Travelling from Koh Kradan to Trang is relatively straightforward, but it is not a single direct road or ferry journey. Most travellers use a combination of boat and minivan, travelling from Koh Kradan to Khuan Tung Ku Pier on the mainland before continuing by road to Trang town, Trang Railway Station or Trang Airport.
At a Glance
| Route | Typical Journey Time | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Koh Kradan → Khuan Tung Ku Pier | About 1 hour | From around THB 400–500 |
| Koh Kradan → Trang town | Around 2–3 hours | From around THB 450–1,000 |
| Koh Kradan → Trang Airport | Around 2–3 hours | From around THB 600+ |
| Private boat + road transfer | Varies | Higher, depending on group size |
Prices and schedules are indicative rather than fixed. Boat services can change according to season, weather and passenger demand.
The Main Route: Koh Kradan → Khuan Tung Ku Pier → Trang
The most practical mainland route is via Khuan Tung Ku Pier, in Kantang District.
The journey normally works as follows:
- Take a longtail boat or speedboat from Koh Kradan.
- Arrive at Khuan Tung Ku Pier.
- Continue by shared minivan or private vehicle to Trang.
- If travelling onward by air or train, allow additional time for the road transfer.
Current transport listings show several departures from Koh Kradan to Khuan Tung Ku Pier, including services around 10:00, 12:30 and 15:30 on some dates. These should not be treated as a fixed year-round timetable, as island transport is highly seasonal.
Koh Kradan to Trang Town
If your destination is Trang town, a combined boat-and-minivan transfer is usually the simplest choice.
The total journey generally takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on the boat departure, connection at the pier and final drop-off point in Trang.
Older high-season schedules have shown combined services departing Koh Kradan in the morning and afternoon, with a minivan waiting at Khuan Tung Ku Pier for the onward journey to Trang.
A shared transfer typically costs around THB 450–1,000, depending on the exact destination and whether the boat and road transfer are sold as one journey.
For travellers staying overnight in Trang, this option is generally more convenient than arranging separate boat and land transport.
Koh Kradan to Trang Airport
Travelling directly to Trang Airport (TST) requires more careful planning because the airport is inland.
The usual route is:
Koh Kradan → Khuan Tung Ku Pier → Trang Airport
The road distance from Khuan Tung Ku Pier to Trang Airport is approximately 42 km, and the land journey can take roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the type of vehicle.
Combined island-to-airport services are available on some dates. Current listings show departures from Koh Kradan at different times, including morning, midday and afternoon services, with prices varying according to the type of transfer.
For a flight connection, do not choose a boat simply because its scheduled arrival appears to leave enough time. Delays can occur because of weather, sea conditions, passenger loading and the road journey from the pier.
As a general rule, aim to arrive at Trang Airport around 2 hours before a domestic flight, and leave additional contingency time if your boat connection is not a fully coordinated transfer.
Koh Kradan to Trang Railway Station
If you are continuing your journey by train, you can travel from Koh Kradan to Trang town and then continue to Trang Railway Station by local taxi, tuk-tuk or other road transport.
Some combined transfers are also sold directly to Trang’s transport points, but availability depends on the departure date.
Allow extra time between the island boat and your train, particularly if you are travelling during the low season. A missed train can be considerably more inconvenient than spending an extra hour waiting in Trang.
Longtail Boat or Speedboat?
Longtail boat
Longtail boats are commonly used for the short mainland connection and can be a practical choice when travelling via Khuan Tung Ku Pier.
Advantages include:
- Usually the simpler local option
- Suitable for short island-to-mainland transfers
- Often available through resorts or local operators
- Generally less expensive than private speedboat arrangements
The main disadvantage is that longtail boats are more exposed to sea conditions.
Speedboat
Speedboats can make the crossing faster and may be useful when connecting to another island or when a coordinated transfer is available.
However, they are usually more expensive, and availability varies by season.
For a straightforward Koh Kradan-to-Trang journey, the fastest boat is not necessarily the most important factor. A well-coordinated boat-and-minivan transfer can be more useful than saving a few minutes on the sea crossing.
How Much Does Koh Kradan to Trang Cost?
Expect prices to vary depending on whether you book a shared transfer, a boat only, or a private transfer.
Typical indicative prices are:
- Koh Kradan → Khuan Tung Ku Pier: around THB 400–500
- Koh Kradan → Trang town: around THB 450–1,000
- Koh Kradan → Trang Airport: generally from around THB 600, depending on the service
- Private boat: considerably more, particularly for an individual traveller
Prices can increase for private transfers, larger vehicles and services outside normal shared-boat departure times.
