About this tour
When Charlie from our BugBitten team caught the express ferry from Koh Phi Phi down to Phuket, it was a straightforward two-hour crossing that gets you from island life back to the mainland without faffing about. You're looking at a speedboat run that operates daily year-round, landing you at Rassada Port on Phuket's southern edge — handy if you've got onward transport sorted or a hotel nearby, less handy if you're staying north. It's no-frills but reliable: a seat, basic insurance, and the Andaman Sea rolling past. Fair dinkum point-to-point travel.
Highlights
- Two-hour crossing beats longer slow-boat slog between islands
- Runs every day, predictable schedule year-round
- Basic travel insurance bundled in with your ticket
- Rassada Port location south of town, straightforward disembark
- Works for all fitness levels — just sitting involved
- No age drama: infants lap-sit at no extra charge
What to expect
The ride itself is quick and uneventful, which is exactly what you want from a ferry. Charlie found the boat packed but organised — you board, find your seat, and settle in for a no-nonsense sea crossing. The Andaman stays reasonably calm most days, though chop can happen depending on season; it's the kind of crossing where some folks nap, others stare out the window. You won't get views that'll blow your mind — it's ferry work, not a scenic cruise — but you're moving and that's the point.
Arrive at Rassada Port and you're out and about within minutes. The port's on Phuket's quieter southern side, so if your hotel or onward transport is north in Patong or central Phuket Town, you'll need to arrange that separately. No pickup included, so have a plan: grab a songthaew, book a taxi app, or arrange a driver. That gap between boat and destination is the bit people sometimes overlook.
What travellers say
- Quick two-hour crossing cuts down island-hopping downtime
- Daily service year-round keeps plans predictable
- Insurance included, no hidden surprises at checkout
- Straightforward boarding and disembarking process
- Works for families with small kids without fuss
- No hotel transfers — you organise getting there and onward
- No food or drink on board, plan ahead
- Boat fills up; high season can feel cramped
- Rassada Port location adds travel time to north Phuket
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This works if you've got a clear onward plan and aren't fussed about frills. Charlie rates it for the efficiency — no messing, just a reliable run. Families with small kids will appreciate the no-fuss lap-sitting policy. If you're moving between islands and need to hit the mainland without eating a whole day to slow-boat schedules, it's a solid choice.
Hotel pickup isn't included, so you're responsible for getting to Koh Phi Phi's pier and from Rassada onwards. The boat fills up, especially in high season (November to February), so it's not always roomy. Rough seas between June and October can make it choppy; if you're prone to seasickness, take precautions. There's no onboard catering, just seats. Rassada's south of the main action, so factor in extra travel time if heading elsewhere on Phuket.
Motion-sickness tablets if prone, sunglasses and a hat (sun reflects harsh off the water), and a light layer — the sea breeze cools you down. Have your onward transport sorted before you board.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.