Getting Around Phuket: Complete Transport Guide for Backpackers (2026)

Phuket has a reputation problem when it comes to transport, and it is entirely deserved. For an island that receives over 10 million visitors per year, the public transport infrastructure is terrible. There is no rail system, no comprehensive bus network, and the taxi and tuk-tuk prices are among the highest in Thailand — sometimes rivaling prices in cities with far higher costs of living.

This is not an accident. It is the result of decades of local transport cartels controlling prices and resisting alternatives like Grab and public buses. The situation has improved in recent years — Grab now operates (with limitations), and a smart bus route serves some areas — but getting around Phuket still requires more planning and money than anywhere else in Thailand.

This guide gives you every option, honest prices, and the strategies that actually save money.

The Phuket Transport Problem, Explained

To understand why transport is so expensive in Phuket, you need to understand the tuk-tuk and taxi cartels (กลุ่มแท็กซี่). Local transport operators have organized into associations that control pricing in specific zones. They set minimum fares, resist competition from app-based services, and have historically blocked efforts to introduce metered taxis and public buses.

The result: a 15-minute ride that would cost 60-80 baht in Bangkok costs 400-600 baht in Phuket. That is not a slight markup — it is a fundamentally different pricing model.

Things have improved since 2023. Grab is technically legal and operates on the island, though with restrictions and occasional driver reluctance in certain areas. The Phuket Smart Bus covers the airport-to-beaches corridor. But for most journeys, you are still paying Phuket prices.

Getting from Phuket Airport to Your Accommodation

Phuket International Airport (HKT, ท่าอากาศยานภูเก็ต) is located in the north of the island. Most tourist areas — Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket Town — are 30-60 minutes south. Your airport transfer options:

Airport Taxi (Metered)

Metered taxis are available at the taxi counter inside the arrivals hall. You pay the meter fare plus a 100 baht airport surcharge.

| Destination | Distance | Fare (meter + surcharge) | |---|---|---| | Phuket Town | 33 km | 550-700 ฿ | | Patong Beach | 35 km | 600-800 ฿ | | Karon Beach | 45 km | 700-900 ฿ | | Kata Beach | 48 km | 750-950 ฿ | | Rawai / Nai Harn | 55 km | 850-1,100 ฿ | | Kamala Beach | 25 km | 450-600 ฿ | | Surin / Bang Tao | 20 km | 400-550 ฿ |

Tip: Insist on the meter (มิเตอร์). Some drivers will quote a flat rate that is higher than the meter fare. If the driver refuses the meter, go back to the taxi counter and request another driver.

Airport Minibus

Shared minibuses depart from the arrivals level. They follow set routes and drop passengers at multiple hotels/areas. Cheaper than a taxi but slower because of the multiple stops.

| Destination | Price per Person | |---|---| | Phuket Town | 150-200 ฿ | | Patong Beach | 200-250 ฿ | | Karon / Kata Beach | 200-250 ฿ | | Kamala / Surin | 200-250 ฿ |

Wait time: Minibuses leave when full (8-12 passengers), so you might wait 15-45 minutes at the airport. Later at night, waits can be longer.

Grab

Open the Grab app at arrivals. GrabCar (private sedan) is available and usually cheaper than the airport taxi, though surge pricing applies during peak arrival times.

| Destination | GrabCar Estimate | |---|---| | Phuket Town | 400-550 ฿ | | Patong Beach | 500-700 ฿ | | Karon Beach | 600-800 ฿ | | Kata Beach | 650-850 ฿ |

Important: Grab pickup at the airport can be tricky. Drivers may ask you to walk to a specific pickup zone away from the main terminal. Follow the in-app instructions. Some drivers cancel if they see the pickup is at the airport due to confrontations with airport taxi drivers in the past.

Phuket Smart Bus

The cheapest option by far. The Smart Bus (รถเมล์อัจฉริยะ) runs from the airport south along the west coast to the major beach areas.

Route: Airport → Layan → Bang Tao → Surin → Kamala → Patong → Karon → Kata

Price: 50-170 ฿ depending on distance (paid onboard, cash or Rabbit card)

Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes, roughly 06:00-21:00

Journey time to Patong: About 90 minutes (the bus makes many stops)

The catch: The Smart Bus is slow, does not run late, and does not go to Phuket Town, Rawai, or the east coast. It is only useful if you are going to a west coast beach and arrive during operating hours. After 21:00, your options are taxi, Grab, or minibus only.

