Thailand Phuket

How to get from Koh Lipe to Phuket

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 185 kilometre (115 miles) distance from Koh Lipe to Phuket. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Phuket as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel WriterLast updated: December 1, 2024

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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 964 THB ($30).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus + Ferry

10h 30m - 15h

From 964 THB ($30)

Shared Minivan

9h 5m - 10h 30m

From 996 THB ($31)

Book Tickets

Ferry

5h 30m

From 2,234 THB ($70)

Book Tickets

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

Duration: 10h 30m - 15h

Costs: 964 THB ($30)

Duration: 10h 30m - 15h

Costs: 964 THB ($30)

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 964 THB ($30) and the journey takes around 10 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours.

Option 1: Ko Lipe to Phuket by Combined Bus + Ferry

Duration: 10h

Costs: 964 THB ($30)

Duration: 10h

Costs: 964 THB ($30)

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 964 THB ($30) and travel time is about 10h.

Bus + Ferry options from Koh Lipe to Phuket

The Steak Restaurant

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

09:30

10h

19:30

Andaman Sea Tour and Transport

964 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Option 2: Bus + Ferry via Hat Yai

Duration: 11h 45m-14h 45m

Costs: 1,069 THB ($33.50)

Duration: 11h 45m-14h 45m

Costs: 1,069 THB ($33.50)

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

Duration: 3h 30m - 4h 45m

Costs: 630 THB ($19.60)

Duration: 3h 30m - 4h 45m

Costs: 630 THB ($19.60)

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.

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

Standard

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

13:30

17:30

Marinee Travel

630 THB ($19.60)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Pattaya Beach

Standard

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

13:30

17:30

Marinee Travel

630 THB ($19.60)

Get Your Tickets

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe

Standard

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

4h 30m

14:00

11:30

4h 30m

16:00

Baan Pun Travel

640 THB ($19.90)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Walking Street

Standard

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

11:10

3h 50m

15:00

11:30

3h 30m

15:00

Lipe Ferry

From 681 THB ($21)

Koh Lipe Walking Street

Standard

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

13:30

11:10

4h 20m

15:30

11:30

15:30

Lipe Ferry

681 THB ($21)

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

4h 35m

14:05

11:30

4h 35m

16:05

Dee Travels Hat Yai

694 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

Dee Travels Hat Yai

694 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai Railway Station

09:30

4h 40m

14:10

11:30

4h 40m

16:10

Dee Travels Hat Yai

694 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe

Hat Yai

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

11:30

3h 30m

15:00

Satun Pakbara Speedboat Club

757 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Immigration point

VIP

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

3h 45m

13:15

11:30

3h 45m

15:15

13:30

3h 45m

17:15

HiLipe

714 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Immigration point

VIP

Hat Yai Railway Station

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

13:30

17:30

HiLipe

714 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Immigration point

VIP

Hat Yai Van Station

09:30

4h 15m

13:45

11:30

4h 15m

15:45

13:30

4h 15m

17:45

HiLipe

714 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Immigration point

VIP

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

4h 45m

14:15

11:30

4h 45m

16:15

13:30

4h 45m

18:15

HiLipe

714 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Walking Street

VIP

Hat Yai Transfer

09:30

13:30

11:10

4h 20m

15:30

11:30

15:30

13:30

4h 30m

18:00

Lipe Ferry

733 THB ($23)

Koh Lipe Walking Street

VIP

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

3h 30m

13:00

11:10

3h 50m

15:00

11:30

3h 30m

15:00

13:30

17:30

Lipe Ferry

733 THB ($23)

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai City Center

09:30

4h 40m

14:10

11:30

4h 40m

16:10

Ploysiam Speedboat

746 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

Ploysiam Speedboat

746 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Pattaya Beach (Bundhaya Resort)

Standard

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

09:30

4h 30m

14:00

Jolly Travel

746 THB ($23)

Get Your Tickets

Bu Nga Resort Beach

Standard

Hat Yai Bus Terminal 1

09:30

4h 30m

14:00

11:30

4h 30m

16:00

Thubthim Siam Travel

749 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Bu Nga Resort Beach

Standard

Hat Yai Airport

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

Thubthim Siam Travel

749 THB ($23.50)

Get Your Tickets

Pattaya Beach

Standard

Hat Yai Train Station (Haadyai Station)

09:30

4h 30m

14:00

11:30

4h 30m

16:00

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

832 THB ($26)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe Pier

Standard

Hat Yai Airport (HDY)

09:30

13:30

11:30

15:30

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

832 THB ($26)

Get Your Tickets

Show 17 more operator(s)

Step 2: Hat Yai to Phuket by Bus

Duration: 7-10h

Costs: 439 THB ($13.70)

Duration: 7-10h

Costs: 439 THB ($13.70)

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 439 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.

Hat Yai

Economy

Phuket

11:45

18:45

13:00

20:00

18:00

01:00

21:30

04:30

8:00

15:00

Sri Trang Tour

439 THB ($13.70)

Get Your Tickets

Songkhla

VIP

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

08:30

10h

18:30

12:10

9h 50m

22:00

18:00

02:00

Minibus 1996

492 THB ($15.30)

Get Your Tickets

Hat Yai Bus Terminal

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

09:00

17:00

12:30

20:30

16:00

00:00

22:00

06:00

KST Travel

575 THB ($17.90)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe to Phuket by Shared Minivan

Duration: 9h 5m - 10h 30m

Costs: 996 THB ($31)

Duration: 9h 5m - 10h 30m

Costs: 996 THB ($31)

A minivan ride from Koh Lipe to Phuket costs around 996 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 Pattaya Beach

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

09:30

9h 5m

18:35

Marinee Travel

996 THB ($31)

Get Your Tickets

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

09:30

10h

19:30

Baan Pun Travel

1,048 THB ($32.50)

Get Your Tickets

Pattaya Beach Koh Lipe

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 1

09:30

10h 20m

19:50

Baan Pun Travel

1,048 THB ($32.50)

Get Your Tickets

Bu Nga Resort Beach

Standard

Phuket Bus Station 1

09:30

9h 30m

19:00

Thubthim Siam Travel

1,192 THB ($37)

Get Your Tickets

Koh Lipe to Phuket by Ferry

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 2,234 THB ($70)

Duration: 5h 30m

Costs: 2,234 THB ($70)

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

Koh Lipe

High Speed

Rassada Pier Phuket

09:00

5h 30m

14:30

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club

From 2,234 THB ($70)

Bu-nga Resort (Pattaya Beach)

Speedboat

Rassada Pier Phuket

09:00

5h 30m

14:30

Satun Pakbara Speed Boat

2,298 THB ($72)

Get Your Tickets

Bundhaya Resort Koh Lipe Pier 1

Speedboat

Rassada Pier

09:00

5h 30m

14:30

Jolly Travel

2,459 THB ($77)

Get Your Tickets

Bundhaya Beach Ko Lipe

Speedboat

Rassada Pier

09:00

5h 30m

14:30

Bundhaya Speedboat

2,555 THB ($80)

Get Your Tickets

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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.

Check Available Rooms

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 964 THB ($30).

About the author(s)

Maarten

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.

Abegail

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.