How to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi

Heading from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi? Here’s exactly how to get from your hotel, the airport, or Phuket Town to the islands by ferry, speedboat, or door-to-door transfer, including prices, timings, and booking tips.

At A Glance (Phuket to Koh Phi Phi)

Mode	Duration	Best For
⛴️ Standard Ferry (Rassada Pier → Tonsai Pier)	~1.5–2h on water (+30–60m to reach pier)	Budget travelers, smoother ride, scenic views
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 450–800 one-way » compare ferries | alt. ferry listings
🚐⛴️ Hotel Pickup + Shared Van + Ferry/Speedboat	~2.5–4h door-to-door (area-dependent)	First-timers, families, lots of luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 650–1,200 pp including pier transfer » combo tickets | tour-style transfers
🚤 Shared Speedboat (Rassada / Marinas → Phi Phi)	~45–60m on water (+hotel transfer if included)	Fastest trip, short stays, day-trippers
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 800–1,500 one-way » speedboat options | fast transfers
🛥️ Private Speedboat / Longtail Charter	~45–60m on water (flexible departure time)	Groups, custom routes, comfort
🏷️ Cost: ~THB 15,000–30,000 per boat » sample charters

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Time-Efficient: Choose the shared speedboat or a private speedboat charter if you want to be on Koh Phi Phi in under an hour and don’t mind a bumpier ride or higher price.
• Cheapest / Good Value: The standard ferry from Rassada Pier is usually the lowest-cost option while still being comfortable and scenic.
• Most Convenient / Door-to-Door: If you’re staying in Patong, Kata, Karon, or arriving at the airport, go for a hotel pickup + ferry/speedboat combo so transport and tickets are bundled.
• Best for Groups or With Kids: A private charter lets you control departure time, route, and pace – ideal if traveling with children, older relatives, or a big group of friends.
• Most Scenic & Relaxed: The large ferries have outdoor decks and more space to walk around, perfect for photos of Phang Nga Bay and the limestone cliffs.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Book tickets in advance in high season: From December–April, boats often sell out. Use platforms like 12Go Asia, GetYourGuide, or Klook to compare departure times, operators, and reviews.
• Arrive at the pier early: Plan to be at Rassada Pier at least 45–60 minutes before departure for check-in and luggage tags, especially if you still need to exchange a voucher or pay the Phi Phi island fee at Tonsai Pier.citeturn7search5turn11search5
• Getting to/from Phuket Airport or beach areas: For smooth transfers to Rassada Pier, pre-book a taxi or minivan with Welcome Pickups, via Klook airport transfers, or use ride-hailing apps like Grab around the island.
• Where to stay before or after Phi Phi: If you have an early boat or late return, consider a night in Phuket Town or near the pier; compare hotel deals for Phuket and Phi Phi Don on Booking.com or check stays on Phi Phi Don.
• Luggage and storage: Most ferries allow one suitcase and a small bag per person; oversized sports gear may cost extra. If you’re checking out of your Phuket hotel but not sailing until later, store bags with your hotel or at off-site luggage services such as Radical Storage in Phuket.
• Motion sickness: The Andaman Sea can be choppy in monsoon season; choose a big ferry, sit mid-ship, and bring tablets or ginger candy if you’re prone to seasickness. Speedboats are faster but feel rougher in waves.
• Respect the marine park rules: The Phi Phi Islands are part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park; follow park rangers’ advice, avoid touching coral, and obey seasonal closures (for example, Maya Bay closures during part of the rainy season).
• Post-trip transport on Phi Phi: There are no cars or taxis on Phi Phi Don. Most hotels near Tonsai are walkable; for resorts on Long Beach or Laem Tong, arrange a longtail boat transfer with your hotel or at the pier.

⛴️ Option #1 — Standard Ferry from Rassada Pier (Most Popular, Good Value)

Low cost More stable ride Fixed schedule

• Overview: Large ferries and slower boats run several times per day from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town to Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don. The journey usually takes around 1.5–2 hours, with indoor seating and open decks for views.
• How to book (with price): Expect around THB 450–800 per person one-way depending on operator and class. You can compare operators like Chaokoh Ferry and Phi Phi Cruiser and book e-tickets via 12Go’s Phuket–Phi Phi ferry listings, or via activity platforms such as Klook ferry tickets and GetYourGuide transfers.
• On-board experience: Ferries have basic snacks, drinks, toilets, and indoor air-con cabins; some offer different seating classes or rooftop sun decks. Bring sunblock, a hat, and a light layer for strong air-con.
• Pros: Cheapest per person, more stable in choppy seas, scenic, easier to move around, better for people prone to seasickness.
• Cons: Less flexible schedule than speedboats, slower; can feel crowded in peak seasons and around national holidays.

