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Phuket and Ao Nang sit on opposite sides of Phang Nga Bay. You can cross by ferry or go by road around the top of the bay, through Phang Nga province and into Krabi. Ao Nang is the usual base for the limestone karsts and beaches of Krabi.
Phuket to Ao Nang by Ferry
Aonang Travel and Tour runs the Aonang Princess ferry from Rassada Pier in Phuket to Nopparattara Pier at Ao Nang. It leaves daily at 13:30 and arrives at 15:15, and on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday there is also a morning departure at 10:30 that arrives at 12:30. The adult fare is ฿900 (about $27) and the child fare ฿600 (about $18).[1] In low season the boat does not run every day, so check the operator's site before you plan around it.[1]
Phuket to Ao Nang by Bus and Van
12Go lists a combined bus and van service from Phuket to Ao Nang with 6 departures between 06:30 and 13:15. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes and costs ฿550 (about $16) in October 2026.[2] The ticket combines a larger bus for the main leg with a smaller vehicle for the last stretch, so check the pick-up point in your booking.
Phuket to Ao Nang by Private Transfer
If you travel in a group or want door-to-door service, a private transfer removes the trip to a pier or bus station. 12Go lists prices from ฿2,300 (about $68) for an economy car for 3 passengers, rising with the vehicle class, and journey times of 1 hour 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.[2] The classes range from SUVs and 9-seat vans to Mercedes S-Class and Toyota Alphard cars, and the listing also includes a private speedboat for up to 10 passengers, which sits at the top of the price range.
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Ferry (Aonang Princess) | ฿900 adult (about $27)[1] | 1h 45min to 2h |
| Bus and van | ฿550 (about $16)[2] | 3h 30min |
| Private transfer | From ฿2,300 (about $68)[2] | 1h 20min to 3h 30min |
Tips for Traveling from Phuket to Ao Nang
- Book in Advance: In high season, ferry seats and popular bus departures can fill up, so book a few days ahead.
- Consider the Season: The ferry operator warns that in low season the boat does not run every day. If the boat is off, the bus and van or a private transfer are the reliable alternatives.[1]
- Arrival Point: The ferry arrives at Nopparattara Pier, so plan how you get from the pier to your hotel.
- Luggage: If you carry oversized luggage or sports equipment, a private car is easier than a combined bus and van ticket.
Timetable
| Bus Phuket - Ao Nang $ 16.29 3h 30m | |
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| Taxi Phuket - Ao Nang $ 68.11–459.73 1h 20m – 3h 30m | |
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| Ferry Phuket - Railay $ 19.25–47.38 1h 30m – 10h 30m | |
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| Van Phuket - Railay $ 34.05–38.50 3h 45m – 6h 30m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Phuket to Ao Nang, including current prices and schedules.
The combined bus and van is the cheapest option listed, at ฿550 (about $16) in October 2026. The Aonang Princess ferry costs ฿900 (about $27) for adults.
Booking platforms list private transfers with journeys from 1 hour 20 minutes. The ferry takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours by its published times.
The ferry takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, the bus and van about 3 hours 30 minutes, and private transfers 1 hour 20 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes.
Yes. The Aonang Princess runs from Rassada Pier to Nopparattara Pier at Ao Nang. It runs daily in the afternoon and on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday in the morning, and in low season it does not run every day.
If you enjoy the views and the timetable fits, the ferry is the scenic choice. If the boat is not running or you want a fixed door-to-door trip, take the bus and van or a private transfer.
Booking platforms list private transfers between Phuket and Ao Nang in sedans, SUVs and vans. Check the pick-up point when you book.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Aonang Travel and Tour: Ferry tickets: Aonang Princess (Phuket Town to Ao Nang). Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Phuket to Ao Nang. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.