Meeting your private taxi at Krabi International Airport (KBV) should be simple, but first-time travelers often feel unsure about where exactly to go after landing. With domestic and international passengers funneled into different arrival halls—and several transport operators working onsite—the process can feel confusing if you don’t know the steps.
This guide walks you through clear, accurate, and up-to-date pick-up instructions at Krabi Airport, based on real transfer company procedures and official airport directions. Whether you’ve booked a private car from Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta, a long-distance transfer toward Trang, or even a connection for travelers heading to Koh Lipe, the process is the same.
For travelers still comparing transfer options, you can learn more about Krabi Airport to Koh Lanta: Complete Private Taxi Guide (Fastest & Easiest Route).
Why Understanding the Pick-Up Process at Krabi Airport Matters
Krabi Airport is small, but it gets extremely busy during the high season. Delays at immigration, baggage claim, or ground transportation areas can cause confusion if your driver and meeting point aren’t clearly identified.
Knowing exactly where to go after you exit the terminal ensures:
- No time wasted searching for your driver
- A smooth, stress-free start to your holiday
- Quick departure from the airport before queues grow
- Better coordination if you’re traveling with children or large luggage
- A reliable connection for onward transfers (e.g., Koh Lanta or Pakbara Pier for Koh Lipe)
These steps apply whether you booked through a major operator, smaller local company, hotel car service, or ride-hailing app like Grab.
Step-by-Step Pick-Up Instructions at Krabi Airport
1. Clear Immigration and Collect Your Bags
After landing at Krabi Airport, proceed through immigration (for international flights) or directly to the baggage claim area (for domestic flights). Once you collect your luggage, follow the exit signs that lead you toward the main arrivals corridor.
Both terminals—domestic (Terminal 1) and international (Terminal 2)—merge into a shared arrivals walkway with signboards pointing the way to transport services.
2. Turn Left After Exiting the Baggage Hall
This is the most important directional tip.
As soon as you exit the baggage reclaim hall:
➡️ Turn left
➡️ Follow the airport signage pointing to Exit Gate 15
This left-hand walkway is the correct route for all private transfers, taxi pickups, and pre-booked vehicle services.
3. Walk Toward the Gate Marked “Bus to City / Taxi”
Continue straight for a short distance until you see a sign labeled:
“Bus to City / Taxi”
This gate leads you toward the designated pick-up zone used by:
- Private taxi operators
- Pre-booked airport transfer companies
- Hotel drivers
- Local transfer services
- App-based ride services (Grab, Bolt, etc.)
4. Exit Through Gate 15
Once you reach Exit Gate 17:
➡️ Walk directly outside the terminal
➡️ Follow the marked pathway toward the app-based ride service pickup point or private taxi meeting area
This is where almost all drivers wait for their passengers.
During busy hours, expect to see multiple drivers holding signs, company staff assisting guests, and vehicles lined up in organized lanes.
5. Look for Your Driver Holding a Sign
Most reputable transfer companies include meet-and-greet service. This means your driver will be waiting in the designated area holding:
- A sign with your name, or
- A company logo (if you booked through a brand like Krabi Transfers, Krabi Best Transfer, or Krabi Taxi Service)
This step is standard practice for pre-booked private taxis, especially for longer routes such as:
- Krabi Airport → Koh Lanta
- Krabi Airport → Khao Lak
- Krabi Airport → Trang / Pakbara Pier (for Koh Lipe)
- Krabi Airport → Ao Nang / Railay pier connections
If you booked through a smaller local operator, they may also send:
- A representative with a printed name card
- A WhatsApp message with instructions
- The driver’s photo and license plate details
6. If You Booked Through Grab or Other Ride-Hailing Apps
For app-based services:
- Open the app once you exit the terminal.
- Follow airport signs that indicate app pickup zones.
- These zones are clearly separated from standard public taxis.
- Drivers typically wait in short-stay lanes and approach you once you confirm your location.
Grab drivers do not hold signs; you will identify the vehicle by plate number shown in the app.
7. Keep Your Booking Confirmation Ready
To ensure a smooth meet-up:
- Have your booking confirmation accessible
- Show the driver your destination (especially useful for multi-stop transfers)
- If your flight is delayed, message the operator as soon as possible
- Most companies track flights, but direct communication helps avoid confusion
If you’re traveling to an island such as Koh Lanta, this step is especially important because ferry or bridge timings can affect transfer planning.
What Happens After You Meet Your Driver?
Once you confirm your booking details with the driver, they will escort you to the car, typically parked a short walk away in the official private vehicle lane.
From there:
- Your bags will be loaded for you
- Child seats will be installed if you pre-requested them
- You’ll begin the journey immediately—no queues, no waiting
For travelers heading to Koh Lanta, the driver will take the main road toward Hua Hin Pier for the short car ferry crossing. If you’re continuing to Pakbara Pier for onward travel to Koh Lipe, the driver will follow the highway south through Trang province.
Common Questions Travelers Ask
Where exactly do private taxi drivers wait at Krabi Airport?
In the private taxi and ride-hailing pickup zone outside Exit Gate 17, past the “Bus to City / Taxi” sign.
How do I know if I’m meeting the right driver?
They will hold a sign with your name or the company logo. Always confirm your booking details before getting in the car.
What if my flight is delayed?
Most companies monitor flight status, but it’s still best to inform them directly via SMS, WhatsApp, or email.
Are private taxi pick-ups available 24 hours?
Yes. Pre-booked private transfers operate day and night.
Is the process different for a private car to Koh Lipe?
No—the pickup instructions are identical. Only your final destination changes, usually ending at Pakbara Pier.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival at Krabi Airport
- Walk directly to Exit Gate 15; do not follow the general taxi queue signs.
- Avoid unmarked drivers approaching you inside the terminal.
- Double-check your name on the sign before following the driver.
- Prepare digital confirmations—airport Wi-Fi and mobile data are reliable here.
- If traveling with kids, request child seats in advance.
- For long journeys (Koh Lanta or Pakbara Pier), have a bottle of water ready; travel times can be 1.5–3 hours.