How to Get From Phuket Airport to Phuket City Centre

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 $3 (100 THB). 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.

Taking the orange airport bus from and to Phuket Airport to Phuket City Centre 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 $3.70 (125 THB). The bus journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. You can pay the fare when you get on the bus.

Departure & Arrival stations

From Phuket Airport to Phuket City Centre, 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 to Phuket City Centre.

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 $6 (200 THB) 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.

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.