In spite of being an island, Phuket is not as isolated as you'd imagine. In fact, getting there is quite easy. Most tourists fly into Phuket International Airport. However, you can choose to travel by road, rail or sea.
Want to find out why Phuket has emerged as one of Asia's most popular tourist destinations? Find out by experiencing Phuket for yourself!
This Phuket transportation guide gives advice and hints on how best to both get to and get around Phuket. You may also find our Thailand transportation page useful, and there are also some great tours to help you explore Phuket.
Phuket Transportation Guide
By Air
Many airlines fly directly to Phuket from all over the world, rendering a stopover at Bangkok quite unessential. However, many tourists still prefer to travel to Phuket via Bangkok. Thai Airways operates regular domestic flights between the two cities several times a day.
From the airport, you can hire a taxi, minibus or airport limousine to your destination. Or you can use the hotel transport. A shared minibus costs around 100 baht per person, while a taxi costs around 600 baht. From the airport, the average time taken to reach Patong is around 40 minutes. Areas like Kata or Karon take almost an hour to reach.
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Flights to Phuket
By Train
You cannot reach Phuket directly by train. Most trains commute between Bangkok's Hualamphong station and Surat Thani. From here, you can reach Phuket by bus. While issuing tickets, most tour companies include the bus travel from Surat Thani. Usually the train journey takes about 12 hours, while the bus trip from Surat Thani to Phuket takes about 4 hours.
Ticket fares vary depending on the class of travel and whether the compartment is air-conditioned or just has a fan. Advance tickets can be purchased at all the important stations as well as at the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Overland by Road
From Bangkok, travelling to Phuket by bus takes almost 14 hours. Thornburi's Southern Bus Terminal has daily services, while private services can be arranged through your hotel tour desk or through a travel agent. Most buses take you straight to the Phuket Bus Terminal. From here, you can hire a tuk tuk or a taxi, or take a local bus to your destination.
Those who prefer driving can hire a car. International rental firms like Avis, Budget and Hertz even take care of your insurance and advise you on your route.
The road system is pretty well maintained and there are clear signposts. However, Thailand can be pretty dangerous for the careless traveller as traffic rules are often overlooked. For a full insurance cover, you require an international licence.
By Sea
Several cruise ships operating from Singapore and Malaysia stop at Phuket. Once you've reached Phuket, there are plenty of cruises around the island as well as to different South East Asian destinations.
Getting Around Phuket
Travelling within Phuket is quite easy. Most beach resorts are quite small, with everything within walking distance. With most hotels being located near shopping areas, beaches and restaurants, you'll find that places are pretty accessible.
If you don't enjoy walking, or if your resort is isolated, arrange for a tuk tuk or a taxi through the hotel desk.
To discover the island at your own pace, hire a car or take the local bus. Buses are of two types, the open-air buses called Songthaews connect Phuket town with the main resorts, while the air-conditioned "micro" buses service Phuket town.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk tuks are a good option for short distances. However, being rather small and cramped, a trip exceeding half an hour can prove uncomfortable. Though tuk tuks were once cheap, today even a short distance in popular resorts like Patong can cost you about 100 baht. It's a good idea to settle the fare before you start.
Trips beyond the immediate proximity of the beach can cost you up to 400 baht. The exact fare depends on the weather, the distance, and of course, your bargaining powers!
Taxis
Air-conditioned taxis are found in all the major resorts as well as in Phuket town. Rates are comparable to the tuk tuks and it is better to agree on the final price in advance. Nowadays, in a bid to better the transportation system, many taxis have been transformed into metered ones.
Song Thaews (Local Buses)
These bright blue, open-air local buses ply regularly from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Destinations are displayed in English on the bus's exterior. Since there are no designated bus stops, you can stop them anywhere en route. The usual fare for trips to and from Phuket town to destinations like Surin, Kamala and Patong is about 15-20 baht.
Micro Buses
Operating in the vicinity of Phuket town, these air-conditioned buses are a recent addition to the transportation system. The bus stops found along the main road are pretty conspicuous, and buses charge a fixed fare from 10 to 20 baht. Micro buses are especially convenient if you are travelling to or from Tesco Lotus or the Big C. Buses run from 6.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Hire Cars - Car Rental
Most big hotels give you the option of hiring station wagons, and Suzuki jeeps and cars from reputed firms like Hertz and Budget. You can also scour the streets for a local dealer.
In fact, if you are really keen on exploring the island on your own terms, your own vehicle is the best option. But do check for full insurance cover and remember to have your driving licence with you. Both international and country licences are acceptable.
Motorbike Rental
Biking around Phuket is an unforgettable experience. However, it can prove to be a risky one. Often insurance is not included and this could prove disastrous in an accident since you would be required to pay for damages, medical bills or even worse.
Irrespective of what you're told the truth is that unless you have a Thai or international bike licence, you stand a pretty slim chance of making a successful insurance claim.
Remain extremely alert while you are on Thai roads as there is a flagrant disregard for traffic rules. During the rainy season, the risks increase as damp roads with oil-leak build-ups can become very slippery.
Motorcycle Taxis
Available through the day and night, motorcycle taxis are a great option if you are travelling short distances.
Keep an eye out for "motorbike taxi stands," or motorcyclist groups, usually found outside stores, street corners or slowly cruising the streets. In fact, a typical taxi stand comprises of motorcyclists wearing green or red vests. Most of them will be willing to go anywhere. Once again, it is wise to settle on the fare while stating your destination. The price would largely depend upon your negotiation skills.
