If you’re wondering how to get from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, here’s everything you need to know about ferries, speedboats, routes and travel times.
Phuket and Krabi are among Thailand’s most visited destinations thanks to their beautiful beaches, but there are equally exciting islands nearby that see far fewer crowds. One of them is Phi Phi Island, located in Krabi province in the Andaman Sea between Krabi and Phuket. Famous for its postcard-perfect beaches, crystal-clear bays, dramatic sandstone cliffs and turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life, Phi Phi is a true island paradise. The only way to reach it is by boat, and planning your Phuket to Phi Phi ferry in advance is the easiest way to lock in the crossing that suits you.
How to get to Phi Phi Island
There are two main ways to reach the Phi Phi Islands: taking a ferry or a speedboat. The islands lie roughly 40 to 45 km from both Phuket and Krabi, with ferries being the most common mode of transport. Depending on the operator and sea conditions, ferries take around 1.5 to 2 hours from Phuket and about 1.5 to 2 hours from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The nearest airports to Phi Phi are in Phuket and Krabi.
How to go from Phuket to Phi Phi Island
To get from Phuket to Phi Phi, fly into Phuket and then take a taxi or local bus to the ferry terminal. The main departure point is Rassada Pier, on the east coast near Phuket Town and roughly an hour's drive from Phuket Airport. From Rassada Pier, ferries and speedboats connect directly to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. If you're arriving from Bangkok, fly into Phuket first and then continue to the pier. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance so you can plan your journey smoothly.
How to go from Krabi to Phi Phi Island
You can fly directly to Krabi and then take a taxi or bus to the ferry terminal. Travellers coming from Bangkok can also reach Krabi by road before boarding the Krabi to Phi Phi ferry. The main ferry pier in Krabi is Klong Jilad Pier, located slightly south of Krabi Town, roughly a 20 to 30-minute drive from Krabi Airport. During peak season it's best to arrive early to secure good seats; in the low season, arriving about 30 minutes before departure is usually sufficient.
Plan your ferry or speedboat tickets in advance, especially in peak season, as routes to Phi Phi sell out quickly.
Taking the ferry to Phi Phi – what to expect
The ferries that carry travellers and locals from Phuket to Phi Phi are large, comfortable vessels. The top deck is open-air, perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and take in the views. If you prefer to stay out of the heat, the lower decks offer air-conditioned seating, along with hot drinks and fresh snacks available on board. You can also choose a VIP ticket for access to the more comfortable middle deck.
Ferries can get a bit crowded during busy periods, but the journey is generally pleasant. A one-way ferry ticket typically costs around 500 to 700 baht. On arrival at Tonsai, there's a small local fee of around 20 baht per person that goes towards keeping the island clean.
Taking a speedboat to Phi Phi – what to expect
Speedboats are the quicker, more flexible option for travelling between Phuket, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands. They take significantly less time than ferries, usually between 45 and 60 minutes depending on sea conditions and your departure point. These boats are smaller and more agile, which means the ride can be a bit bumpy, especially during the rainy season.
Most speedboats offer shaded seating, life jackets and basic refreshments. Some operators also provide hotel pick-up services, making the transfer more convenient. As space is limited, luggage allowances may be stricter than on ferries. Speedboats are ideal for travellers who want to save time or prefer a more private journey, though they are more expensive. Prices vary by operator, but expect to pay somewhere around 800 to 1,000 baht, higher than the standard ferry fare.
The best things to do in the Phi Phi Islands
Visit Maya Bay
Maya Bay sits on Koh Phi Phi Leh, the second-largest island in the Phi Phi archipelago. It became world-famous after the film The Beach was shot here. With its azure waters, powder-soft white sand and lush green cliffs, Maya Bay brings every postcard cliché to life.
If you're planning a visit, there are a few important rules to know. Boats can no longer enter Maya Bay itself. Instead, they dock at a floating pier at Loh Samah Bay on the back of the island, from where a short boardwalk and trail of under 100 metres lead to the beach. Visitor numbers are capped at any one time, so most tours reserve a time slot, and there's a national park entry fee of around 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children. Swimming is no longer permitted; you may only wade up to knee depth to protect the recovering coral and the resident blacktip reef sharks.
Maya Bay also closes completely for two months each year, usually from 1 August to 30 September, for environmental recovery, reopening on 1 October. The dates can shift slightly, so check before you book if you're travelling around then. The rest of the Phi Phi Islands stay open throughout, so a day trip during the closure still takes in the surrounding lagoons, viewpoints and snorkelling spots, just without landing at Maya Bay.
Viking Cave
Another spot worth seeing is Viking Cave, on the northeastern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh. The cave features what appear to be ancient drawings resembling boats, which is how it got its name. Even today, it's an important source of income for local fishermen who collect edible birds' nests. You may also spot swifts flitting around inside the cave. Boats pass by rather than landing, so you'll usually view it from the water.
Loh Samah Bay
If you're interested in snorkelling, Loh Samah Bay on the southern side of Koh Phi Phi Leh is a rewarding stop. Its shallow, clear waters are ideal for viewing coral formations and tropical fish, and longtail boats often anchor nearby. Loh Samah is also the official access point for Maya Bay, with a boardwalk leading over to the famous beach on the other side of the island.
Palong Bay
For diving enthusiasts, Palong Bay is another excellent choice. Located just north of Maya Bay, it's one of the best places to spot blacktip reef sharks and explore colourful coral reefs. The bay is known for strong currents, however, so avoid snorkelling alone and book an organised tour for safety.
FAQs about getting to Phi Phi Islands
Planning to pair your island time with the mainland highlights? Thailand's largest island rewards a longer stay, so it's worth reading up on Phuket before you go. Just across the water, the limestone cliffs and offshore islands make it easy to explore Krabi, and our Krabi guide and rundown of where to stay in Krabi will help you pick a base. If you're routing through the capital, Bangkok is worth a few days, and there are plenty of beaches near Bangkok for a quick escape from the city.
