Shuttle Boat Ao Nam Mao to Railay: Schedule and Prices
The Railay shuttle boat is the fastest and cheapest way to get to Railay from Krabi town. It takes only 10 to 15 minutes from Ao Nam Mao Pier. A one-way ticket costs 150 baht, or 250 baht for round-trip. Boats leave every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day, even in the rainy season. This guide covers the full schedule, prices, where to board, what to pack, and how it compares to a longtail boat. So you can pick what works for you.
What Kind of Boat Is the Railay Shuttle? How Is It Different?
The Ao Nam Mao to Railay shuttle is a speedboat. It seats 30 to 40 people. The boat has a roof, single-row seats, and life jackets at every seat. It runs on a fixed schedule like a city bus. You don't book ahead. You don't rent the whole boat. You share the boat with 20 to 40 other travelers.
We call it a "shuttle" because it runs back and forth on a regular schedule. Just like an airport or hotel shuttle bus. A longtail boat is different. You haggle the price and time with the driver. A tour boat is also different. You book ahead and a guide rides with you the whole time.
The shuttle is best for people who want to stay in Railay for a few days, or visit for a relaxed day trip. It's not for people who want a full island-hopping tour. If you want to see many islands in one day, read our guide on speedboat vs longtail boat to find a better option.
Where Is Ao Nam Mao Pier and How Do I Get There?
Ao Nam Mao Pier is in Sai Thai sub-district. It's 12 kilometers from Krabi town and 18 kilometers from Krabi Airport. It's newer and more modern than Ao Nang Pier. The pier has a big parking lot, clean toilets, and food shops nearby.
From the airport, a taxi takes 30 to 40 minutes. The fare is 350 to 450 baht. Or you can take a blue songthaew (shared van) from Krabi town for 60 to 80 baht per person. They leave every 30 to 45 minutes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
From Ao Nang, a taxi takes 10 to 15 minutes for 200 to 250 baht. Or rent a scooter for 200 to 300 baht per day and park at the pier. Parking costs 30 to 50 baht per day.
To see boats from Ao Nam Mao going to other islands, read our Ao Nam Mao Pier boat schedule.
Railay Shuttle Boat Schedule
Boats leave Ao Nam Mao Pier every 30 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They run every day, including weekends and public holidays. The rainy season (May to October) has the same schedule. That's because the Ao Nam Mao to Railay route stays inside a sheltered bay that blocks the monsoon waves.
The return boats leave from Railay East Beach every 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The last boat back to Ao Nam Mao is 6:30 p.m. Don't miss it if you're not staying overnight.
On days with waves over 2 meters (like during September storms), boats may stop running for 1 to 3 days. Call the pier the day before to check: 075-661-152 or Line ID @aonammaopier.
Shuttle Boat Prices and How to Pay
A one-way ticket costs 150 baht per person. A round-trip ticket costs 250 baht (saving 50 baht). Kids under 12 pay half price: 75 baht one-way, 125 baht round-trip. Kids under 3 ride free.
Pay cash at the ticket counter at least 15 minutes before your boat leaves. 100 or 500 baht bills work fine. If you pay with 1,000 baht, you may wait for change during busy times. The ticket counter doesn't take PromptPay transfers as of 2026, but they plan to add it soon.
The price includes travel insurance of 100,000 baht per person. You can claim through the boat company if an accident happens. Keep your ticket until you get back to your starting point.
Shuttle Boat vs Longtail Boat: Which One Should I Pick?
The shuttle is 2 to 3 times faster than a longtail. It's also cheaper than renting a whole longtail, because you share the ride. But the schedule is fixed, so you have less flexibility.
A longtail from Ao Nang Pier to Railay takes 15 to 20 minutes. The fare is 100 to 150 baht per person. They run every day from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. There's no fixed schedule. The boat leaves once 8 to 10 people are on board.
| Factor | Shuttle (Ao Nam Mao) | Longtail (Ao Nang) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from town | 12 km, 30-min taxi | 20 km, 40-min taxi |
| Boat time | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| One-way price | 150 baht | 100-150 baht |
| Schedule | Every 30 minutes | Wait for full boat |
| Boat size | 30-40 seats, roof | 8-10 seats, open |
| Runs in rainy season | Every day | Some days wait long |
| Best for | First-timers, families | Travelers who like local vibe |
For a deeper compare of speedboat vs longtail, read our speedboat vs longtail guide.
What to Pack for the Shuttle Boat
Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and valuables. The shuttle moves fast and water splashes. Waterproof bags cost 80 to 150 baht at any 7-Eleven in Krabi town.
Pack a microfiber towel that dries fast, in case you get splashed. Bring reef-safe sunscreen for 200 to 400 baht. You can find it at Boots or shops near the beach.
A cap or wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and water shoes that can get wet are smart picks. Don't wear leather shoes or sneakers. They take forever to dry and feel awful when wet.