Step-by-step: Standard Ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi

1. Choose your departure time: Look up ferry departures (usually from ~8:30 to mid-afternoon) and pick one that matches your checkout or flight arrival. Use live schedules on 12Go or platforms such as Trip.com’s transport guides to time your pier arrival.
2. Get to Rassada Pier: From Phuket Airport or beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon, allow 60–90 minutes to reach the pier. Book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups, a pre-arranged car via GetTransfer, or use Grab as a metered, app-based alternative.
3. Check in and tag luggage: At the pier, find your ferry company’s counter, show your e-voucher or passport, and get boarding stickers and luggage tags. Larger bags are usually stored separately on the lower deck.
4. Board and enjoy the ride: After boarding starts, choose a seat inside for comfort or outside for views. Keep valuables in a small daypack with you, not in checked luggage.
5. Arrival at Tonsai Pier: On arrival, you’ll usually pay the island environmental fee at the pier booth, then follow signs or porters to reach your accommodation. Many hotels near Tonsai are 5–15 minutes on foot; for resorts on Long Beach or Laem Tong, arrange a longtail boat at the pier.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rassada Pier)

• From Phuket Town: Rassada Pier is about 10–15 minutes by taxi or Grab from the Old Town. Songthaews (local blue buses) sometimes run toward the pier, but schedules can be irregular; most visitors use taxis or pre-arranged vans.
• From Patong / Kata / Karon: It’s roughly 40–60 minutes by road to the pier depending on traffic. You can book a shared minivan transfer plus ferry ticket on 12Go van+boat combos or via Klook hotel transfers.citeturn7search3turn7search8turn12search6
• From Phuket Airport (HKT): Expect about 1–1.5 hours by road. Pre-book a car with Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, or an airport taxi through Klook; ride-hailing via Grab is another option if you’re comfortable booking on arrival.
• Self-drive / scooter: Confident riders sometimes rent scooters via services like BikesBooking, but traffic and hills can be intense – only consider this if you have proper experience and an appropriate license.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚤 Option #2 — Shared Speedboat (Fastest)

Fastest Time-sensitive itineraries Can be bumpy

• Overview: Speedboats operated by companies such as Andaman Wave Master, Bundhaya, and others run from Rassada Pier or nearby marinas to Tonsai Pier and sometimes Laem Tong Beach. Crossing time can be as quick as 45–60 minutes in good conditions.
• How to book (with price): Shared speedboat tickets are typically THB 800–1,500 per person, depending on season and operator. Compare options and reviews under the speedboat category on 12Go, or use curated transfers and tours on GetYourGuide and similar experiences on Klook.
• Pros: Quickest way to reach Phi Phi, multiple departures, good if you’re on a tight schedule or doing a long journey the same day.
• Cons: More motion in rough seas, often louder and more cramped, can be canceled or delayed in bad weather sooner than the larger ferries.

Step-by-step: Shared Speedboat

1. Choose operator and departure: Decide whether you prefer departing from Rassada Pier or a marina (e.g., Royal Phuket Marina). Check exact departure point and time on 12Go, GetYourGuide, or Klook before booking.
2. Confirm baggage allowances: Some speedboats have stricter luggage policies than ferries. If you have big suitcases, verify the limit and possible surcharges during booking.
3. Arrive early for boarding: Be at the pier 45–60 minutes ahead. You may need to wait at a small holding area before boarding via a floating pontoon.
4. Choose seating wisely: Sit toward the back or center of the boat if you’re worried about bumps; the front is the most exposed but has the best views.
5. Disembark at Tonsai or Laem Tong: Many speedboats go directly to Tonsai Pier; some connect onward to Laem Tong via smaller boats – confirm the final stop with staff before departure.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rassada & Marinas)

• Rassada Pier (again): Follow the same directions as in Option #1 – taxi, Grab, or pre-arranged transfer from your hotel or airport.
• Royal Phuket Marina / Boat Lagoon: Some premium speedboats depart from marinas northeast of Phuket Town. These are 30–45 minutes from Patong and 25–35 minutes from Phuket Town by taxi or Grab.
• Patong / Kata / Karon pickups: Many speedboat tickets include a shared hotel transfer from the main beach areas; check the pickup time and meeting point carefully on your GetYourGuide or Klook voucher.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐⛴️ Option #3 — Hotel Pickup + Boat (Door-to-Door Combos)

Hassle-free Great for first-timers Slightly higher cost

• Overview: Combo tickets bundle hotel pickup (minivan or car), the ride to Rassada Pier, and the ferry or speedboat ticket to Phi Phi. They’re ideal if you don’t want to juggle separate taxis and boat bookings.
• How to book (with price): Expect around THB 650–1,200 per person depending on your pickup area and boat type. Compare van+boat packages on 12Go, or choose bundled transfers such as Phi Phi transfer tickets on Klook and GetYourGuide.
• Pros: No need to negotiate taxi fares, pier logistics are handled for you, good if you don’t know the island or don’t speak Thai.
• Cons: Less flexible (you must follow the group pickup schedule), and you share the van with other passengers unless you pay for a private transfer.