Our recommendation for airport transfers: If arriving during daytime and heading to a west coast beach with a light pack, the Smart Bus at 100-170 baht is unbeatable. Otherwise, use Grab. If Grab surge pricing is high or you cannot get a driver, take the airport metered taxi.

Getting Between Beaches

This is where Phuket transport gets expensive. The beaches are spread along the west coast with hilly terrain between them. Unless you rent a scooter, you are paying for individual trips.

Songthaew (Local Bus)

Phuket has a limited songthaew (สองแถว — converted pickup truck with two bench seats) network operating from Phuket Town to various beaches. These are the cheapest way to travel but have significant limitations.

Routes from Phuket Town (Ranong Road bus terminal):

| Route | Destination | Price | Frequency | Last Bus | |---|---|---|---|---| | Blue | Patong Beach | 40 ฿ | Every 30 min | 17:00 | | Green | Kata / Karon Beach | 40 ฿ | Every 30-45 min | 17:00 | | Red | Rawai / Nai Harn | 40 ฿ | Every 30-45 min | 17:00 | | Orange | Kamala Beach | 40 ฿ | Hourly | 16:00 | | Purple | Surin / Bang Tao | 40 ฿ | Hourly | 16:00 |

The problems:

1. All routes go through Phuket Town. There is no direct songthaew from Patong to Kata. You would need to go Patong → Phuket Town → Kata, which takes 2+ hours.
2. Service ends at 17:00. After that, you are stuck with expensive options.
3. Frequency is unreliable. The posted schedule is aspirational.
4. No service between beaches directly.

Best use case: Getting from Phuket Town to a beach in the morning, or from a beach back to Phuket Town in the afternoon.

Grab

Grab is your most reliable option for beach-to-beach travel. Prices are fixed (no negotiation), the car comes to you, and you see the fare before confirming.

| Route | GrabCar Estimate | |---|---| | Patong → Karon | 200-300 ฿ | | Patong → Kata | 250-350 ฿ | | Patong → Phuket Town | 300-400 ฿ | | Patong → Kamala | 200-300 ฿ | | Kata → Rawai | 200-300 ฿ | | Phuket Town → Patong | 300-400 ฿ | | Phuket Town → Kata | 300-400 ฿ |

GrabBike is cheaper (50-70% of GrabCar price) and available in Phuket. If you are solo and traveling light, this can save significant money.

Limitations: Grab availability drops after midnight. In some areas (Rawai, Nai Harn), fewer drivers are available and wait times can be 15-20 minutes. During rain or peak evening hours, surge pricing kicks in.

Tuk-Tuk

Phuket tuk-tuks are not the three-wheeled Bangkok variety. They are small red trucks (similar to songthaews) or converted minivans. And they are expensive.

| Route | Typical Tuk-Tuk Price | |---|---| | Patong → Karon | 400-500 ฿ | | Patong → Kata | 500-600 ฿ | | Patong → Phuket Town | 500-600 ฿ | | Within Patong (short trip) | 200-300 ฿ | | Kata → Rawai | 400-500 ฿ |

These prices are per vehicle, not per person, but they are still 50-100% more than Grab for the same journey. Tuk-tuk drivers in Phuket do not use meters and rarely negotiate downward. The price quoted is usually the price.

When tuk-tuks make sense: Late at night when Grab has no drivers. Short trips within Patong when you cannot be bothered to wait for Grab. Groups of 3-4 where the per-person cost becomes reasonable.

When to avoid tuk-tuks: Any trip where you can use Grab or the songthaew instead. The price difference is too large to justify for budget travelers.

Price Comparison: Getting from Patong to Kata

| Transport | Price | Time | Availability | |---|---|---|---| | Songthaew (via Phuket Town) | 80 ฿ (2 x 40 ฿) | 2+ hours | 07:00-17:00 only | | Grab (GrabBike) | 120-180 ฿ | 20 min | 06:00-midnight | | Grab (GrabCar) | 250-350 ฿ | 20 min | 06:00-midnight | | Tuk-tuk | 500-600 ฿ | 20 min | Anytime | | Scooter (self-drive) | 15-25 ฿ (fuel cost) | 20 min | Anytime |

The scooter wins on cost by a massive margin. Which brings us to the most popular backpacker transport option in Phuket.

