Flight + ferry (via Phuket)
Fastest, easiest and most popular way to reach Koh Yao Yai
Private transfer + ferry
Door-to-door service with hotel pickup and ferry transfer
Bus + ferry
Lowest-cost option via Phuket or Krabi with ferry connection
Train + ferry
Long journey with extra transfers and limited advantages
Quick answer: The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai is by flight to Phuket followed by a ferry or speedboat. Budget travelers can also use a bus or train to southern Thailand and continue by ferry. Tickets for all transport options can be booked online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 880 km
- ⏱️ Travel time: 5–7 hours by flight + ferry | 14–20 hours by bus/train + ferry
- 💰 Price: from $30-100/pp by flight + ferry | from $25-60/pp by bus/train + ferry
- ✈️ Flight + Ferry: Best and fastest option via Phuket
- 🚌 Bus + Ferry: Cheapest option via Krabi or Phuket
- 🚕 Private Transfer: Comfortable car/minivan with ferry connection
Last updated in April 2026
From Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai you can travel by plane + ferry, bus, train + bus or private car.
The travel distance from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai is about 880 km. The fastest and most convenient option is a flight to Phuket followed by a ferry or speedboat to the island. This journey usually takes about 5-7 hours in total. Budget travelers can also travel by bus or by train + bus via Surat Thani and continue by ferry. From Bangkok you can also travel to Koh Samui or to Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Yao Yai is a peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay, located between Phuket and Krabi. There is no airport on the island, so all visitors arrive by ferry or speedboat. Before your trip, check the Weather in Koh Yao Yai. From Phuket you can also continue to Khao Lak.
| Transfer Mode – Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai: | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Plane + Ferry via Phuket | 10-12 hours | $55-200/pp |
| Tourist Bus + Ferry via Phuket | 16-20 hours | $30-90/pp |
| Train/Bus + Ferry via Phuket | 16-22 hours | $35-90/pp |
| Private Taxi + Ferry via Phuket | 14-18 hours | $280-450 |
How do I get from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
1. FLIGHT + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Flight + ferry via Phuket is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want to save time on long-distance travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~10–12 hours total (flight + transfers + boat)
- ✔️ Cost: $55–200 per person (depending on flight and connections)
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight + minivan and speedboat transfer)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct flight to Phuket + minivan and speedboat transfer from the airport
- 💡 Tip: Book flights and transfers online in advance for best prices.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a well-timed connection in Phuket to minimize waiting.
The fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai is by flight to Phuket followed by a minivan and ferry. Koh Yao Yai has no airport, so all travelers arriving by air must continue from Phuket by boat.
The journey takes about 10–12 hours in total. A direct flight from Bangkok to Phuket takes around 1.5 hours, followed by a 2–3 hour transfer by minivan and ferry. Prices usually range from $55–200 per person.
You can book flights and combined transfers online. If you prefer to travel independently, take a ferry from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai.
2. BUS + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Bus + ferry via Phuket is the cheapest land option to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind a long journey
- ✔️ Travel time: ~16–20 hours (long bus ride + boat transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $22–40 per person (bus) + boat ticket
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (modern long-distance bus + speedboat)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight bus from Bangkok to Phuket + morning speedboat to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book bus and boat tickets online in advance for better options.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Consider night buses to save time on accommodation.
A cheaper way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai is by bus and ferry via Phuket. You can also travel via Krabi, but Phuket offers the most frequent ferry connections.
The journey takes about 16–20 hours. A bus from Bangkok to Phuket takes around 12–14 hours, followed by a speedboat or ferry to Koh Yao Yai.
Bus tickets cost about $22–40 per person. It is recommended to book the bus and ferry separately and reserve both tickets online in advance.
