Speed boat beats Krabi traffic. This one-way trip from Ao Nang to Phuket cuts hours off the road and keeps you outside for the ride. I especially like the hotel pickup coverage across Ao Nang and nearby beaches, plus the quick cruise time that puts you in Phuket without the long bus-and-minivan shuffle. My only caution is that it is a functional speed-boat operation, so if you want luxury vibes or ultra-calm boarding, this may not feel like that.

You start at Nopparat Thara Pier, meet the Green Planet crew, then glide across to Phuket with brief stopovers on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi for transfers. The whole thing runs daily in low and high season, but bad sea conditions can change the timing, including delays or cancellations with a full refund.

If you are juggling a tight Phuket itinerary, or you simply hate sitting in traffic, this is a smart way to get there. At $37.84 per person for a one-way transfer that includes pickup (and drop-off if you book that option), it is practical value, even if the ride is not trying to be a fancy cruise.

Key points to know before you go

• Outdoor seating style: you sit outside for the faster-feeling trip, not cramped road transport.
• Hotel pickup coverage in Krabi: Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek, plus Railay East pickup by floating pier.
• Koh Yao brief stopovers: quick pickup or drop-off on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi to transfer other passengers.
• Arrive at Bang Rong Pier: north Phuket arrival, often easiest for onward transfers by booked drop-off or local transport.
• Mostly short ride, real-time dependent: the trip is listed around 1 hour 20 minutes, and smooth days can feel even quicker.
• Not a luxury boat: expect an efficient, no-nonsense setup, and keep an eye on crew directions during boarding.

Ao Nang to Phuket in 1 hour 20 minutes, why this transfer makes sense

Krabi and Phuket sit side by side on the Andaman Coast, and yes, you can drive to Phuket. But the road time is still a half-day kind of commitment, especially once you factor in stops, traffic, and waiting around. This speed-boat transfer is built to solve that problem. Instead of spending your precious time getting from A to B, you shorten the journey and put more time back into your Phuket plans.

The big win here is speed plus convenience. You are not stuck in a long road vehicle. You get pickup in multiple Krabi areas, then a one-way cruise to Phuket. One day on the water also tends to feel like part of your trip, not just a chore.

I also like that the route is structured around practical transfers. You meet the crew at Nopparat Thara Pier, then transfer onward passengers with brief Koh Yao stopovers. The tradeoff is that it is not a scenic, “stay and explore” island tour. The stops are short, focused on logistics.

Where you get picked up in Krabi, including Railay floating pier

Pickup is one of the strongest reasons to book this transfer instead of figuring out your own route. According to the service details, you can be collected from:

• Ao Nang
• Krabi Town
• Ao Nam Mao
• Klong Muang
• Tubkaek Beach

If you are staying around Railay, you get a specific pickup point: the small floating pier at Railay East Beach, in front of Railay Princess Resort & Spa. That matters because Railay is different from the mainland. Getting your pickup spot right saves stress, especially on arrival day.

One more detail to plan around: the exact pickup time is confirmed by email after booking. So you want to watch your inbox closely. The boat’s listed start time is 11:20 a.m., which usually means pickup will be earlier than you think, depending on your location.

Boarding at Nopparat Thara Pier: meet the Green Planet crew

Once you are picked up, you will head to Nopparat Thara Pier. This is where you meet the Green Planet team and get ready for the run to Phuket.

This is also where you should set your expectations. One part of the experience that can feel chaotic for some people is passenger flow. If you see people being called out loudly or moved between waiting spots, treat it as normal operating rhythm for a busy transfer day. Keep your phone handy, listen for instructions, and aim to arrive early enough that you are not rushing at the last second.

The boat capacity is listed at a maximum of 75 travelers, so it is not a huge ferry. Still, it can be busy, especially during peak months or when multiple hotel pickup routes converge around the same time.

The speed-boat ride to Phuket: outdoor seating and real travel time

The service is designed for speed, and the ride style matches that. You sit outside, so you feel the wind and the motion more than you would on an enclosed transport vehicle. That can be a plus if you get restless in cars, but it also means you should prepare for sun and spray.

In terms of timing, the transfer is listed at about 1 hour 20 minutes. On a smooth day, it can come in close to that, and some passengers have reported around 1 hour 15 minutes when conditions were good. Weather and sea conditions matter here, because this is an open-water crossing.

A practical tip: if you are sensitive to motion, bring what helps you on boats (like ginger or motion sickness medication if you already use it). Even though this is short, speed can make the trip feel more “instant” than a road journey.

Also, remember that this is not a luxury cruise. It is an efficient transfer. If you are expecting plush seating, quiet guide narration, or an onboard lounge vibe, you might feel slightly disappointed. If you want to move quickly and get on with your day, the tone fits.

Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi stopovers: short, but worth knowing

Between Krabi and Phuket, you will make brief stopovers on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi. The purpose is not sightseeing time. It is pickup and drop-off for other transferring guests.

Why this matters for you: it adds small timing uncertainty. Even if the overall journey is still short, the crew may manage loading around these stops. It is smart to keep your plans flexible after arrival, especially if you are connecting to another trip or a scheduled tour in Phuket.