Where Do Boats Leave Koh Kradan?
Unlike a conventional mainland ferry terminal, boats on Koh Kradan may collect passengers directly from the beach.
The main beach area is therefore important when arranging your transfer. Your resort or accommodation should be able to confirm where you need to wait and whether staff will help with luggage and the beach transfer.
This is particularly important if you have heavy luggage or are staying away from the main beach area.
What Happens at Khuan Tung Ku Pier?
Khuan Tung Ku is a relatively small local pier rather than a major passenger terminal.
For a combined transfer, the process is usually simple:
Boat arrival → collect luggage → meet your minivan or driver → continue to Trang
If you are arranging the boat and land transport separately, allow time between the two services. There may not always be another vehicle immediately available when you arrive.
For this reason, a combined transfer can be preferable when you have a flight or train to catch.
Best Time to Travel
During the main tourist season, generally around the cooler and drier months, boat services are more frequent and connections between Trang and the nearby islands are easier to arrange.
During the low season, shared boat services can become limited or may stop operating altogether. Rough seas can also cause cancellations or delays.
If travelling outside the main season, confirm the service with your accommodation or local operator shortly before departure rather than relying on an old timetable.
Should You Book in Advance?
Advance planning is recommended if you have:
- A flight from Trang Airport
- A train departing Trang
- Heavy luggage
- A same-day onward connection
- A private transfer requirement
- Travel plans during the low season
For a flexible trip with no immediate onward connection, your Koh Kradan accommodation can often help arrange the boat shortly before departure.
Travel Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Confirm the departure time with your accommodation the day before travelling.
- Ask exactly where you should wait for the boat.
- Confirm whether the quoted price includes the minivan transfer.
- Leave extra time between the island and your flight or train.
- Keep valuables and important documents in a waterproof bag during the boat journey.
- Expect schedules to change during periods of rough weather.
- If travelling in the low season, check whether shared boats are operating before making your onward plans.
- For private transfers, ask for the total price rather than assuming the boat fare is per person.
Is Koh Kradan to Trang Worth Doing in One Day?
Yes. Koh Kradan is close enough to the Trang mainland to make the journey practical in a single day.
For Trang town, a morning departure from the island allows plenty of time to arrive and check into a hotel.
For Trang Airport, the journey is also manageable, but the timing matters much more. It is better to choose a departure that gives you a comfortable buffer than to rely on the shortest possible connection.
If your flight is particularly important or your travel date falls during unpredictable weather, staying overnight in Trang can provide a safer and less stressful option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get from Koh Kradan to Trang?
The usual route is by boat from Koh Kradan to Khuan Tung Ku Pier, followed by a minivan or private vehicle to Trang town.
2. How long does Koh Kradan to Trang take?
Allow approximately 2–3 hours for the complete journey to Trang town. The actual time depends on the boat schedule, connection at the pier and road conditions.
3. How much does Koh Kradan to Trang cost?
Shared transfers generally range from approximately THB 450–1,000, depending on the destination and type of service. Boat-only fares can be lower.
4. How much is Koh Kradan to Khuan Tung Ku Pier?
Current listed longtail services start at around THB 400–500, although prices vary according to operator, date and service type.
5. Can I travel directly from Koh Kradan to Trang Airport?
Yes. Combined boat-and-road transfers to Trang Airport are available on some dates. Otherwise, travel to Khuan Tung Ku Pier first and continue by road to the airport.
6. How far is Khuan Tung Ku Pier from Trang Airport?
The pier is approximately 42 km from Trang Airport by road, with the road transfer generally taking around 45–60 minutes.
7. Is there a ferry from Koh Kradan directly to Trang town?
There are boat services from Koh Kradan toward the Trang mainland, but Trang town itself is inland. In practice, the journey normally involves a boat plus a road transfer.
8. Are boats available from Koh Kradan all year?
No. Services are more seasonal than mainland transport. During the low or rough-sea season, shared boats may be reduced or unavailable, while private transfers may depend on weather conditions.
9. How early should I leave Koh Kradan for a flight?
For a domestic flight from Trang Airport, allow enough time for the boat crossing, the road journey from Khuan Tung Ku Pier and at least around 2 hours at the airport. A larger buffer is advisable during unsettled weather.
10. Can my hotel arrange the Koh Kradan to Trang transfer?
Yes. Your Koh Kradan accommodation is often the easiest place to confirm the latest boat departure, beach pickup point and connecting minivan, particularly when schedules change according to weather or passenger demand.
For a Complete Travel Guide
For more detailed information on transportation options, booking tips, itinerary suggestions, and everything you need to know about planning your trip, visit our full guide:
