Parking at Phuket Piers: Where to Leave Your Car or Scooter

Plenty of visitors rent a car or scooter in Phuket, and it is natural to wonder whether you can simply drive to the pier for your boat trip. You can at most piers, but parking is run by different owners, from public piers to private marinas and small lots next to tour offices, and the arrangements and fees change. This guide covers what to expect at the main departure points, how to leave your vehicle safely and when hotel pickup is the easier choice.

First: do you need to drive at all?

Every day tour and private speedboat charter we sell includes round-trip hotel transfers, so you do not need to park at a pier. Before you decide to drive, think about:

• The drive home. After 8 to 10 hours of sea, sun and swimming, many people feel far more tired than they expect. A transfer means you can doze on the way back.
• Drinks on board. If you are driving, do not drink. Thailand has strict drink driving laws, and the roads need your full attention.
• Finding the right pier. Phuket has many piers and marinas, and the departure point for some tours is confirmed shortly before the trip. The minivan driver knows exactly where to go.

Driving yourself makes more sense if you are staying far from the usual pickup areas, have a car seat set up for a small child or want to go somewhere else straight after the trip. If you plan to drive to one of our tours, contact us before the day so we can confirm the pier and the time to be there, and so nobody waits for you at your hotel.

Which piers our tours use

• Raya and Coral Island tour: Chalong Pier on the south coast.
• Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Khai Island tour: a pier on Phuket's east coast.
• James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay tour: a pier on Phuket's east coast.
• Jet Ski 7 Islands: a jet ski base on the east coast.
• Private speedboat charters: the departure pier is confirmed before your trip.

Rassada Pier

Rassada is Phuket's main ferry pier, on the east coast near Phuket Town. Ferries to Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta leave from here along with some tour boats, so mornings are busy. There are parking areas near the terminal and along the access road, but they can fill up when several ferries leave around the same time. Some parking areas charge a fee and some are unattended. Arrive early and do not block the access road or loading areas. Our Rassada Pier guide covers the terminal itself.

Chalong Pier

Chalong Pier sits on Chalong Bay in the south and is the main departure point for Coral Island and Racha. It is a long jetty with tour offices and cafes near the entrance. Parking is generally available near the entrance and on the surrounding roads, and scooters are everywhere. The busiest time is the early morning rush, when many tours leave at once. Our Chalong Pier guide has directions and tips.

Marinas and smaller piers on the east coast

Phuket's east coast has several private marinas, such as Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon and Ao Po Grand Marina, plus smaller private piers used by tour and speedboat companies. Marinas usually have organized parking and more controlled access than public piers. At smaller piers, parking may simply be an open area next to the office. Whether parking is free or paid varies, so ask when you arrive and keep any ticket you are given.

Tips for leaving your car or scooter all day

• Arrive early. Aim to be parked 30 to 45 minutes before departure, so you have time to find a space and your group.
• Leave nothing valuable behind. Take your passport, wallet and phone with you in a dry bag. The jet ski tour needs your passport on the day anyway.
• Think about the heat. A closed car in the sun gets extremely hot. Do not leave medicines, electronics, spray cans or sunscreen inside.
• Save your spot. Take a photo of where you parked and drop a pin on your map app. Piers look different at the end of a long day.
• Lock a scooter properly. Use the steering lock plus a disc lock or chain, and do not leave helmets hanging on the bike.
• Park legally. Do not block gates, driveways or other vehicles. Red and white painted kerbs usually mean no parking.
• Carry small notes in case there is a parking fee.
• Check your rental paperwork. Make sure your insurance covers you, and carry an International Driving Permit together with your home licence, since your cover can depend on it.

Getting dropped off instead

If you do not want to drive or park, a taxi or a ride-hailing app such as Grab or Bolt can drop you at the pier. Arrange your ride back once you know the return time, and allow some leeway, because boats can arrive a little earlier or later than planned. For most people, though, the included hotel transfer is simply easier. If you are staying outside the main resort areas, our guide to hotel pickup areas explains how pickup zones usually work.

Frequently asked questions

Is there parking at Chalong Pier?

Yes, parking is generally available near the entrance and on the surrounding roads, but it gets busy during the early morning departures. Arrive early.

Is it safe to leave a scooter at a pier all day?

Most people do without problems, but lock it properly with a disc lock or chain, take your helmet or lock it, and never leave valuables under the seat.

Do I have to get to the pier myself for your tours?

No. All our day tours and private charters include round-trip hotel transfers. If you would rather drive, contact us before the day to confirm the pier and the time.

How early should I arrive if I drive?

Around 30 to 45 minutes before the departure time you have been given, especially at Rassada and Chalong during the morning rush.