Getting to Phi Phi Island is pretty easy. This group of six islands is located 46km from Phuket and roughly the same distance from Krabi. To get to Phi Phi, there are basically two options: ferries and speedboats.
The ferry is by far the most popular method of reaching the islands. Ferries take about two hours from Phuket and 90 minutes from Krabi or Koh Lanta. The main departure/arrival port in Phuket is Rassada Pier, located in Phuket Town. In Krabi, the main ferry pier is Klong Jirad Pier, situated just south of Krabi Town. The ferry terminal is a one-hour drive from Phuket Airport and Krabi's is 30 minutes from Krabi Airport. To get good seats you should arrive well in advance in high season or half an hour before departure in low season.
If you are travelling from Bangkok, you need to get to one of these two piers to catch a ferry to Phi Phi. Once you arrive at the airport or at the Bokoso (inter-city bus station), you’ll have to take a taxi or a local bus to get to the ferry terminal. Please have a look at the Phuket and Krabi ferry schedules beforehand, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Ferry to Phi Phi
Ferries are decently comfortable. The top deck of the ferry doubles as a sundeck, which is great for those who want to tan. The lower decks feature air-conditioned rooms and drinks and snacks are available onboard. You could also get a VIP (green) ticket to enjoy the trip from a more comfortable air-conditioned space on the middle-deck. Sometimes the ferries can get a little crowded. As a cool addition, free slices of watermelon are usually distributed to refresh the passengers on the afternoon ferries. See the ferry schedules from Krabi and Phuket to Phi Phi.
Speedboat to Phi Phi
Private speedboat transfer is the next most popular way of getting to Phi Phi. Basically, it's a private charter of a speedboat, so departure and drop-off points are a little more flexible and you can go right up to the front of your chosen resort, which can save a lot of time. For most of the year the ride is flat, but it's advisable to avoid speedboats in low season (from September to November) as things can get a little bumpy. Obviously, speedboats are more expensive than the ferry, but they can represent excellent value for larger groups as the cost of the boat hire is divided.
