Koh Phi Phi Don, the main inhabited island of the Phi Phi group in Krabi province, connects with Phuket, Thailand's largest island and home to the region's main international airport, by ferry and speedboat.
Boats leave from Tonsai Pier, in the car-free village at the centre of Phi Phi Don, and from Laem Tong Beach on the island's northern tip. They arrive at Rassada Pier, near Phuket Town, or at Ao Po Pier on Phuket's north east coast. The fastest crossing takes about 1 hour by speedboat from Tonsai Pier to Rassada Pier. The route is often the last leg of a trip, for travellers returning to Phuket for a beach stay or a flight home.
Phi Phi Islands to Phuket Ferry Timetable
Phi Phi Islands to Phuket Route Map
Phi Phi Islands to Phuket Ferry Companies
Phi Phi to Phuket route overview
Frequency: ferries and speedboats run daily. Departure times can change with the season, so check the timetable above.
Crossing time:
Speedboat, Tonsai Pier to Rassada Pier: about 1 hour
Speedboat, Laem Tong Beach to Rassada Pier: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
Speedboat, Tonsai Pier to Ao Po Pier: about 2 hours, via Koh Yao
Speedboat, Laem Tong Beach to Ao Po Pier: about 2 hours, via Koh Yao
Ferry, Tonsai Pier to Rassada Pier: about 2 hours
Ferry, Laem Tong Beach to Rassada Pier: about 3 hours
Rassada Pier or Ao Po Pier:
Rassada Pier is on the east coast of Phuket, near Phuket Town. It has ferries and the fastest speedboats. From here, the west coast beaches such as Patong, Kata and Karon are 45 minutes or more by road.
Ao Po Pier is on the north east coast, closer to Phuket Airport and the resorts in the north of the island. Speedboats to Ao Po stop at Koh Yao on the way, which is why the crossing takes about 2 hours.
Choose the arrival pier closest to where you are going next. If you are flying out, Ao Po Pier is closer to the airport, but the crossing is longer.
Leaving from Laem Tong Beach: there is no road between Laem Tong and Tonsai Village. If you are staying at Laem Tong, a departure from the beach saves you arranging your own boat to Tonsai Pier.
Ferry or speedboat:
Ferry: more space for passengers and luggage, and a steadier ride. A good choice for travellers with large bags, young children or motion sickness, and for pregnant passengers, who are usually not accepted on speedboats.
Speedboat: fewer seats and less space for luggage, and the ride can be bumpy from May to October. From Tonsai Pier to Rassada Pier, the speedboat is about twice as fast as the ferry.
Phi Phi to Phuket transfers
Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Pier is in the centre of Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don. It is the island's main departure point.
Getting there: there are no cars on Phi Phi Don. Walk to the pier from Tonsai Village hotels, through narrow pedestrian lanes, and plan to carry your own luggage. From beaches without a walking route, take a longtail boat. Long Beach is about 20 minutes on foot.
Before you leave: ATMs, public toilets and restaurants are next to the pier.
The pier is crowded when several boats leave close together, especially from November to April. Arrive early to find your boat.
Laem Tong Beach, Koh Phi Phi
Laem Tong Beach is on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don and can only be reached by boat.
Speedboat: the speedboat picks up passengers directly from the beach.
Ferry: the ferry does not dock at the beach. Passengers are taken out to the ferry by longtail boat or floating walkway.
Your resort can tell you where and when to wait for the boat.
There are no ATMs at Laem Tong. Make sure you have enough cash for a taxi in Phuket.
Rassada Pier, Phuket
Rassada Pier is on the east coast of Phuket, near Phuket Town.
To the west coast beaches: Patong, Kata and Karon are 45 minutes or more by taxi or transfer, especially in traffic.
To Phuket Airport: by taxi or private transfer. Journey time: 45 minutes to 2hours.
To Phuket Town: a short taxi ride. Journey time: 10-20 minutes.
Agree on the taxi price before you set off, or check whether your ticket includes a drop-off at your hotel.
Ao Po Pier, Phuket
Ao Po Pier, also called Ao Po Grand Marina, is in Pa Khlok on the north east coast of Phuket.
To Phuket Airport: about 30-45 minutes by taxi or private transfer.
To the west coast beaches: by taxi or private transfer. Journey time: 30-60 minutes+. The pier is in the northeast of the island, so allow extra time for the south and west coasts.