Wondering how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi?
I totally get it — I had the exact same question before my first trip, and it’s usually one of the first things travelers want to figure out when planning a visit to this part of southern Thailand.
The Phi Phi Islands, in Krabi Province, are easily among the most beautiful spots in the Andaman Sea, and an easy add-on to your Thai itinerary if you’re already in Phuket. Ko Phi Phi Don is the main island, and it has everything you’d expect — stunning beaches, boat tours, snorkeling, diving, and plenty of places to stay.
But here’s the thing: there’s no airport on Koh Phi Phi, which means the only way to get there is by boat.
I’ve made the trip twice now, once from Krabi and once from Phuket, and both times were much simpler than I expected. If you’re starting in Phuket, your three main options are a ferry, a speedboat, or a guided day trip — and the right choice really just boils down to how fast you want to get there and how long you want to stay.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket and what to expect. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading over for a day trip or planning to stay a few nights — this breakdown will help you figure out the easiest route for your own trip.
Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
• Read my guides on the best things to do in Koh Phi Phi and what to pack in this Thailand packing list. Pack light — many hotels are accessible only on foot or by long-tail boat.
• If you get seasick, take medication at least 30 minutes before your ferry. At Rassada Pier, our operator even had free tablets available at the counter.
• Koh Phi Phi is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, so accommodation books out fast. Reserve your stay a few weeks ahead, especially in peak season.
• There’s a 20 Baht per-person entry fee upon arrival at Koh Phi Phi. Have small change ready — the fee goes toward waste management and keeping the islands clean.
• If you’re flying into Phuket and heading straight to Phi Phi, you can book a transfer and ferry at the airport. Tickets are sold at the booths near baggage claim, or you can book online via 12Go Asia.
Getting from Phuket to Phi Phi
The distance from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi is only about 46km, and dozens of speedboat and ferry operators offer smooth transport between the two islands. Here’s what you need to know about each transport option.
Taking a Speedboat
The fastest and easiest way to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket is by speedboat, and that’s what we opted for. The journey takes just under an hour, and while the ride can get a bit bumpy, it’s still comfortable.
Most boats sail from Rassada Pier, located on the southeast coast of Phuket Island. The pier is about a 15-minute drive from Phuket Old Town and under 45 minutes from popular areas like Kata, Karon, and Patong.
Several speedboat operators, like Andaman Wave Master and Bundhaya, run daily services between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. Prices are fixed, so it doesn’t matter which company you choose. The first boat leaves at 8:30 am, so make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time.
• Flights to Phuket or Krabi: Compare prices and routes on dozens of flights.
• Travel Insurance: I use SafetyWing for simple, flexible international coverage.
• Data: Stay connected with a Thailand eSIM.
• Money Abroad: I use a Wise travel card to cut down on conversion and ATM fees when traveling.
• Getting to Phi Phi: Book a speedboat or ferry directly from Phuket.
• Top Phi Phi Tours: I use Klook to book all my snorkeling trips and island-hopping cruises.
• Accommodation: Compare hotels or hostels on Booking, Agoda, or Expedia.
Booking the Speedboat
If you don’t want the extra stress of getting to the pier on your own, I recommend booking a fast boat that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in Phuket. It cuts out a lot of hassle, and the operator handles all the logistics for you. A one-way ticket usually costs around 750 Baht, and a return ticket is about 1500 Baht.
It’s worth booking a return ticket because the boats back to Phuket fill up quickly. But if you’re not sure of your return date, you can also buy an open return ticket. That way, you can head back on any day that suits you. When you’re ready to leave, just stop by the pier a bit earlier and ask the staff to add your name to the departure list.
Another thing to know is that even though boats leave at a set time, you’ll need to mentally prep for a much earlier pick-up time in Phuket. That’s because the van is usually full of other passengers from several other hotels, so expect a longer transfer window. Pick-up usually starts at least 1-1.5 hours before the boat leaves.
Before you book, though, make sure you know which pier you need to go to Koh Phi Phi. The island has two:
- Tonsai Pier – the main arrival point, close to shops, restaurants, and most hotels.
- Laem Tong Pier – in the far north, quieter and more remote. You’ll want to go here if your hotel is in the Laem Tong Beach area.
Alternative Sailing Ports in Phuket
Bang Rong Pier
If you’re staying in the north of Phuket, you could consider taking a boat from Bang Rong Pier. However, the journey takes considerably longer (about 3 hours), and there’s only one boat daily at 9:30 am. Check schedules or compare ferry ticket prices here.
Taking the ferry
If you’re trying to save a few bucks and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, an alternative way to get to Koh Phi Phi is by ferry.
The ferry leaves every day from Rassada Pier and takes 2 hours to Tonsai Pier and 3 hours to Laem Tong Beach Pier.