Scooter Rental

Most backpackers in Phuket end up renting a scooter (มอเตอร์ไซค์). It is the only way to get around affordably and on your own schedule. But it comes with real risks that you need to understand.

Prices

| Scooter Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate | Monthly Rate | |---|---|---|---| | Honda Click 125 (automatic) | 200-300 ฿ | 1,200-1,800 ฿ | 3,500-5,000 ฿ | | Honda PCX 150 (automatic) | 300-400 ฿ | 1,800-2,500 ฿ | 5,000-7,000 ฿ | | Yamaha NMax 155 (automatic) | 350-450 ฿ | 2,200-3,000 ฿ | 6,000-8,000 ฿ | | Honda Wave 125 (semi-auto) | 150-250 ฿ | 1,000-1,500 ฿ | 3,000-4,000 ฿ |

Prices vary by area (Patong is the most expensive) and season (high season = higher rates). Negotiate for weekly and monthly rentals — the daily rate drops significantly.

Where to Rent

Scooter rental shops are everywhere in Phuket's tourist areas. Look for:

• Shops with a physical storefront (not just a guy with bikes parked on the street)
• Shops that provide a rental agreement (a written contract listing the bike condition, rental period, and terms)
• Shops that include a helmet (legally required — more on that below)
• Bikes in good condition (check brakes, lights, tires, horn before accepting)

Popular rental areas: Patong (Rat-U-Thit Road has many shops), Kata/Karon (main roads), Phuket Town (near hostels).

The IDP Requirement

To legally ride a motorbike in Thailand, you need:

1. A valid motorcycle license from your home country, AND
2. An International Driving Permit (IDP) — specifically one that covers motorcycles

If your home license is for cars only, your IDP will not cover motorcycles. In that case, riding a scooter in Thailand is technically illegal, and your travel insurance will not cover you in an accident.

Reality check: Rental shops will rent to anyone, license or not. Police checkpoints (common on the road from Patong to Phuket Town) will fine unlicensed riders 500-1,000 baht. But the bigger issue is insurance — without a valid motorcycle license, your travel insurance will reject any injury claim, and hospital bills in Phuket can easily reach 50,000-500,000 baht for a serious accident.

Helmet Law

Helmets are legally required for both driver and passenger in Thailand. Phuket police enforce this more consistently than most provinces. The fine is 500 baht per person without a helmet.

The rental shop should provide a helmet. If it is a flimsy half-shell with a broken strap, buy a proper one — a decent full-face helmet costs 500-800 baht at a shop in Phuket Town. Your skull is worth more than 800 baht.

Scooter Safety in Phuket

Phuket has some of the highest motorbike accident rates for tourists in Thailand. The reasons:

• Hilly terrain. Steep hills between beaches mean sharp curves, steep descents, and gravel on corners.
• Rain. The wet season (May-October) makes roads slippery, especially painted lane markings and metal drain covers.
• Inexperience. Many tourists have never ridden a scooter before. Learning on Phuket's hills is a bad idea.
• Sand. Beach roads often have sand on the pavement, which causes tires to lose grip.
• Other drivers. Thai driving is chaotic — motorbikes drive on the wrong side, cars cut across traffic, pedestrians cross anywhere.

Our honest advice: If you have genuine motorbike experience (not just "I rode one around Bali for a day"), a scooter is the best way to explore Phuket. If you have never ridden before, do not learn here. Use Grab and the Smart Bus instead. The money you save on transport is meaningless if you spend it on hospital bills.

Fuel

Petrol (น้ำมัน nam man) is cheap. A full tank for a Honda Click costs about 100-120 baht and lasts 150-200 km. Petrol stations are widespread. In remote areas, roadside stalls sell petrol in glass bottles for about 40-50 baht per liter (more expensive than stations but convenient).

Deposit and Insurance

Most rental shops require a deposit — either cash (2,000-5,000 baht) or your passport. Never leave your passport as a deposit. If you damage the bike, the shop can hold your passport and demand inflated repair costs. Leave a cash deposit or a photocopy of your passport instead. Some shops now accept a credit card hold.

