Speedboat (direct)
Fast, direct and most commonly used route between the islands
Ferry + hotel transfer
Combined ticket with pickup and drop-off included
Ferry only
Lower price, but you need to arrange transport to the pier
No car transport
Vehicles are not allowed on these boats
Quick answer: Travelling from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai offers a fast and scenic ferry or speed-boat option. The ride is short and straightforward, letting you reach the island quickly. You can book tickets from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Distance/Route: From Krabi (Ao Nang / Railay area) to Koh Yao Yai by boat.
- ⏱️ Travel time: approx. 40–60 minutes (about 1 hour) by ferry or speed-boat.
- 💰 Price range: US$ 18–35 per person for the ferry/speed-boat.
- 🚤 Ferry/Speed-boat: Modern ferries and speed-boats run from Krabi’s piers like Railay East or Nopparat Thara Pier to Koh Yao Yai (e.g., Chong Lard Pier).
Last updated in April 2026
From Krabi to Koh Yao Yai you can travel by ferry or speedboat.
The travel distance from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai is about 30 km. The only way to reach the island is by ferry or speedboat from Ao Nang or Railay East. Some companies also offer combined hotel transfer + ferry tickets from Krabi Town or Krabi Airport.
The boat journey takes about 30-60 minutes and tickets cost around $18-35/pp. Ferries arrive at Chong Lard Pier in northern Koh Yao Yai. You can also travel via Koh Phi Phi.
Koh Yao Yai is a peaceful island in Phang Nga Bay with quiet beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Before your trip, check the Weather in Koh Yao Yai. Ferries and speedboats are the only way to reach the island.
| Ferry transport from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai: | Details |
|---|---|
| Travel Time: | 30 minutes – 1 hour (only ferry transfer) |
| Mode of Transportation: | High Speed Ferry, Speedboat or Catamaran |
| Departure Point (Krabi): | Ao Nang, Railay East, Nopparat Thara Pier |
| Arrival Point (Koh Yao Yai): | Chong Lard Pier or Klong Hia Pier |
| Ferry Companies: | Koh Yao Sun Smile, Green Planet, KP Travel and Tour, Satun Pakbara… |
| Cost per Person (approx.): | $18-35/pp |
| Ferry Ticket Prices: | Can be different in the low and high-season in Thailand |
| Recommended Arrival Time: | About 60 minutes before departure |
How to travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai?
1. SPEEDBOAT / FERRY from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Speedboat or ferry is the only and fastest way to travel from Krabi / Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers looking for a quick and direct island transfer
- ✔️ Travel time: ~30–60 minutes (boat only, excludes transfer to pier)
- ✔️ Cost: $18–35 per person (varies by boat type and season)
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern speedboats or ferries, short journey)
- ✅ Best Option: Direct speedboat from Ao Nang or Railay to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book your tickets online in advance and arrive at the pier at least 60 minutes before departure.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Choose a combined ticket with hotel transfer to save time getting to the pier in Krabi.
The only way to travel from Krabi or Ao Nang to Koh Yao Yai is by ferry or speedboat. Services are operated by companies such as Koh Yao Sun Smile, Green Planet, Supaporn Speedboat, Satun Pakbara, Lanta Super Concord, and KP Travel and Tour. Some operators also offer combined hotel transfer + ferry tickets.
The boat journey takes about 30-60 minutes, excluding transfers to the pier. Boats depart from Railay East, Nopparat Thara Pier, or Klong Jilad Pier and arrive at Chong Lard Pier or Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai.
