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 Phuket Airport
There are four ways to travel the distance of 30 km (19 miles) from Phuket Airport: by airport bus (1.5 hours), shared minivan (1-1.5 hours), shuttle bus/smart bus (1-2 hours) and taxi (30-60 minutes). The journey takes between 30 minutes - 2h and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 100 THB ($2.80) for the shuttle bus/smart bus.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.
Phuket Airport by Shuttle Bus/Smart Bus
The airport shuttle service operated by Phuket Smart Bus, provides a ride-share service to the island’s west coast. This blue and white coloured bus has a fixed fare of 100 THB ($2.80). The shuttle bus is a cheap way to get to the most popular destinations, but also slow because it makes many stops to drop off passengers along the way.
The smart bus has several departures from the airport from 09:00 in the morning until 21:00 in the evening.
Departure & Arrival stations
The smart bus departs from the New Platform in front of the domestic terminal. Among its drop-off points are the following:
- Kamala Beach
- Patong Beach
- Karon Beach
- Kata Beach
- Rawai Beach (near Phuket’s southern tip)
Taking the smart bus is a good option to save some money if you’re staying near these beaches.
If you are heading to the airport, shuttle buses depart from Rawai Beach (near Phuket’s southern tip) every hour from 09:00 to 20:00.
Smart bus schedule between Phuket Airport and Phuket Town
You can pay in cash as you board the bus, but try to pay an exact amount as they do not provide change. If you already have a Rabbit Card, which is widely used for transport payment in Thailand, then you can also pay using that.
The Phuket Smart Bus route looks like this:
- Phuket Airport – Thalang Public Heath Office – Baan Khian – Boat Avenue Cherngtalay – Tesco Lotus Cherngtalay – Surin Beach – Phuket Fantasea – Big C Kamala – Bangla Police Box – Karon Circle – Kata – Sai Yuan – Rawai Beach
For more info, you can check out the Phuket Smart Bus website.
Phuket Airport by Airport Bus
Taking the orange airport bus from and to Phuket International Airport is a cheap option and is perfect for those travelling on a budget.
This airport bus only operates between the airport and Phuket Town, with the last stop at the old bus terminal. If your hotel is outside of the route, you’ll have to arrange a second transfer.
The bus ride costs 125 THB ($3.50) for the 1.5- hour ride. You can pay the fare when you get on the bus.
Departure & Arrival stations
From Phuket Airport, the airport bus has hourly departures from 08:30 to 20:30.
If you are heading to the airport, you can catch the bus from the Phuket Bus Terminal 1. Buses depart every hour from 06:00 until 18:00 to Phuket Airport.
Airport bus schedule between Phuket Airport and Phuket Town
- 24/7 customer support
- 24/7 customer support
We recommend booking your ticket via the provided links above to skip the queues at the airport and the bus terminal.
Note that most travellers do not choose this option because the bus doesn’t go to the west side of Phuket where you find most beaches.
See here the route of the airport bus:
- Phuket Airport – Indigo Pearl Hotel – Baan Saku – Pranangsang Temple – Heroines Monument – Boat Lagoon – Erawadee Bypass/Baan Teelanka/Outlet Mall – Central/Big C/Lotus/Surakun Stadium – Phantep Countdown – Old Phuket Bus Terminal
Phuket Airport by Shared Minivan
Alternatively, if you don’t want an additional transfer to your accommodation from the airport, you can take a minivan just outside the arrival hall. This option will conveniently take you straight to your hotel in any part of the Phuket city centre.
Shared vans are cheaper than a taxi and fares cost around 200 THB ($5.50) per person.
The downside of taking a shared van is that you will have to wait until it’s full. Also, it can take a bit of time as it makes several stops at other passengers’ hotels.
These minivans have service counters located inside and outside the arrivals hall at both Domestic and International terminals.
Phuket Airport by Taxi
If you want to get to your destination faster, head out of the Phuket Airport’s arrival area and head to the far right to get a taxi ride.
There is a taxi counter where you can get a ticket for a metered taxi. But be aware that even with the ticket, some drivers will attempt to give you a flat rate. Use your negotiating skills as they can sometimes quote very high prices.
Taxis from Phuket Airport
| Destination | Duration | Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Town | 30 minutes | 600 THB ($16.50) |
| Patong Beach | 40 minutes | 650 THB ($18.00) |
| Kata Beach/Karon Beach | 1 hour | 700 THB ($19.50) |
A taxi from Phuket airport to Patong beach costs about 700 THB ($19.50), plus an additional 100 THB ($2.80) airport fee. As usual in Thailand, ensure your taxi driver turns on the metrewhen leaving. It doesn’t seem to happen anymore but better be sure to avoid endless bargains!
Even better, book a taxi online in advance via Klook. Taxi fares start around 655 THB ($18.00) from the airport for a 3-person car. It’s an “all area” ride, which means the fare is fixed for all the destinations across Phuket.
Another option is to arrange a private transfer with your hotel in advance.
Note: Grab taxis are a convenient way of travelling, however, Grab taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers at Phuket airport.
Additional airport surcharge
When travelling from the airport by taxi, you are required to pay a 100 THB ($2.80) surcharge in addition to the fare. This surcharge is only for taxis leaving the airport. If you are travelling from your hotel to the airport, you do not have to pay this surcharge.
Car Rental from Phuket Airport
Aside from taxis, there is also a car rental option that you can choose if you want to be in control of your trip. You can choose from popular companies, such as Hertz, Pure Car Rental, Phuket Drive Car Rental, and CTT Phuket Car Rental.
We recommend cars that are offered by Skyscanner, as they are normally cheaper. Rates start from 675 THB ($19.00) for a 24-hour rental. Remember that the rates depend on how early you book, so we recommend booking at least weeks in advance to get the best deals.
Our favourite 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 Phuket Airport
What is the distance from Phuket Airport?
The distance from Phuket Airport is 30 km (19 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Phuket Airport?
The fastest way to get from Phuket Airport is by taxi and takes 30-60 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport?
The cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport is by shuttle bus/smart bus with ticket costs starting from 100 THB ($2.80).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Phuket Airport. 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.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