Rental shops do not provide insurance. Damage to the bike (scratches, dents, cracked mirror) is your responsibility. The shop will photograph the bike before rental to document existing damage. Do the same on your phone — photograph every existing scratch, dent, and scuff mark before riding away.

Getting to Islands from Phuket

Phuket is a launchpad for several island destinations. Here is how to reach the most popular ones:

Phuket to Koh Phi Phi (เกาะพีพี)

Duration: 1.5-2 hours by ferry

Operators: Several companies operate from Rassada Pier (ท่าเรือรัสดา) in Phuket Town.

| Operator | Departure Times | Price | |---|---|---| | Andaman Wave Master | 08:30, 13:30 | 450-600 ฿ | | Phi Phi Cruiser | 08:30, 14:00 | 400-550 ฿ | | Various speedboat operators | Multiple daily | 700-1,000 ฿ |

Booking: Book at Rassada Pier the day before, through your hotel/hostel, or on 12Go Asia. Include pier transfer from your beach — most bookings include a minivan pickup from your hotel.

Phuket to James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay)

James Bond Island (เกาะเขาพิงกัน, Koh Khao Phing Kan) is not a destination you travel to independently — it is a day trip from Phuket. Tours include transport, a longtail boat, lunch, and visits to multiple islands in Phang Nga Bay.

Price: 1,200-2,500 baht per person depending on group size, boat type (longtail vs speedboat), and inclusions.

Book: Any tour agency in Patong, Kata, or Phuket Town. Or online through GetYourGuide or Viator.

Phuket to Similan Islands (หมู่เกาะสิมิลัน)

The Similan Islands are a national park open only from mid-October to mid-May. Day trips and overnight (camping) trips depart from Tab Lamu Pier (ท่าเรือทับละมุ), which is on the mainland north of Phuket, not on Phuket itself.

Getting to Tab Lamu Pier: Tour operators provide minivan transfer from Phuket hotels (included in trip price). The drive is about 2 hours.

Day trip price: 2,500-4,000 baht including transfer, speedboat, national park fee (500 baht for foreigners), lunch, snorkeling gear.

Phuket to Koh Lanta

By ferry: Direct ferries run from Rassada Pier to Koh Lanta during high season (November-April). Duration: 3-4 hours. Price: 600-900 baht.

By road + ferry: Drive or bus south to Krabi, then ferry to Koh Lanta. Longer but available year-round. Budget: 350-500 baht total.

Phuket Town Transport

Phuket Town (เมืองภูเก็ต) is the most backpacker-friendly part of Phuket for transport. It is the hub for songthaews, has better Grab availability, and is walkable for its central area (Old Town, night markets, restaurants).

Walking: Phuket Old Town is compact. The main strip (Thalang Road, ถนนถลาง) and surrounding soi (side streets) are easily explored on foot. From one end of Old Town to the other is about 1.5 km.

Songthaew: Phuket Town is the terminus for all songthaew routes. The main stop is on Ranong Road (ถนนระนอง) near the market.

Grab: More drivers available in Phuket Town than beach areas. GrabBike is particularly useful for short trips (50-100 baht).

Bicycle: Some hostels in Phuket Town offer free or cheap bicycle rental. The town is flat enough for cycling, though you would not want to cycle to the beaches (hilly, busy roads).

Transport Scams to Avoid

Phuket has more transport-related scams than most of Thailand. Here are the ones to watch for:

The "Taxi Mafia" Fixed Prices

Tuk-tuk and taxi drivers at popular spots (airports, beaches, shopping centers) quote inflated fixed prices and refuse to use meters. This is not technically a scam — it is legal price-setting by the cartel — but the prices are 2-3 times what Grab charges.

Defense: Use Grab. Walk away from fixed-price quotes and open the app.

The Scooter Damage Scam

You rent a scooter. When you return it, the shop claims you caused damage (a scratch, dent, or cracked mirror) that was already there. They demand 2,000-10,000 baht for "repairs."

Defense: Photograph every inch of the bike before riding away. Take a video walking around the bike. Ensure the rental agreement notes any existing damage. If they try this, show your photos.

The "Broken Meter" Trick

A taxi driver at the airport says the meter is broken and quotes a flat rate. The flat rate is always higher than what the meter would show.

