Koh Phi Phi - Phuket: Ferry Transfer with Hotel Dropoff

Summary

Ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket with easy hotel transfer

You’ll board at Tonsai Pier on Koh Phi Phi and cross to Phuket by ferry with local staff guiding you along the way. After docking at Rassada Pier, hop into an air-conditioned van for hotel dropoff in Patong, Kata, Karon or other main areas—no stress about finding your own ride. It’s simple travel done right—and those small moments will stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already sweating a little when we reached Tonsai Pier — not just from the sun, but because we’d cut it close (classic us). The Royal Jet Cruiser was waiting, and one of the crew waved us over with a grin. There’s this salty tang in the air at Koh Phi Phi that sticks to your skin, you know? We checked in about 20 minutes before departure, and I remember thinking how organized everything felt compared to some of our other boat rides in Thailand. Our guide, Somchai, helped us stash our bags and even joked about my faded hat (“lucky hat for smooth seas,” he said). I liked him right away.

The ferry itself was bigger than I expected — air-conditioned inside, which honestly felt like a small miracle after the heat on the pier. We found seats near a window and watched as the island faded behind us. There’s something oddly peaceful about that crossing: just engine hum, sea breeze sneaking through the door every time someone went out for photos, people quietly dozing or chatting in different languages. It took about two hours to reach Phuket’s Rassada Pier; I lost track of time staring at the water and listening to a kid nearby try to say “Phuket” properly (her dad kept correcting her — pretty cute).

Once we docked, things moved fast. The team had little signs for each dropoff area — Patong, Kata, Karon, Naiharn… all those names you see on maps but never really picture until you’re there. We piled into an air-conditioned van (bliss) and headed off toward Kata Beach with a few others. The driver played soft Thai pop on the radio and pointed out where he grew up near Chalong; his laugh was infectious when I tried repeating it in Thai (I probably butchered it). If your hotel’s outside those main areas they’ll charge extra for dropoff — just something to know.

I still think about that last stretch through Phuket Town: scooters weaving past us, flashes of gold temple roofs between buildings, the smell of street food drifting through the open window when we stopped at a red light. Not dramatic or anything — just real life rolling by after a day on the water. If you’re looking for a straightforward day trip from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket with hotel dropoff included, this is exactly what it says it is. And sometimes that’s all you need.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry Transfer from Phi Phi to Phuket

• Check-in at Tonsai Pier
• Speedboat crossing to Phuket
• Dropoff at hotel in Phuket Town or nearby areas

Top questions

How long does the ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket take?

The crossing takes around 1.5–2 hours depending on conditions.

Is hotel dropoff included in all areas of Phuket?

Dropoff is included for hotels in Patong, Kata, Karon, Naiharn, Rawai, Chalong, Phuket Town and Bypass Rd areas.

What time should I check in at Tonsai Pier?

You should check in at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is there an extra charge for airport or beach hotels?

Yes—extra charge applies for Phuket Airport and hotels in Kamala, Bangtao, Surin and Naiyang Beach.

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes—the service is wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes—infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is public transportation available near the pier?

Yes—public transportation options are available nearby both piers.

What’s included

Your ticket covers ferry passage from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket plus an air-conditioned van transfer directly to your hotel if it’s located in Patong, Kata, Karon, Naiharn, Rawai, Chalong or Phuket Town areas—with friendly local staff helping out every step of the way.