How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi

Why visit Koh Phi Phi?

Koh Phi Phi is a stunning group of islands off Thailand’s south coast. It’s quite famous too, because of Leonardo DiCaprio and his movie “The Beach.” This was filmed on Maya Beach, which you can find on one of the main islands — Koh Phi Phi Leh.

That means it can be quite touristy in Koh Phi Phi. But if you don’t mind that, you’ll be rewarded with turquoise waters, breathtaking beaches, an underwater world teeming with marine life, and viewpoints that will take your breath away.

There are 5 ways to travel the 695 kilometres (432 miles) from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi. You can choose between the bus via Phuket, train + ferry, flight via Phuket, bus via Krabi and flight via Krabi. The journey takes 3 hours 10 minutes to 22 hours and the quickest way is by flight via Krabi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by flight via Krabi with tickets starting at 1,145 THB ($35.50).

Taking a combination of the bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is a popular option. A great advantage is that buses travel during the night. That means you can save a night on accommodation and won’t waste an entire day on travelling.

The easiest way is to book a direct ticket that includes both the bus to the pier as well as the ferry to Koh Phi Phi. If this option is sold out, keep on reading. Later we explain how to book the tickets separately.

The easiest way to travel this route from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by bus is to book it together with a ferry ticket. Several companies are offering this combined bus and ferry service.

Journey time is around 16h 30m - 18h 30m — about 14 hours of that is by bus, and that can be quite exhausting. Normally, though, the bus takes a break midway so you can stretch your legs and grab something to eat.

Rates for a combined bus and ferry ticket from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi start from 1,294 THB ($40).

Bus via Phuket options from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi

When taking the Phuket bus route from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi, you take a bus from Bangkok to Phuket Bus Terminal, transfer to a taxi to Rassada Pier, and then take a boat to Koh Phi Phi.

This combined bus and ferry journey takes 13-21h.

This bus ride from Bangkok to Phuket is 12-18h long. We suggest travelling late in the afternoon or at night so you can sleep along the way. Fares start at 817 THB ($25) for an express bus.

Looking for a more comfortable ride? You can always opt for a VIP bus, with rates starting at 1,223 THB ($37.50). Read our article on how to go from Bangkok to Phuket for more details.

Buses bound for Phuket have two departure points in Bangkok: the Southern Bus Terminal and Mochit Bus Terminal. Both bus stations are about 10 km from Bangkok city centre, around 20-30 minutes by taxi.

In Phuket, there are also two arrival points: Phuket Terminal 2 and Thalang. Phuket Terminal 2 is closer to Rassada Pier, a 20-minute taxi ride costs about 150 THB ($4.60). From Thalang District, it’s a 35-minute journey to the pier with fares from 335 THB ($10.30).

If your ferry is departing from other ports like Sea Angel, Yamu, Chean Vanich, or Bang Rong Pier, you can also get there by taxi or tuk-tuk from the bus terminal.

The earliest ferry from Rassada Pier to Koh Phi Phi departs at 08:30 and the latest at 15:30. Make sure to check the schedule before so you don’t miss the last ferry!

Tickets for this ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi start from 444 THB ($13.70). Be sure to book the correct ferry because there are designated piers in Koh Phi Phi. Although most will dock at Tonsai Pier, some dock at Laem Tong Pier.

Rassada Pier Phuket

High Speed

Ton Sai Pier

09:30

1h 15m

10:45

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1h 15m

11:45

12:00

1h 15m

13:15

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13:45

13:00

1h 15m

14:15

TigerlineSirilanta

From 568 THB ($17.50)

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• 24/7 customer support

568 THB ($17.50)

09:30

1h 15m

10:45

10:30

1h 15m

11:45

13:00

1h 15m

14:15

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

655 THB ($20)

12:00

1h 15m

13:15

12:30

1h 15m

13:45

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Rassada Pier Phuket

Speedboat

Ton Sai Pier

09:00

1h

10:00

09:30

1h

10:30

10:30

1h

11:30

11:00

1h

12:00

14:00

1h

15:00

15:30

1h

16:30

Phi Phi Logistic & Tour

713 THB ($22)

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713 THB ($22)

09:00

1h

10:00

09:30

1h

10:30

10:30

1h

11:30

11:00

1h

12:00

15:30

1h

16:30

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

762 THB ($23.50)

14:00

1h

15:00

Check on BookAway

When travelling by bus + ferry via Krabi, you take a bus from Bangkok to Krabi Bus Terminal, take a taxi to Klong Jilad Pier, and catch a boat to Koh Phi Phi.

Total travel time takes around 12 hours to 19 hours 30 minutes.

The bus journey from Bangkok to Krabi takes about 11h - 16h 30m. There are a few companies operating on this route. All travel overnight. Bus fares start from 820 THB ($25.50).

For the complete bus schedule, visit our article on how to get from Bangkok to Krabi.

All buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Terminal, 10 km northwest of Khao San Road and about 20 minutes by taxi.

The arrival point is at Krabi Bus Terminal. From here, you can take a 20-minute taxi to the nearest port, Klong Jilad Pier.

If your bus arrives on time, you will be in Krabi early in the morning. That means you’ll have some time to have breakfast and maybe even walk around. The earliest ferry from Klong Jilad Pier to Koh Phi Phi does not depart until 09:00.

The ferry ride takes about 45m - 3h and ticket prices start from 350 THB ($10.80).

