How to Get from Phuket to Railay Beach: 3 Ways
Are you trying to get from Phuket to Railay Beach in Krabi? You’ve come to the perfect place, here are the 3 different ways to get from Phuket to Railay!
In this guide I will include all the different ways to get to Railay Beach, costs for each way, how long it takes and a few must-know tips so your trip to Railay from Phuket goes smoothly!
Something important you should know is Railay Beach is not accessible by land. You must eventually take a boat to get to Railay Beach. Although Railay is connected to mainland Krabi and isn’t an island, nature divided access to Railay Beach.
The only direct transportation to Railay Beach from Phuket is by ferry. The other two other ways both involve boarding a longtail taxi from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach, it’s only 10 minutes.
Phuket to Railay Ferry
The best and easiest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket is by taking a direct ferry there.
Not only is it the fastest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket, but it’s also the most convenient, you won’t have to move your bags more than once and it’s the fasest way to get there.
This way won’t have to worry about getting on a longtail boat taxi in Ao Nang to get to Railay Beach, which can be challenging, especially when you have luggage!
Ferries to Railay Beach from Phuket mainly depart from Rassada Pier in Phuket, and speed boats tend to depart from Bang Rong Pier in Phuket.
It’s a 2 Hour and 30 minutes ferry ride to Railay Beach from Phuket and the cost of the trip is $20 – $32 US.
Check your ticket and make your go to the correct pier in Phuke. Come to the pier in 30 minutes before departure to Railay.
You will be arriving at Floating Pier in East Railay, and from there, you can make your way to your hotel.
If hotel staff doesn’t come to get your luggage, don’t worry, it’s a short 5-10 minute walk to all hotels. Railay is rather small, most hotels are a short walk away from the pier.
A limited number of ferries leave for Railay Beach from Phuket daily, so if you’re looking for more time flexibility, you should take a minibus van and longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang to Railay instead.
TIP: If you’re looking to go direct to Railay Beach and would prefer to avoid getting on a longtail boat taxi – When purchasing your ferry ticket, make sure the end destination on your ticket states: Floating Pier East Railay.
Minibus + Longtail Boat Taxi to Railay
Another great way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket is by taking a minibus van to Ao Nang Beach and then take a longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach.
These minibus vans are a common way of transport in Thailand. The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Phuket in a usually what is a white minibus van. It fits a total of 12 passangers. The driver will pick up other passengers in Phuket until the minibus is full.
Once the driver has picked up all passenger, they’ll begin driving to Ao Nang from Phuket, which takes around 4-5 Hours. Sit back, relax, and look out your window, the landscape is beautiful on the way to Ao Nang from Phuket!
The driver will stop halfway for passengers to go to the washroom and buy snacks along the way.
After 4-5 hours, you will arrive at Ao Nang Beach, and the driver will show you where to take the 10 Minute longtail boat taxi to Railay Beach – They’ll speak with a person operating the tickets to ensure they don’t charge you for the longtail boat taxi to Railay. Because it’s included in the price of your booking.
You’ll arrive at Railay Beach West after taking the longtail boat taxi. To take the minivan bus and longtail boat taxi, it costs $15 – $20 US.
Book MiniBus Van/Longtail Taxi Tickets
Your ticket should state, “All Connections Guaranteed.” Meaning both the minivan bus and longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang to Railay Beach are included in the cost price and that you’re guaranteed to catch a longtail boat to Railay from Ao Nang Beach.
While this may not be the fastest way to Railay Beach, this is the cheapest way to get to Railay Beach from Phuket. However there’s not a significant price difference between the ferry and the minibus + longtail taxi. So it’s up to you!
For those who get seasick, I’d suggest you use this method to get to Railay Beach. That way, you will only be on a longtail boat taxi for 10 minutes.
Phuket to Railay Beach by Car + Longtail Boat Taxi
Not many will use this way to get from Phuket to Railay Beach, but it’s perfect for those looking to adventure!
Driving is an excellent way to see the landscape along the way and since you’re driving, you have the freedom to stop and explore if you choose to.
Along your four hour drive to Ao Nang, the scenery is breathtaking, with mountainous views of dense forest and ocean views. The roads to get there are straightforward and spacious, making for a relaxing drive.
Once you’ve rented a car, make your way to Ao Nang Beach in Krabi. Once you arrive in Ao Nang and you’ve dropped off your car rental, go to Ao Nang Beach and look for the longtail boat taxis on either end of the beach.
The longtail taxi boat costs 100 baht, which is $2.80 US.
You will take a longtail boat taxi from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Beach West. From there, you can walk to your hotel in Railay.
Phuket to Railay Beach – Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, those are all the different ways for how to get fro Phuket to Railay Beach in Krabi.
Again, the cheapest way to get to Railay from Phuket is by booking the minivan bus and longtail boat combineded trip. Which will cost you around $18 US.
For those looking to get to Railay the fastest way, it’s by taking the ferry, which takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes from Phuket and cost around $25 US.
How do I get from Phuket to Railay Beach?
Take the ferry from Rassada Pier in Phuket to East Railay Pier in Railay.
Alternatively, you can also book a minivan bus to Ao Nang Beach and then take a longtail boat taxi to Railay Beach.
How long is the ferry from Railay Beach to Phuket?
Its takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by ferry from Railay Beach to Phuket.
Can you do a day trip to Railay from Phuket?
No you can’t, but you will be very limited on time in Railay and there aren’t many ferries daily that depart from Railay to Phuket. The only way is if you spend a night in Railay and take a ferry back to Phuket the next day.
How many days do you need in Railay Beach?
Plan to spend at least two days in Railay Beach, overall the place is quite small and you can experience most of it in one day but having an extra day will allow you to enjoy Railay’s few beautiful beaches!
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