We traveled extensively around Thailand for over 8 months. And after spending about a month in Phuket, many weeks in Krabi, and making multiple trips to Phi Phi Islands, we have an excellent idea of how to travel there best.
The only real way to get from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands is a 1-hour speedboat or a 2-hour ferry journey.
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.
Keep in mind: When booking your tickets, you will see many departure options for the Phuket to Phi Phi journey. However, you will most likely depart from Rassada Pier, the main pier for these trips, which is located just outside Phuket Old Town.
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.
The best way to book transport from Phuket to Phi Phi
The easiest and most hassle-free way to get from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands is to book the combo transfer ticket, which includes a pickup from Phuket and then a speedboat or ferry ride to the islands.
In addition to pick-ups from Phuket Old Town, you can book the transfer from all the main areas in Phuket (north to south: Bang Tao, Mai Khao, Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata, and Rawai).
Phuket is a LARGE island, which means getting to the pier requires a drive there. By booking the transfer, you don’t need to book a taxi yourself, which is usually the more expensive option. Trust us, we tried it. The transfer makes so much more sense.
We loved staying at Karon Beach, and also used the transfer from there, and have no regrets.
No matter the company you choose, getting from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands will involve driving to the departure pier and then hopping on a ferry or speedboat ride to the islands. How fast you get to Phi Phi depends not only on the company you book with, but also on where you stay in Phuket.
Our recommended ferry company
From Phuket to Phi Phi Islands, we recommend traveling with a ferry like Andaman Wave Master, Phi Phi Cruiser, and Ao Nang Princess. Journeys on these ferries are super comfortable and, in our opinion, safer than a speedboat.
Click here to check the ferry timetable.
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.
The speedboat from Phuket to Phi Phi is, of course, faster than the ferry, so if you want to have more time in Phi Phi, the speedboat is the better option.
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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.
Not planning to stay overnight? You can take a tour from Phuket to explore the Phi Phi Islands in a day. You can visit places like the famous Maya Bay, among others. We highly recommend the Phi Phi Early Bird Tour.
Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Travel Tips
- Take a hoodie or long-sleeved shirt for bus and ferry journeys from Phuket 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.
- Bring some snacks on board for the ferry ride.
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 speedboat takes 1 hour and the ferry 2 hours from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands.
Beaches in Phi Phi Islands are absolutely breathtaking and scenic, but the beaches in Phuket are equally stunning. We prefer Phuket beaches for longer vacations, as they’re bigger and it’s easier to find your own piece of heaven. Otherwise, for snorkeling and a proper island vibe, Phi Phi beaches are better.
If your Phuket hotel is far away from Rassada Pier, then it’s easier to visit Phi Phi from Krabi, as you will spend less time on transport (if you’re visiting both Phuket and Krabi). Otherwise, the ferry/speedboard ride can be shorter from Krabi, plus the waters are calmer.
From Phuket Airport, you can get to Phi Phi Islands in about three hours by getting a transfer or first a taxi to the pier, followed by a speedboat/ferry ride to the islands. Book the airport transfer here.
There is no airport in Phi Phi Islands, so the only option to get there from Phuket is by boat (speedboat/ferry).
The fastest way to get from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands is by a 1-hour speedboat from Rassada Pier.
Yes, going on a one-day trip to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket is a great idea. You can get the earliest boat in and the latest boat out, and get quite a lot of time to hit the beaches, check out the viewpoint, and even have lunch.
We were positively surprised by Phi Phi Islands and can say that they are definitely worth visiting. Phi Phi Islands have mixed reviews from tourists, but their beauty is undeniable. Just make sure to set your expectations before visiting, and don’t stay too long if you’re not a fan of crowds. However, you can completely avoid crowds on a vacation in one of the more remote areas. We personally liked Phi Phi Islands and will happily visit again.
Learn about the best places to stay in Phi Phi to avoid crowds.
Our thoughts on getting to Phi Phi Islands from Phuket
Getting from Phuket to Phi Phi Islands is hassle-free, especially if you book a combo ticket and organize a hotel drop-off in advance. That way, there’s little to go wrong, and door to door, it should be a 3-hour journey at most.
We recommend staying at least 2 or 3 nights in Phi Phi Islands to make the most of your stay. But you can also do a day trip or stay overnight, while leaving your big luggage in your Phuket hotel. This is a great way to not miss out on Phi Phi while maximizing time.
- 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
Ready to book your transport? Check the prices and timings below.
Don’t know what to visit in Phi Phi Islands?
Read: Phi Phi Islands Travel Guide
| Ferry Phuket - Koh Phi Phi $ 14.29–61.91 50m – 4h 15m | |
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| Van Phuket - Koh Phi Phi $ 17.46–47.62 2h 30m – 4h 15m | |
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Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai
Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong
Koh Samui – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan
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