For most travelers, a mid-morning sailing (09:30 to 11:00) offers the best balance of cost, comfort and a usable first day on Koh Phi Phi. Those staying only one or two nights are better served by an early departure around 07:30 to 08:00, while afternoon boats suit travelers who are already based in Ao Nang and have a flexible arrival plan.
Departure times at a glance
The table below summarizes the main crossings from Ao Nang. Schedules and fares change by season and operator, so confirm exact times when booking.
| Departure | Boat | Arrives Tonsai Pier | Crossing | Adult fare | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07:30 to 08:00 (select operators) | Speedboat or van-plus-speedboat | About 09:30 to 09:45 | About 50 min on the water | Varies by operator | Short stays; a full first day |
| 09:30 | Ao Nang Princess ferry, Nopparat Thara Pier | About 11:30 | About 2 hours | THB 650 with shared van pickup (child THB 450) | Budget travelers; a steadier ride |
| 10:10 | Bundhaya speedboat, Nopparat Thara | About 11:00 | About 50 min | About THB 900 | Speed and convenience |
| 11:00 | Speedboat, Wang Sai Pier | About 12:00 | About 1 hour | About THB 830 | Slower mornings; late checkout |
| 14:30 to 14:40 | Speedboat, Wang Sai Pier or Nopparat Thara | About 15:30 to 15:40 | About 1 hour | About THB 830 to THB 900 | Same-day late arrival |
| 15:30 | Ao Nang Princess ferry | About 17:30 | About 2 hours | THB 650 (child THB 450) | Late arrival; high season only |
The 15:30 ferry is listed by its operator as running only between November and April. It is not scheduled to operate between 10 May and 14 November 2026.
Choosing by traveler type
- Island-hopper or short-stay visitor: Take the 07:30 or 08:00 departure where available. Arriving before 10:00 leaves time to check in, eat and still enjoy Long Beach, snorkeling or the Phi Phi viewpoint in the afternoon.
- Couple or family wanting an easier start: Choose a sailing between 09:30 and 10:30. It avoids a pre-dawn transfer while preserving a useful afternoon. A larger ferry is generally less bumpy than a speedboat, though slower.
- Budget traveler: The 09:30 ferry with included van pickup is among the most economical options at THB 650. Check total journey time before booking, as combined van-and-boat tickets and some afternoon services take considerably longer than a direct speedboat.
- Digital nomad or longer-stay traveler: A mid-morning arrival allows time to check in, test Wi-Fi or mobile data, and settle before evening.
- Traveler in rough weather or monsoon season: Book the earliest practical sailing. Early departures leave more alternatives if later boats are delayed or cancelled.
Piers, fees and booking essentials
- Confirm the exact pier. Many Ao Nang services leave from Nopparat Thara Pier rather than central Ao Nang Beach, and some speedboats use Wang Sai Pier. All arrive at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi.
- Arrive early. Allow 30 to 45 minutes before departure, particularly if your ticket includes hotel pickup or a shared van transfer. Pickups are collected in sequence, so be ready at the stated time.
- Check the real journey time. Direct speedboats take about 50 minutes and the ferry about 2 hours, but tickets that combine a van transfer or extra stops can take longer.
- Budget for extra charges. A national park entry fee of THB 400 per foreign adult is payable on arrival and is not included in boat fares. A pier fee of THB 20 is collected at Tonsai, and some operators charge THB 100 for each bag over the luggage limit.
- Consider the ferry upgrade. The Ao Nang Princess offers an upper-deck VIP seat with snacks and drinks for an additional THB 200 per person.
- Protect connections. If you have a connecting boat, flight or hotel deadline, choose an earlier sailing rather than the last afternoon service. Final departures are commonly between 15:30 and 17:00 but shift with the season.
Seasonal considerations
High season runs from November to April, when more sailings operate and seas are generally calmer. From May to October, schedules thin out and weather can delay or cancel boats, so book ahead and favor morning departures. Outside high season, the 15:30 ferry does not operate and afternoon choices are limited to speedboats.
The recommendation
For most travelers, the 10:10 Bundhaya speedboat is the quickest convenient option, while the 09:30 ferry suits those who prefer a lower fare of THB 650 and a steadier ride. If Phi Phi is only a one- or two-night stop, an early 07:30 or 08:00 departure is worth the early start, since arriving before 10:00 materially improves the first day.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does the boat from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi take? A direct speedboat takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour, and the ferry takes about 2 hours.
- How much does the crossing cost? The ferry is THB 650 for adults and THB 450 for children including shared van pickup, while speedboats typically cost about THB 830 to THB 900 per adult.
- Which pier do boats leave from? Most depart from Nopparat Thara Pier, with some speedboats using Wang Sai Pier. Both arrive at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi.
- What is the earliest departure? Some operators run early sailings around 07:30 to 08:00, arriving at about 09:30 to 09:45. Availability varies by date, so confirm in advance.
- What is the last boat of the day? Late sailings commonly leave between 14:30 and 15:30, and in high season some run as late as 17:00. Do not rely on the last service if you have a connection.
- Is the ferry or the speedboat better for motion sickness? The larger ferry is generally steadier, though it takes roughly twice as long as a speedboat.
- Are there extra fees beyond the ticket? Yes. The THB 400 national park fee for foreign adults is not included, and a THB 20 pier fee applies at Tonsai. Excess luggage may cost THB 100 per bag.
- Is hotel pickup included? The Ao Nang Princess ferry includes a shared van from Ao Nang, Klong Muang, Tubkaek and Krabi Town. Speedboat tickets vary, so check what your fare includes.
- What is the weather like during the rainy season? From May to October, seas can be rougher and schedules reduced. Book the earliest sailing and keep some flexibility in your plans.
- What do children pay? On the Ao Nang Princess ferry, children aged 3 to 11 pay THB 450 and younger children travel free. Other operators set their own age limits.
