Koh Kradan, a quiet island in Trang’s Andaman waters, has no airport, so most travellers heading to Phuket cross by sea. The most practical route is a direct speedboat to Rassada Pier in Phuket Town. This guide covers the main options, departure details, costs and planning advice.
Route at a glance
- Route: Koh Kradan to Rassada Pier, Phuket Town
- Journey time: approximately 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
- Typical fare: THB 1,900 to THB 2,200 per person (approximately US$50 to US$70)
- Typical departures: between 10:45 and 13:50
Transport options compared
| Option | Journey time | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct speedboat to Rassada Pier | 3 hr 10 min to 3 hr 45 min | Approx. THB 1,950 (US$42 to US$67, approx. THB 1,400 to THB 2,200) | The best choice for most travellers. Book ahead in high season. |
| Ferry combined with van or bus transfer | Approx. 4 to 8 hours | From approx. THB 1,500 to THB 1,900 (US$45 to US$57) | Suitable if you need to reach Phuket Airport, Bus Terminal 2 or a hotel, with the onward transfer included. |
| Private longtail boat combined with van transfer | 4 hr 50 min to 6 hr or more | From approx. THB 5,700 (US$173) | Flexible timing, but considerably more expensive. |
Dollar-to-baht equivalents are approximate, calculated at about THB 33 per US$1. Exchange rates fluctuate, so treat the baht figures as a guide.
Departure details
Boats generally leave from the beach near Kradan Beach Resort on the east coast of Koh Kradan and arrive at Rassada Pier in Phuket Town.
Common scheduled sailings, shown as departure and arrival times, include:
- 10:45 departure, arriving 14:30
- 12:15 departure, arriving 16:00
- 13:50 departure, arriving 17:00 (offered by some operators and in some seasons)
Operators on this route include Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Bundhaya Speed Boat and Tigerline Travel. Timetables vary by operator and season, so confirm your departure time before travelling.
Planning tips
- Booking: Reserve one to three days ahead from November to April. Koh Kradan has a limited number of daily sailings, and services depend on the weather.
- Airport connections: If flying from Phuket Airport, allow at least 1 to 1.5 hours after arriving at Rassada Pier for the taxi ride, plus a buffer for check-in.
- Onward transfers: If you are heading to Patong, Kata, Karon or Bang Tao, arrange a hotel transfer from Rassada Pier in advance. The drive takes about 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.
- International flights: Avoid booking a same-day international flight. The crossing can be delayed or cancelled when the Andaman Sea is rough.
Our recommendation
For the simplest journey, take the direct 10:45 or 12:15 speedboat to Rassada Pier, then pre-book a taxi or hotel transfer to your final destination in Phuket.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to travel from Koh Kradan to Phuket?
The direct speedboat takes approximately 3 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. Combined ferry and van or bus options take roughly 4 to 8 hours, and private longtail transfers take 4 hours 50 minutes to 6 hours or more.
2. Where does the boat arrive in Phuket?
Direct speedboats arrive at Rassada Pier in Phuket Town.
3. How much does the speedboat cost?
Expect approximately THB 1,900 to THB 2,200 per person (about US$50 to US$70). A commonly quoted fare is around THB 1,950.
4. What time do boats leave Koh Kradan?
Departures are typically between 10:45 and 13:50. Examples include 10:45, 12:15 and 13:50, depending on operator and season.
5. Where do I board the boat on Koh Kradan?
Boats generally depart from the beach near Kradan Beach Resort on the island’s east coast.
6. Which operators run this route?
Operators include Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Bundhaya Speed Boat and Tigerline Travel.
7. Do I need to book in advance?
Booking one to three days ahead is recommended from November to April, as there are limited daily sailings.
8. Can I reach Phuket Airport directly from Koh Kradan?
There is no direct boat to the airport. You can take the speedboat to Rassada Pier and continue by taxi, or choose a ferry and van or bus package that includes a transfer to Phuket Airport.
9. Can bad weather affect the crossing?
Yes. Services are weather-dependent, and the crossing can be delayed or cancelled in rough Andaman Sea conditions. Avoid scheduling a same-day international flight.
10. How far is Rassada Pier from the main beach areas?
Patong, Kata, Karon and Bang Tao are about 45 to 75 minutes by road from Rassada Pier, depending on traffic. Pre-arranging a hotel transfer is advisable.
