Van / Minivan
Best balance of price, speed and frequent departures
Private Car
Fastest door-to-door transfer with flexible departure
Ferry / Speedboat
Scenic sea journey with direct connections to Phuket
Last-minute booking
Transport often sells out during the high season
Quick answer: You can travel from Ao Nang to Phuket by ferry, shared van/minibus or private car. The van is the best value, the ferry offers the most scenic route, and a private car provides the fastest and most comfortable transfer.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: About 170 km by road.
- ⏱️ Travel time: Ferry 1.5–3 hrs | Van 3.5–4 hrs | Private Car 2.5–3 hrs.
- 💰 Price: Ferry US$20–35 pp | Van US$13–25 pp | Private Car US$65–150.
- 🚢 Ferry: Scenic sea transfer to Phuket.
- 🚌 Van / Minivan: Affordable shared transfer with frequent departures.
- 🚕 Private Car: Fast door-to-door service with flexible pickup.
Last updated in October 2026
Ao Nang to Phuket: Which Transport Is Best?
| Transport | ⏱️ Time | 💰 Price | Comfort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry / Boat | 1.5–3 h | $20–35/person | ★★★★★ | Scenic sea travel |
| Van / Minibus | 3.5–4 h | $13–25/person | ★★★★☆ | Budget travelers |
| Private Taxi / Car | 2.5–3 h | $65–150/vehicle | ★★★★★ | Families & groups |
Rating: ★★★★★ excellent ★★★★☆ very good ★★★☆☆ good.
Traveling from Ao Nang to Phuket is possible by ferry or speedboat, shared van or minibus, or private car and taxi. The ferry takes about 1.5–3 hours, while a van takes around 3.5–4 hours and a private transfer about 2.5–3 hours.
How do I get from Ao Nang to Phuket?
1. FERRY / BOAT from Ao Nang to Phuket
👉 Ferry or speedboat is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a quick and direct sea transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–2.5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $20–35 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium to high (speedboats or ferries)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Bundhaya Speed Boat or Seatran Phuket
- 💡 Tip: Arrive at the pier at least 30–60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your tickets online in advance, as schedules can be limited.
The fastest way to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket is by ferry or speedboat. The journey takes about 1.5–3 hours, with departures from Floating Pier East Railay and Nopparat Thara Pier.
Ferries arrive at Laem Hin, Bang Rong or Rassada Pier in Phuket. Tickets cost about $20–35 per person and are best booked online in advance, especially during the high season.
Boat services may be limited during the rainy season or bad weather, so arrive at the pier 30–60 minutes before departure and follow the operator’s instructions.
| Ferry Company | Departs from Ao Nang | Arrives in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Smile On Transport (Speedboat) | 03:30 | 04:30 |
| Tigerline Travel (Speedboat) | 08:00 | 14:00 |
| Green Planet (Speedboat) | 09:00 | 12:40 |
| Green Planet (Speedboat) | 10:00 | 11:30 |
| Ao Nang Travel And Tour (Ferry) | 10:30 | 13:30 |
| Wangsai Speedboat | 11:00 | 12:30 |
| Green Planet (Speedboat) | 11:20 | 12:40 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile (Speedboat) | 12:00 | 13:30 |
| Supaporn Speedboat | 13:20 | 15:35 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile (Speedboat) | 14:00 | 15:30 |
| Ao Nang Travel And Tour (Ferry) | 15:00 | 18:00 |
| Bundhaya Speed Boat | 15:30 | 16:30 |
Note: This table shows selected departures, not the complete timetable. Schedules may vary by date, season, operator and sea conditions. Check the departure pier and arrival pier in Phuket before booking.
2. VAN / MINIBUS from Ao Nang to Phuket
👉 Van or minibus is a cheap and popular way to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who prefer a simple land transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $13–25 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (shared minivans, limited space)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Krabi Sea Pearl or Andaman Shuttle
- 💡 Tip: Check your exact drop-off location in Phuket before booking.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your tickets online in advance for best prices and availability.
Traveling by shared van or minibus is the most popular and affordable way to get from Ao Nang to Phuket. The journey takes about 3.5–4 hours, with departures from Ao Nang and Krabi to Phuket Town, Patong, Kata, Karon, Phuket Bus Terminal and Phuket Airport.
Minivan tickets cost around $13–25 per person, making this option ideal for budget travelers. Services operate throughout the day, and tickets can be booked online in advance.
