Phuket to Krabi by Boat: All Options
Overview
Krabi province is located east of Phuket across Phang Nga Bay. While most people take a road transfer (about 3 hours by minivan), traveling by boat is scenic and can be combined with island visits along the way.
Option 1: Direct Ferry
Route
Ferries run from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Krabi's Klong Jilad Pier (Krabi Town) or Ao Nang/Nopparat Thara Pier.
Schedule
Typically 1 to 2 departures daily during high season (November to April). Service may be reduced or suspended during low season. Morning departures are most common (8:00 to 9:00 AM).
Travel Time
Approximately 2 to 2.5 hours direct.
Price
500 to 900 THB per person one-way.
Best For
Budget travelers, those who enjoy the scenic route, and travelers who want to avoid the 3-hour road transfer.
Option 2: Ferry via Phi Phi
Route
Phuket to Phi Phi Don, then Phi Phi Don to Krabi. You transfer boats at Phi Phi.
Schedule
Take an early ferry from Phuket to Phi Phi (departing 8:30 AM, arriving approximately 10:30 AM). Then take a connecting ferry from Phi Phi to Krabi (departing around 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM). Some operators sell combined tickets.
Travel Time
3 to 4 hours total including the transfer at Phi Phi.
Price
700 to 1,200 THB per person for the combined journey.
Best For
Travelers who want to see Phi Phi Don en route. You can even spend a few hours on Phi Phi before catching the afternoon boat to Krabi.
Option 3: Speedboat Transfer
Route
Direct speedboat from Phuket to Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
Travel Time
About 1 to 1.5 hours.
Price
1,200 to 2,000 THB per person. Some operators offer door-to-door service with hotel pickup.
Best For
Travelers who want speed and convenience. Particularly useful if your final destination is Railay Beach, which is only accessible by boat.
Option 4: Private Speedboat
A private speedboat charter from Phuket to Krabi lets you stop at islands along the way. You could visit the Phi Phi Islands, Hong Islands, or other islands en route, turning your transfer into a full-day experience.
Price
20,000 to 50,000 THB depending on stops and boat size.
Best For
Groups, families, or anyone who wants to combine their Phuket-to-Krabi transfer with island hopping.
Option 5: Road Transfer (Not a Boat, But Worth Mentioning)
For comparison, the road route takes about 2.5 to 3 hours:
- Shared minivan: 300 to 600 THB per person
- Private car: 2,000 to 3,000 THB
- Taxi: 2,500 to 3,500 THB
The road route is cheaper and runs in all weather, but you miss the scenic bay crossing.
Seasonal Considerations
- November to April (high season): All boat services operate regularly. Seas are calm.
- May to October (low season): Some ferry services are reduced or suspended. Seas can be rough. Road transfer may be the only reliable option.
Booking Tips
- Book ferry tickets at least 1 day in advance during peak season
- Combined Phuket-Phi Phi-Krabi tickets offer convenience but less flexibility
- If heading to Railay Beach, a speedboat or longtail from Ao Nang is the only access
- Confirm that your boat service includes transport to and from the pier, or arrange it separately
For island-hopping tours between Phuket and Krabi, browse our available tours or contact us for custom itineraries.