Defense: Insist on the meter. If the driver refuses, exit and get another taxi from the official queue.

The Tour Redirect

A tuk-tuk driver offers a suspiciously cheap fare (50-100 baht from Patong to Phuket Town) but insists on stopping at a gem shop, tailor, or tour agency along the way. The driver gets a commission for bringing you in.

Defense: If the price seems too good to be true, it is. Pay the real fare or use Grab.

Overcharging at Private Piers

Some tour operators use private piers for ferry/speedboat departures and add inflated "pier charges" or "port fees" (100-300 baht) that are not included in the advertised price.

Defense: Ask about all fees before booking. Official piers (Rassada Pier) do not charge additional port fees beyond the ticket price.

Day Trip Transport

If you want to explore Phuket beyond your beach, here are the best day trip logistics:

Phuket Town from Patong

Songthaew (40 baht, 45 minutes) or Grab (300-400 baht, 30 minutes). The songthaew is fine for daytime. Visit Old Town, Sunday Walking Street market (ถนนคนเดิน, Sundays 16:00-22:00), and the local food scene.

Beach Hopping (West Coast)

Rent a scooter for the day (200-300 baht) and hit multiple beaches: Kata Noi → Kata → Karon → Patong → Kamala → Surin → Bang Tao → Layan. This is the best value — you could spend 2,000+ baht doing this by Grab.

Big Buddha (พระพุทธมิ้งมงคลเอก-นาคคีรี)

The 45-meter marble Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill is one of Phuket's landmarks. Access is via a steep winding road.

By scooter: Free (just fuel). The road is steep but paved. Watch your speed on the descent. By Grab: 200-400 baht from Kata/Karon area. The return trip requires calling another Grab from the top, which can be slow. By tuk-tuk: 600-1,000 baht round trip including waiting time.

Cape Promthep (แหลมพรหมเทพ)

The southernmost point of Phuket, famous for sunset views. Located near Rawai.

By scooter: Best option. Park at the top and walk down. By Grab: 300-500 baht from Kata area.

Getting to Phuket from Other Parts of Thailand

Before getting around Phuket, you need to get to Phuket. Here are the common routes:

By Air

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives domestic flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi), Chiang Mai, Krabi, Hat Yai, and Utapao (Pattaya), plus international flights from across Asia.

From Bangkok: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways. Flights are 1 hour 20 minutes. Prices: 800-3,000 baht depending on booking lead time and season. This is the most popular way to reach Phuket.

From Chiang Mai: AirAsia, Nok Air. Direct flights 2 hours. Prices: 1,200-3,500 baht.

By Bus

Overnight buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Phuket Bus Terminal 2.

• Duration: 12-13 hours
• Price: 600-1,000 baht (VIP 24)
• Best operators: BKS (The Transport Co), Phet Prasert

From Phuket Bus Terminal 2, you are in Phuket Town. Take a songthaew (40 baht) or Grab (200-400 baht) to your beach.

By Train + Bus

No direct train reaches Phuket (the island is separated from the mainland by a short bridge, and the railway does not cross it). The closest railway station is Surat Thani (250 km away) or Phun Phin Junction.

• Route: Train to Surat Thani → bus or minivan to Phuket (5-6 hours, 200-350 baht)
• Total time from Bangkok: 15-18 hours
• Only recommended if: You are already on the southern train line and prefer overland travel

By Minivan from Krabi

If you are on the Andaman coast already:

• Duration: 3-4 hours
• Price: 150-250 baht
• Frequency: Multiple daily departures from Krabi Bus Terminal

Beach Area Guide: Which Base to Choose

Your base location determines your transport needs and costs. Here is how each area compares:

Patong Beach (ป่าตอง)

Pros: Biggest range of accommodation, restaurants, and nightlife. Grab drivers are plentiful. Walking distance to bars, shops, and Bangla Road. Cons: Crowded, noisy, touristy. Not the "real Thailand" experience. Tuk-tuk touts are aggressive. Transport advantage: Best Grab availability on the island. Walk most places within Patong.

