Ao Nang to Phuket tickets

About the ride from Ao Nang to Phuket

Ao Nang is one of the top spots in Thailand. Located in Krabi, this stunning coastal area has dramatic seaside landscapes, golden sands, and an unforgettable laid-back vibe. It’s a must for any backpacking trip. But it’s not the only must-see spot. 

Phuket needs to be on your list, too.

Phuket is another incredible destination in southern Thailand. Like Ao Nang, it’s an essential stop on most itineraries — one you can’t miss. Prepare for incredible street food, more blissful beach days, scuba diving, and trips to James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan in the Ao Phang Nga National Park).

The distance from Ao Nang to Phuket is approximately 160 km (99 miles) by road or 27 nautical miles by ferry. 

The main ways to bridge this gap include bus, ferry, car, ferry + vans, and minivans. Journeys take anywhere from one to five hours, depending on your transport. We’ll explain why in a few moments. 

So, don’t don your swimsuit and pack your bags just yet. 

Set aside five minutes and follow us on a journey from Ao Nang to Phuket. This guide will teach you how to get there and which ride is best for you.

Five awesome things to do in Phuket

All Thailand travel blogs will tell you to stop in Phuket. But now you’ve arrived, what should you do? 

Here are five unforgettable things to do in Phuket:

1. Explore Phuket Old Town’s brightly painted, century-old Sino-Portuguese townhouses

2. Visit James Bond Island in Ao Phang Nga National Park

3. Hike to the Big Buddha for incredible panoramic views

4. Sunbathe on Freedom Beach, Ya Nui Beach, and Kata Noi Beach

5. Book a Phang Nga Bay tour — canoe and private cruises are top options

How to get from Ao Nang to Phuket

Bus, ferry, car, van-ferry, or minivan? The choice is yours. Learn what sets these options apart in the sections below.

By bus

Buses are the cheapest way to get from Ao Nang to Phuket and, unsurprisingly, one of the most popular. Tickets start from $10, meaning you can see the hotspots without eating into your budget.

Buses typically take three hours to arrive. Most leave from Krabi Bus Terminal and arrive at Phuket Bus Terminal 2. 

Amenities on buses to Phuket usually include A/C and reclining seats. Some may have WCs, but this isn’t guaranteed. 

Pro tip: Use the bathroom before the ride. You can find toilets at the bus station.

By ferry

Ferries are another popular way to get from Ao Nang to Phuket. Despite their more expensive price, they’re much faster (on average, two hours), and you get gorgeous views of Phang Nga Bay on the way.

Ferry tickets start at $17 and increase depending on which vendor you book with. The fastest ferries take 1.5 hours, but some take up to three hours due to en-route stops. 

Ferries either leave from Nopparat Thara Pier or Floating Pier East Railay. You’ll arrive at Bang Rong Pier or Rassada Pier Phuket.

All ferries provide seats and luggage storage (up to 20 kg/44 lbs per person). Larger ferries have A/C, food and drinks, TVs, and on-board WCs.

By private car

Want to experience the VIP treatment? Cars from Ao Nang to Phuket are more expensive but offer a private travel experience. 

All cars are private transfers, meaning you won’t have to share with travelers outside your group. Perfect for small groups or solo travelers. 

The price of a car starts at $67, which is split amongst your travel partners.

Cars take around three hours to get from Ao Nang to Phuket, and you can choose your pick-up time. They also offer hotel pick-ups and drop-offs or airport transfers. Ideal if you want to arrive right at your hotel’s door. 

Most cars provide amenities such as A/C and ample luggage storage (up to 20 kg/44 lbs per passenger). Some have English-speaking staff, and water and WC stops are available on request.

By van + ferry

Ferries only take you as far as the ports. So, a van + ferry combo ticket is a good idea if you want to travel further inland to Phuket Town or Phuket Airport. 

Each van + ferry operator has different departure and arrival spots, including Nopparat Thara Pier, Phuket Airport, Patong Beach Hotel Transfer, Kata Karon Transfer, Naiyang Transfer, Nai Thon Transfer, Siray Transfer, or Bangtao Beach. Check your individual booking to be sure of the start and end destinations. 

These combo tickets start at $19 per person, and the typical journey time is 2.5 to 3 hours.

Most van + ferry combinations have A/C and allow large luggage up to 20 kg (44 lbs). Some ferries also have WCs and English-speaking staff. 

By minivan

Minivans are another great option if you want to travel by land rather than by ferry. 

They’re a popular option for groups of travelers, as some vans carry up to nine passengers. However, you can also book for smaller groups or solo journeys.

Shared minivans start at $12 per person and have set departure times. They depart and arrive at various locations, so read the fine print when booking.

Private vans are more expensive than shared rides. They start at around $80, which is split among everyone in your group.

Pro tip: Not all minivans are private. Toggle the Private Transfer tab on the left side of the screen to guarantee a private journey. 

Minivan journeys take 2.5-5 hours, depending on stops, routes, and time of day/traffic.

Most minivans have A/C and a large luggage space (20 kg/44 lbs per person). They make WC stops upon request and have English-speaking staff. A few also provide water and have TVs. 

Another benefit of a private ride is being able to choose the departure time and pick-up and drop-off locations, including hotels and airports.

About the journey from Ao Nang to Phuket

The journey from Ao Nang to Phuket is unique, as you can tackle it via land or sea. Both are popular, but traveling by sea is faster. Either route will take you west from Krabi province to Phuket. 

Embarking on a ferry journey, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the renowned Phang Nga Bay and the picturesque Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai islands. 

Opting for the land route, you’ll get a different perspective of the bay from the north, and you’ll pass by the scenic Than Bok Khorani National Park. 

Whichever route you choose, be prepared to be captivated by the natural beauty of this corner of the world! 

All routes from Ao Nang to Phuket are safe. These journeys are extremely popular and traveled by thousands of tourists every week. 

Plenty of rides leave every day. However, you should still consider booking ahead to secure your seats — especially in the peak season (November to February).

The best time to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is from November to February, when the area is warm and dry. Expect an average temperature of 30°C/86°F and only four to five days of rain per month. 

From April to December, the temperature remains around 29 to 32°C (84 to 89°F), but there is much more humidity and rain. 

The official wet monsoon season runs from May to October. There’s lots of heavy rainfall, so avoid these months if you want to enjoy the beaches without an umbrella.

Where to visit after Phuket?

Planning a long vacation?

After Phuket, consider a few days in the Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi). Here, you can immerse yourself in incredible diving tours, stunning limestone rock formations, white sand beaches, and non-stop open-air parties. Phuket to Koh Phi Phi takes around 1.5 hours via ferry.