Best ways to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands
We traveled extensively around Thailand for over 8 months, including from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands and other southern destinations like Phuket and Krabi, and we have a really good idea of how to travel there best.
Good to know: In earlier articles, we already covered how to travel best from Bangkok to Krabi and Bangkok to Phuket, two of the starting points in South Thailand for traveling to Phi Phi Islands.
Plus, we detailed the Krabi to Phi Phi and Phuket to Phi Phi journeys.
In this article, we’d like to help you make the best choice in terms of budget, speed, and comfort when traveling to Phi Phi Islands from Bangkok.
The main ways to cover the 850-kilometer distance from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands are by first getting to Krabi by direct flight, overnight bus, or train and van combo, and then taking a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi Don (the main island).
The best way to secure tickets is on 12go, our preferred platform for booking buses, trains, ferries, and more in Thailand. Click here to check tickets.
Fastest: fly from Bangkok to Krabi
The fastest way to reach Phi Phi from Bangkok (in about 4 to 5 hours) is by flying into Krabi International Airport and then getting a transfer to the port, followed by a ferry or speedboat ride to the islands.
The direct flight to Krabi from Bangkok for getting to Phi Phi takes just 1.5 hours, while the transfer from the airport to the port and then to the islands takes an additional 3 hours.
In Thailand, our carrier of choice for domestic flights is AirAsia. We almost always fly with them, as they provide great value for money.
You can organize the transfer from Krabi Airport yourself by booking it on the spot, but you can also prebook it online and save yourself the hassle of searching for the best deal at the airport.
Budget-wise and time-wise, the transfer, which includes the ferry/speedboat ticket, is the best option, and we always choose this type of transport.
Departure locations
Flights to Krabi depart from both Bangkok airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). We prefer flying domestically from DMK because we usually stay closer to it. However, BKK is also a great option, as it’s easy to get to from most other popular spots in the capital.
| Flight Bangkok - Krabi $ 43.37–184.95 1h 20m – 8h 40m | |
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| Flight Don Mueang Airport - Krabi $ 43.11–57.28 1h 20m – 1h 25m | |
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Money-saving: overnight bus from Bangkok to Krabi
The best way to save money while traveling from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands is by night bus to Krabi, which takes between 11 and 15 hours, and then a ferry or speedboat ride.
Keep in mind: most buses from Bangkok to Krabi start in the late afternoon or evening, so you will always arrive in Krabi in the early morning. Upon arrival in Krabi, you are usually dropped off at the Krabi Bus Terminal or in Ao Nang.
Our tip: We highly recommend the bus and ferry transfer if your bus is supposed to arrive at Krabi Bus Terminal, as taxis in Krabi are quite expensive. The transfer makes more sense, as it includes all the parts of the journey.
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Phi Phi $ 42.28–59.73 15h 20m – 17h 30m | |
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TRAVEL TIP
It’s worth comparing the price of a flight from Bangkok to Krabi with the cost of a bus.
Even in the peak season, you can find one-way flight tickets with a checked bag costing about 55 USD.
Departure locations
Buses to Krabi depart from different terminals in Bangkok, so it’s worth checking out all the options, depending on where you stay in the capital.
The most common departure point is the Southern Bus Terminal, while some companies also depart from Mochit, the northern station closer to Don Mueang Airport.
However, when we stayed near Khao San Road, taking a bus directly from there was super convenient. Check all options here.
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More comfortable: overnight train from Bangkok to Krabi
Depending on your Thailand travel plans, taking the train from Bangkok for a big chunk of the journey to Phi Phi Islands might be a great idea.
While you can’t get directly to Krabi (or Phi Phi), you can ride the train to Surat Thani and then take a bus for the last three hours to Krabi, before the boat ride. The great thing about taking the train is that you can take the first leg of the journey on a sleeper train.
The journey by train from Bangkok to Krabi can also be somewhat faster than the bus. The train takes about 10 hours, and then the van takes three to four hours from the train station to Krabi.
TRAVEL TIP
On the way to Krabi & Phi Phi Islands, you can visit the Gulf of Thailand islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao as the ferry leaves from nearby Surat Thani (where you disembark the train).
Most flexible: driving a car from Bangkok to Krabi
Another option is to book a car in Bangkok and drive to Krabi, and then take a ferry to the islands.
While this might seem like a crazy way to get from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands as a tourist, it’s really not. Especially if your budget permits and you’re flexible with time or traveling as a family or group.
