Koh Phi Phi is what people imagne when they think of Thailand’s islands: clear blue water, dramatic cliffs, longtail boats, and no cars in sight. Sitting between Phuket and Krabi in the Andaman Sea, it’s a favourite for beach lovers, snorkellers, and anyone chasing a proper tropical escape.

But here’s the thing: getting there takes some planning. You can’t drive or fly in. You’ll need a boat, and the best route depends on where you’re starting from. In this guide, we break down the best ways to get to Phi Phi Island, whether you're starting from Phuket, Krabi, or further afield.

Koh Phi Phi has no roads or airports. That’s part of its charm. The only way to reach it is by boat (either ferry or speedboat), and you’ll need to connect through Krabi or Phuket to make that happen. These two hubs are your main gateways, whether you’re flying in or arriving from elsewhere in Thailand.

If you’re flying in, Phuket and Krabi will be the closest and easiest airports to fly into.

Phuket is one of the most popular starting points for travellers heading to Phi Phi. All boats depart from Rassada Pier, located in Phuket Town on the southeast coast of the island. You can choose between a ferry and a speedboat, depending on your schedule and how you like to travel.

Ferries from Rassada Pier take around 1.5 to 2 hours and cost around AU$20 per person and can be purchased online in advance. They’re slow and steady, with plenty of space to stretch out, and great views as you approach the island.

Speedboats are faster—expect a journey of 45 minutes to an hour—but they cost more, starting around AU$40 to AU$60. They’re a good option if you’re short on time or want to squeeze more into your day. The journey can be a bit bumpy, so keep this in mind!

One important note: between May and October, services can be reduced due to weather conditions. Boats still run, but not as often, so always double-check the schedule during low season.

Getting to the pier is easy from anywhere on Phuket. If you’re coming from Phuket International Airport, it’s around a 45-minute to 1-hour taxi ride. You can also take an airport shuttle to Phuket Town, then a short taxi to the pier. If you're travelling with a mate or two, taking a taxi straight from the airport to Rassada Pier is the faster and smarter call. It saves time, and the cost difference isn’t much once you split it.

Krabi is another major jump-off point for getting to Phi Phi, and it's even closer than Phuket. If you’re landing at Krabi Airport, your best bet is to head straight to Klong Jirad Pier, which is just 30 minutes away by road.

From there, you can take a ferry or speedboat to Koh Phi Phi. Ferries usually take around 90 minutes to 2 hours and are the most common way to go. They run throughout the day from around 9am to 4pm. Speedboats are available too and will cut the travel time in half, but they come with a higher price tag.

If you're staying in Krabi Town, you’re even closer. A short 10–15 minute drive will get you to the pier.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Phi Phi from Bangkok is to fly directly to either Krabi or Phuket. Both destinations have multiple daily flights from Bangkok’s airports, and the flight time is around 1.5 hours. Once you land, simply head to the pier (either Rassada Pier in Phuket or Klong Jirad Pier in Krabi) and take a ferry or speedboat to Phi Phi.

If you're travelling on a tighter budget, you can take the night train or a long-distance bus to Surat Thani. From there, transfer by bus to Krabi, then continue by boat to Phi Phi. This route takes around 12 to 14 hours in total, so it’s better suited for travellers who have time to spare and want to stretch their budget.

From Ao Nang, getting to Phi Phi is pretty straightforward. Head to Noppharat Thara Pier, located just outside the centre of town. Ferries depart daily at 9:30am and take about two hours to reach Phi Phi. You can get to the pier by taxi or songthaew (shared truck), which takes around 15 minutes and is cheap and reliable.

Railay is only accessible by boa as wellt, so naturally, your ride to Phi Phi starts with a speedboat. Boats leave from the Railay East floating pier, and departures are usually available at 10am, 12pm, and 2pm. The journey takes just 30 minutes, making it one of the quickest options available.

If you're staying on Koh Lanta, head up to Saladan Pier in the north of the island. From there, you can catch either a ferry (about 1 hour) or a speedboat (about 30 minutes) to Phi Phi. Boats run several times a day from around 8am to 4:45pm.

During the high season, this is an easy and comfortable transfer. In the low season (May to October), however, boat services may be limited due to sea conditions, so we suggest confirming schedules and booking ahead.

Travelling from Koh Lipe to Phi Phi is possible, but only during high season (November to April). Boats take around 4 to 5 hours, and there’s usually only one departure per day. Expect to pay around AU$80 to AU$90 for the trip.

In the low season, boats don’t run this route due to rough seas, so you’ll need to reroute via the mainland, which adds extra time and complexity. This isn’t the most convenient option, but it’s a beautiful ride if the timing works.

Getting to Phi Phi from these Gulf islands takes some planning, but it’s definitely doable. Your best option is to book a combo ticket that includes a ferry to the mainland, a bus to Krabi, and a final boat to Phi Phi. The total travel time is around 10 to 12 hours, and the price typically lands around AU$60.

This route takes most of the day, so be prepared for an early start and a bit of waiting between transfers. Many travellers break up the journey by staying overnight in Krabi, Ao Nang, or even Khao Sok National Park. If you’ve never stayed on a floating bungalow in the jungle, this is your chance—it’s a detour worth taking.