Bring 500 to 1,000 baht in cash. Railay has only 2 ATMs and the fees are high (50 to 100 baht per transaction). Most food stalls and shops in Railay only take cash.
Choose the Boat That Fits Your Travel Style
Railay Eco Tour has been taking guests to Railay all 12 months of the year. We run scheduled shuttles, private boat charters, and tour boats that stop at nearby islands. Our guides know which boat fits a family, which one fits couples who want private photos, and which one fits adventurers who love the waves.
Our premium Speed Boat is bigger and more stable than regular shuttles. It's perfect for rough-water days or groups with older travelers who don't like the boat bouncing.
For families with small kids or first-time visitors to Krabi, contact our team for a full trip package. We handle airport pickup, the boat to Railay, your hotel, and tours of nearby islands. You don't have to figure out the connections yourself.
Don't Miss the Railay Shuttle If You're New to Krabi
If you're visiting Krabi for the first time and want to see Railay, the shuttle from Ao Nam Mao is your best pick. It's affordable at 150 baht. The schedule is fixed (every 30 minutes). The ride takes only 10 to 15 minutes. And boats run every day, even in the rainy season.
Plan to board before 5 p.m. so you have time to swim, take photos, and eat at Railay before heading back. If you stay overnight in Railay, book your hotel 1 to 2 weeks ahead. Rooms are limited.
For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids), round-trip costs about 750 baht total. That's cheaper than renting a longtail for 2,000 to 2,500 baht per boat. For more travel options, read our full Krabi travel guide for trip plans that include Railay and nearby islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Railay shuttle boat run every day?
Yes, every day including holidays and special holidays. The rainy season (May to October) keeps the same schedule because the route stays inside a sheltered bay. The only exceptions are during major storms in September, when boats may stop for 1 to 3 days.
How long does the Railay shuttle actually take?
10 to 15 minutes from Ao Nam Mao Pier to Railay East Beach. On calm days, the boat runs full speed and takes 10 minutes. On rougher days, it slows down for safety and takes 15 minutes.
How much is the shuttle for kids?
Kids under 12 pay half price: 75 baht one-way, 125 baht round-trip. Kids under 3 ride free but must sit on a parent's lap. The boat provides kid-size life jackets before departure.
Can I book the shuttle in advance?
No need. Boats leave every 30 minutes and seats are always available. The only exceptions are Songkran (April 13 to 15) and New Year (December 29 to January 2), when crowds are bigger. Arrive 30 minutes before your boat leaves during those weeks.
Can I bring a big suitcase on the shuttle?
Yes. One large suitcase per person fits in the rear cargo area. No extra fee. You can't bring flammable items, strong-smelling food, or pets bigger than a small dog or cat.
References
Krabi walking street runs in the old-town quarter of Krabi town, on weekend evenings only — not every night. Visitors staying in Ao Nang who drive in without checking the day regularly find an empty street. The draw is freshly cooked food at local prices that Krabi people actually eat: grilled seafood, regional sweets, fresh-pressed juices, plus handicraft stalls from people in the area.
Railay EcoPoda Island is a small island in Krabi province, south of Ao Nang — roughly 20 to 30 minutes by longtail boat or about 15 minutes by speedboat. What stands out is the fine white sand and the water, which stays shallow on a long gentle slope.
Railay EcoPileh Lagoon sits on Phi Phi Leh in Krabi province — a bay almost completely ringed by tall limestone cliffs, with one narrow gap for boats to pass through. No swell reaches inside, so the water sits still, and the white sand floor below reflects the light back as emerald. Every trip to Phi Phi Leh stops here, because it is only minutes from Maya Bay.
Railay EcoKrabi Airport sits roughly 15 kilometres from Krabi town and 30 to 40 minutes by road from Ao Nang. To reach Ao Nang you can take the airport bus, a shared minivan, a taxi, or a private transfer booked in advance. Railay is a different matter: it is a peninsula no road reaches, so you take a vehicle to a pier and then a boat. The mistake people make most often is landing late and finding the last boats into Railay already finished for the day. This guide covers each transport option, journey times, rough costs, and how to handle a late arrival.
Railay EcoNopparat Thara Beach is in Krabi town district, immediately west of Ao Nang — five to ten minutes away on foot or by car. It runs for several kilometres, holds far fewer people than Ao Nang, and has the national park headquarters sitting right on the sand. The detail most visitors miss: at the lowest tides a sandbar emerges and you can walk out to the small island offshore without a boat. It also serves as a departure point for some island routes, so it works both as a place to rest and as a way out to sea. This guide covers how it differs from Ao Nang, how to get there, and when to go.
Railay EcoHong Island belongs to Krabi province and sits inside Than Bok Khorani National Park, north of Ao Nang — roughly 30 to 40 minutes by speedboat, or about an hour by longtail. What makes it different from the other Krabi islands is the lagoon in its middle: a pool of water almost entirely enclosed by tall limestone cliffs, with one narrow opening that small boats can slip through when the tide is high enough.
Railay Eco