Getting Around Phuket

At this point you should have figured out whether you need a visa, your travel dates and booked your ferry//flight or bus. I know it can be daunting when you arrive to a new place with no idea how to safely get to your accommodation or around, especially if you arrive late at night. Below you will find all the transportation options in Phuket and which is cheaper and/or more convenient. 

Generally, make sure you have the address of your accommodation ready at hand both in English and Thai. Make sure you show it to the sales person before buying the ticket and to the driver. 

It is helpful to call the host or receptionist at your chosen accommodation and ask what is the easiest and/or cheapest way is to get there. They would know best.  

Going from the Airport to your Accommodation  

Upon arrival in the airport, before the exit gate you will find counters offering transportation options. Depending on where you stay you can choose between taking a taxi or a minivan. Do note that sometime your only option can be a taxi which is more expensive.  

Normally, if you’re staying in Patong Beach area, you can take a taxi for 23 USD which is faster and will drop you off straight away at your accommodation. It will take around 40 minutes. You buy the ticket – using cash or card - from one of the counters, prices are the same at all counters. Another option would be downloading Grab application (a transportation service same as Uber) and using it to order a taxi, you will be able to pay using cash or card. I would not recommend Grab though as it is always more expensive than the local taxis.  

A minivan will cost 8-12 USD and takes longer as it makes multiple stops but will also drop you off at the door of your hostel/hotel. You can buy the ticket from same counters. It will probably take more than an hour for you to reach your destination.  

Another option would be taking the local bus, which is even cheaper. However, you might have to walk far or take a taxi to your hostel/hotel after you are dropped off along/at the end of the bus route. This option is not very convenient, especially if you have a lot of luggage and/or if you arrive late at night. 

Going from the Pier to your Accommodation  

You can head to the information counter, someone there will direct you to the right counter to buy a ticket for either a taxi or minivan – they only accept cash in Thai baht and there is no currency exchange around so make sure you have enough pre arrival.  

A taxi to Patong beach area will cost around 23 USD and takes around 35 minutes. Or you can download Grab application (transportation service same as Uber) and order a taxi, which would cost slightly more but you can pay using cash or card. Both will drop you off at the door of your hotel/hostel.  

A minivan will cost 8-12 USD and it will also drop you off at the door of your hostel/hotel. However, it will take more than an hour for you to reach your destination. 

Getting Around  

By Local Bus  

They run between Phuket Old Town and the island’s main beach resorts. They are cheap and convenient, but the journey is long because of the large number of stops they make. They only operate in the early morning to the late afternoon. Departure are frequent from the main bus terminal or Talad Sod Market on Ranong Road.  

By Songthaew 

They are small trucks that were converted to carry passengers. They have 2 benches and a roof. Look at its side or windshield to know where it is going for its final destination. You can flag them off and they will stop to pick you up and drop you off wherever you want along its route. I relied mainly on them for getting around Phuket. 

By Tuk Tuk  

In Thailand they have 4 wheels instead of 3 and they look more like a small songthaew than a tuk tuk, but they still call them that anyways. It is the most expensive form of transportation. Save the energy of trying to find a driver who charges less or negotiating the price as they all tend to be in agreement. However, they are the only option available in the late evening, so if you are staying far away from Bangla road after a night out they will be your only option. Make sure you ask about the price before the start of the journey and avoid arguing, other drivers will wade into the conversation which can be a little intimidating, especially if you are alone at night.

Don't be alarmed if the driver urges you to stop at shops along the way. Even though they are pushy, a firm no will do the trick. However, it can be pretty fun to take a look around all the different shops. The driver won't charge you extra, he will only get a small comission if you choose to buy something. 

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By Car 

You can rent a car from a lot of different companies either in the city center or at your accommodation – make sure you ask your host about it or recommendation for a good company. You must be at least 21 with a valid license and you will be asked to pay a hefty security deposit.  

Driving in Phuket is not difficult; however, you will always find random tourists crossing the street. It takes around 40 minutes to go from one end to the other and there are plenty of gas stations around. It is not easy to find parking around the city center but having a car will make sightseeing easier and cheaper – especially if you are in a group or a family. Do remember that in Thailand you have to drive on the left, so make sure this is something you are confident with.   

Tip: Note and report all faults in the car to the person in charge and take pictures of its condition before you drive off to avoid any scams or exrta charges when you return it.  

By Scooter  

Renting a scooter for the day is probably the easiest and cheapest way to go around Phuket. Most companies ask for a license and/or your passport and a small security deposit. You can ask at your accommodation if they offer scooters for rent or for a recommended company.  Me and a friend of mine rented one for the day for only 8 USD. Prices vary depending on the model and condition of the scooter. 

By Taxi  

Metered  

Although expensive, metered taxis are still cheaper than tuk tuks. You can easily identify them with the taxi sign on top. You will find them parked around busy touristic areas and big beaches. You can’t negotiate the price; you have to pay the amount shown on the meter. Do keep in mind that there is only a small number of them on the island, so they are hard to find during peak hour.  

Non-metered  

They are ordered by hotels or found at taxi stands. They are more expensive than metered taxis so avoid riding them for short journeys. However, you can negotiate prices with the driver if you want to do a full day tour of the island or sightsee. I only used them when I was coming or going to the airport. 

Tip: Ask for the driver's number and keep it so that you can easily contact him and order a taxi yourself instead of relying on your hotel or looking for one on the street. 

Most importantly, stay alert and don't forget to be safe and aware of your surroundings at all time!

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