Minivan/bus + ferry (via Phuket)
Best balance of price, comfort, smooth transfers via Phuket piers
Taxi/car + speedboat
Fastest option, shortest travel time, direct transfer to pier
Private transfer + ferry
Hotel pickup included, flexible timing, easy door-to-door journey
Direct transport
No direct route, always requires transfer via Phuket and boat
Quick answer: The best way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai is by van or private car to Phuket, followed by a ferry or speedboat. The journey takes about 3-5 hours, depending on connections. You can book transport from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance: approx. 140 km via Phuket
- ⏱️ Travel time: ~3–6 hours by van + ferry/boat | ~3–5 hours by private car + ferry/boat
- 💰 Price range: US$ 17–55 per person (van + ferry) | US$ 55–120 per vehicle (private + ferry)
- 🚍 Van + Ferry: Land transfer from Khao Lak to Phuket, then ferry/boat to Koh Yao Yai
- 🚕 Private Car + Boat: Taxi or private car from Khao Lak to Phuket, then boat/ferry to Koh Yao Yai
Last updated in April 2026
How to get from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
The best way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai is by bus, van or private car to Phuket, followed by a ferry or speedboat. The route via Phuket is about 140 km long, takes approximately 3-6 hours, and costs around $17-55 per person. Ferries depart from Bang Rong Pier, Ao Por Pier, Yamu Pier and Rasada Pier.
A private taxi + ferry is the fastest and most comfortable option, taking about 3-5 hours. Koh Yao Yai has no airport, so all visitors arrive by boat from Phuket. You can easily book tickets or a private transfer online in advance.
Koh Yao Yai is a peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay, accessible only by ferry or speedboat from Phuket. It offers quiet beaches, local villages and a relaxed atmosphere. Before your trip, check the Weather in Koh Yao Yai. From Phuket you can also travel to Krabi or Koh Samui.
| Transfer Mode – Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Van/Bus + Ferry | 3–6 hours | $17–55/pp |
| Taxi/Car + Ferry | 3–5 hours | $55–120 |
How to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
1. BUS + BOAT from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Bus/van + ferry via Phuket is the cheapest and most popular way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: budget travelers
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–5 hours
- ✔️ Cost: from $17 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: standard bus/van + speedboat or ferry
- ✅ Best Option: Van or bus to Phuket + speedboat from Bang Rong Pier
- 💡 Tip: Book both tickets online in advance.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Allow extra time between bus and boat departures.
The most popular and cheapest way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai is by bus or minivan to Phuket, followed by a ferry or speedboat. The whole journey takes about 3-5 hours.
Boats depart mainly from Bang Rong Pier and Thiensin Pier in Phuket. The ferry or speedboat to Koh Yao Yai takes only about 30-40 minutes.
Bus and boat tickets are usually booked separately, offering more departure options and flexible schedules. It is recommended to book both tickets online in advance.
| Bus Company | Departs in Khao Lak | Arrives in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket Trans. | 11:10 | 12:40 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket Trans. | 17:30 | 19:30 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket Trans. | 10:00 | 12:00 |
| 465 Surat Thani Phuket Trans. | 15:50 | 17:50 |
| Phuket Plus | 06:30 | 09:00 |
| Phuket Plus | 09:20 | 12:00 |
| Phuket Bus and Van Travel | 10:00 | —- |
2. MINIVAN + BOAT from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Minivan + speedboat via Phuket is the fastest shared transfer from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: faster and more comfortable travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $35–42 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: comfortable minivan + speedboat
- ✅ Best Option: Combined minivan + boat ticket with hotel pickup
- 💡 Tip: Book a combined ticket online in advance.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: Hotel pickup and drop-off save time and hassle.
A combined minivan and speedboat is another popular transport option in Thailand. It is faster than the bus and usually takes about 3.5-4 hours via Phuket, including the boat transfer.
