Quick Answer
The fastest and most convenient way to get from Phu Quoc Airport (PQC) to Hon Thom Island is by booking a combined private transfer and ferry ticket. This involves a 45-minute taxi ride to Hon Thom Terminal (An Thoi Port) followed by a 15-20 minute ferry or cable car ride. Total cost is approximately 500,000 - 800,000 VND ($20-$33 USD) per person, and total travel time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. The cheapest but slowest option involves multiple local buses and public ferries.
Option 1: Speedboat & Scheduled Ferries (Most Common)
This is the primary method for tourists. You take ground transport from the airport to a ferry terminal, then a boat to Hon Thom Island. There are two main departure points on Phu Quoc.
| Ferry Terminal | Distance from PQC Airport | Transport from Airport | Boat Type to Hon Thom | Boat Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hon Thom Terminal (An Thoi Port) | ~40 km (South) | Taxi (45-60 min) | Official Cable Car Ferry or Speedboat | 15-20 mins | First-time visitors, convenience, cable car experience. |
| Bai Vong Port (Duong Dong) | ~12 km (North) | Taxi (20 min) | Public ferry to An Thoi, then transfer | 90+ mins (with wait) | Budget travelers already staying in Duong Dong. |
Key Operator: The official ferry to Hon Thom Island is run by Sunworld Hon Thom Nature Park. Their schedule is synchronized with the cable car operation.
Step-by-Step Guide via Hon Thom Terminal
- At PQC Airport: After baggage claim, exit the terminal. Ignore touts and head to the official taxi stand (Mai Linh, Vinasun).
- Taxi Ride: Tell the driver "Hon Thom Terminal" or "An Thoi Port". Agree on the meter or a fixed price (~500,000 VND).
- At the Terminal: Purchase your ferry or cable car ticket at the counter. A one-way ferry ticket costs around 150,000 - 200,000 VND. The cable car round-trip ticket (which includes island access) is ~500,000 VND.
- The Crossing: Board the ferry. Enjoy the short, scenic ride to Hon Thom Island.
Option 2: Pre-Booked Private Transfer & Ferry Packages (Most Hassle-Free)
For seamless travel, book a package that includes both land and sea transfer. This is ideal for groups, families, or those with heavy luggage.
What's Included & Providers
- Service: A driver meets you at the airport arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Vehicle: Private car or minivan directly to the ferry terminal.
- Tickets: Pre-arranged ferry tickets handed to you by the driver.
- Assistance: Driver helps you to the ferry check-in counter.
Recommended Booking Platforms: Klook and Viator offer reliable packages. Prices range from 400,000 to 1,000,000 VND per person depending on group size and inclusions (e.g., cable car ticket).
Pros & Cons
Pros: No haggling, fixed price in USD, guaranteed connection, English support, stress-free.
Cons: Slightly higher cost than DIY taxi, requires advance planning.
Option 3: DIY Taxi + Ferry (Flexible but Pricier)
Taking a taxi on arrival and buying your own ferry ticket offers flexibility if your plans are uncertain.
Taxi Fare Reference from PQC Airport
| Destination | Approx. Distance | Metered Fare (VND) | Fixed Price (VND)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hon Thom Terminal (An Thoi) | 40 km | 450,000 - 550,000 | 500,000 - 600,000 |
| Bai Vong Port | 12 km | 200,000 - 250,000 | 250,000 - 300,000 |
| Duong Dong Center | 10 km | 180,000 - 220,000 | 200,000 - 250,000 |
*Agree on price BEFORE getting in the car. Use reputable companies only.
Critical Tips for DIY Travelers
- Ferry Schedule: Check the latest Sunworld ferry schedule online. The last departure to Hon Thom is often around 4:30 PM.
- Cash: Have enough Vietnamese Dong. Card payments are rarely accepted for taxis or at the ferry terminal.
- Time Buffer: Allow at least 2.5 hours from airport landing to ferry departure to account for delays and ticket queues.
Option 4: Local Bus & Public Boat (Adventure on a Budget)
This is the most economical route but involves multiple changes and is not recommended for those with tight schedules or lots of luggage.
The Step-by-Step Budget Route
- Airport to Duong Dong Bus Station: Walk or take a short motorbike taxi (~20,000 VND) to the main road, then catch a local bus (Line 1) to Duong Dong market (~30,000 VND).
- Duong Dong to Bai Vong Port: From the market, take another taxi/bike (~50,000 VND) to Bai Vong Port.
- Public Ferry to An Thoi Town: Take the public car ferry from Bai Vong to An Thoi Town on the southern tip of Phu Quoc (~100,000 VND, 1.5 hours).
- An Thoi to Hon Thom Island: From An Thoi pier, find a local fishing boat or charter a small speedboat to Hon Thom (requires negotiation, ~200,000 VND per person).
Total Estimated Cost: ~400,000 VND ($16). Total Time: 4+ hours. Difficulty: High.
Warning: This route's final leg (An Thoi to Hon Thom) is informal. Safety standards vary, and services are weather-dependent. Only for adventurous, flexible travelers.
