As you land at Phuket Airport, the gateway to this tropical paradise, you might be wondering how to reach your hotel or the beautiful beaches that beckon you. This comprehensive guide will help you explore the diverse transportation options available, ensuring a seamless ride from Phuket Airport to your hotel destination.
Airport Shuttle Bus/Smart Bus – Blue Bus
- Duration: Varies (0-2 hours)
- Starting Fare: from 50 THB with a Rabbit Card, or 100 THB ($2.90) in cash
The Phuket Smart Bus is an economical and convenient choice for travelers heading to the island’s west coast. Fares range from 50 to 170 THB with a Phuket Rabbit Card, or a flat 100 THB in cash. Keep in mind that this shuttle bus makes multiple stops for passenger drop-offs, so your journey may take a bit longer. However, it’s a fantastic option if your destination is near one of its scheduled stops:
- Kamala Beach
- Patong Beach
- Karon Beach
- Kata Beach
- Rawai Beach (located near Phuket’s southern tip)
Smart Bus services from the airport operate from 09:00 to 21:00. You can pay in cash with exact change or use your Rabbit Card.
Read More: Phuket Smart Bus: Route, Stops, Schedule & Tickets (2024)
Pro Tip: Visit the official Phuket Smart Bus website for detailed schedules and additional information.
Phuket Airport Bus (Yellow)
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Starting Fare: 125 THB ($3.50)
If you’re heading to Phuket Town, the yellow airport bus is a budget-friendly choice. Operating between the airport and Phuket Town’s old bus terminal, it offers a fare of 125 THB ($3.50) for a 1.5-hour ride. Payment is collected onboard the bus.
Airport bus departures from Phuket Airport are available hourly from 08:30 to 20:30. If you’re flying out of Phuket, catch the bus from Phuket Bus Terminal 1, with hourly departures from 06:00 until 18:00.
Pro Tip: This option primarily serves Phuket Town and may not be the most convenient for beach destinations because you will need to transfer to Songtaeu.
You can book tickets to Airport Phuket Bus online:
Read More: Phuket Airport Bus: Tickets, Route, Stops & Schedule (2024)
Shared Minivan from Phuket Airport
- Duration: Varies (1-1.5 hours)
- Starting Fare: 200 THB ($5.50)
For travelers looking for a direct transfer to their accommodation without any detours, shared minivans stationed outside the arrival hall offer a convenient solution. Shared van fares are approximately 200 THB ($5.50) per person, making it a more budget-friendly option compared to taxis.
However, shared vans operate on a shared basis, so you might need to wait until the van fills up, potentially adding some extra time due to multiple stops at passengers’ hotels. Service counters for shared minivans can be found both inside and outside the arrival hall at both Domestic and International terminals.
Pro Tip: Shared minivans are an excellent choice for those with flexibility in their schedule.
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Metered Taxi
- Duration: Varies (30-60 minutes)
- Starting Fare: 655 THB ($18.50)
If speed and convenience are your top priorities, taxis are readily available just outside the Phuket Airport’s arrival area. A taxi counter provides metered taxi services, although some drivers may try to negotiate a flat rate. Make sure the meter is turned on before your journey begins.
Here are estimated taxi fares to popular destinations:
- Phuket Town: Approximately 30 minutes, 600 THB ($16.50)
- Patong Beach: Approximately 40 minutes, 650 THB ($18.00)
- Kata Beach/Karon Beach: Approximately 1 hour, 700 THB ($19.50)
Please note that these fares exclude an additional 100 THB ($2.80) airport surcharge fee. To ensure a hassle-free experience, consider booking a taxi online in advance through Klook, with fixed fares starting at around 655 THB ($18.00) for a 3-person car. This option offers a fixed fare for all destinations across Phuket.
Pro Tip: Pre-booking a taxi online can save you time and ensure a seamless transfer.
Read More: Taxi in Phuket: Grab, Best Local Services & Costs (2024)
Airport Transfers: WelcomePickups and Klook
For a stress-free and pre-arranged airport transfer, consider using Welcome Pickups, a global provider offering reliable transportation services.
Pro Tip: Whether you’re traveling on a budget or seeking a comfortable and convenient ride, Phuket Airport provides various options to meet your transportation needs. From the affordable shuttle bus to the speedy taxi service, you’ll find a mode of transportation that suits your preferences.
Getting to Popular Destinations from Phuket Airport
Options can we overwhelming, so we created a mini guide for every popular destination!
How to Get to Patong Beach from Phuket Airport
- Smart Bus: The Smart Bus is an excellent choice for reaching Patong Beach. Simply board the bus at the airport, and you’ll soon be enjoying the scenic ride to Patong Beach at an affordable price.
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to your Patong Beach hotel. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a pre-arranged personal transfer.
- Shared Phuket Mini Bus Transfer: Shared minivans provide a convenient option to reach Patong Beach while ensuring you’re dropped off right at your hotel.
How to Get to Kata Beach from Phuket Airport
- Smart Bus: The Smart Bus also serves Kata Beach, offering a budget-friendly and scenic journey to this beautiful destination.
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to your Kata Beach hotel. For a more personalized experience, consider booking a pre-arranged personal transfer.
- Shared Phuket Mini Bus Transfer: Shared minivans provide a convenient option to reach Kata Beach while ensuring you’re dropped off right at your hotel.
How to Get to Karon Beach from Phuket Airport
- Smart Bus: Karon Beach is another stop on the Smart Bus route, offering both convenience and affordability for your journey.
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis are readily available for a swift transfer to Karon Beach. Alternatively, consider pre-arranging a personal transfer for added comfort.
- Shared Phuket Mini Bus Transfer: Shared minivans provide a convenient option to reach Karon Beach while ensuring you’re dropped off right at your hotel.
How to Get to Phuket Town from Phuket Airport
- Phuket Airport Bus (Yellow): The yellow airport bus is the best choice for Phuket Town, providing a direct route to the town center.
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis can be easily found for a quick and direct transfer to Phuket Town. If you prefer a more personalized experience, arrange for a personal transfer.
How to Get to Nai Harn Beach from Phuket Airport
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: For a seamless journey to Nai Harn Beach, opt for taxis or pre-arranged personal transfers. This tranquil destination is worth the added convenience.
How to Get to Rawai Beach from Phuket Airport
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Rawai Beach from the airport, offering a picturesque ride to this scenic location.
- Smart Bus: Rawai Beach is the last stop on the Smart Bus route, offering both convenience and affordability for your journey.
How to Get to Bang Tao Beach from Phuket Airport
- Taxi or Personal Transfer: Taxis are an excellent choice for travelers heading to Bang Tao Beach. Sit back and enjoy the island’s beauty during the ride.
Final Thoughts
Navigating from Phuket Airport to your desired destination is a breeze with a variety of transportation options. Whether you prefer an economical shuttle bus, the convenience of a taxi, or a pre-arranged personal transfer, Phuket has you covered. Remember to plan ahead and choose the option that best suits your budget and preferences. Enjoy your stay in this tropical paradise!
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