Phuket, Thailand's largest island and the main arrival point for international flights on the Andaman coast, connects with Koh Phi Phi Don, the main inhabited island of the Phi Phi group in Krabi province, by ferry and speedboat.
Ferries and speedboats leave from Rassada Pier, on the east coast of Phuket near Phuket Town, and speedboats also leave from Ao Po Pier on the north east coast. Boats arrive at Tonsai Pier, the island's main jetty in Tonsai Village, and at Laem Tong Beach on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don.
The crossing to Tonsai Pier takes about 1 hour by speedboat and about 2 hours by ferry. The route suits travellers heading from Phuket to a stay on Phi Phi, whether in the car-free village at Tonsai or at one of the quieter resorts on Laem Tong Beach.
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Ferry Timetable
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Route Map
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Ferry Companies
Phuket to Phi Phi route overview
Crossing time:
Ferry, Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier: about 2 hours
Ferry, Rassada Pier to Laem Tong Beach: about 3 hours, with a stop at Tonsai Pier on the way
Speedboat, Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier: about 1 hour
Speedboat, Rassada Pier to Laem Tong Beach: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Speedboat, Ao Po Pier to Tonsai Pier: about 2 hours
Speedboat, Ao Po Pier to Laem Tong Beach: about 2 hours
Two piers in Phuket: Rassada Pier, near Phuket Town on the east coast, has both ferries and speedboats, including the fastest crossings. Ao Po Pier is further north, on the north east coast, and has speedboats only. It is closer to Phuket Airport and the resorts in the north of the island. Choose the departure that is easier to reach from your hotel.
Tonsai Pier or Laem Tong Beach:
Tonsai Pier is the island's main concrete jetty and primary gateway. It leads directly into the commercial centre of Tonsai Village, with hotels, shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Laem Tong Beach is on the northern tip of Phi Phi Don, with a small group of resorts. There is no road between Laem Tong and Tonsai Village, so a ticket to Laem Tong saves you arranging a separate boat across the island.
If you are going to Laem Tong, the speedboat from Rassada Pier is the fastest option, at 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. The speedboat from Ao Po Pier takes about 2 hours, and the ferry about 3 hours.
Ferry or speedboat:
Ferry: more space for passengers and luggage, and a steadier ride in choppy water. 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, especially from May to October. From Rassada Pier, the speedboat is about twice as fast as the ferry: about 1 hour to Tonsai Pier.
Arrival: at Tonsai Pier, a 20 baht island fee is collected in cash on arrival. There are no cars on Phi Phi Don: you walk to your hotel or continue by longtail boat. At Laem Tong Beach, passengers go ashore by longtail boat, floating walkway or directly on the beach.
Phuket to Phi Phi transfers
Rassada Pier, Phuket (ferry and speedboat)
Rassada Pier is on the east coast of Phuket, near Phuket Town. It is the main pier on Phuket for boats to Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta.
From the west coast beaches: the drive from Patong, Kata or Karon can take 45 minutes or more, especially in traffic. Plan your transfer well before departure, particularly for morning ferries.
From Phuket Airport: by taxi or private transfer. Journey time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 45, depending on traffic.
From Phuket Town: a short taxi ride. Journey time: 10-20 minutes.
Arrive early, as several boats to different islands leave from the pier in the morning.
Ao Po Pier, Phuket (speedboat)
Ao Po Pier, also called Ao Po Grand Marina, is in Pa Khlok on the north east coast of Phuket.
From Phuket Airport: about 25-40 minutes by taxi or private transfer.
From the west coast beaches: by taxi or private transfer. Journey time:30-60 minutes+. Allow extra time, as the pier is in the north east of the island.
Tonsai Pier, Koh Phi Phi
Tonsai Pier is in the centre of Tonsai Bay, on Phi Phi Don. It is the island's main pier and the busiest one.
Island fee: a 20 baht fee is collected in cash on arrival, for pier maintenance and cleaning. Have small change ready.
To your hotel: Tonsai Village has no cars. Most hotels are within walking distance, through narrow pedestrian lanes. Staff may help with luggage, but expect to carry some of it yourself.
Other beaches: Long Beach is about 20 minutes on foot. For beaches without a walking route, hire a longtail boat at the pier.
Expect to be met by staff holding signs for hotels and tours when you arrive, especially from November to April.
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.
By ferry: the ferry calls at Tonsai Pier first, then continues to Laem Tong. It does not dock at the beach: passengers are transferred ashore by longtail boat or floating walkway to the resorts.
By speedboat: the speedboat drops passengers directly on the beach. Be ready to step into shallow water with your luggage.
The beach has several resorts, restaurants and bars, and is quieter than Tonsai Village, with no clubs or loud parties.
There are no ATMs at Laem Tong. Take out cash in Phuket before you leave.