Ticket & Cost Comparison Table: Phu Quoc Airport to Hon Thom Island
| Transport Method | Total Est. Time | Total Est. Cost (per person)* | Convenience / Stress Level | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer + Ferry Package | 1.5 - 2 hrs | 500,000 - 800,000 VND | Very High / Very Low | Families, first-timers, groups, luxury travelers. |
| Taxi + Official Ferry (DIY) | 1.75 - 2.5 hrs | 650,000 - 800,000 VND | High / Low | Independent travelers, couples, flexible planners. |
| Shared Minivan + Ferry | 2 - 3 hrs | 300,000 - 500,000 VND | Medium / Medium | Solo travelers, backpackers willing to wait. |
| Local Bus & Public Boat | 4+ hrs | ~400,000 VND | Very Low / Very High | Ultra-budget adventurers with no time constraints. |
*Costs are estimates for one adult in 2024. Ferry ticket included where applicable.
How to Buy Tickets & Save Money
- Book Online in Advance: For private transfers and ferry packages, online prices are often lower than walk-up rates and guarantee availability.
- JR Pass Not Applicable: Note that travel passes like the Japan Rail Pass are not applicable in Vietnam. All transport must be paid for separately.
- Group Discounts: For private taxis or transfers, the cost per person drops significantly for groups of 3-4.
Traveler Experience & Insider Tips
Beyond schedules and prices, here's practical advice from those who've made the trip.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey
- Flight Arrival Timing: If your flight lands after 3 PM, it's risky to try to reach Hon Thom the same day. Book a night in Duong Dong or near An Thoi Port instead.
- Luggage Strategy: Pack light for the island trip if possible. While ferries handle suitcases, multiple transfers are easier with backpacks or rolling bags. Some hotels in Duong Dong offer luggage storage if you plan to return.
- The "Cable Car vs Ferry" Choice: The Hon Thom Cable Car is an attraction in itself (world's longest over-sea cable car). The ticket price includes access to the Sunworld amusement park on Hon Thom. If you just want transport, take the standard ferry from the same terminal—it's cheaper.
- Weather Contingency: Ferry and cable car services are cancelled in high winds or storms. Always check the forecast and have a flexible plan. During the rainy season (May-October), consider staying on the main island if weather looks poor.
- Communication: Have your destination written in Vietnamese: "Bến tàu Hòn Thơm, An Thới". Show this to your taxi driver. Download the Google Translate app for offline use.
- Cash is King: ATMs are available at the airport but not reliably at the ferry terminal. Withdraw enough Vietnamese Dong at the airport to cover taxi and ferry tickets.
FAQs: Phu Quoc Airport to Hon Thom Island Transfers
Is there a direct ferry from Phu Quoc Airport to Hon Thom Island?
No, there is no direct ferry from Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) to Hon Thom Island. You must first travel to the appropriate ferry terminal on Phu Quoc's main island (either Bai Vong Port or Hon Thom Terminal) via taxi or shuttle, and then take a dedicated ferry or speedboat to the island.
What is the fastest way to get to Hon Thom Island from the airport?
The fastest overall method is to take a taxi (30-45 mins, ~400,000-600,000 VND) directly to the Hon Thom Terminal (also called An Thoi Port) and then board the official Hon Thom Cable Car ferry or a pre-booked speedboat (15-20 mins). Total travel time can be under 1.5 hours if connections are smooth.
What is the cheapest way to travel from PQC Airport to Hon Thom?
The cheapest option is a combination of a local bus or shared shuttle from the airport to Duong Dong town (~30,000-50,000 VND), then a taxi/motorbike to Bai Vong Port, followed by a public ferry to An Thoi Town on the southern tip, and finally a local boat to Hon Thom. This is complex and time-consuming (>4 hours). A more practical budget option is a shared minivan to Hon Thom Terminal and the standard ferry.
Can I book a combined airport transfer and ferry ticket?
Yes, several tour operators and online platforms like Klook or Viator offer combined transfer packages. These typically include a private or shared car from Phu Quoc Airport to Hon Thom Terminal and a ferry ticket to the island. This is highly recommended for convenience and guaranteed connection.
How much does a taxi from Phu Quoc Airport to the ferry terminal cost?
A taxi from PQC Airport to Bai Vong Port (north) costs about 250,000-350,000 VND (10-15 km). To the Hon Thom Terminal/An Thoi Port (south), it's significantly farther (~40 km) and costs between 400,000 to 600,000 VND. Always use reputable companies like Mai Linh or Vinasun and insist on the meter or agree on a fixed price beforehand.
What happens if my flight arrives late at night?
Ferries to Hon Thom Island do not operate late at night (last departures are usually between 4-5 PM). If you arrive late, you must spend the night in Phu Quoc (Duong Dong or An Thoi areas are best). Book accommodation in advance and schedule your transfer to the ferry terminal for the next morning.
Is the Hon Thom Cable Car the same as the ferry to the island?
Yes and no. The Hon Thom Cable Car connects Hon Thom Island to Phu Quoc Island, but its station is at the Hon Thom Terminal (An Thoi Port). To use it, you must get to that terminal first. The cable car ticket often includes access to the island's attractions (Sunworld Hon Thom Nature Park). You can also take a standard ferry from the same terminal if you don't want the cable car.
Is it easy to travel with large luggage or children?
It is manageable but requires planning. Taxis and private transfers can handle luggage. Ferries have storage space. The main challenge is the multiple transfers. For families or those with heavy bags, booking a private door-to-door transfer + ferry combo is the most stress-free option, as drivers assist you to the check-in counter.