Sailing Through Paradise: Koh Ngai to Phuket Adventure
- Crossing time 2h 30m–3h 10m
- Operators 2
- Departures a day 2
1,850+ THB
How to get from Koh Ngai to Phuket
Ferry travel from Koh Ngai to Phuket
Travelling from Koh Ngai to Phuket means crossing one of the busiest stretches of the Andaman Sea, linking a quiet, low-key island to Thailand's largest hub for onward flights, buses and ferries. There is no single direct boat between the two islands: the crossing is normally made as a combined transfer, using a smaller boat off Koh Ngai to connect with a mainline speedboat service running along the Krabi–Koh Lanta–Phuket corridor. Knowing how that transfer works makes it much easier to book the right ticket.
How the transfer works
Koh Ngai has no large pier, so departures start with a longtail or small speedboat tender out to open water, where passengers join a larger vessel operating the main Andaman route. Most itineraries route through Koh Lanta or Krabi, which act as the hub for onward connections toward Phuket. This multi-leg pattern is standard for this crossing, so build a little buffer time around each connection when planning your day.
Operators and boats
Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club operates this route using a speed boat, with onboard facilities on board for the open-water legs. Always check which operator and vessel are assigned to your selected departure at booking, since combined tickets can involve more than one carrier across the Koh Ngai–Koh Lanta–Phuket sectors.
Journey time, schedule and price
The full crossing takes around the scheduled journey time, with 3 available depending on the day and season. Sailings run during all year round; services are reduced or suspended outside this window when Andaman Sea conditions are rougher, so check the live schedule shown on this page before fixing your travel dates. Fares start from ฿1,850 per person, with the total price shaped by how many connecting legs your chosen departure includes.
Departure and arrival points
On Koh Ngai, transfers are picked up directly from the island's beachfront, with resort staff or the boat operator confirming the exact pickup point and time the day before travel. On the Phuket side, boats and vans arrive at one of the island's east-coast piers, from where onward transport into Phuket Town, Patong or the airport is straightforward to arrange. Because Koh Ngai has no fixed jetty infrastructure, always reconfirm your pickup spot after booking rather than assuming a single fixed departure point.
Planning your booking
Book your combined ticket in advance, particularly in high season, since seats on the Koh Ngai tender boats are limited and connections are timed tightly around the mainline speedboat schedule. Keep valuables and travel documents in a dry bag for the open-boat sections, and allow extra time if you also plan to connect onward from Phuket by flight or long-distance bus the same day. For the return leg, see the Phuket to Koh Ngai ferry schedule for timings and pickup points in the opposite direction.
Ready to travel? Compare the available departures above and book your Koh Ngai to Phuket ferry ticket to lock in your seat and transfer connection.
Frequently asked questions
What's the boarding process on the day of my trip?
At the pier named on your ticket, look for the staff of the ferry operator listed on your ticket as well. Please present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device—they’ll provide you with a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat. Most piers have staff available to help load your luggage. In Koh Samui, staff are usually stationed at booths near the boarding area; at other locations, they’re typically near the boats, wearing their company uniforms.
Do I need to print my ferry ticket or is mobile ok?
You don't need to print your ticket. On the day of travel, simply present your e-ticket (QR code) from your phone or other device to the ferry operator staff at the pier named on your ticket—they'll give you a sticker and/or boarding pass and direct you to your boat.
If you'd prefer a printed copy, you can register as a member on our site, which allows you to easily print out your e-tickets and VAT receipts.
What happens if my ferry is cancelled due to weather?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose between receiving a refund or rescheduling your journey.
Please note that refunds for bad weather are only issued if the ferry operator cancels the trip. Also keep in mind that speedboats are more likely to be cancelled than ferries, as ferries can usually operate in the rain except in extremely bad weather — though journeys may take a little longer during storms or strong winds.
To arrange your refund or new travel date, please click the refund button in your personal Liva account.
What are the baggage allowances?
Your ferry e-ticket includes ferry transport, baggage fees, and handling. The free baggage allowance per person is 20–25 kg, depending on the operator. If your baggage exceeds this limit, you can pay the extra fee directly to the ferry operator in cash.
To check the baggage allowance for your specific trip, please refer to the trip details for your selected route.
Can I change the date of my ticket?
Yes, you can change your trip date as long as you provide notice at least 24, 48, or 72 hours before departure—the exact timeframe depends on the ferry operator you booked with. A small service fee of 200 baht per person applies for a second change.
Please note:
Changes must be for the same operator and boat type as your original booking.
The change applies to the entire booking; for example, if your booking is for 3 passengers, we cannot change the date or time for just one of them.
To proceed, please click the chat button to connect with one of our customer service agents, or use any of the official channels listed in the footer of our website.
Warning: Please do not send requests by replying directly to the booking confirmation email, as this is not an official support channel.
Bali Ferry :
Yes, you can. The change is required 7 days' notice prior to departure date. There is a small fee of USD $10 applied per time. Please click the chat button to speak with one of our customer service agents who will take you through the simple booking change process.
If I miss my ferry, can I take the next one?
Unfortunately, it is not possible. Tickets will expire for late arrivals and are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable.
To avoid missing your trip, please plan to arrive at the pier at least 30 minutes before departure to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
If you do happen to miss your ferry and wish to travel as soon as possible, contact us right away, and we’ll advise you on the best available options.
