Thailand Phuket

How to get from Bangkok to Phuket

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 845 kilometres (525 miles) distance from Bangkok to Phuket. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Phuket as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Abegail - Travel Writer

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Why visit Phuket?

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most visited destinations in the country. The beautiful shores of Karon Beach, the historic charm of Old Town, and the nightlife in Patong beach attract millions of tourists every year.

Surrounded by numerous smaller islands, Phuket also offers unbeatable snorkelling, diving, and water sports adventures. You can explore the colourful marine life while snorkelling at the nearby Koh Phi Phi Island or embark on a diving trip. Located just a short distance from the international airport, Phuket is easily accessible for travellers who want to visit Thailand’s beautfiul beaches without having to travel too far.

What are the 4 ways to travel from Bangkok to Phuket?

There are 4 ways to travel the 845 kilometres (525 miles) from Bangkok to Phuket. You can choose between the bus, private transport, train + bus via Surat Thani and flight. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train + bus via Surat Thani with tickets starting at 553 THB ($17).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Train + Bus via Surat Thani

12h 30m - 18h 30m

From 553 THB ($17)

Bus

12-17h

From 700 THB ($21.50)

Book Tickets

Flight

1h 15m

From 725 THB ($22.50)

Private Transport

12h

From 11,473 THB ($355)

Book Tickets

Where to stay in Phuket?

Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Phuket at the bottom of this page.

Bangkok to Phuket by Train + Bus via Surat Thani

Duration: 12h 30m - 18h 30m

Costs: 553 THB ($17)

Duration: 12h 30m - 18h 30m

Costs: 553 THB ($17)

Phuket does not have a railway station. This means you first have to travel to the nearest train station which is located in Surat Thani.

If you are hoping to spend a day or two in Surat Thani, this is a great way to see it on your way to Phuket. Keep in mind this is an extremely long journey and is even the most expensive option.

The trains depart from the Hua Lamphong Railway Station and arrive at the Surat Thani Train Station. From Surat Thani railway station it still takes about 4-5 hours to cross the 220 km distance to Phuket.

Step 1: Bangkok to Surat Thani by Train

Duration: 8h 20m - 12h

Costs: 244 THB ($7.50)

Duration: 8h 20m - 12h

Costs: 244 THB ($7.50)

There are multiple trains bound for Surat Thani, but we recommend booking train #85 or #167 so you can catch the connecting bus to Phuket.

If these trains are full, you can opt to take train #39 or #41, although they do not offer sleeper berths. A second-class air-conditioned seat costs 730 THB ($22.50).

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

From 244 THB ($7.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

257 THB ($7.90)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Third Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

260 THB ($8)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

397 THB ($12.20)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

429 THB ($13.20)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Phruphi

20:30

11h 43m

08:13

Thai Railway

432 THB ($13.30)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat Fan

Ban Song

18:50

11h 3m

05:53

20:30

11h 51m

08:21

Thai Railway

436 THB ($13.40)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

572 THB ($17.60)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat

Chaiya

07:30

8h 20m

15:50

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

22:50

8h 30m

07:20

Thai Railway

595 THB ($18.30)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

20:30

11h 33m

08:03

Thai Railway

605 THB ($18.60)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper Fan

Ban Song

15:10

10h 53m

02:03

Thai Railway

611 THB ($18.80)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Seat

Na San

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

Thai Railway

709 THB ($22)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Chaiya

15:10

9h 29m

00:39

17:30

10h 2m

03:32

18:50

9h 34m

04:24

19:50

10h

05:50

20:30

10h 10m

06:40

Thai Railway

829 THB ($25.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Na San

15:10

10h 36m

01:46

18:50

10h 45m

05:35

Thai Railway

861 THB ($26.50)

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Ban Song

15:10

10h 53m

02:03

Thai Railway

868 THB ($26.50)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

Second Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

19:50

10h 33m

06:23

Thai Railways

936 THB ($29)

Get Your Tickets

Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station

First Class Sleeper

Surat Thani Train Station

16:50

9h 30m

02:20

18:50

10h 8m

04:58

Thai Railways

1,550 THB ($47.50)

Show 12 more operator(s)

If you want to explore Surat Thani first, you can take the orange bus from the train station to the city centre for 20 THB ($0.60). There are also taxis available which charge 140 THB ($4.30).

Surat Thani town is about 15 km east of the railway station and the trip to the centre should take about 20-30 minutes from the railway station.

Honestly, there isn’t much to see in Surat Thani, though. That’s why we recommend continuing with a van to Phuket. These vans conveniently leave from the bus terminal next to the railway station.