| Bus Company | Departure in Bangkok | Arrival in Phuket | Bus Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport Co | 06:45 | 20:45 | From $24.00 |
| Transport Co | 16:30 | 04:30 | From $24.00 |
| Transport Co | 18:00 | 08:00 | From $24.00 |
| Lignite | 17:30 | 05:30 | From $37.00 |
| Lignite | 18:20 | 06:20 | From $25.00 |
| Lignite | 19:20 | 09:20 | From $25.00 |
| Sawadee Tour | 17:40 | 08:00 | From $33.00 |
| Phuket Travel | 17:50 | 06:00 | From $38.00 |
| Andaman Sea Tour | 17:50 | 06:00 | From $38.00 |
| Sombat Tour | 18:00 | 06:45 | From $37.00 |
| Bangkok Travel Plus | 18:45 | 11:25 | From $36.00 |
| Raja Ferry | 19:00 | 10:00 | From $36.00 |
3. TRAIN + BUS + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Train + bus + ferry via Surat Thani and Krabi is a scenic and budget-friendly way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want a cheaper trip and to explore Krabi region
- ✔️ Travel time: ~16–22 hours (train + bus + boat transfers)
- ✔️ Cost: $35–90 per person (depending on train class)
- ✔️ Comfort: medium (train with optional sleeper + bus + speedboat)
- ✅ Best Option: Overnight sleeper train to Surat Thani + bus to Krabi + speedboat to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book all tickets online in advance for smoother connections.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a sleeper berth for better comfort on long train ride.
Another affordable option is to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai by train, bus, and ferry via Surat Thani and Krabi. This route is a good choice if you also plan to visit Krabi before heading to the island.
The journey takes about 16–22 hours, depending on the connections. First, travel by train to Surat Thani, then continue by bus or minivan to Krabi, and finally take a ferry to Koh Yao Yai.
Total transport costs range from $35–90 per person, depending on the train class you choose. It is recommended to book the train, bus, and ferry tickets separately and in advance for the best connections.
4. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Private taxi/car + ferry via Phuket is the most comfortable but most expensive way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want maximum comfort, privacy, and flexible stops
- ✔️ Travel time: ~14–18 hours (private car + boat transfer)
- ✔️ Cost: $260–1200 per car + boat ticket (premium option)
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private vehicle + speedboat)
- ✅ Best Option: Private car to Phuket + direct speedboat transfer to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book car and boat tickets online in advance for best availability.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal for groups to split costs and travel in comfort.
The most comfortable but also the most expensive option is a private car with driver and a ferry via Phuket. This route includes a private transfer from Bangkok to Phuket followed by a boat to Koh Yao Yai.
The total journey takes about 14–18 hours. Private transfers are available with standard cars, SUVs, and minivans, making this option suitable for families and small groups. A private transfer from Bangkok to Phuket costs about $260–1,200 per vehicle, depending on the type and size of the car.
From Phuket, continue by ferry or speedboat to Koh Yao Yai, which takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours. For the smoothest trip, book both the private transfer and ferry tickets online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
How to book tickets and flights from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
Travel takes about 10–22 hours, depending on your transport. Flying to Phuket and taking a ferry is the fastest option.
What is the distance from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
The journey covers approximately 880 km by road and ferry via Phuket.
How much does it cost to get from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
Expect to pay about $30–200 per person for public transport or $280–450 for a private transfer.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok to Phuket?
No. Phuket has no railway station. You can take a train to Surat Thani and continue by bus or van to Phuket or Krabi.
Is there a direct flight from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
No. Koh Yao Yai has no airport. Fly directly to Phuket and continue by ferry or speedboat.
What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
The fastest and most convenient option is a direct flight to Phuket followed by a minivan and ferry transfer.
What is the cheapest way to get to Koh Yao Yai?
The cheapest option is a bus or van combined with a ferry via Phuket, starting from about $30–40 per person.
How do I get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town?
Phuket Town is about 30 km from the airport. You can travel by airport shuttle bus or private taxi.
Is there another route from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai?
Yes. You can also travel via Krabi and continue by ferry to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi.
Where can I travel from Phuket?
Popular routes include Phuket to Krabi and Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat.
🧭 Popular travel routes from Bangkok:
If you’re planning your next trip from Bangkok, here are other popular routes you can take by bus, train, taxi, flight:
These are the most popular travel routes from Bangkok for visitors exploring Southern or Northern Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai
Traveling from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai usually involves a flight, bus, train, or private transfer combined with a ferry via Phuket or Krabi.
- Fastest Route: Fly from Bangkok to Phuket, then continue by minivan and ferry to Koh Yao Yai.
- Cheapest Option: Travel by bus or train to southern Thailand and continue by ferry.
- Check Ferry Times: Plan your connection carefully, as ferries operate only at scheduled times.
- Travel Light: Use waterproof bags and pack essentials for the ferry crossing.
- Book Early: Flights and ferry tickets can sell out during weekends and the high season.
- Island Transport: Arrange a scooter, taxi, or hotel transfer before arriving on Koh Yao Yai.
Tip: Flights, buses and ferry tickets from Bangkok to Koh Yao Yai can be searched and booked online in advance.