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How to get from Bangkok to Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in the south of Thailand. The province offers stunning beaches, water sports, hiking, nightlife, shopping and an abundance of Thai culture. With all the activities and sights to take, you could easily spend more than a few days here.
Phuket is well-prepared for tourism, meaning you can find amazing accommodations and things to do. It is also the easiest location to depart from when travelling to smaller popular islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Yai or Koh Lanta.
3 ways to get from Bangkok to Phuket
The distance from Bangkok to Phuket is 845 km (525 miles). In this post, we compare the 3 options to travel from Bangkok to Phuket: by flight (1hr 15m), by bus (12-14.5 hours), or by train + bus (17.5-18.5 hours). Ticket prices range from 700 THB ($20) to 995 THB ($28.50).
Taking a flight is the fastest way to travel from Bangkok to Phuket. There are several flights offered daily and ticket prices already start from 725 THB ($20.50).
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to help reduce your impact on the environment.
The bus is an alternative if flight prices became too expensive, but the journey takes much longer. Luckily, there is a night bus which means you don’t need to spend your valuable daytime on the bus. Instead, you can just sleep your way through the journey from Bangkok to Phuket. Tickets start from 700 THB ($20).
There are no direct trains going from Bangkok to Phuket. You will first need to take a train to Surat Thani and then continue with a bus to Phuket. Third-class train seats cost as low as 215 THB ($6), but we don’t recommend travelling 3rd class for such a long journey. If you travel by train, we recommend booking a sleeper birth. Expect to pay at least 995 THB ($28.50) for the combined journey by train and bus.
Itinerary from Bangkok to Phuket
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 ($20.50) for a one-way trip when booked in advance. During promotions, flights can even go as low as 330 THB ($9.50).
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 and 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.
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.
Some of the bus companies offering daily trips from Bangkok to Phuket are Transport Co., Sombat Tour, and Lignite.
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. By taxi, it will take around 20-30 minutes to reach the bus stations from Bangkok city centre.
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 Raod.
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 ($21).
Train Schedules from Bangkok to Surat Thani
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 ($0.50). There are also taxis available which charge 140 THB ($4).
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 265 THB ($7.50).
Bus Schedule from Surat Thani to Phuket
Our favourite places to stay in Phuket
Bearpacker Patong Hostel
Just 200m from Patong Beach and the famous Patong Walking Street, this hostel is a great location if you’re looking for a social and fun atmosphere. The rooftop pool and lounge area are great for meeting others and there are a bar and restaurant onsite. The dorm bunks are extremely comfortable and offer curtains for your privacy. Newer hostel with modern furnishings.
- Excellent location
- Rooftop pool
- Bar and restaurant onsite
- Social atmosphere
Single bunk starts at $16 per night
Goodnight Hostel
Located near Old Phuket Town, this hostel boasts a fitness facility, garden, terrace and lounge area onsite. Just steps away from bars, restaurants, and countless sights, this hostel is exactly where you want to be. Staff are extremely helpful and will assist in booking tours or travel arrangements. Breakfast can be added to your stay for just $3 per day.
- Great location
- Fitness facility
- Helpful staff
- Very clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $12 per night
Aekkeko Hostel
This hostel is set in central Phuket Town within walking distance of numerous bars, restaurants, and sights. It is vibrant and colorful making for an enjoyable atmosphere and they offer a lovely shared terrace for relaxing or socializing. The staff will welcome you like family and you will feel right at home here.
- Excellent staff
- Ideal location
- Terrace
- Clean and comfortable
Private room starts at $26 per night
Book a Bed Poshtel
The perfect location set in Phuket Town, just 700m from Old Phuket Town, this hostel is within walking distance to all bars, restaurants and numerous sights. The outdoor pool set in the garden and shared lounge area is the perfect place to unwind and cool down. Private rooms offer great views of the city.
- Ideal location
- Swimming pool
- Garden and lounge area
- Walking distance to many sights
Private room starts at $46 per night
Routes from Phuket
Most popular routes in Thailand
Most popular routes in Thailand
About the author(s)
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.
