Phuket Transportation

Flights to and from Phuket

• Bangkok - Phuket
  Thai Airways has ten to twelve daily direct flights from Bangkok to Phuket, making it the most flown route. Almost all departures are around noon and in the afternoon (tourists don't like to travel in the early mornings). While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is about 2000 Baht.

• Phuket - Bangkok
  Thai Airways has eleven to thirteen daily non-stop flights from Phuket to Bangkok. Departures are in about equal intervals between 8:00 and 20:00. Flight time is around 1:15hr. The price of a one-way ticket is about 2000 Baht.
  For other areas take a look at our transport pages for the following: Phang Nga, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Chiang Rai and Pattaya for local flights to/from these destinations.
  For more information on flight timetables etc. telephone the department you require as follows: International Flights: (Bangkok) 5351111, Domestic Flights:(Bangkok) 5351253, Arrivals: (Bangkok) 5351301 and Departures: (Bangkok) 5351386.

• International Flights
  Phuket has international connections with Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Singapore and Hong Kong.

• Departure tax
  Domestic flights charge 30 Baht and International flights, 500 Baht.

Bus

from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 891km, 165 Baht, 7:30, 9:50, 15:05, 17:00, 18:45, 20:30, 22:30; aircon 299 Baht, 18:45, 18:50; VIP 379 Baht, 17:30, 18:00.

Although there are buses, the most popular form of 'bus' transport in Phuket, are songtaews or bus/trucks. These vehicles, painted bright blue in Phuket are easily identifiable. They travel on most of the main routes and as there are no 'true' bus stops can be flagged down at any point along its route. These buses are cheap, being anything from 10 Baht (U.S. 25 cents) for a short trip to about 40 Baht for a lengthier journey.

TIP: For the truly adventurous traveller: Songtaews inter-connect and one can travel at great lengths throughout the country for very little.

Songthaeo and Tuk-Tuk

Songthaeos are operated along Ranong Road to several destinations on the beaches. The cost varies from approximately 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered to the beach however, the rates which can be negotiated are higher at 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. However, Tuk-Tuks drive around the town at the rate of 20 baht.

Car and Jeep rental

is reasonably priced and readily available. It is one of the best ways to see the area. Check that the vehicle you are hiring is covered by insurance. Unless hiring from a reliable source you may find it isn't and as it is the driver's responsibility to pay all damages if there's an accident, you may be in for a nasty surprise.