Plan your journey from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi with confidence. This guide covers the main piers, departure times, ticket prices and what to expect on board, so your island crossing runs smoothly.
The quickest and most popular way to reach Koh Phi Phi from Ao Nang is by speedboat from Nopparat Thara Pier or nearby Ao Nam Mao. Boats arrive at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi Don after about 45 to 75 minutes on the water. Including transfers, the journey usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours door to door.
Where to depart and where you arrive
Departure points near Ao Nang:
| Pier | Notes |
|---|---|
| Nopparat Thara Pier | The main hub for Ao Nang to Phi Phi ferries and speedboats, about 10 minutes by road from central Ao Nang Beach |
| Ao Nam Mao Pier | Used by some operators, particularly for shorter, faster crossings |
| Railay floating piers (East and West) | Some services collect passengers at Railay before continuing to Phi Phi. This suits travellers staying on Railay but adds time |
Arrival point on Koh Phi Phi:
Almost all boats dock at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. It sits within easy walking distance of the main village, most guesthouses, restaurants and tour desks. There are no cars on the island, so you will either walk to your accommodation or take a longtail boat if it lies on a more distant bay.
Departure times and when to arrive
Scheduled departures run from early morning to mid-afternoon. The last boats typically leave between 15:00 and 17:00, depending on the operator and season. Schedules change, so confirm times with your operator.
- Early departures (07:30 to 08:00): a van and speedboat combination leaving at 07:30 reaches Tonsai at about 09:30, while an 08:00 speedboat arrives at about 09:45. These suit travellers who want a full first day on the island, softer morning light and time to check in before the midday heat.
- Mid-morning departures (09:30 to 11:00): a 09:30 ferry arrives at about 11:30, and a 10:10 speedboat at about 11:00. This is a good balance, leaving the afternoon free for snorkelling, a viewpoint walk or beach time.
- Afternoon departures (12:00 to 15:30): services at 13:00, 14:30, 15:00 and 15:30 arrive between about 15:00 and 17:30. They suit a relaxed morning in Ao Nang or a late checkout, but keep the last practical boat in mind if you must reach Phi Phi the same day.
Plan to be at the pier at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, especially if your ticket includes hotel pickup or a shared van transfer. In high season or unsettled weather, choose an earlier boat to reduce the risk of cancellation and to leave a buffer if services are reduced.
What to expect on board
Journey time and comfort:
- Speedboat: roughly 30 to 75 minutes pier to pier depending on route and stops. This is usually the fastest option.
- Ferry or van-and-ferry combination: about 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours or more pier to pier. Some multi-stop services take longer.
- Conditions: expect sun, spray and some bumpiness, particularly in choppy seas. Sit towards the middle of the boat if you are prone to seasickness, and hold on during turns.
Typical costs:
| Ticket type | Approximate one-way price |
|---|---|
| Speedboat | THB 450 to THB 800, depending on operator and inclusions |
| Standard ferry or van-and-ferry combination | From about THB 450 to THB 600 for basic tickets |
| Private speedboat charter | Considerably higher, often the equivalent of several hundred US dollars (roughly THB 10,000 or more) per boat |
Arriving at Tonsai Pier
You step directly into the main village, where you will find guesthouses, hostels, mid-range and upscale resorts, restaurants, bars, dive shops and tour operators, along with a 7-Eleven, ATMs and other basic services.
If your accommodation is on another bay, such as Long Beach, Laem Tong or Loh Dalum, you can walk (10 to 30 minutes depending on location and trail) or take a short longtail boat ride from Tonsai or Loh Dalum for an extra fee.
Choosing the right departure for your trip
- Efficient island-hopping: take an early or mid-morning speedboat (08:00 to 10:30) to make the most of your first afternoon.
- Families or less confident sailors: choose a larger, slower ferry where available. It is usually less bumpy, though the crossing takes longer.
- Longer, slower stays: a mid-morning arrival gives you time to check in, find a suitable café for working, and test mobile data or eSIM coverage in daylight.
- Rough weather or monsoon periods: earlier boats are less likely to be cancelled and leave a buffer if services are reduced.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to get from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi?
The crossing takes about 45 to 75 minutes by speedboat, while slower ferries take 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours or more. Door to door, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours. - Which pier should I depart from?
Nopparat Thara Pier is the main hub, about 10 minutes by road from Ao Nang Beach. Some operators use Ao Nam Mao Pier, and a few services call at Railay first. - Where do boats arrive on Koh Phi Phi?
Nearly all boats dock at Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, close to the village, guesthouses, restaurants and tour desks. - How much does the ticket cost?
Speedboats generally cost THB 450 to THB 800 one way. Basic ferry or van-and-ferry tickets can start at around THB 450 to THB 600. - What time is the last boat?
Last departures are usually between 15:00 and 17:00, depending on the operator and season. Check with your operator, and avoid relying on the final sailing if you need to arrive the same day. - How early should I arrive at the pier?
Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, particularly if your ticket includes hotel pickup or a shared van transfer. - Is the crossing rough?
It can be, especially in choppy seas. Expect spray and some bumpiness, sit towards the middle if you are prone to seasickness, and consider a larger ferry for a smoother ride. - Which departure time is best?
Early or mid-morning boats are generally best. They give you more daylight on Phi Phi and are less likely to be affected by weather or cancellations. - How do I get to my hotel once I arrive?
Many hotels near Tonsai are a short walk away. For other bays, walk (10 to 30 minutes) or take a longtail boat for an additional fee. There are no cars on Phi Phi Don. - What changes in rough weather or the monsoon season?
Services may be reduced or cancelled, so choose an earlier departure, allow extra time in your plans, and confirm your sailing with the operator before travelling.