Similar to the speedboat, there are a couple of different companies, like Andaman Wave Master and Phi Phi Cruiser. The ferries have varying time schedules, so the easiest way to find the right time slot for you is to check on the 12GoAsia website. It’s super easy to browse the site, and even easier to book tickets online to guarantee your seat.
Of course, if you prefer not to book online, you can also buy tickets directly through any tour company in Phuket. Phuket is littered with tourist info booths, so you won’t have trouble finding one.
A one-way ferry ticket (std class) with hotel transfer from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi costs 600 Baht per person and 500 Baht without a pick-up.
Joining a Day Tour
If you’re pressed for time, another great way to visit is on an organized day tour from Phuket.
There are oodles of different packages, but most of them include stops at must-visit sights like Maya Bay, Pi Leh Lagoon, Viking Cave, and Monkey Bay, where you can snorkel, relax on the beach, or just enjoy the views. Some tours also include the Khai Islands, and a few even go as far as Bamboo Island and Mosquito Island (Ko Yung).
Here are a few more popular ones:
If you do decide to join a day trip, double-check if the price includes transfers to and from your hotel in Phuket. If not, you’ll need to make your own way to the pier. I’d also confirm whether the Phi Phi National Park environmental fee is included. It’s around 400 Baht per person, and not every tour covers it. We hired a long-tail boat at Tonsai Pier once, and when we reached Pi Leh Lagoon, we were asked to pay the fee on the spot — so it’s definitely worth keeping some cash on you.
Where to Stay on Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi Don has a wide range of places to stay, from cheap hostels to mid-range hotels and luxe resorts.
The most convenient area, IMO, is in or near Tonsai Village. You’ll be within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and the main pier.
On my first Phi Phi trip, I actually booked a beautiful resort that was only accessible by long-tail boat. The downside? Every time we wanted to go into the main area, we had to charter the hotel’s boat for about 700 Baht, and it added up fast.
That’s exactly why the two places I’m recommending below are both near the main village.
My top pick is Chaokoh Phi Phi. It’s a great mid-range resort just steps from the beach, shops, and restaurants. I stayed here on my second trip, and it turned out to be a perfect base. The room was spacious, and the pool was a lifesaver in the Thai summer heat.
What I loved most was the location — close to the pier and everything you need, but still far enough from the party crowd to get a decent night’s rest. If you can, definitely book a room with a balcony. It was so nice sipping my morning coffee out there and watching the sunrise in my PJs. Check rates and availability.
If that’s not quite your vibe, my second pick is PP Princess Resort. It’s a bit more upscale and has lovely villas overlooking Loh Dalum Beach. This 4-star resort is only about 230m from Tonsai Pier, and you can choose between standard rooms or private pool villas. Check rates and availability.
Ready for Your Adventure?
There you have it — exactly how to get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket! If you’re in a rush, take the speedboat or join a day trip, but if you are scared of getting seasick and don’t mind a slightly longer journey, the ferry is your best bet!
Have the best time out there, and do let me know how your trip goes!
If you’re still mapping out the rest of your time in this part of Thailand, you might also like my guides on things to do in Kata Beach, my favorite islands in Krabi, and my 5-day Krabi itinerary.
Liked this post? Pin it!
Hi there,
Thank you for this extensive and useful information. Just a quick question, I heard that sometimes the weather is bad but the speed boat company still goes out and many tourists got motion sickness and even injury from the boat ride. Is this true? And if so then when is the best time of the year to take the boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi in order to avoid the temperamental weather. I’d really appreciate a reply. Thanks again.
Hey Pong, getting seasick is defo a possibility. Just make sure you take some motion sickness tablets about 30 minutes before you get on the boat. Some operators will even have this at the check in counter (it’s free). The boast will get cancelled in really bad weather, yes. If you’re worried about the weather, just try and avoid the rainy season. I’ve taking the boat in April and in August and never had any issues. Hope that helps!
Hello,
Thanks a lot for details!
We plan to drive till harbour and book day trip direct from harbour?
Is that possible and will the price make difference without hotel pickup? Will i have options to choose if i dont opt online?
Hey Prabeen, I always book my tickets online, via my accommodation or at one of the tourist booths as that is the most stress-free option for me. I doubt there will be a huge difference in price, but it will be best to check (or compare) this directly with the boat operator you’d like to use.
Hello, thanks for the detailed information. My flight into Phuket lands at 17.40 but looking at the various boat schedules the last boat leaves Rassada Pier at 15.00. Is there any other way of getting from Phuket to Phi Phi? Thanks in advance
Hey Mark, you can only get to Koh Phi Phi by ferry. Your best bet is to stay overnight in Phuket and catch one of the early ferries the next morning.