What to expect when visiting Phuket
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most visited destinations in the country. The beautiful shores of Karon Beach, the historic charm of Old Town, and the nightlife in Patong beach attract millions of tourists every year.
Surrounded by numerous smaller islands, Phuket also offers unbeatable snorkelling, diving, and water sports adventures. You can explore the colourful marine life while snorkelling at the nearby Koh Phi Phi Island or embark on a diving trip. Located just a short distance from the international airport, Phuket is easily accessible for travellers who want to visit Thailand’s beautfiul beaches without having to travel too far.
2 ways to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 75 kilometers (47 miles) from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by ferry from Tonsai Pier (50 minutes - 4 hours) and ferry from Laem Tong Beach (1 to 3 hours). The journey duration ranges between 50 minutes - 4 hours and the quickest way is by ferry from tonsai pier . The lowest priced tickets start from €11.50 for the ferry from tonsai pier .Where to stay in Phuket?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phuket at the bottom of this page.
Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Ferry from Tonsai Pier
Ready to leave the island of Koh Phi Phi and head back to Thailand’s largest island?
The ferry is the only way you can return to Phuket. With plenty of options available we hope we can make it easier for you to decide which ferry to book.
Ferry ticket bookings
We recommend booking ferry tickets with BookAway. They offer competitive rates, a convenient booking process, and excellent customer service.
Purchasing tickets at the pier tends to be more expensive. You can also buy ferry tickets from your hotel.
Ferries departing from Ton Sai Pier
Most ferries heading from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket depart from Ton Sai Pier. Thanks to its close proximity to the hotels in Koh Phi Phi, you can easily arrange your own transport to the pier.
You can get to the pier either go by songthaews, shared minivan, or taxi.
In the table below we share the best ferry options that include hotel drop-off services in Phuket. In addition, Seatran Travel also drops off passengers at Phuket Airport. We listed the drop-off areas below the table.
Ferry Schedule from Tonsai Pier (incl. hotel drop-off)
Drop-off areas in Phuket:
- Phi Phi Cruiser: Patong, Kata Beach, Naihan, Rawai, Phuket Town
- Chao Koh Group: Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, and Phuket Town
- Seatran Travel and Tour: Phuket Town, Nai Thon, Layan, Mai Khao, Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, and Naiyang Beach
- Seatran Travel and Tour (airport drop-off): Phuket International Airport (HKT)
In case you like to go by private transportation and would like to book separately, you can also book one of the tickets listed below.
The ferry tickets from the table below don’t include drop-off in Phuket. The end station is Rassada Pier, from where you’ll have to arrange your own transport.
Arrival at Rassada Pier (without drop-off)
Arrival at Sea Angel Cruise Pier
If you book with Sea Angel Cruise, the ferry docks at Sea Angel Cruise Pier, which is 1.8 km from Rassada Pier.
Arrival at Sea Angel Cruise Pier
Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Ferry from Laem Tong Beach
If you are staying in the north of Koh Phi Phi, it’s more convenient to book a ferry from Laem Tong Pier.
The two ferry companies that operate trips for the Koh Phi Phi to Phuket route from Laem Tong Beach Pier are Andaman Wave and Phi Phi Logistic & Tour.
Phi Phi Logistic and Tour takes you back to Phuket in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. If you are prone to motion sickness, however, it might be better to book the larger ferry with Andaman Wave.
Andaman Wave operates a larger ferry. Although this journey takes a bit longer, you will have a calmer and more stable ride compared to the smaller ferries of Phi Phi Logistic and Tour.
Ferry Schedule from Laem Tong Beach Pier to Rassada Pier
Andaman Wave Ferry
Andaman Wave departs from both Tonsai Pier and Laem Tong Beach Pier. They offer tickets for different classes based on the floor location inside the ferry:
- Standard (2nd) class: Bottom level of the ferry – 719 THB (€19.80)
- First Class: 2nd level of the ferry – 900 THB (€25)
- VIP Class: Top level of the ferry and passengers have access to the deck – 1,140 THB (€31)
Arrival at Ao Po Grand Marina
Aside from Rassada Pier, Phi Phi Logistic and Tour also dock at Ao Po Grand Marina (North of Phuket).
Laem Tong Beach to Ao Po Grand Marina (North of Phuket)
Best places to stay in Phuket
Aekkeko Hostel - Budget Friendly
Aekkeko Hostel is set in central Phuket Town within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, and sights. It’s a vibrant and colourful place with so many chillout places it’s impossible to keep count.
Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the dorm beds are huge! The staff will welcome you like family making you feel right at home.
- Excellent staff
- Ideal location
- Terrace and many chillout spots
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $19 per night.
Baan Sutra Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Baan Sutra Guesthouse is in the perfect location, just a 1-minute walk from the Old Town. Yet when you step through its doors, you forget about the chaos outside. The hotel is clean, serene and homely.
The rooms are bright and very spacious. You’re guaranteed to have a comfortable stay here, especially with the helpful and friendly staff.
- Beautiful rooms
- Clean and comfortable
- Perfect location
- Helpful staff
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
HOMA Phuket Town - Mid Range
Calling all digital nomads or anyone looking to relax without having to spend too much money. HOMA has everything you could need — a huge rooftop swimming pool, games room, gym, co-working space and an Italian restaurant. You never have to leave!
The rooms are modern with vibrant pops of colour and huge beds. Need any help? The staff are always there to give you recommendations and make sure you have the best stay.
- Huge rooftop swimming pool
- Games room
- Onsite gym and co-working space
- Italian restaurant
Private rooms start from $49 per night.
Hotel Tide - Treating Yourself
Staying at Hotel Tide puts you seconds from the beach and in the middle of luxury. The huge swimming pool overlooks the beach and is the perfect place to escape the heat. Or relax on the terrace or nets overlooking the sea.
Here you’ll be a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, but if you don’t want to make the journey, you can enjoy the onsite delicious restaurant. This is the ideal place to unwind and chill in Phuket.
- Amazing swimming pools
- Right on the beach
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $57 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Phi Phi to Phuket
What is the distance from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket?
The distance from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket is 75 kilometers (47 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket?
The fastest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket is by ferry from tonsai pier and takes 50 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket is by ferry from tonsai pier with ticket costs starting from €11.50.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
