Short answer
This is the crossing that we make every week — our agency is based in Tonsai, on the Phi Phi side. Here are the real options in 2026:
| Option | Departure | Duration | Price/pers. | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry from Krabi Town | Klong Jilad Pier, 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. | 1h45-2h | 450-500 THB | Most travelers |
| Ferry from Ao Nang | Nopparat Thara, 9:30 a.m. | ~2h | 450-550 THB | Those who sleep in Ao Nang |
| Shared speedboat | Klong Jilad / Ao Nang | 50 min-1 hour | 700-900 THB | In a hurry, little luggage |
| Private boat | on your schedule | 1h-1h15 | 9,000-15,000 THB/boat | Families, groups, late arrivals |
Our default advice: the 1:30 p.m. ferry from Krabi Town if you land in the morning, the 9 a.m. ferry if you are already sleeping in Krabi. Quiet crossing along the cliffs, upper deck open for photos. — The Phi Phi Paradise team
The ferry from Krabi Town (Klong Jilad Pier)
It is the main connection, reliable and cheap.
- Starting Pier: Klong Jilad, 10 minutes south of Krabi Town (not the old Chao Fah Pier, which is now only used by local longtails)
- High season times: 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — arrive 45 minutes before for ticket exchange and baggage tagging
- Duration: 1h45 to 2h
- Price: 450-500 THB; online tickets are sometimes cheaper than at the ticket office
- Baggage: suitcases stored in the front hold, keep a small bag with you
Join the pier:
- From Krabi airport: taxi 500-600 THB (40 min) or shared shuttle ~150 THB; via Grab often a little cheaper
- From Krabi Town: songthaew or taxi, 100-200 THB, 10 min
- From Ao Nang: taxi 500 THB (40 min) — but in this case, take the direct ferry from Ao Nang instead
The ferry from Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara)
If you are staying in Ao Nang or Railay, there is no need to go back to Krabi Town: a ferry leaves from Nopparat Thara Pier around 9:30 a.m. in high season (450-550 THB, around 2 hours, possible stopover at Railay West where passengers board by longtail). On the way back, departure from Phi Phi around 3:30 p.m. Out of season, this line is the first to reduce the sail - simple withdrawal to Klong Jilad.
The speedboat: to save two hours
Shared speedboats connect Krabi to Phi Phi in 50 minutes to 1 hour for 700-900 THB. Interesting if you want to maximize your first day on the island. Two reservations from people in the trade: it hits harder when the sea is rough (avoid it if you are prone to seasickness or with a baby), and departures are less punctual than ferries.
The private boat (9,000-15,000 THB per boat, up to 10-15 passengers depending on the hull) remains the only clean option for late arrivals: flight that lands at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m., you are picked up at the airport and you have dinner at Phi Phi. This is the transfer we organize most for families — see our private package from Krabi.
High season vs. low season
- November → April: all times above, generally flat sea, postcard crossing along the karsts. Book 24-48 hours in advance in December-February.
- May → October: count on a morning departure (generally 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m.) and sometimes a second at 1:30 p.m., adjusted to the weather. The line lasts all year round; total cancellations for swell are counted in days per season. Buy your ticket the day before on site or ask us: we know the real state of the sea every morning.
Arrival at Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Pier)
All boats arrive at Tonsai Pier, the only port on the island:
- Entrance fee: 20 THB per person, in cash, at the end of the walkway (it funds the cleaning of the island)
- No cars or taxis: Phi Phi can be explored on foot. Tonsai and Loh Dalum hotels are a 5-15 minute walk away; trolley porters offer their services for 50-100 THB per large piece of luggage
- Remote beach hotels (Long Beach, Laem Tong): longtail transfer 100-150 THB per person, often arranged by the hotel — check before arriving
The return direction: Phi Phi → Krabi
Same companies, same prices. Departures from Tonsai around 9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in high season. If you have a flight departing from Krabi, take the boat which arrives at least 3h30 before takeoff: a 40-minute drive separates the pier from the airport, and the ferries can be 20-30 minutes late.
Our Verdict
- Budget and serenity → Klong Jilad ferry, 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., 450-500 THB.
- Stayed in Ao Nang → ferry from Nopparat Thara at 9:30 a.m., without detour.
- Landing in the afternoon → private boat, or overnight in Ao Nang and morning ferry (often the best price/tiredness compromise).
- And if you're still hesitant between basing your stay in Krabi or Phi Phi, we've written an honest comparison of the two — spoiler: with 5 days, do both, they're only 2 hours away by boat.
