Krabi to Koh Phi Phi: Ferry Times and Prices

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Krabi is the shortest, most straightforward crossing to the Phi Phi Islands, and one of the busiest ferry routes in southern Thailand. This guide covers the real departure pier, journey time, operators, and prices so you can book the crossing with confidence, whether you’re basing yourself in Krabi Town or Ao Nang.

Where Ferries to Koh Phi Phi Depart From

Nearly all scheduled ferries to Phi Phi leave from Klong Jilad Pier (also called Krabi Passenger Pier), about 4 km from Krabi Town, with a second, smaller set of departures from Kong Ka Pier. Travelers based in Ao Nang typically don’t need to arrange their own transport to Klong Jilad — most ferry tickets bought through a hotel or agency in Ao Nang include a shuttle connection to the pier, since Ao Nang itself has no direct scheduled ferry terminal for Phi Phi.

Journey Time and Frequency

The standard ferry crossing takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours to Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don, with faster speedboat options cutting that down to around 45-60 minutes. In high season (November-April), there are at least 8 scheduled departures a day, running from early morning (around 9:15 AM) through mid-afternoon (around 2:30 PM), which gives real flexibility if you need to shift your plans. In the green season (May-October), fewer boats run and rough seas occasionally cause delays or cancellations, so it’s worth checking conditions a day ahead if you’re traveling outside the dry months.

Ferry Operators and Booking

The route is served by a handful of established operators, including Andaman Wave Master and Chaokoh Ferry, the same company that runs much of the Phuket-Phi Phi crossing as well. Tickets can be booked online in advance, through a hotel tour desk, or at the pier itself, though booking ahead is worth it in high season when the earlier, more convenient departures can sell out first.

Typical Prices

A one-way ticket on the standard ferry from Klong Jilad Pier to Tonsai Pier typically runs $14-25 (480-850 THB), with prices varying by operator, boat class, and how far ahead you book. Faster speedboat transfers cost more, generally $30-40+ per person, and tickets routed to the quieter Laemtong Pier on the island’s north coast tend to sit at the higher end of the price range.

Day Trip vs. Staying Overnight

Krabi’s short crossing time makes Phi Phi a genuinely easy day trip — many visitors go over, spend several hours on the beaches and viewpoints, and return the same evening, especially if they’ve already settled into accommodation covered in our guide to where to stay in Krabi. Staying overnight on Phi Phi instead means skipping the day-tripper crowds that arrive mid-morning and thin out by late afternoon, though it does mean packing up and moving for just one or two nights.

What to Expect on the Crossing

Standard ferries on this route are stable catamaran-style boats with air-conditioned indoor seating and an open upper deck; the upper deck gets better views but more sun and spray, so pack sunscreen and a hat if you plan to sit there. The water can get choppy in the green season even on days when sailings aren’t cancelled outright, so anyone prone to seasickness should sit toward the middle of the boat and consider motion sickness medication beforehand.

Comparison: Ferry vs. Speedboat vs. Day-Tour Package

Practical Tips for the Krabi-Phi Phi Crossing

• Book morning departures when you can — afternoon crossings are more likely to be affected by choppier seas as the day goes on.
• If you’re staying in Ao Nang, confirm your ticket includes the shuttle to Klong Jilad Pier, since Ao Nang has no direct scheduled ferry terminal of its own.
• Keep valuables in a dry bag or waterproof phone pouch — spray on the open upper deck can catch you off guard.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, sit low and toward the center of the boat and consider taking medication 30-60 minutes before departure.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen, since parts of Phi Phi’s marine areas restrict regular sunscreen to protect the coral.

Combining Phi Phi with Other Krabi-Area Trips

Many day-tour packages from Krabi bundle Phi Phi with a stop at Maya Bay and sometimes Bamboo Island or a snorkeling stop, rather than selling the ferry crossing on its own. If you’re island-hopping through the region, it’s also worth comparing this route against the Phuket to Phi Phi ferry — Krabi’s crossing is generally shorter and cheaper, which makes Krabi the better base if Phi Phi is your main priority rather than a side trip.

Where to Stay Before an Early Departure

If you’ve got an early morning ferry, staying somewhere with easy access to Klong Jilad Pier saves real stress on the day — our Krabi travel guide covers the areas that make pier access simplest. Most hotels across both Krabi Town and Ao Nang can arrange a pier transfer as part of a booked ticket, so this matters less than it might seem — just confirm pickup timing the night before, since early departures can mean a 7:30-8:00 AM hotel pickup.

Settling in on Phi Phi After the Crossing

Once you’re off the ferry at Tonsai Pier, most of the island’s accommodation is a short walk away — see our guide to where to stay in Koh Phi Phi for a breakdown of the island’s areas, or our guide to Koh Phi Phi’s best hotels if you’re still deciding where to book.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi take?

Roughly 1.5 to 2 hours by standard ferry to Tonsai Pier, or 45-60 minutes by speedboat.

Which pier do ferries to Phi Phi leave from in Krabi?

Nearly all scheduled ferries depart from Klong Jilad Pier, about 4 km from Krabi Town, with some smaller departures from Kong Ka Pier.

Can I get a ferry to Phi Phi directly from Ao Nang?

Ao Nang has no direct scheduled ferry terminal — tickets bought through a hotel or agency there usually include a shuttle connection to Klong Jilad Pier.

How much does the ferry from Krabi to Phi Phi cost?

A one-way standard ferry ticket typically costs $14-25 (480-850 THB); speedboat transfers cost more, generally $30-40+ per person.

Is Krabi or Phuket a better base for visiting Phi Phi?

Krabi’s crossing is shorter and generally cheaper, making it the better base if Phi Phi is your main priority rather than a side trip from a longer Phuket stay.

Do ferries to Phi Phi from Krabi run year-round?

Mostly, though the green season (May-October) has fewer daily departures and occasional cancellations due to rough seas.

What Standard vs. VIP Ferry Class Actually Means

Some operators sell a slightly pricier “VIP” or air-conditioned upper-class ticket alongside the standard fare, which usually just means a reserved seat in the enclosed cabin rather than any real difference in boat, crew, or crossing time. Unless you specifically want a guaranteed seat away from the open deck in peak season, the standard ticket covers the same journey for less.

Traveling with Luggage, Snorkel Gear, or a Surfboard

Standard luggage is included in the ticket price and handled by crew at both ends, though it’s worth keeping anything fragile or waterproof-sensitive in your carry-on rather than checked bags, since gear gets stacked on open deck space during loading. Larger items like surfboards or dive equipment bags are usually fine but occasionally incur a small extra fee — it’s worth checking with the operator directly if you’re traveling with anything oversized.