Getting around Phuket can be fun and easy. The island is served by many private and public transport options.
The Island of Phuket is 48 kilometres in length and 21 kilometres across, which makes it relatively easy to see the whole Island during your holiday.
There are many options for transport in Phuket available to choose from, including air conditioned taxi’s, tuk-tuks, and a ride on one of the unique local buses called Songthaews. Other transport options include motorcycles or scooters, rental cars, private car with driver and organized tours.
Tuk Tuks
Tuk Tuks are not the cheapest form of transport in Phuket or the most comfortable, but they are loads of fun and can be found throughout Phuket’s major tourist destinations. They are fine for short distances, but they are small and can be uncomfortable for longer rides. These motorized rickshaws can be a little expensive for the distance traveled. Be sure to state your destination and agree on a price before setting off. Definitely worth a unique Phuket experience.
Taxi & Grab
There are taxis just outside the airport terminal, as well as tourist areas like Patong and Phuket Town. Most of the taxis do not have meters and it is important you negotiate the fare before venturing out.
Several taxi apps are available in Phuket. Grab being the most popular, however new apps have become available such as Bolt and InDrive. These are free mobile apps that enables you to book a taxi, easily select a pick-up point and destination, and estimate the cost of your journey. Important to note, Grab and the other apps cannot pick you up from the Phuket Airport, there is a designated taxi service at the airport arrival.
You can also hail motorbike taxis on the streets of Phuket, particularly in tourist areas such as Phuket Town, Patong, and other major resorts. If you’re in a hurry and only need to go a short distance, you can hail the motorbike taxi, where the drivers can easily glide past the traffic.
Songtaew
The Songtaew is Phuket’s local open-air buses that run between Phuket Town and the main resorts. Painted in bright blue for easy recognition, these small passenger buses have destinations written in English on the outside. There are no designated bus stops in Phuket, you flag one down from the roadside. In Patong, local buses often pass the main beach road, just outside the tourist police box. In Phuket Town head for the market on Ranong Road to find songtaews waiting for passengers. Prices will vary depending on the distance, weather, and time. This is a cheap and fun way to get from the west coast beaches into Phuket Town for some great shopping and good food
Motor bike rental
Motorbikes are another popular alternative for travelers who want to tour Phuket for a day or two. It is a convenient way to get around the island. But, like all motorcycles, it has its risks, so be sure you’re comfortable navigating the streets on two wheels before renting! You must have a motorcycle license; international drivers license purchased from your home country and always wear a helmet. The police can be strict about this and you may get a ticket if you are not wearing a helmet. Besides, it is the safe thing to do.
Rent-a-car
Renting a car is another alternative for transport in Phuket and is very convenient. It is a good way to explore Phuket at a leisurely pace with cool air conditioning! Please remember wear your seat belts!
⚠️ Be careful when driving on the roads in Thailand, it’s a lot different than you are used to. Please remember to drive with caution.
Car rental with driver
If you don’t like the hassle of trying to navigate the busy streets of Phuket on your own you can conveniently rent a car with a local experienced driver. This option gives you the opportunity to design your own itinerary and explore each destination at your own pace.
Phuket Smart Bus
The Phuket Smart Bus is an ideal way to get from beach to beach. The Smart Bus runs from Phuket International Airport through to Rawai, with stops along the way. The route includes Phuket Airport to Thalang, Cherng Talay, Laguna, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Phromthep Cape and Rawai
Group Tours
Phuket offers a variety of day trips, excursions and private tours that will let you explore the best what the island has to offer as well as the many islands off Phuket. This is a great way to rely on the local’s expertise on what to do and see. Takes the driving and surprises out of your trip. There are hundreds of different tours available. Book a tour and explore Phuket worry free.
Baan Wise property management can assist with car or motorbike rental or arrange a private driver and we can help to book group tours. For enquiries about transport in Phuket contact us to make your Phuket Holiday hassle free https://baanwise.com/contact-us/