Combined tickets cost about $35-42 per person and are offered by operators such as Call Me Taxi and Koh Yao Sun Smile. Most services include hotel pickup in Khao Lak and a direct transfer to the departure pier in Phuket.
This option costs more than the bus but offers greater comfort, fewer transfers and a smoother journey. You can search and book one combined ticket online before your trip.
| Service | Departs in Khao Lak | Arrives in Phuket |
|---|---|---|
| Call Me Taxi | 14:30 | 15:30 |
| Call Me Taxi | 08:30 | 10:30 |
| Call Me Taxi | 10:30 | 12:30 |
| Call Me Taxi | 14:30 | 16:30 |
| Call Me Taxi | 16:30 | 18:30 |
| Phuket Bus and Van Travel | 09:30 | 11:00 |
3. TAXI / CAR + FERRY from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Private taxi + speedboat via Phuket is the most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: comfort, privacy and flexible travel
- ✔️ Travel time: ~3–4 hours
- ✔️ Cost: $45–120 per car + boat ticket
- ✔️ Comfort: modern private car + speedboat
- ✅ Best Option: Private taxi to Bang Rong Pier + speedboat to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book both transfers online in advance.
- 🌏 Extra Tip: A great option for families and small groups.
A private taxi + speedboat is the most comfortable transport option in Thailand for traveling from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai. The taxi takes you directly to the departure pier in Phuket, where you continue by speedboat.
The private car transfer to Phuket takes about 1.5-2 hours, while the total journey to Koh Yao Yai takes around 3-4 hours. Various companies operate modern cars, SUVs and minivans with hotel pickup in Khao Lak.
Private transfers cost about $45-120 per car, while the boat ticket must be booked separately. This option is ideal for families or groups and can be booked online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai
How to book tickets from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
Book bus, minivan, ferry and private transfers online at 12go.asia ➜. You can also book Phuket connections.
How long does it take to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
The journey takes about 3-6 hours by bus or minivan + ferry, or 3-5 hours by private taxi + ferry.
What is the distance from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
The travel distance is about 140 km via Phuket by road and ferry.
How much does it cost to travel from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai?
Bus or minivan + ferry costs about $17-55 per person. A private taxi + ferry costs about $55-120.
How much luggage can you take on the ferry?
Most ferry companies allow luggage up to 20 kg. Always check the latest baggage policy before booking.
Is there an airport on Koh Yao Yai?
No. Koh Yao Yai has no airport. The nearest airport is Phuket International Airport.
Where to book accommodation in Koh Yao Yai or Phuket?
Koh Yao Yai has a limited selection of hotels, while Phuket offers many more options. Book here: Book resort / hotel in Phuket ➜.
Is there another way to reach Koh Yao Yai?
You can also travel via Krabi and take a ferry to Koh Yao Yai or Koh Yao Noi.
Where can you travel from Koh Yao Yai or Phuket?
Popular ferry routes lead to Krabi and Koh Phi Phi. Read: How to go from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi.
Which are the best islands to visit in Thailand?
Thailand offers many beautiful islands in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. See: The Best Islands in Thailand.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai
Traveling from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai requires a transfer via Phuket. You can travel by bus, minivan or private taxi, followed by a ferry or speedboat.
- Best Departure: Most travelers use Bang Rong Pier, which offers frequent ferry and speedboat connections.
- Private Transfer: A taxi or minivan to the pier is the most comfortable option, especially with luggage or for groups.
- Check Ferry Times: Ferry services to Koh Yao Yai may change during the rainy season, so check schedules before departure.
- Travel Light: Smaller luggage makes transfers between road transport and boats easier.
- Island Transport: Arrange a taxi or scooter rental before arriving, as public transport on Koh Yao Yai is limited.
- Book Early: Ferry and transfer tickets can sell out during weekends and the high season.
Tip: Taxi, minivan and ferry tickets from Khao Lak to Koh Yao Yai can be searched and booked online in advance.