Klong Jilad Pier

Standard

Ton Sai Pier

10:30

2h

12:30

15:00

2h

17:00

Seatran Discovery

From 448 THB ($13.80)

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• 24/7 customer support

448 THB ($13.80)

10:30

2h

12:30

Check on BookAway

• 24/7 customer support

467 THB ($14.40)

15:00

2h

17:00

Check on BookAway

The fastest way to get to the stunning islands of Koh Phi Phi from Bangkok is by flight. To do this, you have two ways: via Krabi or via Phuket. Both routes are good options. And you can also consider staying for a day or two in either Krabi or Phuket.

It’s important to know that there are two airports in Bangkok, and both have flights going to Krabi and Phuket. To know how to get to these airports, check out our detailed guides for Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport.

Taking a flight from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi via Phuket is a little more expensive than flying via Krabi, especially when you’re travelling solo.

Combined fares start from 2,090 THB ($64) — which includes the flight from Bangkok to Phuket, the taxi from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier and the ferry going to Koh Phi Phi.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Phuket is a popular destination in the south of Thailand, so you won’t have a problem booking a flight from Bangkok.

There are many airlines offering multiple trips daily. Airfares start from 960 THB ($29.50) for a flight that takes around 1.5 hours.

From Phuket Airport, the best way to get to the pier is by taxi, especially when you’re travelling in a group.

Most ferries to Koh Phi Phi depart from Rassada Pier, but there are also departures from Sea Angel, Yamu, and Bang Rong Piers.

Taxis from Phuket Airport are metered and as long as you get your ride at the official taxi stand, you can expect a fair price going to Rassada Pier. That’s about 750 THB ($23). It’s worth noting, though, that Phuket taxis are quite small — just big enough for two passengers with large pieces of luggage.

If you want a bigger car, consider booking your taxi online through BookAway, with fares from 780 THB ($24) for a 3-seater vehicle.

You can also try hailing a taxi through Grab, which is now allowed to pick up passengers from Phuket Airport, according to Bangkok Post. Grab rates should be cheaper than airport taxi rates.

Alternative: Bus + Taxi from Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier

When travelling solo, a cheaper option is to ride the airport bus to the Phuket Bus Terminal 1. This costs 120 THB ($3.70) and takes around 1-1.5 hours.

Once at the bus terminal, you can hail a tuk-tuk, taxi, or book a Grab taxi to Rassada Pier. Grab rates start at 95 THB ($2.90) for the 10-minute ride.

If you’re travelling light, there’s also an option to take a motorbike taxi with fares from 80 THB ($2.50) – 100 THB ($3.10).

The ferry ride to Koh Phi Phi takes about 1-2 hours and prices start at 380 THB ($11.70).

You can also opt for a speedboat, which is a bit more expensive but much faster. Although if you are prone to seasickness, the speedboat probably isn’t a good idea. A speedboat ride takes about 1 hour and ticket prices start from 612 THB ($18.90).

For ferry schedules and more info, read our detailed guide on how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.

Alternative: Combined minivan & ferry from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi

If you want a comfortable ride from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi, you can check on BookAway for a combined ferry and minivan ticket. Some of the companies offering this option are Call Me Taxi Thailand and Seatran Travel and Tour.

Organising the van and ferry trips from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi independently will cost you around 630 THB ($19.40) per person.

Booking combined tickets, on the other hand, will cost at least 920 THB ($28.50) — more expensive, but also more convenient because you won’t have to worry about the transfers.

Flying from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi via Krabi is the cheaper option when you’re travelling solo.

You take a flight from Bangkok to Krabi, hop in a minivan from Krabi Airport to Klong Jilad Pier, and then transfer to a ferry going to Koh Phi Phi. The entire journey takes around 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes.

There are a good number of airlines operating daily flights from Bangkok to Krabi. Vietjet Air often offers the cheapest flights, but Air Asia and Bangkok Airways generally offer affordable rates all year round too.

Airfares start from 570 THB ($17.60) but can go as high as 1,200 THB ($37) during the busy season. It’s best to check Skyscanner for the best rates. The earlier you book your flight, the better the chance of securing cheaper fares.

Flight time to Krabi from Bangkok is around 1.5 hours.

Most ferries bound for Koh Phi Phi depart from Krabi’s Klong Jilad Pier.

From Krabi Airport, the best way to get to Klong Jilad Pier is riding a minivan, which takes around 40 minutes. You can find one at the airport or you can book one beforehand through BookAway. A minivan ticket costs 170 THB ($5.20).

When travelling in a group, you may be able to save some money by taking a private transfer. Prices start from 540 THB ($16.70) for a car that can fit 9 people.

NOTE: There are other piers in Krabi where you can get a ferry going to Koh Phi Phi. These are Nopparat Thara Pier and East Railay. When heading to these ports, you can also catch a shuttle van or taxi from Krabi Airport.

There are several boat companies operating the Krabi-Koh Phi Phi route from Klong Jilad Pier. Both ferries and speedboats are available.

Ferries are bigger, slower and cheaper — with fares from 405 THB ($12.50). If you’re not prone to motion sickness and prefer to go fast, a speedboat ticket costs around 920 THB ($28.50).

Travel time from Krabi to Koh Phi Phi is about 1-2h with a ferry and 1 hour with a speedboat.

We do not advise travelling from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi via train because it will be an exhausting journey, which takes around 22 hours. Also, you’ll have to travel to Surat Thani first and will need to arrange numerous transfers on your own.

If, however, you are planning to stay in Surat Thani or want to travel to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao before going to Koh Phi Phi, then this is an option to consider.

First, you’ll have to travel by train from Bangkok to Surat Thani for about 13 hours. Then, you take the bus from Surat Thani to Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which is about 6 hours. From here, you can take a taxi to Rassada Pier for 30 minutes.