Krabi to Koh Phi Phi

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 6 min read

Koh Phi Phi is one of the most visited island groups in Thailand, and Krabi is its nearest mainland jumping-off point. The standard route uses the big car-style ferries from Klong Jilad Pier (also written Chao Fah Pier) on the edge of Krabi Town, with a journey of roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours across the Andaman Sea to Tonsai Bay — the island's main arrival point. In high season the crossing is comfortable and straightforward; in the Andaman monsoon (roughly May to October) services thin out and can be suspended in heavy weather.

Which pier in Krabi?

Krabi has a small tangle of piers, so it's worth knowing which one you need. Klong Jilad Pier (the main Krabi Town pier, sometimes called Chao Fah) is the departure point for the big scheduled ferries to Phi Phi Don. It sits about 3 km south of Krabi Town centre — a short tuk-tuk or songthaew ride from most guesthouses and the bus terminal.

If you are staying in Ao Nang rather than Krabi Town, there is a separate, smaller pier at Ao Nang (and nearby Noppharat Thara) from which island-hopping speedboats and some smaller boat services also run to Phi Phi. Journey times from Ao Nang are broadly similar to those from Klong Jilad, depending on routing and sea conditions. Many travellers find the Ao Nang departure more convenient if they are already based at that beach.

The big ferries: Ao Nang Princess and Chao Koh

The main scheduled ferry services on the Krabi–Phi Phi route are operated by companies including Ao Nang Princess and Chao Koh Ferry (also known as PP Ferry). These are large, twin-decked passenger ferries carrying several hundred passengers, with air-conditioned lower decks and open upper decks. They are the most comfortable and most affordable option.

Typical sailing times from Klong Jilad Pier to Tonsai Pier (Phi Phi Don) are around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on sea conditions and whether the vessel makes intermediate stops. In high season (roughly November to April), several departures run each day — typically in the morning and at least one afternoon departure, with frequency increasing in peak months. In the low season when services continue, departures may reduce to once a day or fewer.

Fares on the big ferries are modest by any standard. Book at the pier on the day in low season; in high season, particularly around Christmas, New Year and the Songkran period, it's wise to book a day or two ahead through a local travel agency or the pier booking office.

Speedboats

Several operators also run shared speedboats from Klong Jilad Pier and from Ao Nang. These cut the crossing to as little as 45 minutes to 1 hour but are considerably more expensive than the big ferries, and far bumpier in any kind of swell. In peak season, speedboats sometimes combine Phi Phi with a visit to the Four Islands or other nearby spots as a day trip rather than a one-way transfer — check when booking that you are on a transfer service and not a tour.

For most independent travellers, the big ferry is the better choice: slower but significantly cheaper, and much more comfortable if the sea is anything less than flat. The speedboat comes into its own if you are transferring with a tight onward connection, or if the ferry has already sold out for the day.

Arriving at Phi Phi: Tonsai Pier and the national park fee

All ferries arrive at Tonsai Pier on the southern edge of Phi Phi Don, which gives onto the main village — a compact strip of restaurants, guesthouses, dive shops and travel agencies strung between two bays. The pier area is busy in high season; if you have pre-booked accommodation, your guesthouse may have arranged a porter to meet you, or longtail boats can transfer you to quieter bays on the island for a small fee.

Importantly, Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Leh fall within the Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. Most arriving visitors are required to pay a national park entrance fee on arrival — this is collected at the pier and is separate from your ferry ticket. The fee applies to foreign visitors; rates are set by the Department of National Parks and are subject to adjustment, so check the current rate when you buy your ferry ticket. Keep the receipt as you may need to show it on the island.

Getting from Krabi airport to the pier

Krabi International Airport lies roughly 15–17 km east of Krabi Town. There is no direct airport-to-pier bus, but shared minivans and taxis run between the airport and Krabi Town, from where you can take a tuk-tuk or songthaew to Klong Jilad Pier. Travel agencies at the airport also sell combined airport-transfer-and-ferry packages, which can be convenient if you want to head straight to Phi Phi on arrival. Allow at least 1.5 hours from landing to departure to be comfortable, more in high season when traffic through Krabi Town can be slow.

Travellers coming from Ao Nang directly can take a shared minivan or taxi from there to Ao Nang Pier — often more convenient than making the detour to Klong Jilad.

Monsoon season and service reliability

The Andaman Sea monsoon runs roughly from May to October, with the heaviest weather typically in June, July and August. During this period, the big ferries may run on a reduced timetable or suspend services entirely during storms. Phi Phi remains open year-round — many guesthouses stay open — but the sea can be rough and some beaches are inaccessible. If you are travelling in the shoulder months of May or October, check conditions and have a flexible itinerary.

Always confirm departure times at the pier or with a reputable travel agency the evening before, especially in low season. If the ferry is cancelled due to weather, operators generally offer a reschedule or refund.

For context on the wider ferry network in the region, see our overview of ferries to the Thai islands. For onward travel from Phi Phi, see our guides on Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta, and Krabi to Koh Lanta.

Frequently asked questions

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

The big scheduled ferries from Klong Jilad Pier typically take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach Tonsai Pier on Phi Phi Don. Speedboats can do it in 45 minutes to 1 hour, but at a higher fare and with a rougher ride.

Do I need to pay a national park fee on arrival at Phi Phi?

Yes. Koh Phi Phi lies within Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park, and foreign visitors are charged a national park entrance fee on arrival at Tonsai Pier. This is collected separately from your ferry ticket — keep the receipt as you may be asked to show it.

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

The main scheduled ferries depart from Klong Jilad Pier (also called Chao Fah Pier) near Krabi Town. If you are based in Ao Nang, there are also speedboat and island-hopping services from Ao Nang Pier that reach Phi Phi in roughly the same time.

Can I get from Krabi to Phi Phi during the monsoon?

Services often continue in the shoulder months, but reduce in frequency and may be suspended in the worst weather (typically June–August). Check conditions and book flexibly if you are travelling between May and October.