We’ve never done this personally, as we had limited time to get to the south every time we went. But we know many others who did and also stopped at other destinations, like Khao Sok National Park, along the way.
Before embarking on this journey, make sure to read our article “Driving in Thailand as a Tourist,” which details everything you need to know.
The easiest way to get around Thailand?
Rent a car! Thailand is very easy to navigate by car, which allows you to explore at your own pace.
We recommend using DiscoverCars, where you can easily compare prices from top car rental companies and book your dream car with just a few clicks. Say goodbye to long queues and hidden fees and hello to hassle-free car rentals.
Practical tips for the Krabi to Phi Phi Islands boat ride
From Krabi, the main departure point for Phi Phi Islands, we usually travel with the Ao Nang Princess ferry from Nopparat Thara pier. It’s super comfortable and, in our opinion, safer than a speedboat. Click here to check all their routes, or book the exact Krabi to Phi Phi trip here.
We prefer the ferry over the speedboat also because there’s more space, not only for us but also for our bags. They usually stack the bags and suitcases in front of the seating area inside the ferry so they’re well protected from splashing water from waves or potential rain.
Getting to your hotel in Phi Phi Islands
The main pier in Ton Sai is where you will arrive, and from there, you must walk to your hotel in Phi Phi Islands.
In case your hotel is along one of the other beaches, which are accessible by boat, you will want to arrange for a boat transfer with your hotel. This way, they can have someone waiting for you on arrival.
- Best Phi Phi hotels?
Budget-friendly: Viking Nature Resort and PP Princess Resort
Luxury: Outrigger Resort and SAii Phi Phi Island Village
If you’re staying at Laem Tong Beach, we recommend booking the boat right to Laem Tong Pier. Check options here.
Not sure which is the best place and beach to stay at in Phi Phi?
- Read our Phi Phi Islands Beaches & Hotels Guide to learn all about that.
IMPORTANT: When arriving in Phi Phi Islands, there is a charge of 20 THB ($0.6) for the maintenance of the pier and Phi Phi Infrastructure. We recommend having exact cash.
Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus/train and ferry journeys from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands. The air conditioning can be pretty strong.
- We always recommend to book your transport in advance, and we always do it ourselves. It’s essential, especially if you want a specific type of transport that gets booked out in the high season, like the sleeper trains or VIP buses.
- Always check flight prices, as sometimes paying just a tiny bit extra is worth saving 10 hours of travel.
- Bring some snacks onboard, as stops are limited and may not always be the best choice. However, the best transport companies give you a small snack and a bottle of water at the beginning of the journey. We love it when they do that!
- Save money and time by booking the Phi Phi Islands transfer.
To book transport in Asia, we always use this platform, the top transport booking platform in the region for flights, trains, buses, private transfers, and taxis. Their user-friendly platform makes booking a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions
The night bus from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is a great money-saving option for traveling to the islands without sacrificing comfort. We have taken it twice and can highly recommend it to other travelers.
While Phi Phi Islands have no airport, you can take multiple quick one-and-a-half-hour direct flights from Bangkok to Krabi, the closest airport, to get there as fast as possible.
As far as we know, there is no convenient day bus from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands (Krabi). It’s because it’s a long, 10-hour journey, which makes the most sense overnight. Even if you find a day bus, it’s likely going to be much less comfortable than the usual VIP overnight buses.
Our thoughts on getting to Phi Phi Islands from Bangkok
Having made the overnight bus journey from Bangkok on the way to Krabi twice, we can confirm that it can be a great experience, even though it’s a long bus ride.
The buses on this route (Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands) are usually VIP-style, with much more comfortable seats than your standard bus, frequent stops, and correct travel times.
We recommend staying at least 2 or 3 nights in Phi Phi Islands to make the most of your stay.
- Best activities in Phi Phi Islands?
1. Private Longtail Boat to Maya Bay (with snorkeling)
2. Maya Bay Sunrise Trip
3. Beat The Crowds Island Hopping
Conclusion: If you are on a budget, the best way to travel from Bangkok to Phi Phi Islands is by overnight bus, but the flight is the fastest and super convenient if you have just a tiny bit bigger budget!
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Phi Phi Islands?
Read: Phi Phi Travel Guide
| Bus Bangkok - Koh Phi Phi $ 42.28–59.73 15h 20m – 17h 30m | |
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Find a list of over 75 travel guides to Thailand’s South, Central, and North.
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Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
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