🛥️ Quick Reference — Phuket Ferry Routes 2026
Where Do Ferries Leave from in Phuket?
The answer depends entirely on where you're going. There are two main piers, and mixing them up is the most common ferry mistake expats and visitors make.
Rassada Pier (Tha Ratsada) is the main departure point for most island routes — Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Krabi, and the southern island chains. It's on Phuket's east coast, about 10 minutes south of Phuket Town centre and accessible by Grab (฿120–180 from Phuket Town, ฿350–500 from Bang Tao). There is no public transport that goes directly there, so plan your taxi in advance — especially for early morning departures.
Bang Rong Pier is in northern Phuket near Ao Po (about 30–35 minutes from Bang Tao, 45 minutes from Phuket Town). This is your departure point for Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. If you're in Bang Tao or Laguna, Bang Rong is actually closer and more convenient than Rassada.
All Ferry Routes from Phuket
🏝️ Phuket → Koh Phi Phi Don & Phi Phi Leh
The Phi Phi ferry is the most popular island route from Phuket and runs year-round, though schedules reduce in the May–October monsoon season. Two boat types operate: regular ferries (bigger, slower, cheaper) and speedboats (smaller, faster, considerably bumpier in monsoon swell).
Phi Phi Don has accommodation; Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay) is day-visit only. The ferry arrives at Ton Sai Bay — accommodation is around the headland at Loh Dalum Bay.
🏝️ Phuket → Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta ferries run from Rassada Pier via either Phi Phi Don or directly on the high-season service (November–May). The route is suspended during the monsoon. Koh Lanta is popular with longer-stay visitors and some Phuket expats making a 2–3 week change of scenery.
🏝️ Phuket → Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe is the furthest major destination from Phuket — a remote island near the Malaysian border that's worth every hour of the trip. The full-day speedboat journey runs only in the dry season. This is not a day trip; most people stay 3–7 nights. Some routes stop at Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan on the way.
🏝️ Phuket → Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Noi is the easiest island escape from Phuket — a short longtail or speedboat ride to what feels like a different world. Rubber plantations, rice paddies, virtually no tourist infrastructure, and Phang Nga Bay views. Many Phuket expats go for a weekend reset. The pier is Bang Rong, not Rassada.
🏝️ Phuket → Krabi (Ao Nang)
Ferry + minibus combinations run from Rassada Pier to Ao Nang, Krabi Town and Railay Beach daily. In peak season there are direct high-speed ferry services. The journey is comfortable and well-organised — a good alternative to the bus or the often-overpriced private taxi (฿2,500–3,500).
Similan Islands — Not From Phuket
The most common ferry misconception: you cannot get a ferry directly from Phuket to the Similan Islands. The Similans are accessed from Thap Lamu Pier near Khao Lak — about 90 minutes north of Phuket by road. The national park is open November to April only.
From Phuket you have two options: join a day trip or liveaboard that includes a minibus transfer to Khao Lak (departing Phuket hotels around 05:30–06:00), or arrange your own transport to Thap Lamu Pier. A Grab from Phuket Town to Thap Lamu Pier typically costs ฿900–1,200. The Similan Islands speedboat return fare from the pier is ฿1,500–1,800 per person on top of the ฿500 national park entry fee.
Phuket Ferry Routes Comparison Table
| Destination | Pier | Price (one-way) | Journey Time | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koh Phi Phi (ferry) | Rassada | ฿400–450 | ~2 hours | Year-round |
| Koh Phi Phi (speedboat) | Rassada | ฿600–900 | 45–60 min | Year-round |
| Koh Lanta | Rassada | ฿800–1,200 | ~3.5 hours | Nov–Apr |
| Koh Lipe | Rassada | ฿1,200–1,800 | 5–6 hours | Nov–Apr |
| Koh Yao Noi (longtail) | Bang Rong | ฿100 | 20–30 min | Year-round |
| Koh Yao Noi (speedboat) | Bang Rong | ฿800–1,200 | 20 min | Year-round |
| Ao Nang / Krabi | Rassada | ฿350–800 | 2.5–3 hours | Year-round |
| Coral Island (Koh Hae) | Chalong Pier | ฿700–900 (day trip) | 25 min | Year-round |
| Similan Islands | Thap Lamu (Khao Lak) | ฿1,500–1,800 | ~1 hour | Nov–Apr |
Booking, Timing & Seasickness
When to book: For Phi Phi, booking same-day at the pier is usually fine except in peak season (December–February). For Koh Lipe, book at least one week ahead in December–January. For Koh Lanta, a day or two ahead in mid-season. Always book Similan day trips at least 48–72 hours ahead.
Seasickness: The Andaman Sea between May and October has genuine swell. Speedboats to Phi Phi in monsoon season (June–October) can be genuinely rough. If you're susceptible, take Dramamine (available at Boots Central Festival or any Phuket pharmacy) 30 minutes before boarding. Sit in the middle of speedboats, not the front. Regular ferries are much more stable.
Baggage: There are no strict weight limits on most Phuket ferries, but large suitcases are inconvenient on longtails and small speedboats. For Koh Yao Noi longtails, a backpack is strongly preferred over a rolling suitcase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Phuket Expat Guide earns a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend services we trust.