Overview Compare Flight + Ferry Bus + Ferry Train + Ferry To Stay
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is a stunning island covered by lush greenery, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. The island does not permit any cars and there are very few motorbikes and scooters. This means you need to walk to your hotel upon arrival on the island.
Koh Phi Phi has large paved sidewalks and plenty of signage pointing you in the right directions so don’t worry about finding your way. The island is quite small so you won’t have to walk too far, regardless of your destination.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
The distance from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is 695 km (430 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi: by flight + ferry (3-4.5 hours), by bus + ferry (13-17.5 hours), or by train + ferry (19.5-22 hours). Ticket prices range from 1,100 THB ($31.50) to 1,700 THB ($49).
The flight + ferry is the fastest option at 3-4.5 hours. You need to arrange a transfer from the airport to the pier to board the ferry going to Koh Phi Phi. When you manage to find a cheap flight deal, the combined journey can be as cheap as 1,345 THB ($38.50). It’s not always easy to find such a deal, so many travellers take the night bus instead.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
A combined bus and ferry ticket is the cheapest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi. Although it’s quite a long journey, it comes with the advantage of travelling at night because all buses are night buses. Tickets start at 1,100 THB ($31.50) and the journey takes at least 13 hours.
We don’t really recommend the train for this route because it involves many transfers and takes at least 19.5 hours. If you’re planning to stay at least a day in either Surat Thani or want to visit Koh Phangan, Koh Samui or Koh Tao, this is a good route to take.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
Flight via Phuket
- Bangkok
- 1hr 15m hours
- Phuket Airport
- 1-1.5 hours
- Rassada Pier
- 1-2 hours
- Koh Phi Phi
Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by Flight
Taking a flight from Bangkok to Phuket is clearly the fastest way to get to these stunning islands. Once you arrive in Phuket, you can take a taxi to the pier to board the ferry bound for Koh Phi Phi. Below we explain the three steps.
Step 1: Bangkok to Phuket Airport by Flight
Phuket is a very popular destination in the south of Thailand, hence, you won’t have a problem booking a flight from Bangkok.
There are many airlines offering multiple trips daily. Fares start as cheap as 725 THB ($20.50) for the 1 hour and 15-minute flight.
Step 2: Phuket Airport to Rassada Pier, Phuket
Upon arrival at Phuket Airport, take a taxi to the pier. Most ferries to Koh Phi Phi depart from Rassada Pier, but there are also departures from Sea Angel, Yamu, and Bang Rong Piers.
Be prepared to negotiate a deal with your driver or agree on using the meter prior to taking the taxi.
A cheaper option is to ride the airport bus to the Phuket Bus Terminal 1 which costs 120 THB ($3.40) and takes 1-1.5 hours.
Once at the bus terminal, you can hail a tuk-tuk, taxi, or book a Grab taxi from Phuket Bus Terminal 1 to the Rassada pier. The Grab taxi fare starts at 95 THB ($2.70) and the trip takes only 10 minutes.
If you like going by motorbike taxi, expect to pay from 80 THB ($2.30) – 100 THB ($2.80) from Phuket Bus Terminal to Rassada pier.
Organised transportation from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi
If you want a comfortable ride from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi, you can check in BookAway a combined ferry and minivan ticket offered by Seatran Travel and Tour.
Organising the trip from Phuket Airport to Koh Phi Phi independently will cost around 620 THB ($17.50), Booking an organized trip with Seatran will cost 1,150 THB ($33). Although more expensive, it’s much more convenient because you won’t have to worry about the transfers.
For more information, read our full post on how to get from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.
Step 3: Rassada Pier, Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry
The ferry ride to Koh Phi Phi takes about 1-2 hours and prices start at 420 THB ($12). You can also opt for a speedboat, which is a bit more expensive but much faster. If you are prone to seasickness, the speedboat probably isn’t a good idea.
Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by Bus + Ferry
Taking a combination of the bus and ferry from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is another popular option. A great advantage is that buses travel during the night. That means travellers 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 Phuket pier as well as the ferry to Koh Phi Phi. If this option is already sold out, keep on reading. Later we explain how to book the tickets separately.
Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by Combined Bus and Ferry
The easiest way to travel this route from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi is by booking a combined bus and ferry ticket. There used to be many companies operating on this route, but the last time we checked (June 2022), only Montanatip offers this combined trip from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi.
Bus + Ferry Schedule from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi
Booking a combined bus and ferry ticket is pretty easy. However, if you prefer to have more control over your trip, you can also easily travel this route on your own. See the step-by-step guide below.
Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by Separate Bus and Ferry Tickets
Booking tickets separately is a bit cheaper and provides you with a few more departures.
Step 1: Bangkok to Phuket by Bus + Van
The travel from Bangkok to Phuket by bus is a long journey and we suggest travelling late in the afternoon or at night so you can sleep along the way. It takes about 12-14.5 hours to complete this trip and fares start at 700 THB ($20) for an express bus.
Looking for a more comfortable bus ride? You can always opt for a VIP bus, with rates starting at 1,070 THB ($30.50). Read our article on how to go from Bangkok to Phuket for more details.
Departure and arrival
Buses coming from Bangkok arrive at either Phuket Terminal 2 or at Thalang. Phuket Terminal 2 is just a 20-minute drive from the Rassada Pier while Thalang District is a 35-minute journey to the pier.
A Grab taxi from the Phuket bus terminal to the pier costs 150 THB ($4.30) while coming from Thalang to Rassada pier costs 335 THB ($9.50).
Aside from Rassada pier, there are some ferries departing from Sea Angel, Yamu, Chean Vanich, or Bang Rong Pier. There are taxis or tuk-tuks just outside of the bus terminal.
Step 2: Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Ferry
The earliest ferry departs at 07:30 and the latest at 15:00. Make sure to check the schedule before so you don’t miss the latest ferry though!
Tickets for this ferry from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi start from 400 THB ($11.50). 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.
Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi by Train + Ferry
We do not advise travelling from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi via train because you have to travel to Surat Thani first and the total journey will take close to 22 hours.
The journey can be exhausting and you 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 first, 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 4.5-5.5 hours. From here, you can take a taxi to Rassada Pier for 1-1.5 hours.
From the pier, you can finally take a ferry and reach Koh Phi Phi in 1-2 hours. The total fare costs about 1,700 THB ($49).
Still want to travel by train from Bangkok to Koh Phi Phi? Check out our page on how to go from Bangkok to Phuket and then how to go from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.
Our favourite places to stay in Koh Phi Phi
Phi Phi Sunset Bay Resort
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, then book a room at Phi Phi Sunset Bay. Situated away from the main town, surrounded by forest, this hotel truly allows you to relax. And when you want to go back to the action, it's only a short walk away. Plus they offer a longboat service to and from Ton Sai Pier, so no need to worry about your baggage. The staff here will do anything they can to make your stay unforgettable!
- Surrounded by nature
- Private balcony
- On-site Thai restaurant
- Free longboat service
Private bungalows start from $33 per night
P2 Wood Loft
Staying at P2 Wood Loft, you get all of the perks of staying on a paradise island, without having to compromise on comfort. After relaxing at the beach all day, you'll only have to walk 200 metres to get back to your air-conditioned and luxurious room. The hotel boasts a super modern design, with everything feeling brand new. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, and huge! P2 Wood Loft is a luxury hotel, without the price tag.
- 200 metres from the beach
- Modern and clean rooms
- Air conditioning
- Friendly staff
Private rooms start from $64 per night
Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
