To Phi Phi Island from Phuket: How to Get There Via Ferry & Speedboat in 2023
With its stunning limestone karsts and the starting point to the famous Maya Beach featured in that Leonardo DiCaprio movie, Phi Phi Island is one of the most beautiful Thai islands. But “how do I get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?”
That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Short answer: via ferry or speedboat. And if you want to book online easily, 12Go Asia has all of your transportation routes accessible with immediate confirmation.
In this article, you’ll learn about the different routes available, what type of boat is best for your journey, and tips on ensuring your trip goes smoothly. Plus, we’ve included some answers to some commonly asked questions to help you with your logistics planning!
Don’t Get FOMO: See Everything on a Day Trip to Phi Phi Island
If you’re looking for a day trip, I recommend booking this Phi Phi Adventure Tour. During this full day trip, you’ll hit some of Thailand’s most iconic spots, including snorkeling at Monkey Beach and Maya Bay. Every excursion includes boat transfers, snacks, a buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, plus Phuket hotel pickup & drop-off.
Phi Phi Adventure Day Trip Tour
Ratings: ⭐ 4.5 stars out of 5 (1100+ Reviews)
Compare Routes: Ferry vs Speedboat vs Tour
Don’t want to read the whole article? Here is a summary of your options to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi Island.
(Check 12Go as honestly your preferred travel method may even be cheaper by booking online than finding a random kiosk)
- Ferry (Cheapest) – Check Ferry Availability Here
- Speedboat (Fastest Way) – Check Speedboat Availability Here
- Tour (Best for a day trip) – Check Tour Availability Here
Phuket to Phi Phi Island Distance
You’ll have to take a boat trip if you’re planning a trip to visit the beautiful Phi Phi Island. There is no land connection between the two islands.
Phuket and Koh Phi Phi Don both sit on the western side of Thailand in the Andaman sea. The distance between Phuket and Phi Phi Island is approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles).
Click here to map the exact Google Maps distance.
Is it Easy to Get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?
Yes, the good news is that it’s super easy to get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket. You can take a ferry or speedboat ride directly from Phuket. Or another option is from Krabi area of Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
If you are coming from another part of Thailand, you can arrange transport with 12Go Asia which will bring you to Phuket first, or reserve ferries directly on the platform.
Otherwise, you can easily purchase tickets for transport to the pier from one of the many agencies located in Phuket. Buying on-site at the pier is also an option.
How to Get to Phi Phi Island from Phuket
Alright, let’s compare all your transport options to this gorgeous island! You can always take a tour that goes there, but if you want to go there independently, there are two DIY ways to get there: by ferry & speedboat.
Air travel is not available as Koh Phi Phi doesn’t have an airport, and land connections are nonexistent since it’s, you know, an island.
Related Post: For a general guide to transportation in Thailand, check out this post!
Note: Based on my research, I could find these prices and time schedules while in Phuket in 2023. My information may become outdated at any point, but it’s a good starting point (if I may say so myself).
Departure Points In Phuket
If you’re departing from Phuket, the Rassada pier is by far your best option – it’s just a 15-minute ride away from Phuket Town and is closest to the southern beaches of Karen, Rawai, etc. You can even park your rental scooter at the Phuket pier for short trips.
If you’re in northern Phuket, check out departures from Bang Rong Pier, which only services speedboats. The pier lies roughly an hour north of Rassada Pier, but note that it adds a lot of time to the boat journey.
- Rassada Pier: Ferry, Speedboat
- Bang Rong Pier: Speedboat
Arrival Points on Koh Phi Phi
On Koh Phi Phi, you’ll find two piers located about a half hour apart: Tonsai and Laem Tong Beach. Tonsai, the primary pier of the island, is much more lively, with bustling shops and eateries, compared to its counterpart, which has more chill beach vibes.
- Tonsai Pier: Ferry, Speedboat
- Laem Tong Pier: Speedboat
Note: Railay Beach also has a Tonsai Beach, so don’t get them confused.
3 Best Ways to Get from Phuket to Phi Phi Island
1. Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Ferry
- Departure Pier: Rassada Harbour
- Arrival Pier: Tonsai Pier
- Departure Time: At least 6 ferries starting at 8:30am – 3 pm
- How Long is the ferry? 2 – 3 hours
- Ferry Price: 450-700 for adults, 450-500 for children
For those looking to save a bit of money and are okay with a longer boat ride, Rassada Pier offers ferry rides from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi every day. The journey time is 2 hours to Tonsai Pier, and I don’t believe the ferry boat goes to Laem Tong Beach.
Numerous companies are available; the earliest starts at 8:30am, with the final one leaving at 3pm. Check the timetable and availability on 12GoAsia since times can change or be sold out. Booking online guarantees a seat and is incredibly easy to do!
Of course, you can always wander down any street in Phuket and put your name down with any local travel agency – they’re everywhere.
