Phuket to Phi Phi Island Ferry: Schedules, Tickets, and What to Expect

The crossing from Phuket to Phi Phi Island is one of the most popular ferry routes in Southeast Asia - and in high season, one of the most congested. Getting your ticket sorted in advance and knowing which pier to head to makes a significant difference to the experience.

The Route

All scheduled ferries depart from Rassada Pier (Phuket Passenger Terminal) on Phuket’s east coast and arrive at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, the larger and only inhabited island of the Phi Phi group. The crossing is approximately 90 minutes on a speedboat or catamaran; rough weather can extend that to 2 hours.

Rassada Pier is roughly 3 km south of Phuket Town. From Patong Beach allow 45–60 minutes by Grab or taxi. From Phuket International Airport allow 60–75 minutes. No public bus runs directly to the pier, so Grab or a metered taxi is the practical option.

Operators and Schedules

Andaman Wave Master

The main scheduled ferry operator on this route. Typically runs 3–4 daily departures in high season:

Departure (Phuket)	Arrival (Phi Phi)	Notes
08:30	~10:00	First departure, most popular
11:00	~12:30	Mid-morning
13:30	~15:00	Afternoon service
15:00	~16:30	Last departure (seasonal)

Return services from Tonsai Pier to Rassada Pier operate at broadly the same times. Always confirm current schedules at the pier or via the operator website - departures adjust between high and low season.

PP Ferry (formerly Phi Phi Cruiser)

Second major operator on the same route. Slightly older vessels but competitive prices. Typically 2–3 departures per day. Similar schedule to Andaman Wave Master; during high season both operators often run simultaneously, giving you a departure roughly every 2 hours.

Andaman Cat Ferry / Other Operators

Several smaller operators and private speedboat companies also cover the route, particularly for tour packages that include Phi Phi Leh snorkelling. These tend to be more expensive but include hotel pick-up.

Prices (approximate, as of 2026)

Option	Price	Notes
Andaman Wave Master (pier purchase)	฿350–฿400 one-way	No hotel transfer included
PP Ferry (pier purchase)	฿350–฿400 one-way	No hotel transfer included
Private speedboat (1-day tour)	฿1,800–฿3,500	Full-day including Phi Phi Leh

For straightforward one-way transport, buying at the pier on the day is the cheapest option outside of peak season. In high season (December–March), pre-booking guarantees your seat - the route sells out regularly in January and February.

What to Expect Onboard

Both Andaman Wave Master and PP Ferry run speedboat-style catamarans carrying 100–200 passengers. Life jackets are available onboard - wear them. In rough weather the crossing can be uncomfortable, and sea spray will reach most seats. Store electronics and documents in a dry bag or inside your main luggage which goes in the hold.

The boats have a lower cabin (air-conditioned on some vessels) and an upper deck. The upper deck has the best views but gets the most spray and sun. Sunscreen and a light windbreaker are worth having regardless of the weather.

Continuing to Krabi or Koh Lanta

Several services continue from Phi Phi to Krabi (approximately 60 additional minutes) or connect onward to Koh Lanta. If you’re using Phi Phi as a transit stop rather than a destination, check the onward ticket before boarding in Phuket - a through-ticket Phuket–Phi Phi–Krabi is typically ฿550–฿750 and saves the hassle of buying two separate tickets.

Return and Onward Connections

From Tonsai Pier (Phi Phi Don), ferries depart for:

• Phuket: approximately 08:30, 11:00, 13:30 (Andaman Wave Master)
• Krabi: approximately every 2 hours during the day
• Koh Lanta: via Krabi or direct (Tigerline, seasonal)

Phi Phi has no ATMs at the pier - get cash in Phuket or Krabi before crossing. Card acceptance on the island is patchy outside of the main tourist restaurants.

Getting to Rassada Pier from Main Tourist Areas

From	Approx. Travel Time	Approx. Grab/Taxi Cost
Patong Beach	45–60 min	฿400–฿600
Phuket Town	10–15 min	฿100–฿150
Kata / Karon Beach	40–55 min	฿350–฿500
Phuket Airport	60–75 min	฿700–฿900
Rawai / Cape Panwa	20–30 min	฿200–฿300

Allow extra time during the morning rush (07:00–09:00) when the road from Patong through Phuket Town can slow to a crawl. We recommend arriving at Rassada Pier at least 30 minutes before your departure.

Low Season (May–October)

During the Andaman monsoon season, ferries continue to run but may be reduced to 1–2 departures per day. Cancellations happen on short notice when swell exceeds safe operating limits. If you’re travelling during this period, keep your schedule flexible and avoid booking non-refundable onward transport the same day. The Phi Phi crossing in October and May is often manageable; June through August sees the roughest conditions.

For private transfers, airport connections, and minivan options around the Andaman coast: Book transfers in Thailand.