Ferry and speedboat tickets cost about $18-35/pp, depending on the company and boat type. Arrive at the departure pier at least 60 minutes before departure. If you are not staying near the pier, a combined transfer with hotel pickup is the most convenient option.
| Ferry Company | Departs in Krabi | Arrival in Koh Yao Yai |
|---|---|---|
| Supaporn | 13:00 (Railay East) | 14:10 |
| Green Planet | 09:20 (Nopparat Thara Pier) | 09:50 |
| Green Planet | 08:30 (Railay East) | 09:50 |
| Green Planet | 09:30 (Ao Nam Mao Pier) | 11:30 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 11:40 (Railay East) | 12:40 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 13:40 (Railay East) | 14:40 |
| Koh Yao Sun Smile | 15:40 (Railay East) | 16:40 |
| Satun Pakbara | 14:30 (Klong Jilad Pier) | 15:40 |
| Satun Pakbara | 14:50 (Railay East) | 15:40 |
| Lanta Super Concord | 11:00 | 12:45 |
| KP Travel and Tour | 11:30 | 12:40 |
| KP Travel and Tour | 13:30 | 14:40 |
2. VAN / TAXI + FERRY from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai
👉 Van/taxi + ferry is a convenient and hassle-free way to travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai.
- ✔️ Best for: travelers who want an easy transfer with hotel pick-up and no need to arrange transport separately
- ✔️ Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours total (van/taxi + ferry)
- ✔️ Cost: $19–28 per person (combined transfer ticket)
- ✔️ Comfort: good (private/shared vehicle + short boat ride)
- ✅ Best Option: Combined ticket with hotel pick-up in Krabi + ferry to Koh Yao Yai
- 💡 Tip: Book your combined ticket online in advance due to limited schedules and availability.
- 🌏 Extra tip: Ideal if you stay in Ao Nang or Krabi Town and want a smooth transfer to the island.
A more convenient option is a combined transfer by minivan or private car and ferry. This includes hotel pickup in Krabi, Ao Nang, Krabi Airport, or Krabi Town, followed by a ferry to Koh Yao Yai.
The total journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, depending on your pickup location. Ferries depart from Railay East, Nopparat Thara Pier, or Klong Jilad Pier and arrive at Chong Lard Pier or Klong Hia Pier on Koh Yao Yai.
Combined transfer tickets cost about $19-28/pp. Schedules are more limited than standard ferry services, so it is recommended to book your combined car and boat ticket online in advance.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai
How to book ferry tickets from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai?
Book ferry or combined transfer tickets online via 12Go ➜.
How long is the journey from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai?
Speedboats and ferries take about 30-60 minutes, depending on the departure pier and boat type.
What is the distance from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai?
The travel distance is about 30 km from Ao Nang or Railay Beach.
How much do ferry tickets cost?
Expect to pay about $18-35 per person, depending on the company and boat type.
Which piers do boats depart from?
Most ferries depart from Ao Nang, Railay East, Nopparat Thara Pier, or Klong Jilad Pier.
Is there an airport on Koh Yao Yai?
No. Koh Yao Yai has no airport, so ferries and speedboats are the only way to reach the island.
Which ferry companies operate this route?
Operators include Koh Yao Sun Smile, Green Planet, Satun Pakbara, Tigerline Travel, and others.
Where to stay on Koh Yao Yai?
Choose from beachfront resorts, hotels, and guesthouses here: Book hotels on Koh Yao Yai ➜.
Can you travel from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
Yes. Speedboats and ferries operate daily from Phuket. Read more: How to get from Phuket to Koh Yao Yai?
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Krabi to Koh Yao Yai
Traveling from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai is quick and easy by ferry or speedboat. Boats depart from several piers around Krabi and Ao Nang, making this one of the simplest island transfers in southern Thailand.
- Only by Boat: Koh Yao Yai has no airport or bridge, so ferries and speedboats are the only transport option.
- Departure Piers: Most boats leave from Ao Nang, Railay East, Nopparat Thara Pier, or Klong Jilad Pier.
- Travel Time: The ferry journey takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the route and boat type.
- Hotel Transfers: Many companies offer combined hotel pickup in Krabi or Ao Nang plus the ferry ticket.
- Book Ahead: Ferry schedules are more limited during the low season, so advance booking is recommended.
Tip: Ferry and combined transfer tickets from Krabi to Koh Yao Yai can be booked online in advance for the best departure times.