How to Get From Surat Thani to Phuket
Bus · Shared Minivan · Taxi
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 240 kilometre (149 miles) distance from Surat Thani to Phuket. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Phuket as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Surat Thani to Phuket?
There are three ways to travel the 240 km distance from Surat Thani to Phuket. You can choose between the bus, minivan, and private.
The journey takes between 4h–4h 30m and the quickest way is by bus (4h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 309 THB ($9.50).
4h - 6h 20m
309 THB ($9.50)
4h 30m - 5h
309 THB ($9.50)
4 hours
4,460 THB ($135)
Already in Phuket?
Onward from Phuket
Once you're in Phuket, here's where to next — 7 researched onward routes to pick from.
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 5:30 in the morning and the latest is 14:10 in the afternoon.
Departure and arrival stations
Buses heading to Phuket from Surat Thani depart from Surat Thani Phangan Tour 2000 Office or Surat Thani Talad Kaset 2. The buses will drop you off at Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
Bus schedule from Surat Thani to Phuket
Booking Tip
Surat Thani to Phuket by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Surat Thani to Phuket costs 309 THB ($9.50). The minivan journey takes about 4h 30m - 5h, depending on traffic.
There are three companies operating on this route: 12Go Transport, Phantip 1970 and Phangan Tour 2000.
Shared Minivan schedule from Surat Thani to Phuket
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 ($145) 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 ($120).
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.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Surat Thani 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Surat Thani to Phuket is 240 km.
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About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
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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.
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