Kata Beach (กะตะ)

Pros: Good beach, more relaxed than Patong. Solid restaurant selection. Walkable town area. Good central location for exploring both north and south. Cons: Limited nightlife. Transport to other beaches requires Grab or scooter. Transport advantage: Central position — equidistant to Patong (north) and Rawai (south).

Karon Beach (กะรน)

Pros: Long, wide beach. Less commercial than Patong. Good mid-range accommodation. Cons: Less walkable town area — accommodation is spread along the beachfront. Restaurants require some walking. Transport advantage: Between Patong and Kata — relatively easy Grab access.

Phuket Town (เมืองภูเก็ต)

Pros: Cheapest accommodation and food. Best local Thai food scene. Old Town architecture and culture. Hub for all songthaew routes. Cons: No beach (closest is 20-30 minutes away). Less "holiday" atmosphere. Transport advantage: Best on the island. All songthaew routes start here. Grab is cheap and available. Walking around Old Town is easy.

Rawai / Nai Harn (ราไวย์ / ในหาน)

Pros: Quieter, more local feel. Nai Harn Beach is beautiful and less crowded. Good seafood at Rawai Beach. Cons: Far from everything else. Limited accommodation options. Fewer Grab drivers. Transport advantage: None — you are isolated. Scooter is almost essential.

Kamala / Surin / Bang Tao (กมลา / สุรินทร์ / บางเทา)

Pros: Upscale, quieter beaches. Luxury resorts and beach clubs. Less commercialized than Patong. Cons: Higher prices for everything. Far from Phuket Town. Limited budget accommodation. Transport advantage: Smart Bus route covers this area. Otherwise, Grab or scooter.

Our Recommendation for Backpackers

Base in Phuket Town if you prioritize budget and authentic experience. Use songthaews to visit beaches during the day.

Base in Kata if you want a beach base with reasonable walkability. Rent a scooter for day trips.

Avoid basing in Rawai/Nai Harn unless you have a scooter — the isolation makes everything more expensive and time-consuming.

Phuket Transport vs Other Thai Destinations

To put Phuket's transport costs in perspective:

| Transport Task | Bangkok Cost | Chiang Mai Cost | Phuket Cost | |---|---|---|---| | 10 km trip | 60-80 ฿ (taxi) | 80-120 ฿ (Grab) | 300-500 ฿ (Grab/tuk-tuk) | | Airport to city center | 200-350 ฿ (taxi) | 150-200 ฿ (Grab) | 500-800 ฿ (taxi/Grab) | | Full day getting around | 100-200 ฿ (BTS/MRT) | 100-200 ฿ (songthaew/Grab) | 300-1,200 ฿ (Grab/scooter) | | Cross-city trip | 100-150 ฿ | 80-120 ¿ | 400-600 ¿ |

Phuket is 3-5 times more expensive for transport than Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Factor this into your daily budget, or compensate with a scooter rental.

Budget Transport Strategy for Phuket

Here is how to minimize transport costs on Phuket, starting from the most affordable approach:

Strategy 1: Base yourself in one location. Choose Kata (good beach, walkable restaurants, central location) or Phuket Town (cheapest accommodation, food, and transport hub) and minimize inter-beach travel. This alone saves hundreds of baht per day.

Strategy 2: Rent a scooter (if experienced). At 200-300 baht per day, a scooter pays for itself after one or two trips that would otherwise cost 300-500 baht each by Grab.

Strategy 3: Use GrabBike. If you are solo and traveling light, GrabBike is 50-70% cheaper than GrabCar. A 300 baht GrabCar ride is often 120-180 baht by GrabBike.

Strategy 4: Time your songthaew trips. Use the songthaew for planned trips to/from Phuket Town before 17:00. Save Grab for evenings and beach-to-beach travel.

Strategy 5: Walk more than you think. Within Patong, Kata, or Karon, most restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance. The 200 baht tuk-tuk ride across Patong is a 15-minute walk.

Daily transport budget (realistic):

• Budget backpacker (scooter or walk + songthaew): 100-300 ฿/day
• Mid-range (GrabBike/GrabCar mix): 300-600 ฿/day
• Comfort (GrabCar + occasional tuk-tuk): 600-1,200 ฿/day

Compare that to Bangkok, where you can get around all day for 100-200 baht using the BTS, MRT, and river boats. Phuket transport is expensive, and budgeting for it prevents unpleasant surprises.

