Getting to Koh Lipe from Phuket — or the reverse — comes up a lot with our guests. It makes sense: you’re either continuing north or heading back to the mainland, and knowing your options beforehand means one less thing to sort out when you’re already travelling.
The most popular route: direct ferry or speedboat
If you want the simplest option, take a direct ferry or speedboat. Boats leave from Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe and arrive at Rassada Pier in Phuket. The crossing takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours, though it depends on the vessel and conditions.
Fares run from THB 2,150 to THB 3,400 per person. Three operators cover this route: Bundhaya Speed Boat, Tigerline Ferry, and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. Services run daily, with more sailings between November and April.
The main draw is obvious: no transfers, just one island to the other. The catch is the price — it’s the most expensive option — and schedules can change when the weather misbehaves.
The budget-friendly combo: ferry plus bus or minivan
Travelling on a tighter budget? This route takes longer but costs significantly less. Start with a speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier on the mainland, then continue by bus or minivan to Phuket. Many tickets route through Hat Yai or Trang, so factor in a short stop along the way.
Plan for about 9 to 10 hours total door to door. Combined tickets start from around THB 1,450, which makes this option roughly half the price of a direct ferry. The trade-off is multiple transfers and a full day of travel, so start early if you choose this route.
Island-hopping during high season
Between November and April, a scenic multi-leg speedboat journey becomes available. From Koh Lipe, you head to Koh Lanta first — roughly 3 to 4 hours by speedboat. From there, another short crossing of about 2 hours delivers you to Phuket. The entire trip takes around 5 to 6 hours.
This option suits travellers who want to break up the journey and explore an additional island. Koh Lanta has lovely beaches and a quieter atmosphere, which makes it a natural rest point. Just keep in mind this route only operates seasonally, so check availability before banking on it.
| Route | Duration | Cost (THB) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct ferry/speedboat | 4.5–5.5 hrs | 2,150–3,400 | None | Speed and convenience |
| Ferry + bus/minivan | 9–10 hrs | From 1,450 | 2–3 | Budget travellers |
| Island-hopping (high season) | 5–6 hrs | Varies | 1–2 | Scenic, leisurely journey |
Tips for a smooth arrival
Book early during high season. Seats fill quickly between November and April, and last-minute availability can be limited or more expensive. Most operators allow online booking, but you can also arrange tickets through our front desk — just let us know a day or two in advance and we’ll help sort it out.
Check the weather before you commit. Rough seas don’t just make for an uncomfortable ride; they can delay or cancel departures. Our team keeps an eye on conditions and will always give you honest advice if we think rescheduling is wiser than pushing through.
Bring motion-sickness remedies if you’re prone to seasickness. Even on calm days, the Andaman Sea can be choppy. Sitting mid-ship, rather than at the bow or stern, reduces the rocking effect. Medication taken 30 minutes before departure tends to work best.
Luggage space on speedboats is often more limited than you’d expect. Confirm your allowance with the operator ahead of time, especially if you’re carrying bulky bags or diving equipment. Smaller soft bags usually fit more easily than rigid suitcases.
Booking your transfer
Our team at Salisa Resort works regularly with the main speedboat operators, and we can help coordinate bookings that fit your schedule. If you’re heading to Phuket after your stay with us, just reach out to our front desk and we’ll walk you through the options — including which operators depart from Pattaya Beach closest to our resort.
For guests arriving in Phuket and heading to Koh Lipe, the same operators run reverse routes from Rassada Pier. We recommend arriving at the pier at least an hour before your scheduled departure.
> Insider Tip: If you’re sensitive to sea conditions, book a morning crossing when the water is typically calmer. Afternoon departures tend to encounter choppier seas, especially between January and March.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does the direct ferry from Koh Lipe to Phuket take? A: The direct route takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
Q: Is it cheaper to take a bus and ferry combination? A: Yes. Combined ferry and minivan tickets start from around THB 1,450, compared to THB 2,150–3,400 for a direct speedboat. The trade-off is a longer journey of about 9 to 10 hours with transfers.
Q: Can I travel from Koh Lipe to Phuket year-round? A: Direct ferries and the ferry-plus-bus route operate throughout the year. The island-hopping option via Koh Lanta is only available during high season, roughly November through April.
Q: What should I do if seas are rough on the day of travel? A: Contact your operator or our front desk early. We can help reschedule your crossing or explore alternative routes. Safety comes first, and operators will cancel services if conditions are hazardous.
Q: Where do ferries depart from on Koh Lipe? A: Most services depart from Pattaya Beach, which is a short walk or longtail ride from Sunrise Beach where Salisa Resort is located. Our team can help arrange transport to the departure point.
The route from Koh Lipe to Phuket really comes down to what matters most to you: speed, savings, or an extra stop along the way. Our team on Sunrise Beach is always around if you want to sort out the details before you head out — just ask us before you check out.
For more details, see this complete guide to traveling to Koh Lipe from Guide from SmartEnPlus.
