This is one of the things Phuket-based expats genuinely appreciate after a few weeks: you're 45 minutes by speedboat from Phi Phi. You can be on Koh Yao Noi — one of the most peaceful islands in southern Thailand — for under 300 THB in half an hour. Koh Lanta, Railay Beach, Krabi Town — all reachable by ferry without flying.
The ferry system out of Phuket is practical and well-developed, though the information online is often outdated or scattered across booking platforms. This guide consolidates what you actually need to know: which piers, which routes, real 2026 prices, and what to watch out for in rough-weather season.
Phuket Ferry Quick Reference
- Main pier: Rassada Pier, ~5km from Phuket Town
- Koh Yao routes: Bang Rong Pier, north-east Phuket
- Phuket → Phi Phi: 45–60 min speedboat, 350–500 THB
- Phuket → Krabi: 90–120 min, 400–600 THB
- Phuket → Koh Lanta: 2.5–3 hrs, 650–800 THB
- Phuket → Koh Yao: 30–45 min, 200–300 THB
- High season: Nov–Apr (calm seas)
- Rough season: May–Oct (some services reduced)
Phuket's Ferry Piers: Where to Catch Your Boat
Rassada Pier (Main Pier)
Rassada Pier (also spelled Rasada) is the main ferry terminal for most routes out of Phuket. Located about 5 km east of Phuket Town, near the industrial port area. Taxis and Grab from Phuket Town run around 100–150 THB. From Patong, budget 350–450 THB by Grab or 450–550 THB by official taxi.
Most inter-island ferry operators have booking counters at Rassada Pier. The pier itself has basic facilities — a waiting area, snack vendors, and toilets. It's not pretty, but it's functional. Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure.
Bang Rong Pier (Koh Yao Routes)
Bang Rong Pier in the north-east of Phuket (near Ao Po) is the departure point for Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai. It's a quieter, more local pier — no tourist circus, just boats coming and going. Getting here from Phuket Town takes 35–45 minutes; from Patong it's 50–60 minutes. Grab costs 300–450 THB depending on your starting point.
Ferry Routes from Phuket: Routes, Prices & Times (2026)
| Route | Ferry Type | Duration | One-Way Price | Departures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket → Phi Phi Don | Speedboat | 45–60 min | 350–500 THB | 8:30 / 11:00 / 13:30 / 15:30 |
| Phuket → Phi Phi Don | Car Ferry (pax only) | 90 min | 200–250 THB | 2x daily (AM/PM) |
| Phuket → Phi Phi Leh | Day trip boat | 45 min | 800–1,200 THB (day trip) | 8:00 depart |
| Phuket → Krabi Town | Speedboat | 90–120 min | 400–600 THB | 8:30 / 13:00 |
| Phuket → Railay Beach | Speedboat | 90–120 min | 450–650 THB | Via Krabi route |
| Phuket → Koh Lanta | Speedboat + transfer | 2.5–3 hrs | 650–800 THB | 8:00 / 12:30 (seasonal) |
| Phuket → Koh Yao Noi | Longtail/speedboat | 30–40 min | 200–300 THB | Every 60–90 min, 6am–6pm |
| Phuket → Koh Yao Yai | Longtail/speedboat | 40–50 min | 200–300 THB | Every 60–90 min, 6am–6pm |
All prices as of May 2026. Prices may increase during high season (December–January) and for last-minute bookings through agencies. Check directly with operators or reputable booking platforms for current schedules.
Phuket to Phi Phi: The Most Popular Route
The Phuket to Phi Phi route is the most popular ferry run in the Andaman, and for good reason — Phi Phi Don is genuinely spectacular, and Phi Phi Leh (the uninhabited island with the Maya Bay lagoon) is one of the most photographed places in the world. As a Phuket expat, this is the day trip your visiting family and friends will request on every visit.
Which Operator to Use
Several operators run the Phuket–Phi Phi route. The most established are Andaman Wave Master and Ao Nang Princess. Both operate modern speedboats with life jackets, toilets onboard, and reasonable punctuality. Avoid the cheapest option if the difference is only 50–100 THB — in sea conditions, you want a reliable operator.
November–April is high season — Phi Phi is genuinely crowded. The real Phuket-expat insider move is going in shoulder season (October or early November before it gets too rough). Fewer tourists, lower prices, still gorgeous. The Maya Bay boat limit means it's never totally empty, but it's dramatically more pleasant.
Phuket to Koh Yao: The Expat Favourite Weekend Escape
If you live in Phuket and haven't done the 40-minute hop to Koh Yao Noi, put it at the top of your list. It's a slow, Muslim fishing community with cycling tracks, mangroves, and almost no party scene. The antidote to Patong, basically. It's the weekend destination of choice for Phuket-based families.