Step 2: Surat Thani to Phuket by Bus

Duration: 4h - 6h 20m

Costs: 309 THB ($9.50)

Duration: 4h - 6h 20m

Costs: 309 THB ($9.50)

From the train station, you can take the Phantip bus bound for Phuket. There are several trips daily and the earliest leaves at 07:00 and arrives at the Phuket Bus Station 1. The fare is 309 THB ($9.50).

Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

06:45

12:45

08:30

14:30

09:40

15:40

14:10

20:10

Phangan Tour 2000

309 THB ($9.50)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

07:20

13:20

09:20

15:20

465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport

345 THB ($10.60)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Talad Kaset 2

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

05:30

6h 20m

11:50

06:40

6h 20m

13:00

08:30

6h 20m

14:50

11:40

6h 20m

18:00

14:00

20:00

465 Surat Thani Phuket Transport

345 THB ($10.60)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Train Station

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

08:00

12:00

Phantip 1970

354 THB ($10.90)

Get Your Tickets

Surat Thani Town

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

07:00

12:00

Phantip 1970

354 THB ($10.90)

Get Your Tickets

Bangkok to Phuket by Bus

Duration: 12h-17h

Costs: 700 THB ($21.50)

Duration: 12h-17h

Costs: 700 THB ($21.50)

Though travelling from Bangkok to Phuket by bus is long and can be exhausting, it can be cheaper than a flight, especially during the busy season.

There are several bus companies offering daily trips from Bangkok to Phuket.

Phuket Travel and Bus Express used to have trips on this route, but they have not resumed their operations yet since the pandemic.

If you opt to take the bus, we recommend taking the night bus, so you don’t need to spend all day on the bus.

Departure station

Most buses heading to Phuket from Bangkok either depart from the Bangkok Southern Terminal or Mochit Terminal.

Both bus stations are about 10 km from Bangkok City Centre, but Bangkok Southern Terminal comes with the advantage that you can also get there with Bangkok’s metro system. It will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the bus stations from Bangkok City Centre by taxi.

The Transport Co. has departures from both Bangkok Southern Terminal and Mochit Terminal. On the other hand, Sombat Tour and Lignite buses all depart from the Bangkok Southern Terminal.

Bus schedules from Bangkok to Phuket

Bangkok

Phuket

16:30

14h27m

06:57

16:45

14h27m

07:12

16:45

13h58m

06:43

18:00

14h27m

08:27

18:00

13h58m

07:58

The Transport Co.

700 THB ($21.50)

Get Your Tickets

Bangkok

Phuket

18:30

12h

06:30

Lignite

730 THB ($22.50)

Get Your Tickets

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

Standard

Starbucks Jungceylon Patong

19:00

18h

13:00

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

904 THB ($28)

Get Your Tickets

Khaosan Nara Travel Office (2nd floor)

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

19:00

17h

12:00

Khao San Nara Travel

962 THB ($29.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phra Athit Road Bangkok Travel Plus

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

18:50

17h

11:50

Travel Plus

972 THB ($30)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Tara Tour

Standard

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

16:00

16h

08:00

Khao San Tara Tour

995 THB ($30.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

19:00

17h 30m

12:30

Montanatip Tour & Travel

995 THB ($30.50)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Montanatip

Express

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

19:00

15h

10:00

Raja Ferry

1,112 THB ($34)

Get Your Tickets

Khao San Nara Travel

Express

Phuket bus Terminal 1

19:00

17h

12:00

Raja Ferry

1,193 THB ($36.50)

Get Your Tickets

Phra Athit Road Bangkok Travel Plus

VIP 32 Seats

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

18:45

16h 40m

11:25

Travel Plus

1,264 THB ($39)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 33 Seats

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

18:50

12h 45m

07:35

Sombat Tour

1,294 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 30 Seats

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

18:00

12h 45m

06:45

Sombat Tour

1,294 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Montanatip Tour and Travel (Khao San Road)

VIP

Starbucks Jungceylon Patong

19:00

18h

13:00

Jarinthon Tour (2553)

1,300 THB ($40)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Terminal Bangkok

VIP 24 Seats

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

17:50

12h 10m

06:00

Andaman Sea Tour and Transport

1,420 THB ($43.50)

Get Your Tickets

Southern Bus Terminal

VIP 24 Seats

Phuket Bus Terminal 2

17:50

12h 10m

06:00

Trans Baan Ton

1,437 THB ($44)

Get Your Tickets

Show 10 more operator(s)

Arrival station

All buses coming from Bangkok arrive at either Phuket Terminal 2 or at Thalang. These bus terminals are 16 km distance apart.

If you arrive at Phuket Terminal 2, a car ride to the old Phuket Town is just 10 minutes. On the other hand, if you arrive in Thalang District, it will be a 30-minute journey to the town.

You can take a local bus to Phuket or for more comfort, you can also catch a songthaew or opt to spend a little extra and take a taxi to your hotel.