How much is the ferry?
Booking on 12Go is actually going to be your cheapest option. They sell tickets starting at 450 baht with a small service fee. If you purchase directly from the pier, an adult ticket will cost 600 Baht and 500 for children one-way.
Finally, if you want to include hotel transfer pick up and drop off to Rassada pier, then tickets will start at 700 for adults and 500 for children. This may change depending on how far from the pier you are and which agency you choose.
2. Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat
- Departure Pier: Rassada Harbour or Bang Rong Pier
- Arrival Pier: Tonsai Pier or Laem Tong Pier
- Departure Time: At least 11 ferries starting at 8:15am – 2 pm
- How Long is the speedboat? 1hr from Rassada, Up to 3 hrs from Bang Rong
- Speedboat Price: 600 – 800+ baht for adults, 600+ baht for children
For only a few dollars more, the speedboats run much more often per day and only take about an hour to get to the Tonsai pier.
From Bang Rong Pier, speedboats do not run often, so you may have to check the local agencies in Phuket to book one on the ground.
Check to make sure which pier you want to get dropped off at at Koh Phi Phi.
How much is a speed boat?
Again, reserving your seat on 12Go will be your cheapest option, with tickets starting at 600 baht. From the pier, an adult ticket will cost 800 Baht and 600 for children one-way. There will be an additional fee if you want to include hotel transfer pick up and drop off the pier.
3. Phuket to Phi Phi Island Day Trip
Can you do a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket?
Yes, this option is best for people who may not have enough time to stay at the island but still want to get a taste of Phi Phi Island’s beauty. A full-day tour like this one is a great way to squeeze in some sightseeing and activities without committing to an overnight stay on the island.
Transport yourself to some of Southeast Asia’s most famous landmarks, such as the remarkable Phi Phi Leh, snorkeling the coral reefs in Bamboo Island, and uncovering Monkey Beach and Maya Bay, featured in Leonardo DiCaprio’s film “The Beach.” All ground transportation from your hotel, snacks, buffet lunch with drinks, experienced tour guide, snorkel equipment – everything you need for an amazing day on the islands is included!
I recommend booking this Phi Phi Adventure Day Trip in particular. It has positive reviews with 4.5 stars out of 5 from more than 1100+ people! It’ll take you to all the highlights listed above and more! Take a look below to find out what this traveler had to say about this tour:
“This was my second tour to Phi Phi Island with the same company. Tour was great as the first one back in 2019 and the tour guy’s customer service is amazing.
– MANUEL_R (Read More Reviews)
Frequently Asked Questions about Phi Phi Island
Is Phi Phi Island worth visiting?
Phi Phi Island may be super popular and crowded, but it is definitely worth a visit. As one of Thailand’s most well-known places, what separates this island is its double bay shape and amazing limestone karsts. With crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches, it’s a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, and plenty of other activities keep you entertained.
Can I get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi?
Yes, you can get to Phi Phi Island from Krabi by taking a ferry or speedboat. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour depending on the type of boat you choose. You can also get to Krabi from Phuket directly as well.
What are Some Things to Do on Phi Phi Island?
There are plenty of things to do on Phi Phi Island, including snorkeling or diving at Shark Point, exploring the Viking Cave or the famous Maya Bay, hiking up to the viewpoint for stunning panoramic views, or simply relaxing on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches. You can also take part in water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding.
Which is better Phi Phi Island or Phuket?
Phi Phi Island and Phuket are both popular destinations in Thailand. Phi Phi Island is a smaller and more secluded destination known for its limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great choice for those who want to relax and unwind. On the other hand, Phuket is more of a city. It’s much more developed with a wider range of options for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
How many days are enough for Phi Phi Island?
Most travelers tend to linger on Phi Phi Island for around 2-3 days, which is enough time to traverse the entire island, embark on some island hopping excursions, and relax on the beach.
How many days do you need in Phuket?
Phuket is big and tends to be a starting point for many visitors. People tend to stay for at least 4-5 days to fully explore the island and get used to being in Thailand. This will give you enough time to see the major attractions and experience the nightlife scene.
Is it cheaper to go to Phi Phi or Phuket?
When it comes to cost, both Phi Phi Island and Phuket can be expensive, especially during the high season. Phi Phi Island is generally more costly due to its secluded location and limited options for accommodations and food. On the other hand, Phuket may offer a wider range of options but requires expensive transportation or long scooter rides to get around to see the sights.
Final Thoughts: The best way to Get to Koh Phi Phi
Overall, Phi Phi Island is a stunning destination that’s worth the visit, so hopefully, this article helped you with the logistics of getting there from Phuket. For those who want to get from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands quickly and conveniently, a speedboat transfer is the best way to go. If you can wait a bit longer to save some baht, ferry tickets are more budget-friendly.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.