The timetable is frequent, but travel times may vary due to traffic or hotel pickups. Always check the departure details and follow the transport company’s instructions.
| Bus Company | Departs in Ao Nang | Arrives in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 05:30 | 09:00 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 06:10 | 09:40 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 06:50 | 10:20 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 07:30 | 11:00 |
| Andaman Shuttle (Van 9 pax) | 08:00 | 10:30 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 08:50 | 12:20 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 09:30 | 13:00 |
| Krabi Transport and Travel (Van) | 10:30 | 14:00 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 10:50 | 14:20 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 12:50 | 16:20 |
| 438 Phuket Krabi Transport (Van) | 14:50 | 18:20 |
Note: This table shows selected departures, not the complete timetable. Travel times and drop-off locations in Phuket depend on the operator and transfer option. Check the exact departure point and final destination before booking.
3. PRIVATE TAXI / CAR from Ao Nang to Phuket
👉 Private taxi or car is the most comfortable and fastest land option from Ao Nang to Phuket.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a private door-to-door transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $65–150 per car
- ✔️ Comfort: high (modern cars, flexible schedule, no stops)
- ✅ Best Option: Companies like Andaman Taxis or Bangkok Taxi 24
- 💡 Tip: A minivan can be cheaper per person if traveling in a group.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Book your private car online in advance for a smooth journey.
A private car or taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket. The journey takes about 2.5–3 hours and offers a flexible door-to-door transfer to Phuket Town, Patong, Phuket Airport or other destinations.
Private transfers cost around $65–150 per vehicle, depending on the car type. Families and groups can share the fare, making larger minivans a cost-effective option.
Private cars can be booked online in advance, allowing you to choose your pickup time and destination for a smooth and hassle-free journey.
| Taxi Company | Travel Time | Vehicle Class |
|---|---|---|
| King Travel | 3h | Economy (3 pax) |
| King Travel | 2h 20m | Economy (3 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 2h 30m | Economy (3 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 3h | Economy (3 pax) |
| Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman | 3h 30m | Economy (3 pax) |
| Andaman Taxis | 3h | Comfort (3 pax) |
| Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman | 3h 30m | SUV (4 pax) |
| Andaman Taxis | 3h | Van (9 pax) |
| King Travel | 2h 20m | Van (9 pax) |
| AEC 168 Transport and Travel | 3h | Economy (2 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 2h 30m | SUV (4 pax) |
| BangkokTaxi24 | 3h | VIP Van (9 pax) |
| Phuket Transfer Travel Andaman | 3h | Van (9 pax) |
| Andaman Taxis | 2h 15m | Comfort (3 pax) |
Note: Travel times are estimates and may vary with traffic and pickup/drop-off locations. Vehicle availability and passenger capacity depend on the selected option. Confirm the exact transfer details before booking.
❓ FAQ – Travel from Ao Nang to Phuket
How to book tickets or a taxi from Ao Nang to Phuket?
Book ferry, bus, minivan or taxi online with 12go.asia ➜ or Baolau ➜. You can also search other routes in southern Thailand.
How long does it take to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket?
Ferries take 1.5–3 hours, vans about 3.5–4 hours, and private cars around 2.5–3 hours.
What is the distance from Ao Nang to Phuket?
The distance is about 170 km by road or 70 km by ferry or speedboat.
How much does it cost to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket?
Van tickets cost $13–25, ferries $20–35 per person, and private cars $65–150 per vehicle.
Are there flights from Ao Nang to Phuket?
No. There are no direct flights or trains between Ao Nang and Phuket.
What is the best way to travel from Ao Nang to Phuket?
The ferry or speedboat is the fastest and most scenic option between Ao Nang and Phuket.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ao Nang to Phuket?
The cheapest option is a shared van or minibus, with tickets starting at about $13 per person.
From which piers do ferries depart?
Ferries depart from Nopparat Thara Pier and Floating Pier East Railay.
How to get from Ao Nang to Phuket Airport?
Travel by shared minivan or private taxi directly to Phuket Airport. Both can be booked online.
Can I travel via Koh Yao Yai?
Yes. Take a ferry from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi, then continue by ferry to Phuket.
Where to stay in Phuket?
Phuket offers accommodation for every budget, from cheap hotels to luxury hotels and beach resorts.
Where can I travel from Phuket?
From Phuket you can visit Khao Lak, Bangkok, Koh Phi Phi or travel from Patong to Koh Samui.
How to Travel from Ao Nang to Phuket
Travel from Ao Nang to Phuket covers about 170 km by road or 70 km by sea. You can travel by ferry, shared van/minibus or private taxi. Ferries are the fastest option, while vans offer the best value for money.
Ferries and speedboats take about 1.5–3 hours, while vans need around 3.5–4 hours. If you stay in Ao Nang, you can also visit Railay Beach by longtail boat before continuing to Phuket.
Private taxis provide the most comfortable door-to-door transfer to Phuket Town or Phuket Airport. There are no trains or flights on this route. From Phuket you can continue by boat to Koh Yao Yai or travel to Surat Thani and Khao Sok National Park.