How to Get to Phi Phi from Krabi or Phuket: Which Way Is Faster?
Phi Phi is in Krabi province, out in the Andaman Sea. There is no road or bridge, so you can only get there by boat. You have two main starting points: Krabi and Phuket. If you want the fastest and cheapest trip, start from Krabi. It is closer and the boats cost less. If you already stay in Phuket, the boat ride from there is easy too. This guide compares the piers, the times, the prices, and the best months to go.
Phi Phi has two main islands, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. If you are new to the area, read a quick guide to the Phi Phi Islands first.
Where Can You Start Your Trip to Phi Phi?
Phi Phi sits about 40 kilometers from Krabi town. The only way in is by boat. You have two boat types to pick from.
- Ferry: cheaper and slower, with nice sea views on the way.
- Speedboat: faster and pricier, good if you have little time or want to go and come back in one day.
The two popular starting provinces are Krabi and Phuket. Both have piers with direct boats to Phi Phi.
Starting from Krabi: Which Pier and How Long?
Krabi is closer. The ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the speedboat is faster at around 45 minutes. There are three piers you can use.
- Klong Jilad Pier: the main pier for ferries.
- Nopparat Thara Beach: the spot for speedboats.
- Ao Nam Mao Pier: another popular pier for boats to Phi Phi.
The good thing about Krabi is that it is close, the boats are cheaper, and it is easy to add other Krabi islands like Hong Island or the 4 Islands tour. The catch is fewer daily boats, and seats fill up fast in the busy season, so book ahead.
Starting from Phuket: How Is It Different?
From Phuket the trip is longer. The ferry takes about 2 hours or more, and the speedboat takes around 1 hour. But there are more boats per day, and it is handy if you already stay in Phuket. There are three main piers.
- Rassada Pier: the main ferry pier.
- Chalong Pier: for speedboats and tour boats.
- Bang Rong Pier: another speedboat option.
The good thing about Phuket is the frequent boats, and you can mix Phuket and Phi Phi in one trip. The catch is it is farther, the boats cost more, and a rough sea can make the ride tiring.
Krabi or Phuket: Which One Is Right for You?
| Topic | From Krabi | From Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | Closer | Farther |
| Ferry time | 1.5 to 2 hours | 2 hours or more |
| Speedboat time | About 45 minutes | About 1 hour |
| Boat price | Cheaper | Higher |
| Boats per day | Fewer | More |
| Best for | Travelers who want speed and value, plus other Krabi islands | Travelers already staying in Phuket who want two places in one trip |
Want fast and cheap? Pick Krabi. Already in Phuket? Pick Phuket. Still not sure which island to stay on? Read how Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are different to decide.
How Much Does the Boat to Phi Phi Cost?
These prices are per person, one way. Real prices change with the season and the boat company.
| Route | Ferry | Speedboat |
|---|---|---|
| From Krabi | 300–400 THB | 700–1,200 THB |
| From Phuket | 400–600 THB | 1,200–1,800 THB |
In the busy season prices go up and seats sell out fast. Booking early gets you a better price and a sure seat.
When Is the Sea Best, and Which Months to Avoid?
The best time is November to April. The sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the water is clear enough to see the coral. May to October is the rainy season. The waves can be strong, boats to Phi Phi Le sometimes stop running, and the water is cloudier. The upside of the rainy season is fewer people and cheaper rooms.
Visit Phi Phi With a Local Krabi Guide
Don't want to book boats and connect everything yourself? Railay Eco Tour runs a Phi Phi one day trip with pick-up from Krabi. It covers Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Tonsai Bay in one day.
Our guides were born and raised in Krabi. They know the real boat times, the easiest pier each day, and the swim spots that are not crowded yet. So you never have to guess which pier to use or when to go.
Ready for Phi Phi? Here Is Where to Start
In short: you can reach Phi Phi from both Krabi and Phuket. For speed and value, start from Krabi at Klong Jilad or Ao Nam Mao pier. If you already stay in Phuket, start there. Pick the ferry to save money, or the speedboat to save time. Go between November and April for the clearest sea, and book your boat and room early so the trip runs smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What province is Phi Phi in?
Phi Phi is in Krabi province, part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park. It is about 40 kilometers from Krabi town and you can only reach it by boat.
How much is the boat to Phi Phi?
A ferry from Krabi is about 300–400 THB one way, and from Phuket 400–600 THB. A speedboat from Krabi is around 700–1,200 THB, and from Phuket 1,200–1,800 THB. Prices change with the season and the boat company.
How long is the boat ride to Phi Phi?
From Krabi the ferry takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and the speedboat about 45 minutes. From Phuket the ferry takes about 2 hours or more and the speedboat about 1 hour.
What is the best month to visit Phi Phi?
November to April is best. The sea is calm, the sky is clear, and the water is clear, which is great for swimming and snorkeling.
Which months should you avoid Phi Phi?
May to October is the rainy season. Waves are often strong, boats to Phi Phi Le sometimes stop, and the water is cloudier. Skip these months if you want clear water.
References
- Tourism Authority of Thailand: Phi Phi Islands
- Wikipedia: Phi Phi Islands
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