What to expect when visiting 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.
4 ways to get from Bangkok to Phuket
There are 4 ways to travel the distance of 845 kilometers (525 miles) from Bangkok to Phuket by bus (12 to 17 hours), private Transport (12 hours), train + bus via Surat Thani (12 hours 30 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes) and flight (1 hour 15 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 1 hour 15 minutes to 18 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 565 THB ($17) for the train + bus via Surat Thani.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
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
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).
- 24/7 customer support
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- 24/7 customer support
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 ($4.20).
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
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 316 THB ($9.50).
Bangkok to Phuket by Bus
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
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
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) for a one-way trip when booked in advance. During promotions, flights can even go as low as 330 THB ($9.90).
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.
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
A private transfer is a convenient option when travelling in a group from Bangkok to Phuket.
Rates start from 11,734 THB ($355) for a 2-seater private transfer. Divide the cost and that’s about 6,179 THB ($185) per person. Travel time is around 12 hours.
Private Transport options from Bangkok to Phuket
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok to Phuket
What is the distance from Bangkok to Phuket?
The distance from Bangkok to Phuket is 845 kilometers (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 565 THB ($17).
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!
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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.
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.