Departures from Bang Rong Pier are frequent (every 60–90 minutes, 6am–6pm). Cost: 200–300 THB one way. The trip is usually calm because Koh Yao is sheltered in Phang Nga Bay. Easy to combine with a night or two on the island — accommodation runs from budget guesthouses (800–1,200 THB/night) to boutique resorts.
Phuket to Krabi: For Longer Journeys
The Phuket–Krabi speedboat takes 90–120 minutes and offers a genuinely scenic crossing. Krabi Town is a laidback traveller hub; Railay Beach (accessible only by boat, so you'll take a local longtail from Krabi) is one of the most dramatic rock-and-beach settings in Thailand.
For Phuket-based expats, Krabi makes a solid long weekend destination — especially Ao Nang, which has good restaurants and accommodation without being as overwhelming as Patong. Book the Phuket–Krabi ferry in advance during high season; some days sell out.
Phuket to Koh Lanta: The Longer Journey
Getting to Koh Lanta from Phuket requires the most planning. There's no direct ferry — you typically go Phuket → Krabi → Ko Lanta, or take a combined speedboat+minibus service. Total journey time: 2.5–3.5 hours and 650–900 THB. Not a casual day trip, but Koh Lanta's long beaches, low-key atmosphere, and excellent food scene make it worth the journey for a long weekend.
Practical Tips: Booking and On-Board Advice
Booking Your Ferry
- Book in advance for high season: Phi Phi in December–January can fill up. Book 2–3 days ahead minimum.
- Hotel/guesthouse booking: Most accommodation will book for you and include pier transfer. Convenient but often 50–100 THB markup.
- At the pier: Walk-up tickets available for most routes. Arrive 30 minutes early.
- Online: Booking platforms can be cheaper than pier prices, especially for combos. Compare before you commit.
What to Bring
- Motion sickness medication if you're prone — the Andaman can be choppy
- Waterproof bag for phones and documents on open speedboats
- Sunscreen and hat — the sun on the water is fierce
- Cash for snacks/drinks at the pier and on arrival
- A light layer — air-conditioned ferry cabins get cold
Health Insurance for Island Adventures
Phuket-based expats exploring the islands should have health insurance that covers marine activities. Compare the top expat health plans in Phuket.
[AFFILIATE_CIGNA_HEALTH] Get a free quote →Ferry Safety: What Expats Should Know
Ferry safety in the Andaman varies significantly by operator and season. A few honest points:
- Life jackets: Should be onboard. On speedboats, they're typically stored under seats or overhead. Ask the crew if you can't locate them.
- Monsoon cancellations: Legitimately rough weather (May–October) does cancel services. If your operator cancels, it's for good reason. Don't push for a departure in bad conditions.
- Night ferries: No regular night ferry service operates from Phuket. If someone is offering you a "night boat" at a suspiciously low price, be cautious.
- Operator quality: Stick with established names. Andaman Wave Master, Seatran Discovery, and similar operators have track records. Random unnamed boats at below-market prices are a risk.
Planning a Trip or Weekend Escape from Phuket?
We've done most of these routes ourselves. Ask us for recommendations based on your specific travel dates and preferences.
Ask Us Anything →Frequently Asked Questions: Phuket Ferries
Where do ferries depart from in Phuket?
Most routes depart from Rassada Pier, about 5 km east of Phuket Town. Koh Yao routes use Bang Rong Pier in north-east Phuket. Grab from Phuket Town to Rassada: 100–150 THB.
How long is the ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi?
Speedboat: 45–60 minutes, 350–500 THB. Slow passenger car ferry: about 90 minutes, 200–250 THB. Multiple daily departures in high season.
Can I get a ferry from Phuket to Koh Samui?
No direct ferry. Most expats fly Phuket–Koh Samui (1 hour, 1,500–3,500 THB). The overland/sea combination takes 6–8 hours and isn't practical for short trips.
Are Phuket ferries safe?
Reputable operators maintain reasonable safety standards. The main risks are rough weather in monsoon season (May–October) and choosing low-quality operators. Stick with established names, check weather before booking, and confirm life jackets are available onboard.
How do I get from Phuket to Koh Yao?
Bang Rong Pier to Koh Yao Noi or Koh Yao Yai — 30–45 minutes, 200–300 THB, frequent departures 6am–6pm. One of the best quick escapes from Phuket.
Should I book Phuket ferry tickets in advance?
In high season (November–April), book Phi Phi routes 1–2 days ahead. Koh Yao departures are usually available as walk-ups. Krabi in peak season benefits from advance booking too.
Related Guides
- Phuket Transport Guide: Getting Around the Island
- Phuket Airport Transfer Guide
- Driving in Phuket: Expat Guide
- Grab vs Taxi in Phuket
- Phuket Lifestyle Guide for Expats
- Phuket Relocation Checklist
- Rawai & Nai Harn — Closest Area to South Phuket