How to take ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe: Complete guide

Getting from Langkawi to Koh Lipe by boat is very simple and quick during high season - and can mean you’re on your perfect Thai beach in just 90 minutes. The ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe doesn’t operate year round, but during peak times it is a very convenient option, with low prices and pretty regular services.

This guide looks at how to get to Koh Lipe from Langkawi by boat, what it costs and what you’ll need. We’ll also share a little about the Wise card, for low cost spending and cash withdrawals with the mid-market exchange rate, on Koh Lipe and beyond.

Can I take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe?

You’ll have a choice of Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry in high season. The 2 different options are both covered by different providers, but the costs and travel time are similar. You can choose from:

• Ferry from Telaga Terminal at Telaga Harbour Marina, Pantai Kok¹
• Ferry from Kuah Jetty, Bandar Kuah²

You can decide on the best boat for you based on the schedule at the time you need to travel and the jetty location - the different jetties are 27 kilometres apart, so one may simply end up being more convenient based on where in Langkawi you are. Both boats arrive at Pattaya beach in Koh Lipe, where immigration processes are completed.

It’s important to note that these services only operate during the High Season, scheduled to end on May 30th 2025 and restart in October 2025. If you want to take the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe in the low season, you’ll need to cover a more circuitous route as there are no direct boats. Usually this means taking a boat after immigration at from Kuah Jetty, to Tammalang jetty in Thailand for Thai immigration processes, then a bus to Pak Bara Pier and another ferry to Koh Lipe.

Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry price

The Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry price is basically the same for both ferry options, although you may find some providers have online fees or discounts which can slightly change the costs. The basic fee for both ferries is 160 MYR single trip for an adult, or 320 MYR for a return. There’s a discount to 140 MYR per child.

In addition to the ferry ticket you must pay for entry to the marine park which can cost up to 200 THB.

If you’re buying your ticket back to Langkawi you’re likely to be billed in THB at around 1,300 THB for an adult. If you’re paying by card, remember to use a multi-currency debit card from a provider like Wise to cut the costs of currency conversion and avoid foreign transaction fees. More on that later.

Langkawi to Koh Lipe travel time

The Langkawi to Koh Lipe travel time is the same for both ferries - about 90 minutes, covering a distance of about 42 kilometers. You will need to arrive at the terminal up to 2 hours ahead of the departure time depending on the ticket you buy - check in desks shut up to 45 minutes before the ferry leaves:

• From Kuah Jetty, aim to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure - the check-in counter will close 45 minutes prior to departure.
• From Telaga Harbour you’re advised to arrive 2 hours before departure - the check-in counter will close 30 minutes before departure

Malaysia is an hour ahead of Thailand in time zones, so ensure you have accounted for this when you book your tickets. You’ll also need to bear in mind that things may change which means that the ferry takes longer - inclement weather or delays at the border for example. You’ll need to complete immigration processes to leave Malaysia and also to enter Thailand so you do have to plan some additional time for this.

The ferry operator recommends you don’t book any onward flight for several hours after your expected arrival on the ferry, just in case of any unforeseen problems.

How to take the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe?

To take the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe you will need:

• Your valid passport which must have 6 months or more left on it
• Customs declaration form - for leaving Malaysia
• Thai departure/arrival card - available at check in

You’ll complete customs and immigration procedures on the Malaysian side first, before boarding your ferry using your pre-booked ticket.

In Pattaya beach the ferry will stop, and customers are transferred to the island via long-tail boats - for that perfect start to your Thai island adventure.

On arrival you must complete immigration again and will need to show your passport and arrival card. Bear in mind that no fruit, food or agricultural products can be taken on the ferry, and vaping is illegal in Thailand.

Where to buy a ticket for the Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry?

You can buy a ticket for the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe on various third party websites, and also directly from the ferry providers. There are travel agents in Langkawi who can help you if you want to arrange your ticket in person, and the terminals can accept walk-in bookings but this is dependent on space on the services.

To travel from Kuah Jetty you can book online or contact the operator, Tropical Charters on +6012 316 4011. Trom Telaga terminal you can book online on the provider’s website⁴.

When to buy ferry tickets from Langkawi to Koh Lipe?

The ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe may be busy at peak times, so it is best to book as soon as you can. That said, where there is availability, you can even get a walk in ticket, so it is worth checking on the service availability even if you have left it to the last minute to arrange your ticket. Extra services tend to run at peak times, to alleviate the pressure on the boats.

Make card payments with some free ATM withdrawals on your island holiday with the Wise card

Before you head off to Thailand, get a Wise card to make spending and cash withdrawals simple, secure, cheap and convenient in 40+ currencies.

Wise is a digital first provider of accounts and cards for customers in Malaysia and many other countries. Open your Wise account online or in the Wise app to order your physical Wise card in the app for a one-time fee, and receive it in about 5 working days. You’ll also get instant access to virtual Wise cards for use with Apple Pay or Google Pay. You’ll be able to add money in MYR and either convert right away to THB for spending, or let the card do the conversions for you.

Whenever you exchange currencies you’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees. There’s no foreign transaction fee to worry about, and you can get instant transaction notifications to your phone as you spend. Plus if you need cash you can make 2 free ATM withdrawals of up to 1,000 MYR monthly. That will make it easier than ever to spend in THB - whether you’re buying a snack on the beach or paying for your souvenirs.

Use Wise for spending in THB - and pack your Wise card the next time you travel, in Thailand and 150+ countries. No hassle, just simple, safe, and low cost spending.

🚀 Get started with Wise

Sources:

1. Koh Lipe Ferry Telaga Terminal
2. Koh Lipe Ferry Kuah Jetty
3. Kuah jetty booking
4. Telaga terminal booking
5. Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information