Leaving Phuket: Onward Transport

To Bangkok

By air (recommended): Flights from Phuket to Bangkok take 1 hour 20 minutes. AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai Smile, and Bangkok Airways all operate this route. Prices: 800-3,000 baht depending on booking timing and season. There are 15+ flights daily — the most competitive domestic route in Thailand.

By bus: Overnight VIP buses from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Bangkok's Southern Terminal. Duration: 12-13 hours. Price: 600-1,000 baht. See our night bus guide for details.

To Krabi

By minivan: 3-4 hours, 150-250 baht. Multiple daily departures from Phuket Bus Terminal 2. This is the standard route.

By Grab/taxi: 2,500-3,500 baht. Only makes sense if splitting between 3-4 people.

To Khao Lak

By minivan: 2-2.5 hours, 200-300 baht. Departures from Phuket Bus Terminal 2.

By taxi: 1,500-2,500 baht. Useful for groups.

To Koh Lanta

By ferry (high season only, Nov-Apr): Direct ferry from Rassada Pier, 3-4 hours, 600-900 baht.

By minivan + ferry (year-round): Minivan to Krabi, then ferry to Koh Lanta. 5-6 hours total, 350-500 baht.

To Phang Nga

By minivan: 1.5-2 hours, 100-150 baht. Departures from Phuket Bus Terminal 2.

Seasonal Transport Considerations

High Season (November-April)

Everything runs at full capacity. More frequent songthaew services. More Grab drivers on the road. Higher prices for taxis and tuk-tuks (increased demand). Ferry services to Phi Phi and Similan Islands operate daily. Airport taxi queue moves quickly due to staff reinforcement.

Downside: more traffic, especially on the single-lane roads approaching Patong. The hill road from Phuket Town to Patong can gridlock at peak times (17:00-19:00). Allow extra time for Grab pickups and airport transfers.

Low Season (May-October)

Rainy season means fewer tourists, which means fewer Grab drivers, less frequent songthaews, and some ferry services reducing frequency. Scooter riding becomes more dangerous — roads are slippery, visibility drops during downpours.

Upside: tuk-tuk drivers become more negotiable on price. Accommodation prices drop 20-40%, which offsets transport costs. Grab surge pricing is less common because demand is lower.

Monsoon Tips

When it rains in Phuket (and it will — June through October brings daily afternoon storms), transport is affected:

• Grab surges. Everyone wants a car when it is pouring. Wait 15-20 minutes for the rain to pass — tropical storms are intense but often brief.
• Scooters are dangerous. Metal drain covers, road paint markings, and wet tiles become slip hazards. If you must ride in rain, go very slowly and avoid painted surfaces.
• Songthaews may reduce service. Some routes stop running during heavy rain.
• Ferries may be delayed or cancelled. Rough seas affect Phi Phi and Similan crossings. Check with operators on the morning of departure.

Useful Emergency Numbers and Transport Contacts

Keep these saved on your phone:

| Contact | Number/Detail | |---|---| | Tourist Police | 1155 (English-speaking) | | Regular Police | 191 | | Phuket International Airport | +66 76 327 230 | | Grab Thailand Support | In-app chat | | Phuket Bus Terminal 2 | +66 76 211 480 | | Rassada Pier (ferry terminal) | +66 76 211 213 | | Road emergency | 1193 |

If you are in a transport-related dispute (overcharging, scam, accident), call the Tourist Police at 1155 first. They speak English and can mediate. For medical emergencies involving a motorbike accident, call 1669 for an ambulance.

Final Advice

Phuket is one of the most frustrating places in Thailand for budget travelers when it comes to transport. The prices are inflated, the options are limited, and the cartel system means market forces do not work normally.

Accept this reality and plan around it:

1. Choose your base wisely. Your accommodation location determines how much you spend on transport.
2. Rent a scooter if you can ride safely. It is the only way to truly control your costs.
3. Use Grab for everything else. It is your shield against overcharging.
4. Budget 300-600 baht per day for transport unless you have a scooter.
5. Do not let transport costs ruin your Phuket experience. The beaches, food, and island day trips are worth it — just factor the transport into your budget from the start.

For broader Thailand transport information, see our complete Thailand transport guide and Grab vs taxi comparison.