Krabi to Koh Lipe

Last updated on May 6, 2024

Posted on

Krabi is a popular gateway to the stunning Phi Phi Islands and home to some of Thailand’s most beautiful scenery. After exploring Krabi, head to the small island of Koh Lipe for world-class snorkeling, pristine beaches, and a taste of its laidback nightlife.

Getting from Krabi to Koh Lipe is a breeze with several ferry options:

Travel MethodDeparture PointDurationPrice (THB)
High-speed ferry via Koh Lanta ⛴️🏝️Ao Nang or Krabi Town6 hours 45 minutes1,911
Minivan+Speedboat 🚐🚤Hotel/Airport Pickup7 hours980-1,600
Taxi+Speedboat 🚕🚤Hotel Pickup6.5-7.5 hours999-1,500
Map showing the 296 km travel route from Krabi to Koh Lipe with red lines indicating roads and sea crossing on www.bangkokattractions.com.

Options for Travel from Krabi to Koh Lipe

The only way to reach Koh Lipe is by ferry as the island has no airport. Luckily, multiple travel companies offer diverse routes so you can choose the journey that suits you best.

High-Speed Ferry from Krabi to Koh Lipe

High Speed Ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta
Tigerline Travel’s high speed ferry arriving in Koh Lanta.

Tigerline Travel offers a high-speed ferry service from Krabi to Koh Lipe, with two departure points in Krabi: Ao Nang (Nopparat Thara Pier) and Krabi Town (Chao Fah Pier). The journey includes a stop at Koh Lanta before reaching Koh Lipe.

From Ao Nang, the ferry departs at 10:00 AM and arrives at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta at 1:30 PM. After a brief layover, the second leg of the journey continues from Saladan Pier at 1:30 PM, arriving at Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe at 4:45 PM.

From Krabi Town, the ferry departs from Chao Fah Pier at 10:45 AM and follows the same route, arriving at Pattaya Beach on Koh Lipe at 4:45 PM.

The total journey time from both departure points is approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes, making it in line with the other options in travel time from Krabi to Koh Lipe. However, Tigerline Travel offers a comfortable and scenic journey with their modern ferry featuring air-conditioned interior cabins.

Minivan + Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lipe

A Jolly Travel Speedboat heading to Koh Lipe.
A Jolly Travel Speedboat heading to Koh Lipe.

For budget-savvy travelers, combo minivan + speedboat tickets are an economical choice. Enjoy pickup from your Krabi hotel or the airport, followed by a 3.5-4 hour drive to Pakbara Pier. From here, take a 1.5 hour speedboat ride to Koh Lipe.

Smart En Plus and Jolly Travel are reliable companies offering this route. Minivans also depart from the Krabi bus terminal if you prefer to make your own way there. Total travel time is around 6-7 hours. Expect to pay 980-1,600 baht.

Taxi + Speedboat from Krabi to Koh Lipe

Speedboat marked "Sea Holiday" moored at Pak Bara pier, with crew and passengers preparing for a trip to Koh Lipe, in a tranquil tropical setting.
Speedboat ready at the Pak Bara Pier for the journey to Koh Lipe © David Bokuchava / Shutterstock.com

Those who value comfort may opt for a private taxi transfer to Pakbara Pier and onward speedboat to Koh Lipe. Various companies like Ao Nang Travel & Tour offer this door-to-door service with pickup from Krabi hotels. It is not taxi for the whole trip but it gives you a ride to the minivans.

The approximately 4-5 hour drive to the pier is followed by a 1.5 hour speedboat ride. Prices range from 999-1,500 baht per person for the 6.5-7.5 hour journey. It costs more than group transfers but offers greater flexibility.

Important Info & Onward Travel

Krabi to Koh Lipe - Longboat
  • No ferries dock on Koh Lipe directly due to its small size. Expect a short longtail boat ride from the offshore platform to reach the beach. This costs extra but is still a small amount.
  • Koh Lipe is part of a national park, so all visitors pay a 200 baht fee on arrival, valid for 7 days. Those departing Pakbara Pier pay a small additional pier fee.
  • From May to October, boat service is limited. The main route is the daily Pakbara speedboat. Advance booking is wise year-round on 12Go Asia to lock in the best prices.
  • Use Koh Lipe as a jumping off point to explore nearby islands like Koh Adang (15 min) and Koh Rawi (25 min). Ferries also connect Lipe to Langkawi, Malaysia in 1.5 hours.

Whether you’re seeking the fastest route or the best deal, getting from Krabi to Koh Lipe is easy with these diverse ferry and speedboat options. Compare schedules and prices to find your perfect fit. Your island paradise awaits!

How do you get from Krabi to Koh Lipe?

Speedboats and high-speed ferries depart from the Krabi area to Koh Lipe, such as Tigerline Travel from East Railay or Klong Jilad Pier in Krabi Town. These are the fastest but priciest options. Save money by taking a van south before catching a ferry, although this takes longer.

How do you get to Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe, in Thailand’s southern Andaman Sea, is accessible only by boat. High season sees ferries and speedboats from Trang, Phi Phi, Pak Bara, and Langkawi (Malaysia). In low season, only speedboats run from Pak Bara.

Did you find this guide useful?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating: / 5. Vote count:

Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun
About Kamolchat Thanaditsayakun

My name is Kamolchat - a writer with a passion for travel who loves sharing stories of new destinations and unforgettable adventures. I was born and raised in Thailand and I have always been captivated by the beauty and diversity of my homeland which inspired me to venture out and discover the world.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of contributing to various travel publications and websites, such as Lonely Planet and Viator. I strive to provide an authentic representation of the places I visit, get into the heart of local cultures and finding authentic experiences that nourishes the soul.

As I continue to journey across the globe, I want you to join me in experiencing the wonders of our world through my stories. Together, we can learn, grow, and be inspired by the incredible people, places, and cultures that make our planet such an extraordinary place to explore.