Overview Compare Bus Taxi To Stay
How to get from Surat Thani to Phuket
While there aren’t too many transport options from Surat Thani to Phuket, the beautiful destination makes it all worth it. Phuket will greet you with its beautiful beaches, blue waves, and gorgeous views, making the trip worth your while.
The distance from Surat Thani to Phuket is 240 km (150 miles). In this post, we compare the 2 best options to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket: by bus (4.5 hours) or by taxi (4 hours). Ticket costs range from 350 THB ($10.50) to 4,460 THB ($135).
2 ways to get from Surat Thani to Phuket
The bus is the most practical and cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Phuket. Travel time is around 4.5 hours with bus fares starting from 350 THB ($10.50).
If you want a more convenient option that offers a door-to-door transfer, you can ride a taxi from Surat Thani to Phuket. However, taxi rates on this route can be quite expensive, with rates starting from 4,460 THB ($135) for the 4-hour journey.
Itinerary from Surat Thani to Phuket
Surat Thani to Phuket by Bus
Many opt to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket by bus, simply because it is a lot cheaper and the buses offer standard fares.
There are multiple trips operating from Surat Thani to Phuket daily. The earliest trip is 9:00 in the morning and the latest is 17:00 in the afternoon. The last time we checked (August 2022), Phantip Travel is the only company operating on this route.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses heading to Phuket from Surat Thani depart from Phantip Travel Head Office. You can easily reach this departure point because it is located in the centre of Surat Thani town.
The buses will drop you off at Phuket Bus Terminal 1. From here, you can reach Phuket town via taxi in 5 minutes.
Bus Schedule from Surat Thani to Phuket
You can also arrange a further transfer from here to your hotel or island destination via local bus, mini-van, taxi, tuk-tuk, or songthaew.
Surat Thani to Phuket by Taxi
Hiring a taxi for your Surat Thani to Phuket trip allows you to travel comfortably, but it will cost you quite a bit more.
A taxi offers you the luxury of additional space and comfort, direct drop-off at your hotel, and not having to arrange transfers but this comes at a high price.
Taxi rates start at 4,730 THB ($140) for a trip from Surat Thani town to your hotel in Phuket. If you travel between the airports, fares start a bit cheaper at around 3,850 THB ($115).
Check Private Transfers on 12GoAsia
Travelling in a big group? There are also private minivans available on BookAway that can seat up to 9 passengers. Rates start from 4,460 THB ($135). The travel time is about 4 hours.
You can contact local travel agencies to arrange your trip from Surat Thani to Phuket, or you can ask your hotel to arrange a private transfer for you.
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
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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.
