🇹🇭 Thailand · Ferry · Speedboat
Phuket or Krabi to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi Don, the inhabited island of the Phi Phi group, has no airport and no roads for cars. Everyone arrives by boat, almost always from Phuket or Krabi. Both crossings are easy and run every day.
From Phuket
Ferries leave from Rassada Pier on Phuket's east coast, close to Phuket Town. Large ferries take about 2 hours; speedboats around 1 hour and cost more. Many tickets include a minivan pickup from hotels in Patong, Kata or Karon. Allow up to an hour for the pickup itself.
From Krabi and Ao Nang
From Krabi Town, ferries depart Klong Jilad Pier and take roughly 1.5–2 hours. From Ao Nang, boats usually leave from Nopparat Thara pier area and take a similar time. In the low season (roughly May–October) some Ao Nang services are reduced, while Krabi Town ferries usually keep running.
Arriving at Tonsai Pier
Boats dock at Tonsai Pier, in the island's main village. A small island fee is usually collected at the pier, so keep some baht in cash. There are no cars: hotels nearby are reached on foot, and porters with carts can carry luggage for a tip. Hotels on remote beaches often arrange longtail boat pickups.
Ferry or speedboat?
| Ferry | Speedboat | |
|---|---|---|
| Time from Phuket | about 2 h | about 1 h |
| Comfort in waves | Steadier | Bumpier |
| Luggage space | Plenty | Limited |
Tips
- Seas on the Andaman side are rougher in the southwest monsoon (about May–October). Large ferries are steadier.
- Many travellers continue from Phi Phi to Koh Lanta or Krabi rather than returning to Phuket — one-way tickets make this easy.
- Prices vary by operator and season; compare on 12Go and read our ferry and fast boat tips.
Coming from Bangkok? Start with Bangkok to Phuket.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi?
About 2 hours on a large ferry, or about 1 hour by speedboat, from Rassada Pier.
Is Phi Phi closer to Krabi or Phuket?
The crossing times are similar; Krabi Town ferries take roughly 1.5–2 hours. Choose the side that's closer to where you are staying.
Is there a fee to enter Koh Phi Phi?
A small island fee is usually collected at Tonsai Pier on arrival. Carry some cash in baht.
Do ferries run in the rainy season?
Yes, most routes run all year, but some speedboat and Ao Nang services are reduced in the low season and can be cancelled in rough weather.