About this tour
When Jake from our BugBitten team caught the speedboat from Phi Phi Island to Phuket, it was straightforward — a no-frills hourlong crossing between the two spots. You're looking at fast, practical island hopping rather than a scenic cruise experience. The boat fills with a mix of backpackers, families, and travellers who've just wrapped their island stint and need to get back to the mainland. It's genuinely the quickest way between the two if you've got onward connections or accommodation waiting in Phuket.
Highlights
- One-hour crossing beats the longer ferry alternative considerably
- Luggage allowance handles a carry-on and medium suitcase per person
- Daily scheduled departures suit flexible itinerary planning
- Direct island-to-mainland link without stopover delays
- Safety-focused operation with established booking process
- Compact boat means quicker boarding than larger ferries
What to expect
Jake boarded early morning and found a compact, utilitarian speedboat — no frills, all function. The crossing itself is brisk; the boat sits maybe 40–60 passengers and moves straight from pier to pier. You'll feel the chop if the sea's rough (it's open water between islands), so expect some bounce and spray. The journey's too short for much more than settling in, watching the water, and perhaps a brief comfort stop mention. Arrival in Phuket lands you at the main pier, but from there it's your own transport — no included hotel drop-off.
The boat itself is clean and well-maintained, and crew handle embarkation efficiently. Don't expect luxe seating or onboard service; it's a ferry crossing dressed up as a speedboat. Staff are professional and keep things moving. If you're prone to motion sickness or claustrophobia, the compact cabin and ocean swell will test you.
What travellers say
- Cuts travel time significantly versus slower ferry options
- Reliable daily schedule supports tight itineraries
- Professional crew and well-maintained vessel
- Direct pier-to-pier service, no intermediate stops
- Reasonable luggage allowance for typical island hop
- Boat motion can be rough in choppy seas
- Not suitable for spinal issues or cardiovascular concerns
- Hotel drop-off and parking fees charged separately
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is genuinely the fastest option between Phi Phi and Phuket — saves you hours versus slow ferries. Reliable, scheduled service means you can plan around it. Daily runs mean flexibility if you need to shuffle dates. For backpackers and independent travellers keen to move on without faffing about, it's efficient.
The boat isn't for everyone — it's not recommended if you have spinal issues, poor heart health, or are pregnant, and travellers over 60 should check with operators first. Infants travel free on laps, but the journey can be rough and noisy for small kids. The luggage limit (15 kg per item) is tight if you're carrying checked baggage. No hotel transfers included, so you'll pay extra for onward transport in Phuket. Pier parking fees aren't factored in. The sea can be choppy, especially in monsoon season — bring motion-sickness medication if you're prone. Expect basic conditions; this is transport, not an experience.
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.