Phuket Travel and Transport

Phuket is a large island and if you are staying a while then it is best to look for the most economical form of transport. Songteaw, motorbike taxis and tuk tuks are the main modes of transport in Phuket though the cost can be a little much compared to other parts of Thailand.

Phuket Airport

Phuket has a busy airport and there are cheap domestic flights available from Bangkok and Koh Samui. It also has good connections with Asia with regular flights going to Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. Flights also come in from Perth and Frankfurt. From the airport you can travel to your destination with a taxi or for a cheaper option take the minibus which leaves every hour on the hour. The minibus takes you to Patong, Karon and Kata Beaches as well as Phuket town and fares start at 80 baht.

Bus and Train Travel

To travel to Phuket by bus you need to come from the Southern Terminal in Bangkok, and for elsewhere use the main bus terminal in the province if you haven’t arranged a bus ticket with a travel agent. Minivans leave Phuket daily for nearby locations such as Ranong, Krabi and Surat Thani. Train travel is impossible to Phuket, but you can get as far as Trang or Surat Thani by train and then transfer to a bus for the remainder of the journey.

Motorbike and Car Rental

Phuket is known in particular for its overpriced tuk tuk fares though steps are being taken now to give tourists a fairer pricing policy. In many cases motorbike rental and car rental is a good choice if you are travelling long distances around Phuket, and though an international driving license is required you are rarely asked for one when hiring a vehicle. Do wear a helmet when renting a bike though not just for the obvious safety factor but also because police will stop and fine you for not wearing one.

Boat Travel

In Phuket you can hire long tail boats for the day to take you around the island or simply use them as taxis for beach hopping around the island. Speedboats and long tail boats are also available for short trips to other islands and the coast with boats leaving regularly for Krabi and Koh Phi Phi amongst others.