Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok

About the ride from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok

The distance from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is 700 km (about 430 miles). As you can imagine, it takes quite a bit of time to get to Thailand’s vibrant capital city. Unfortunately, Koh Phi Phi does not have an airport, so getting off the island will require you to take a ferry and then a bus or a flight. 

Cruising through the Andaman Sea on the ferry is the highlight of the journey. Taking the ferry will allow you to see the beautiful karsts and islands that Thailand is so famous for. 

You should note that there is an option to take a night bus. This is a great choice if you want to save on accommodation. In order to get some rest, try to get a window seat. You may be able to use that window as a decent headrest. It is possible that you could get even luckier and catch a glimpse of a gorgeous sunset as you start the drive to Bangkok. 

After relaxing on Koh Phi Phi you may plan to head to Bangkok in order to catch a flight to one of Southeast Asia’s countless other popular destinations. While Thailand’s capital city may be the traffic-jam capital of the world, all of that hustle and bustle makes for a lot of excitement. 

You should plan to dedicate more than just a few hours in passing to this amazing city. There is no city in the world like Bangkok and it truly has something for everyone to enjoy. 

There is plenty more to do in Thailand’s city that never sleeps. You could spend weeks in Bangkok, and still not have enough time to explore all of the different neighborhoods.

 

How to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok

There are a few options when it comes to getting from Koh Phi Phi back to the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. Thailand is well-worn on the tourist trail, so there are quite a few choices for how to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok.  Transport from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok includes several ferry, speedboat, and longtail boat combinations with busses.  

The best way to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is the ferry + bus combination. This is recommended because everything is booked together, meaning you are practically guaranteed not to miss your connections. 

If a 15-hour bus journey isn’t your thing, you can take a ferry to neighboring island, Phuket, and fly into either of Bangkok’s airports. There are options to take a ferry or speedboat to Krabi and to fly from there as well. You can also take a 12-hour bus from Krabi, potentially saving yourself some time.

When selecting the option that is best for you, consider schedule, price, and comfort level. In the end, the choice is yours!

 

Taking a bus + ferry

The best way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by ferry + bus combination. This is the easiest way to get between the island and the mainland as the tickets are booked in combination with one another, ensuring that you can make your connections. There are several options and ticket classes when considering this option. Regardless of which one you choose, they all take about 15 hours and allow you to bring one piece of luggage with you. 

The ferry will depart TonSai Pier for the mainland, where you will transfer over to the bus. Drop-off points vary depending on the company you book with, so it is important you check that to make sure you can get to your accommodation from there. Bus + Ferry options include an express bus + ferry, the VIP bus + ferry, the high-speed bus + ferry, and the economy bus + ferry.

 

Taking an express bus + ferry 

One Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok bus option is the express bus + ferry. This is operated by Paradive Travel and costs $38 USD per person. The ferry is pretty standard for Thailand and has options for passengers to sit or stand outside during the journey. This is great for people who are prone to seasickness or who like to move around since they will be cooped up for several hours on a bus. 

Once you transfer over to the bus, you will have AC, reclining seats, and even a bathroom on board. The bus will also make a few stops along the way so that passengers can buy snacks or get out and stretch their legs. 

You should note that this bus option will drop you off at Bangkok Train Station, which isn’t the most convenient location. However, it will be very easy to get a taxi into the main part of the city in order to get to your accommodation or to the airport. 

 

Taking a VIP bus + ferry

Another Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok bus is the VIP bus + ferry combination run by Thai Sriram. This option costs about $47 USD per person. This is one of the most expensive choices, but you do get more amenities. 

The bus has all of the traditional amenities such as AC, bathrooms, and reclining seats, but they also provide passengers with water and snacks.  The VIP bus will make a few stops throughout the journey for you to get out and stretch your legs.

The extras that the VIP bus + ferry service offers are that you are able to cancel your ticket up to 48 hours in advance, which is a nice feature for people whose plans frequently change. This bus also drops you off on Khaosan Road, right in the heart of Bangkok. This location is much more convenient for many travelers, especially if you are planning on staying in the city for a few days. 

 

Taking a high-speed bus + ferry 

Yet another way to travel from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is by high-speed bus + ferry combination. This option is very similar to the VIP combination and costs about $40 per person. The ferry leaves at 15:30 pm, so the majority of the trip is completed overnight. This is a great way to save on a night’s accommodation. 

The bus portion of the journey will offer their passengers water, though they do not offer snacks. There are no bathrooms on board the bus, but they will make a bathroom stop or two. The downside to this bus option is that the seats are not the most comfortable, especially if you are on the taller side. 

The bus also drops passengers at the Bangkok Southern Terminal, which isn’t the most central location if you want to explore the city. Be prepared to catch a taxi into town once you arrive in Bangkok. 

 

Taking an economy bus + ferry 

Your final combination option is the economy bus + ferry. Don’t let the name fool you--this is actually the most expensive option at $49 per person. However, Khao San Tara Tour operates this route and provides a few amenities to back up the higher price tag. 

This option includes a meal with your ticket. You are also provided with a blanket in addition to AC, comfortable reclining seats, and bathrooms on board both the ferry and the bus. The bus will make a few stops along the way for you to get out and stretch your legs as well. 

You will be dropped off on Khaosan Road in central Bangkok. It is important to note that these tickets are non-refundable once they have been booked. 

 

Taking a ferry + flight from Phuket

If long bus rides aren’t for you, another way to get from Koh Phi Phi to Bangkok is to take a ferry to Phuket and fly to either Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang. 

The ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket takes about an hour and there are three departures each day.

Once you reach Phuket, you can take a 45-minute local bus or a 30-minute taxi to the airport. There are several flights that go between Phuket and both of Bangkok’s airports each day. Flight prices range from $10-$200, so book early and search for great deals.

 

Taking a bus from Krabi + a speedboat

You may find that going via Krabi actually works better with your schedule. If that is the case, there are a few ways to do that as well. The route is a little more complicated because you will have to change boats at Railay Beach, but the people there are very helpful and will make sure you get to where you need to be. 

The first step to getting to Krabi airport is to take a ferry to Railay East, which takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you will transfer over to a longtail boat in order to get to Krabi Town. Local fishermen and boaters generally operate these boats and will take off as soon as they are full or if they know no one else is coming. This ride also takes about 30 minutes. 

After arriving in Krabi town, take a taxi to the Krabi bus station in order to catch the bus to Bangkok. These buses depart at 17:00 pm and arrive at 5:00 the following morning. They will drop you off at Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal, where you can easily get a taxi to your accommodation. 

 

Taking a speedboat + a flight from Krabi

Another flight option is to go from Krabi to Bangkok. You will need to take a ferry from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi. Once you arrive in Krabi Town you can hop on the Airport Bus at the Krabi bus station, which takes about 20 minutes. 

There are several nonstop flights into both airports each day and the flight takes approximately an hour and a half. These flights also range from $10 USD to $150 depending on the time of day and how early you book.

No matter which option you choose, make sure you leave yourself enough time to explore a bit of Bangkok. You’ll be wanting to book another trip before you even leave!