Tourist Buses

There are also other tourist buses which you can book through travel agencies. The majority of these tourist buses leave from the Khao San Road area. Unfortunately, you will likely end up paying more without any additional comforts for this option.

Also, be aware that there have been some reported cases of theft and unreliable service from these tourist buses. For this reason, we do not recommend booking these tourist buses on Khao San Road.

Bangkok to Phuket by Flight

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 725 THB ($22.50)

Duration: 1h 15m

Costs: 725 THB ($22.50)

The most convenient and fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket is by flight. Most of the low-cost carriers such as AirAsia, and Thai VietJetAir offer multiple flights per day.

Fares start around 725 THB ($22.50) for a one-way trip when booked in advance. During promotions, flights can even go as low as 330 THB ($10.20).

On the other hand, during the peak season and on Thai holidays, ticket prices can be extremely inflated. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

The flight takes about 1 hour 15 minutes to reach Phuket from Bangkok.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Airports in Bangkok

Low-cost airlines AirAsia and Thai VietJetAir both offer flights departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Muang Airport. There is not much difference in time to get to the airports, so we recommend just booking a flight that is most convenient for you.

Other airlines operating on this route are Thai Lion Air and Nok Air, Thai Smile, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways.

Arrival at Phuket Airport

All flights land at Phuket Airport. Phuket airport is located in the northeastern part of the island. The airport is approximately 30 km from Phuket Town and 40 km from the popular (party) destination Patong.

To get from the airport to your destination, you can arrange a pick-up from your hotel or book a shuttle service at the airport. See our route page of Phuket Airport for more information on how to get to your accommodation from the airport.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Bangkok to Phuket by Private Transport

Duration: 12h

Costs: 11,473 THB ($355)

Duration: 12h

Costs: 11,473 THB ($355)

A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Bangkok to Phuket.

Rates start from 11,473 THB ($355) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 6,179 THB ($190) per person. Travel time is around 12 hours.

Private Transport options from Bangkok to Phuket

Standard

Standard Car 2 PAX

Price per person = 5,736 THB ($175)

Bangkok Taxi 24

11,473 THB ($355)

Get Your Tickets

VIP

VIP Minivan 9 PAX

Price per person = 1,593 THB ($49)

Bangkok Taxi 24

14,333 THB ($440)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 7 PAX

Price per person = 2,758 THB ($85)

Kanokwan Travel

19,305 THB ($595)

Get Your Tickets

Best places to stay in Phuket

Aekkeko Hostel - Budget Friendly

Aekkeko Hostel is set in central Phuket Town within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, and sights. It’s a vibrant and colourful place with so many chillout places it’s impossible to keep count.

Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the dorm beds are huge! The staff will welcome you like family making you feel right at home.

Excellent staff
Ideal location
Terrace and many chillout spots
Clean and comfortable

Private room starts at $19 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Baan Sutra Guesthouse - Budget Friendly

Baan Sutra Guesthouse is in the perfect location, just a 1-minute walk from the Old Town. Yet when you step through its doors, you forget about the chaos outside. The hotel is clean, serene and homely.

The rooms are bright and very spacious. You’re guaranteed to have a comfortable stay here, especially with the helpful and friendly staff.

Beautiful rooms
Clean and comfortable
Perfect location
Helpful staff

Private rooms start from $28 per night.

Check Available Rooms

HOMA Phuket Town - Mid Range

Calling all digital nomads or anyone looking to relax without having to spend too much money. HOMA has everything you could need — a huge rooftop swimming pool, games room, gym, co-working space and an Italian restaurant. You never have to leave!

The rooms are modern with vibrant pops of colour and huge beds. Need any help? The staff are always there to give you recommendations and make sure you have the best stay.

Huge rooftop swimming pool
Games room
Onsite gym and co-working space
Italian restaurant

Private rooms start from $49 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Hotel Tide - Treating Yourself

Staying at Hotel Tide puts you seconds from the beach and in the middle of luxury. The huge swimming pool overlooks the beach and is the perfect place to escape the heat. Or relax on the terrace or nets overlooking the sea.

Here you’ll be a 10-minute drive from the Old Town, but if you don’t want to make the journey, you can enjoy the onsite delicious restaurant. This is the ideal place to unwind and chill in Phuket.

Amazing swimming pools
Right on the beach
Beautiful and spacious rooms
Onsite restaurant

Private rooms start from $57 per night.

Check Available Rooms

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Bangkok to Phuket. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Phuket

What is the distance from Bangkok to Phuket?

The distance from Bangkok to Phuket is 845 kilometres (525 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket?

The fastest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket is by flight and takes 1 hour 15 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket?

The cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket is by train + bus via Surat Thani with ticket costs starting from 553 THB ($17).

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Abegail

Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.