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# Thailand Island Transport
- URL: https://www.thailandtripos.com/island-transport/
- Published: 2026-02-16T11:23:25.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T13:48:37.000Z
- Description: Navigate Thai islands easily with my ultimate ferry & transport guide. Compare speedboats, check routes to Phi Phi & Samui, and book smart.
- Author: Tim Thorer
- Tags: Getting Around

Navigate Thai islands easily with my ultimate ferry & transport guide. Compare speedboats, check routes to Phi Phi & Samui, and book smart.

### Getting to the Islands  

#### ****Island Access Overview**

****Airport:**

- - ✈️ ****Phuket** \- Major international + domestic airport
  - ✈️ ****Koh Samui** \- Domestic only (Bangkok Airways monopoly)

****No Airport (ferry required):**

- - ⛴️ ****Koh Phi Phi** \- Ferry from Phuket (2hr) or Krabi (1.5hr)
- - ⛴️ ****Koh Lanta** \- Ferry from Krabi (2hr)
  - ⛴️ ****Koh Tao** \- Ferry from Chumphon (2hr) or Koh Samui (2hr, Airport))
  - ⛴️ ****Koh Phangan** \- Ferry from Surat Thani (3hr) or Koh Samui (30min, Airport)
  - ⛴️ ****Koh Chang** \- Ferry from Trat (30min/airport)
  - ⛴️ ****Railay Beach** \- Longtail boat from Krabi (15min) - no road access! (airport nearby. Krabi)

### Booking Ferries

#### When:

****High Season (Nov-March, July-Aug):**

- - Book ****5-7 days ahead** minimum
  - Popular routes sell out (especially speedboats)
  - Prices increase slightly

****Low Season (April-June, Sept-Oct):**

- - Book ****1-3 days ahead** is fine
  - Some routes have reduced service
  - Weather cancellations possible

****Peak Periods (Book 2+ weeks ahead):**

- - Christmas/New Year (Dec 25-Jan 5)
  - Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb, varies)
  - Songkran (April 13-15)
  - Full Moon Party dates (Koh Phangan)

#### Where:

1. [****12Go.asia**](https://12go.asia/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com) (best, compares all operators)
2. Direct from pier (same price but risk being full)
3. Hotel/hostel (usually adds ฿50-100 commission)

### 

### Boat Types:

#### ****Large Car/Passenger Ferry**

- Capacity: 300-500 people + vehicles
- Cost: ฿350-600
- Speed: Slow (2-4 hours)
- Comfort: Most comfortable, least seasickness
- Facilities: AC cabin, outdoor deck, snack bar, toilets
- ****Best for:** Budget travelers, families, those prone to seasickness

#### ****Standard Ferry**

- Capacity: 100-200 people
- Cost: ฿400-700
- Speed: Medium (1.5-3 hours)
- Comfort: Decent, some bouncing
- Facilities: Basic seating, toilets
- ****Best for:** Most travelers - good balance

#### ****Speedboat**

- Capacity: 30-50 people
- Cost: ฿900-1,800
- Speed: Fast (45min-1.5 hours)
- Comfort: Bumpy, can get wet, loud
- Facilities: Life jackets, basic
- ****Best for:** Time-savers, strong stomachs

#### ****Private Speedboat**

- Capacity: 6-15 people
- Cost: ฿8,000-20,000 (total, split among group)
- Speed: Fast, custom schedule
- ****Best for:** Groups, luxury travelers, custom timing

### Ferry Routes & Pricing (can always change)

#### ****Phuket → Koh Phi Phi:**

- ****Large Ferry:** 2 hours, ฿400-500
- ****Speedboat:** 45 mins, ฿1,200-1,500
- ****Departures:** 8:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm, 4:30pm
- ****Return last ferry:** 3:30pm (don't miss it!)
- ****Pier:** Rassada Pier (Phuket)
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Phuket/Koh-Phi-Phi/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Krabi → Koh Phi Phi:**

- ****Large Ferry:** 1.5 hours, ฿350-450
- ****Speedboat:** 35 mins, ฿1,000-1,300
- ****Departures:** 9:00am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm
- ****Pier:** Klong Jilad Pier (Krabi Town) or Ao Nang Beach
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Krabi/Koh-Phi-Phi/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Surat Thani → Koh Samui:**

- ****Large Ferry:** 2-3 hours, ฿300-400
- ****High-Speed Catamaran:** 1.5 hours, ฿500-650
- ****Departures:** Every 1-2 hours, 6am-7pm
- ****Includes:** Bus from Surat Thani Airport/Town to pier
- ****Pier:** Donsak Pier (Surat Thani)
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Surat-Thani/Koh-Samui/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Koh Samui → Koh Phangan:**

- ****Ferry:** 30-45 mins, ฿200-300
- ****Speedboat:** 20 mins, ฿500-700
- ****Departures:** Every 1-2 hours
- ****Peak:** Full Moon Party period (book ahead!)
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Koh-Samui/Koh-Phangan/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Koh Samui / Koh Phangan → Koh Tao:**

- ****Ferry:** 1.5-2 hours, ฿350-500
- ****Speedboat:** 45 mins, ฿800-1,000
- ****Departures:** 8:30am, 12:30pm (main times)
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Koh-Samui/Koh-Tao/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Chumphon → Koh Tao (Alternative Route):**

- ****Ferry:** 2 hours, ฿400-550
- ****High Speed Catamaran:** 1 hour, ฿650-800
- ****Departures:** 7:00am, 12:00pm
- ****Good for:** Coming from Bangkok by train/bus
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Chumphon/Koh-Tao/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

#### ****Trat → Koh Chang:**

- ****Ferry:** 30-45 mins, ฿80-120 (cheapest island ferry!)
- ****Departures:** Every 30-60 mins, 6am-7pm
- ****Pier:** Ao Thammachat Pier or Center Point Pier
- Book [online](https://12go.asia/de/travel/Trat/Koh-Chang/?z=2284790&ref=thailandtripos.com)

### Ferry Survival Tips

#### ****✅ Do:**

- Take ****motion sickness pills 30 mins before** (Dramamine at any 7-Eleven, ฿30)
- Sit toward ****back or middle** (less bouncy than front)
- Sit ****outside on deck** if prone to seasickness (fresh air helps)
- Bring ****light jacket** (indoor AC can be freezing)
- Arrive pier ****30 minutes early**
- Keep ****valuables with you** (don't put in checked luggage hold)
- Bring ****snacks/water** (limited options on boat)
- Have ****hotel address written down** (pier touts will offer transport)
- Take ****photo of your luggage tag number** (proves it's yours)

#### ****❌ Don't:**

- Eat ****heavy meal before** (increases nausea)
- Sit in ****closed cabin if seasick** (go outside)
- ****Forget sunscreen** (deck gets hot)
- ****Drink alcohol before** (dehydration + seasickness = bad)
- ****Arrive late** (ferries leave on time, no refunds)
- ****Book the absolute cheapest unknown operator** (safety matters)

*Disclaimer: Page contains affiliate links. If you purchase something via these links, I will earn a small commission. No additional cost.*

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