That said, the Koh Yao stopovers do break up the feeling of a nonstop ride. You also get that in-between “island hopping” sense without committing to a full day on the water.

Drop-off at Bang Rong Pier, and the Phuket hotel question

You arrive at Bang Rong Pier in the north of Phuket. This is a key detail, because Phuket is large, and “north Phuket” can still mean different onward routes depending on where your hotel is.

From Bang Rong Pier, there are two ways to get to your hotel:

• Book a hotel drop-off service in Phuket (if that option is selected).
• Use your own transfer after arriving at the pier.

The service info says hotel drop-off is included if you book it, and you need to provide your hotel name for the drop-off. There is also a note that hotel drop-off does not cover Mai Khao and Panwa. So if your hotel is in those areas, plan for an alternate ride.

Another helpful line in the details: you may be able to get a free hotel transfer from Bang Rong Pier only if your hotel location is covered for drop-off. So, even though drop-off can be part of your booking, you should not assume every hotel will be covered.

If you are staying somewhere else in north or central Phuket, I’d treat Bang Rong Pier as your “main arrival point,” then arrange transport based on where you booked your stay.

Duration, start time, and how to plan your day in Phuket

The tour start time is listed as 11:20 a.m. That is your anchor. What you cannot ignore is pickup timing. Since pickup times are confirmed by email, the best approach is to build your day around the confirmation message, not around your own assumption.

A sensible day plan looks like this:

• Schedule fewer things for the morning in Krabi, so you are not rushing to your pickup.
• Plan a buffer in Phuket right after arrival, since sea conditions can affect the run.
• If you have a tour later in the day, pick something that still has options if you arrive a bit later.

Also, the service runs daily in both low and high season. That helps if you are on a schedule and want fewer “only certain days” constraints.

Price and value: what $37.84 buys you (and what it does not)

At $37.84 per person, you are paying for a one-way transfer that includes:

• speed-boat transport
• hotel pickup in several Krabi areas
• pickup from Railay East (floating pier)
• basic travel insurance

And depending on your booking option:

• hotel drop-off in Phuket

To judge value, look at what this replaces. If you were planning to drive yourself or hire a private taxi, costs can add up fast, and you also lose time on the road. This transfer gives you a fast crossing and removes the stress of coordinating your own route.

What it does not claim is a premium onboard experience. Several parts of the setup are geared toward efficiency: it is functional, not fancy. That makes the price make sense for most people who want time-saving transport, not a “sit back and be pampered” vibe.

If your priority is speed and you like the idea of an outdoor ride, the value holds up well. If your priority is comfort and calm, you may find it a little more intense than a cushy, fully enclosed boat transfer.

Weather reality: fast water rides depend on sea conditions

This transfer requires good weather. The service notes that due to bad weather, bad sea conditions, or limited availability, the transfer may be delayed, postponed, or canceled. In those cases, you are covered with a full refund.

This is one reason you should not schedule something extremely time-sensitive at the exact arrival minute. A later tour is safer. If you are traveling in the rainy season or you see rough seas on the horizon, keep your plans flexible.

Who should book this speed boat transfer, and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you:

• want the fastest transfer between Ao Nang and Phuket
• prefer speed-boat time over long road time
• are starting your Phuket day and want to maximize daylight
• like the idea of outdoor seating and a quick crossing

Consider skipping it if you:

• expect a luxury cruise experience
• get stressed by busy boarding zones and loud crew direction
• need guaranteed calm and ultra-quiet comfort

It is also worth noting that most people can participate, and the group size is capped at 75.

Should you book the Ao Nang to Phuket speed boat via Koh Yao?

I’d book this if you are doing Krabi and Phuket as a side-by-side leg and you want to protect your time. The combination of pickup coverage, short ride time, and Koh Yao stopovers for transfer logistics is exactly what you want on a travel schedule.

I would not book it if you want a long scenic island day with lots of time to explore Koh Yao. This transfer is about getting you there, not touring the islands.

If you want a quick decision rule, use this: book it when your Phuket plans matter more than comfort. Skip it when comfort and calm matter more than speed.

FAQ

How long is the Ao Nang to Phuket speed boat transfer?

It is listed at approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.

Where do you get picked up in Krabi?

Pickup is offered in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Ao Nam Mao, Klong Muang, and Tubkaek Beach. If you are staying at Railay Beach, pickup is from the small floating pier at Railay East Beach.

Where do you meet the Green Planet crew?

You meet the crew at Nopparat Thara Pier in Ao Nang.

Are there stops during the trip on Koh Yao?

Yes. There are brief stopovers on Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi for pickup and drop-off of other transferring passengers.

Where do you get dropped off in Phuket?

You are dropped off at Bang Rong Pier in the north of Phuket. If you booked the drop-off option, you may also get a Phuket hotel drop-off, based on your hotel name.

Does the Phuket drop-off include every hotel area?

Hotel drop-off is not included for Mai Khao and Panwa Beach. The details also mention free hotel transfer is only available if your hotel location is covered.

What time does the service start?

The start time is 11:20 a.m.

What happens if weather or sea conditions are bad?

The transfer may be delayed, postponed, or canceled due to bad weather or bad sea conditions. In those cases, you get a full refund.