How to get from Phuket
to cities and beaches of Thailand

Phuket is a sunny island in the southern part of Thailand which is home to an international airport of the same name and a large tourist centre. Phuket welcomes both those who like Thai exotic such as streets with travesty shows, night bars and erotic performances and those who prefer calm beach holidays. There are several large beaches on the island which have some tourist streets with hotels along them: Karon, Kata, Patong, and some less known beaches such as Nai Harn and Rawai. The business part of the city located in the centre of the island has almost no hotels (because there is no access to the sea there). There are almost no tourists in it, however it has some important transport hubs such as Phuket Bus Terminal. If you are thinking about how to get from Phuket to one of the beaches, nearby islands such as Koh Samui or Phi Phi, or some other region (for instance, Krabi Province), then you should definitely read our detailed Airguides on Thailand and Phuket region.

Phuket taxi

Many travellers complain about a poorly developed transport network in Phuket. Buses don’t often follow a strict timetable – they depart only when all seats are taken. Tuk tuks are a local means of transport looking like small vans with benches for passengers. They can change their routes. There are no trains on the island at all, and the entire population prefers rented mopeds over public transport. But you won’t get from the airport to your hotel by moped. That’s why one of the most popular forms of transport in Phuket is still taxis, despite the fact that taxi prices are not always low and taxi drivers don’t speak even English.

Phuket transfer

Another popular option to get to hotels or one of the neighbouring regions is booking a transfer in Phuket. Transfers differ from taxis in the fact that the driver will be waiting for you in a specified place (for instance, at the airport), you can choose a vehicle of the class you need (and not only those that are available), pay for your journey by card through the website, request for additional child seats or talk to the driver because he, unlike taxi drivers, speaks English.

How to get from Phuket to other islands or cities?

To choose some comfortable and convenient transport, you need to define your priorities. If your trip budget is tight but you have plenty of time, don’t have a lot of luggage and are not travelling with small children, then take public transport (buses and shared taxis). If you are arriving in Phuket at night, have large luggage, are travelling with small children or aged relatives, then it is better to choose taxis or transfers. By the way, those who don’t like difficult routes with several changes would also prefer getting by private car, as a trip to islands sometimes requires changing up to three forms of transport on the route.