Phuket Airport Ferry
The port of Phuket Airport plays a key role in the ferry network of Thailand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 4 ferry routes operated by 1 ferry companies, Phuket Airport serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.
Ferries depart regularly from Phuket Airport, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.
Popular routes from this port include Koh Lanta (Saladan Pier) - Phuket Airport, Koh Lipe (Pattaya Beach) - Phuket Airport connecting Phuket Airport with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.
Operators such as Tigerline Ferry run regular services from Phuket Airport, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.
Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Phuket Airport offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.
Route Overview
Date Updated: 2025
Reaching Phuket's Shores
Phuket International Airport serves as the main entry point for visitors from around the world, with direct flights from major Asian cities and connections from Bangkok just over an hour away. From the airport, taxis and shuttle services run regularly to the main ferry terminals, typically taking 30-45 minutes depending on your departure point. If traveling overland, buses from Bangkok take approximately 12 hours, while trains connect to Surat Thani, where shuttle buses complete the journey to Phuket's ferry piers. For those arriving by car, ample parking facilities are available near the main ferry terminals, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak season.
Routes
Phuket: Thailand's Pearl of the Andaman Sea
Nestled in the crystalline waters of the Andaman Sea, Phuket stands as Thailand's largest island and one of its most treasured destinations. This tropical paradise blends stunning white-sand beaches with lush rainforests and vibrant cultural heritage. As a key maritime gateway to the region, Phuket connects travelers to numerous islands and coastal gems via its well-established ferry network, promising an authentic Thai experience where traditional fishing villages exist alongside world-class resorts.
Sunshine Seasons: When to Experience Phuket
Phuket enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the island experience. November through April marks the dry season, offering perfect conditions for ferry travel with calm seas, blue skies, and temperatures hovering between 75-90°F (24-32°C). February and March provide an ideal balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. The monsoon season (May to October) brings afternoon showers and occasionally rougher seas, though ferry services generally maintain regular schedules with potential weather-related adjustments. Budget travelers might appreciate the reduced rates and quieter beaches during this green season, while still enjoying plenty of sunshine between brief downpours.
Ferries to Phuket Airport
Island Adventures from Phuket's Harbor
Phuket serves as an excellent jumping-off point to some of Thailand's most spectacular islands and coastal destinations. The iconic Phi Phi Islands lie just 45 minutes away by speedboat or 90 minutes by ferry, offering world-class snorkeling and the famous Maya Bay. The breathtaking limestone formations of Phang Nga Bay, including James Bond Island, can be reached in under an hour, with tours departing daily. For a more serene escape, the Similan Islands present pristine beaches and exceptional diving opportunities during their open season (November-May), accessible via a 3-hour ferry journey. The less-traveled Racha Islands, just 30 minutes south by speedboat, reward visitors with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Phuket's Treasures: Experiences Not to Miss
Beyond its role as a ferry hub, Phuket offers countless attractions worth exploring before or after your island-hopping adventures. The historic Old Town charms visitors with its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and Sunday Walking Street market. For unmatched coastal views, Cape Promthep in the island's southernmost point delivers spectacular sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Foodies will delight in Phuket's culinary scene, from the fresh seafood at Rawai's fish market to authentic southern Thai dishes like moo hong (stewed pork belly) and nam prik goong siap (shrimp paste chili dip). Nature enthusiasts shouldn't miss Sirinat National Park, where pristine beaches meet lush forests just a short journey from the main ferry terminals.
Phuket Particulars: Island Insights
Though now synonymous with tropical paradise, Phuket's name derives from the Malay word 'bukit,' meaning hill, referencing the island's mountainous terrain. The island once served as a crucial trading post on the route between India and China, with tin mining, not tourism, as its economic foundation until the late 20th century. Phuket's Big Buddha, sitting 45 meters tall atop Nakkerd Hill, is constructed from Burmese white jade marble that gleams in the sunshine and can be spotted from much of southern Phuket. The island also hosts one of Thailand's most unusual festivals, the Vegetarian Festival, where devotees perform shocking acts of self-mortification while in trance-like states.
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