How to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket
Why visit Phuket?
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most visited destinations in the country. The beautiful shores of Karon Beach, the historic charm of Old Town, and the nightlife in Patong beach attract millions of tourists every year.
Surrounded by numerous smaller islands, Phuket also offers unbeatable snorkelling, diving, and water sports adventures. You can explore the colourful marine life while snorkelling at the nearby Koh Phi Phi Island or embark on a diving trip. Located just a short distance from the international airport, Phuket is easily accessible for travellers who want to visit Thailand’s beautfiul beaches without having to travel too far.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Koh Lipe to Phuket?
There are 3 ways to travel the 185 kilometre (115 miles) distance from Koh Lipe to Phuket. You can choose between the bus + ferry, shared minivan and ferry. The journey takes 5 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours and the quickest way is by ferry. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus + ferry with tickets starting at 985 THB ($30).
Where to stay in Phuket?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phuket at the bottom of this page.
Koh Lipe to Phuket by Bus + Ferry
Travelling by bus and ferry is a good option if you have time to spare and are travelling on a budget from Koh Lipe to Phuket. Combined fares start from 985 THB ($30) and the journey takes around 10 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours.
Option 1: Ko Lipe to Phuket by Combined Bus + Ferry
Booking a combined bus + ferry ticket saves you the hassle of booking separate transfers and worrying whether you can make it to your connecting transfer or not.
From Koh Lipe, you can depart via ferry from Pattaya Beach to the mainland. Ferries arrive at Pak Bara Pier, from where a minivan will bring you to Hat Yai. The final stop of this journey is at Phuket Terminal 2, which is just 4 km away from Phuket town centre.
Andaman Sea Tour and Transport offers combined bus + ferry tickets from Koh Lipe to Phuket. Tickets cost 985 THB ($30) and travel time is about 10h.
Bus + Ferry options from Koh Lipe to Phuket
Option 2: Bus + Ferry via Hat Yai
Alternatively, you can book separate tickets for your bus & ferry ride. This way, you can be more flexible with your time and even spend a few hours to explore Hat Yai.
Here is the step-by-step guide by separate bus and ferry from Koh Lipe to Phuket:
Step 1: Koh Lipe to Hat Yai by Ferry + Minivan
There are a number of ferry companies that operate on this route. The popular ones are the Dee Travels Hat Yai, Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club, and Sukhothai Tour Hat Yai.
The ferries all depart from Pattaya beach on the west side of Koh Lipe and arrive at Pak Bara port. From there, you will be transferred to a minivan to Hat Yai if you booked a combined ticket.
The combined minivan and ferry ride takes around 3h 30m - 4h 45m.
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
Step 2: Hat Yai to Phuket by Bus
Buses depart Hat Yai Bus Station as early as 8:00 until 18:00 daily and you can pick between a standard or an economy bus. Travel time is around 7-10h and a ticket costs 448 THB ($13.70).
All buses arrive at Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which is just 4 km away from Phuket town. You can hail a taxi or a minivan to the town centre.
Koh Lipe to Phuket by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Koh Lipe to Phuket costs around 1,018 THB ($31). The minivan journey takes about 9 hours 5 minutes to 10 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
There are three companies operating on this route: Marinee Travel, Baan Pun Travel and Thubthim Siam Travel.
Shared Minivan options from Koh Lipe to Phuket
Koh Lipe to Phuket by Ferry
Although quite expensive, the fastest and easiest way to travel from Koh Lipe to Phuket is by high-speed ferry.
The last time we checked (December 2024), there are four ferry companies operating on this route: Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club, Satun Pakbara Speed Boat, Jolly Travel and Bundhaya Speedboat. Tigerline High-Speed Ferry also used to operate ferries between Koh Lipe and Phuket, but they haven’t resumed their operations yet.
Travel time takes about 5 hours 30 minutes by high-speed ferry.
Departure and arrival station
Both ferries leave from Pattaya Beach on the west side of Koh Lipe. Bundhaya Speedboats depart from Koh Lipe Pier and Satun Pakbara Speedboat departs from Bunga Resort. It’s only a short walk between the two ports.
The arrival station of the ferries is at Rassada Pier in Phuket. This pier is only 20 minutes away from Phuket town and you can take songthaews or taxis to reach the centre.
Ferry Schedule from Koh Lipe to Phuket
- 24/7 customer support
Note that most ferries do not operate trips during unfavourable weather for safety reasons. They also offer fewer sailings daily during the low season.
Also, keep in mind that speedboat rides can be quite bumpy. If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend taking an anti-motion sickness tablet beforehand to save yourself from any discomfort during the ride.
Best places to stay in Phuket
Aekkeko Hostel - Budget Friendly
Aekkeko Hostel is set in central Phuket Town within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, and sights. It’s a vibrant and colourful place with so many chillout places it’s impossible to keep count.
Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the dorm beds are huge! The staff will welcome you like family making you feel right at home.
- Excellent staff
- Ideal location
- Terrace and many chillout spots
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $19 per night.
Baan Sutra Guesthouse - Budget Friendly
Baan Sutra Guesthouse is in the perfect location, just a 1-minute walk from the Old Town. Yet when you step through its doors, you forget about the chaos outside. The hotel is clean, serene and homely.
The rooms are bright and very spacious. You’re guaranteed to have a comfortable stay here, especially with the helpful and friendly staff.
- Beautiful rooms
- Clean and comfortable
- Perfect location
- Helpful staff
Private rooms start from $28 per night.
HOMA Phuket Town - Mid Range
Calling all digital nomads or anyone looking to relax without having to spend too much money. HOMA has everything you could need — a huge rooftop swimming pool, games room, gym, co-working space and an Italian restaurant. You never have to leave!
The rooms are modern with vibrant pops of colour and huge beds. Need any help? The staff are always there to give you recommendations and make sure you have the best stay.
- Huge rooftop swimming pool
- Games room
- Onsite gym and co-working space
- Italian restaurant
Private rooms start from $49 per night.
Hotel Tide - Treating Yourself
Staying at Hotel Tide puts you seconds from the beach and in the middle of luxury. The huge swimming pool overlooks the beach and is the perfect place to escape the heat. Or relax on the terrace or nets overlooking the sea.
Here you’ll be a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, but if you don’t want to make the journey, you can enjoy the onsite delicious restaurant. This is the ideal place to unwind and chill in Phuket.
- Amazing swimming pools
- Right on the beach
- Beautiful and spacious rooms
- Onsite restaurant
Private rooms start from $57 per night.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Koh Lipe to Phuket
What is the distance from Koh Lipe to Phuket?
The distance from Koh Lipe to Phuket is 185 kilometre (115 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket?
The fastest way to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket is by ferry and takes 5 hours 30 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket?
The cheapest way to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket is by bus + ferry with ticket costs starting from 985 THB ($30).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
