Phuket to Phi Phi: Ferry vs Speedboat Price and Time
Quick Comparison
| Factor | Ferry | Speedboat Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | 90 min to 2 hours | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Price | 400-800 THB one-way | 1,500-3,500 THB (full day tour) |
| Destination | Phi Phi Don (Tonsai Pier) | Phi Phi Leh + Phi Phi Don |
| Includes | Transport only | Guide, lunch, snorkeling gear, Maya Bay, multiple stops |
| Comfort | Smoother, larger boat | Faster, bumpier |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedule (3 departures daily) | Fixed tour itinerary |
| Hotel pickup | Not included | Included |
The Ferry Option
How It Works
Large passenger ferries depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. The journey takes 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Schedule
Typically 3 departures daily from Phuket: 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM. Return from Phi Phi: 9:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM. Always confirm current schedule.
Price
- One-way: 400 to 800 THB
- Round trip: 700 to 1,400 THB
- VIP/air-con: add 100 to 200 THB
Best For
- Travelers staying overnight on Phi Phi Don
- Budget travelers
- Those prone to seasickness (larger boat is smoother)
- Backpackers with heavy luggage
The Speedboat Tour Option
How It Works
Speedboat day tours depart from Rassada Pier, Royal Phuket Marina, or Chalong Pier. The boat covers multiple stops: Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach, snorkeling spots, and often Bamboo Island.
Schedule
Tours typically depart 7:00 to 8:00 AM, return 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Hotel pickup at 6:00 to 7:00 AM.
Price
- Group tour: 1,500 to 3,500 THB per person (all inclusive)
- National park fee: 400 THB (sometimes extra)
Best For
- Day trippers who want to see the highlights
- First-time visitors to Phi Phi
- Those who want to see Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon)
- Travelers who value convenience (everything included)
Key Differences Explained
What You See
This is the biggest difference. The ferry only goes to Phi Phi Don (the inhabited island with Tonsai Village). It does not stop at Phi Phi Leh, which is where Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, and Viking Cave are located.
A speedboat tour visits Phi Phi Leh as its main attraction, plus snorkeling spots and sometimes Bamboo Island. You get a much more comprehensive Phi Phi experience.
Comfort
The ferry is a large vessel that handles waves well. You have a proper seat, can walk around, and the ride is relatively smooth. The speedboat is faster but bounces over waves, especially in the first 20 minutes of open water.
Value Analysis
At first glance, the ferry seems cheaper. But consider the total cost of a Phi Phi day trip:
- Ferry round trip: 700 to 1,400 THB
- Taxi to Rassada Pier: 300 to 800 THB (depending on hotel location)
- Local longtail to Phi Phi Leh: 1,500 to 3,000 THB
- National park fee: 400 THB
- Lunch: 200 to 400 THB
- Snorkel rental: 200 to 300 THB
- Total: 3,300 to 6,300 THB
A speedboat tour at 1,500 to 3,500 THB includes all of the above plus hotel pickup. The tour is actually better value for day trippers.
The Third Option: Private Speedboat
A private speedboat charter (25,000 to 60,000 THB per boat) gives you complete control over your itinerary, timing, and stops. For groups of 6 or more, the per-person cost approaches that of a premium group tour while offering a far superior experience.
Our Recommendation
- Day trip to see the highlights: Speedboat tour
- Staying overnight on Phi Phi: Ferry
- Budget day trip to Phi Phi Don only: Ferry
- Premium day trip: Private speedboat
Browse our available tours for speedboat options.
