Getting There and Around in Phuket and Phi Phi Islands
Part of the Phuket and Phi Phi Islands travel guide — see every topic in All Phuket and Phi Phi Islands Guides.
Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island and has flights from Bangkok and many cities in Asia and beyond. Phuket is large, and the beaches are far apart. There is no train and only a few bus lines, so most visitors use cars, taxis or apps. This guide explains how to get from the airport to your hotel and how to move around once you are there.
From the airport
The airport is about 30 to 40 km from Patong, Kata and Phuket Town. The drive takes about 40 to 60 minutes, and longer at rush hour. Metered taxis wait outside the terminals and add a small airport fee. Fixed-price airport limousine counters are inside the arrivals hall. Grab, the main ride app in Thailand, has an official pick-up point at the airport. Shared minibuses are cheaper but stop at many hotels. For your return trip, leave plenty of time, because afternoon traffic can be very slow.
Buses
The Phuket Smart Bus Route 1 runs from the airport down the west coast to Rawai. It stops at the main beaches, including Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon and Kata. Buses leave about every hour from morning until late evening. The fare is a flat price for any stop. The bus stop at the airport is on the departures level of the domestic terminal, not in arrivals. The government Phuket Airport Bus runs between the airport and Phuket Town. Smart Bus Route 2 links Phuket Town with Patong. Most buses accept cash, QR payment or a contactless card.
Grab, taxis and tuk-tuks
For short trips between beaches, there is little public transport. Grab is the easiest choice. You see the price before you book, and you do not need to bargain. Bolt also works in many areas. Local taxis and red or yellow tuk-tuks wait at most beaches, but they do not use meters. Agree on the price before you get in. Prices on Phuket are higher than in other parts of Thailand. If you stay in one area and only make a few trips, apps and taxis are usually enough.
Renting a car or scooter
Many visitors rent a car or scooter to explore. A car is safer and good for families. Roads are generally good, but the hills between beaches are steep and have sharp turns. Traffic drives on the left. Scooters are popular, but accidents are common, especially in rain and at night. Only ride if you have a valid motorbike licence and real experience, and always wear a helmet. Police often check licences and helmets. Never leave your passport as a deposit at a rental shop. Offer a copy or a cash deposit instead.
Getting There and Around at a glance
| Getting there | Phuket International Airport (HKT), in the north of the island |
|---|---|
| Hours | Smart Bus Route 1 about hourly from morning until late evening |
| Cost | Smart Bus is a flat fare; taxis and tuk-tuks cost more; agree tuk-tuk prices first |
| Best time | Avoid road trips at afternoon rush hour, about 4 pm to 7 pm |
| Apps | Grab has an official airport pick-up point; Bolt also works on much of the island |