelling around Krabi Town's busier stretches. Unlike Railay, which is cut off by cliffs and needs a longtail boat, Tubkaek is fully road-connected, so no boat transfer is involved on this route at any point.
Transport Options From Ao Nang to Tubkaek Beach
Private taxi or transfer. The simplest option, typically costing somewhere in the region of £18 to £23 for the one-way trip. Most hotels and resorts on both ends can arrange this directly, and it's worth booking through your accommodation rather than flagging one down, since taxis aren't common along this quieter stretch of coast.
Scooter rental. A popular choice if you're comfortable riding one, with the journey taking roughly the same 20 to 30 minutes as a car. Rental is cheap and widely available in Ao Nang, though an international driving permit is technically required and worth having before you travel.
Hotel or resort shuttle. Some of the higher-end resorts on Tubkaek Beach offer a shuttle or arranged transfer for guests, which is worth asking about when you book rather than assuming it's automatically included.
Public bus. Not a practical option for this specific route. There's no direct bus connection, and the closest alternative would require transferring between two separate local bus lines, turning a 25 minute drive into well over an hour. For this distance, a taxi, transfer or scooter is the sensible choice.
Quick Reference
| Option | Time | Approx. Cost (One-Way) |
|---|---|---|
| Private taxi/transfer | 20–30 min | £18–23 |
| Scooter (self-drive) | 20–30 min | Rental cost only |
| Resort shuttle | 20–30 min | Often included or arranged at booking |
| Public bus | 1h 30m+ (with transfers) | Low cost, impractical for this route |
Booking a Transfer in Advance
Most transfers between Ao Nang and Tubkaek Beach can be arranged on arrival through your hotel rather than booked online weeks ahead, since it's a short domestic route rather than a long-distance journey. If you'd rather have it sorted before you land, several online transfer services let you book a private car in advance for a fixed price, which takes the guesswork out of arranging one locally, particularly useful if you're arriving late or with a lot of luggage.
Planning the Rest of Your Krabi Trip
Tubkaek is one of several beaches worth building into a Krabi itinerary. Our Krabi beaches guide covers how Tubkaek compares to Ao Nang, Railay and the nearby islands, and our Tubkaek Beach destination page has more on where to stay once you arrive.
FAQs
Q1. Is there a shuttle service between Ao Nang and Tubkaek Beach?
Some resorts on Tubkaek Beach offer arranged shuttles for guests. There's no public shuttle route, so a private taxi, transfer or scooter is the standard way to cover this distance.
Q2. How much does a private car service cost from Ao Nang to Tubkaek?
Typically £18 to £23 for the one-way trip, depending on the vehicle and whether you book through your hotel or arrange it independently.
Q3. Can I book a private transfer from Ao Nang to Tubkaek Beach online?
Yes, several transfer booking services allow this in advance, though most visitors simply arrange it through their hotel on arrival since it's a short, well-travelled route.
Q4. Are there tour packages that include both Ao Nang and Tubkaek Beach?
Not typically as a standalone tour, since they're two separate beach bases rather than attractions on a single route. Most visitors treat Tubkaek as a separate overnight stay or day trip rather than part of a combined tour.
Q5. What's the cheapest way to get from Ao Nang to Tubkaek Beach?
Self-driving a rented scooter is usually the cheapest option if you're comfortable riding one. If not, sharing a private taxi with other travellers heading the same way brings the per-person cost down.
Q6. How long would a scooter journey take from Ao Nang to Tubkaek Beach?
Around 20 to 30 minutes, similar to driving, following the same coastal road.
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