Fast and fun, or slow and cheap? The right boat depends on what your trip is really about.
What is the best way to get from phuket to phi phi island? For a single day trip, a shared speedboat is usually the best choice — it reaches Phi Phi Leh in about 50 minutes, versus roughly two hours by passenger ferry, and covers the classic island-hopping route. If you’re staying overnight, the ferry makes more sense; for groups, a private charter offers the most freedom.
The quickest and most popular way
Shared speedboat (~50 minutes)
A speedboat is the fastest scheduled way across, reaching Phi Phi Leh in roughly 50 minutes and leaving plenty of time for Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, snorkelling, a beachside lunch and Khai Island in one day. It’s the default choice for day-trippers and the format most operators build their tours around.
Who it suits
Speedboat day trips work well for first-timers, couples and active families who want the highlights in a single outing. The ride can be lively in swell, so if you’re prone to seasickness a catamaran may suit you better. See the full itinerary in our Phi Phi day trip guide.
Your options compared
| Option | Time each way | Best for | Roughly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared speedboat | ~50 min | Day trips, seeing the most | From ~1,900 THB/adult |
| Speed catamaran | ~60–90 min | Families, smoother ride | From ~2,000 THB/adult |
| Passenger ferry | ~2 hours | Overnight stays on Phi Phi Don | From ~400–500 THB one way |
| Private charter | ~50 min | Groups wanting their own schedule | From ~14,000 THB/boat |
By speedboat
Speedboats depart from Phuket’s piers and marinas with morning pickups from most hotels. Because they’re quick, the day is built around getting to Maya Bay early — before the busiest national-park time slots — then working through the lagoons, snorkelling stops and lunch. It’s the best balance of time on the islands versus time in transit.
By ferry
Piers and timing
Ferries mainly run from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, taking around two hours. They’re the cheapest option and the calmest ride, but they only serve Phi Phi Don and run less often in the rainy season, with weather-related cancellations possible.
Who it’s for
The ferry is ideal if you plan to stay one or more nights on Phi Phi Don and don’t need to rush. Day-trippers rarely choose it because the round-trip transit eats into island time.
By private charter
A private speedboat charter reaches Phi Phi just as fast as a shared boat but lets your group set the departure time, the route and how long you linger at each stop. It suits families, groups of friends and special occasions. Our private charter guide covers boats, capacity and pricing.
How to choose the right option
A quick way to decide before you book:
- Decide day trip or overnight — a day trip favours the speedboat
- If seasickness is a concern, choose a catamaran and sit mid-boat
- Travelling as a group? Compare a private charter’s per-person cost
- Check the season and likely sea conditions for your dates
- Book with a TAT-licensed operator and confirm the park fee
What to know before you go
The national park fee
Phi Phi Leh sits inside a national park, so a fee of about 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children (foreign visitors) applies. Many complete tours include it; some collect it on the day. The Department of National Parks publishes park information and notices.
Season and sea conditions
November to April usually brings the calmest seas and clearest water. The green season (May–October) is wetter and can be rough, so departures may be adjusted for safety. Maya Bay also closes each year, most recently 1 August to 30 September.
Tips for a smooth crossing
- Choose an early departure for calmer morning seas and quieter beaches
- If you’re prone to seasickness, pick a catamaran and sit mid-boat
- Keep phones and valuables in a waterproof dry bag
- Confirm whether the park fee is included or paid on the day
- Book with a TAT-licensed operator for a clear weather and refund policy
Comparing tours rather than just transport? See our best Phi Phi tour guide for 2026 or browse island-hopping options. Independent background is on the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Lonely Planet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way from Phuket to Phi Phi?
A speedboat is the fastest scheduled option, reaching Phi Phi Leh in about 50 minutes. A speed catamaran takes roughly 60–90 minutes, and a passenger ferry around two hours.
Is there a ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi?
Yes. Passenger ferries run mainly from Rassada Pier to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don in about two hours. They’re the cheapest option and best suited to travellers staying overnight rather than day-trippers.
Can you drive or fly from Phuket to Phi Phi?
No. Phi Phi has no airport and no road connection, so every route is by boat — speedboat, catamaran, ferry or private charter from Phuket’s piers and marinas.
How much does it cost to get to Phi Phi from Phuket?
A shared speedboat day trip generally starts from around 1,900 THB per adult, a ferry from about 400–500 THB one way, and a private charter from roughly 14,000 THB per boat. Prices vary by season.
Which is better, speedboat or ferry?
For a day trip, the speedboat wins on speed and island time. For an overnight stay, the ferry is cheaper and calmer. Your choice depends on whether you’re returning to Phuket the same day.
Do I need to pay a national park fee?
Yes. The Phi Phi national park fee is about 400 THB for adults and 200 THB for children (foreign visitors). Confirm whether your tour includes it or collects it on the day.
Plan with confidence
Phi Phi trips involve sea travel and adventure activities, and itineraries can change with tides, weather and national-park conditions. Departures may be adjusted or rescheduled when the sea is rough. For a smoother experience, book with a TAT-licensed operator (License No. 34/02294), choose an early departure, and confirm current prices, inclusions and availability at the time of booking. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and follow ranger guidance inside the national park.
Book your Phi Phi trip with Phuket Thailand Travel
Phuket Thailand Travel is operated by True Design Holidays Co., Ltd., a TAT-licensed travel agency (License No. 34/02294) based in Kathu, Phuket. We run island tours, private charters, transfers and packages across the Andaman.
- Address: 113/297, Soi 10, M A, 7 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu, Phuket 83120
- Phone: +66 (0) 96 469 0456 · WhatsApp · LINE
- Book a speedboat day trip: view the tour & enquire or contact our team