Step-by-step: Door-to-Door Combo

1. Choose pickup area: When booking, select your hotel area (e.g., Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket Town, or airport) and confirm whether door-to-door pickup or a nearby meeting point applies.
2. Receive pickup time: Your voucher will show a pickup window, often 1–2 hours before the boat departure. Be ready 10–15 minutes early in your lobby.
3. Shared minivan to the pier: The driver collects several passengers and drops everyone at Rassada Pier. You’ll receive your ferry or speedboat tickets and luggage tags from the operator’s desk.
4. Board your boat: Follow staff to the correct ferry or speedboat. After arrival at Tonsai, some packages include porter service or longtail boat transfer to certain resorts – check before you book.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel / Meeting Points)

• Patong / Kata / Karon hotels: Combos usually include pickup from most major hotels; smaller guesthouses may use nearby meeting spots on the main road.
• Phuket Town hotels: You’ll often be one of the last pickups before the van heads to Rassada Pier, keeping road time short.
• Airport arrivals: Some operators offer an airport pickup add-on. If not available, you can still take a Welcome Pickups, GetTransfer, Grab, or Klook airport transfer to a hotel in town and connect to a door-to-door combo the next morning.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🛥️ Option #4 — Private Speedboat / Longtail Charter

Maximum flexibility Great for groups Highest cost

• Overview: Chartering a private speedboat or longtail lets you travel on your own schedule, choose photo or snorkel stops en route, and often includes hotel pickup, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear. It’s a popular splurge for families and groups of friends.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly THB 15,000–30,000 per boat depending on size, season, and inclusions. Look at vetted options on GetYourGuide private charters or full-day charter products on Klook; some providers also let you customize one-way drops in Phi Phi instead of round-trip tours.
• Pros: Private schedule, can avoid peak crowds, more comfortable for families, and you can tailor stops around snorkeling, viewpoints, or lunch spots.
• Cons: Significantly more expensive; can still be weather dependent; you may need to confirm in advance that your charter can drop you at your Phi Phi resort rather than returning to Phuket.

Step-by-step: Private Charter

1. Pick boat type and size: Decide whether you need a longtail (simpler, more rustic, often cheaper) or a modern speedboat with enclosed seating and a toilet. Check the maximum passenger capacity carefully.
2. Set your route and drop-off: Confirm with the operator that your final drop is Tonsai Pier or a specific resort pier on Phi Phi. Share your hotel details so they can plan the safest docking point.
3. Arrange hotel pickup: Most charters include pickup from major areas such as Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town. Confirm your pickup time, usually 60–90 minutes before your planned departure from the marina or pier.
4. Agree on timing and inclusions: Check if national park fees, snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and insurance are included, and whether fuel surcharges apply for custom routes.

Getting to the main embarking points (Marinas & Piers)

• Royal Phuket Marina / Boat Lagoon: Many private boats depart from these marinas; they’re used to handling charters to the Phi Phi Islands and beyond.
• Chalong Pier: Some private longtail and speedboat charters depart from the south of Phuket; the ride to Phi Phi is slightly longer but also scenic.
• Hotel pickup: For most private charters, the operator will specify where and when they’ll collect you by van from your hotel; you usually only need to make your way to the lobby on time.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Phuket to Koh Phi Phi)

Do I need to book my Phuket–Phi Phi boat ticket in advance?
Most of the year you can sometimes buy tickets on the day at Rassada Pier, but during peak season (December–April, major holidays) it’s very common for popular departures to sell out. Booking in advance on platforms like 12Go, GetYourGuide, or Klook guarantees a seat and lets you compare departure times and reviews.

How long does the trip from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi take?
Standard ferries usually take about 1.5–2 hours, while speedboats can be as fast as 45–60 minutes depending on the boat and sea conditions. Add 30–90 minutes on each side to get between your hotel or the airport and the pier.

Is the boat ride safe?
Licensed ferry and speedboat operators are subject to Thai Marine Department regulations and national park oversight, and established companies run these routes daily. That said, always follow crew instructions, wear life jackets when advised, and consider choosing larger ferries in rough weather.

What about luggage limits?
Ferries are generally flexible with normal suitcases and backpacks; you’ll tag and store large bags on board. Speedboats may have stricter limits due to space and weight; check your ticket’s luggage policy and consider leaving non-essential items in Phuket at hotel storage or a dedicated luggage service.

When is the best season to travel from Phuket to Phi Phi?
The driest, calmest months are generally November–April, which is also high season and the busiest period. From May–October, seas can be rougher and some trips may be canceled at short notice, but you’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices. Check local forecasts and heed guidance from your boat operator and national park announcements.