Island, Thailand
Getting around Phuket
How to get around Phuket
Phuket is spread out: most people rent a scooter or use Grab and Bolt. The Smart Bus links the airport and west-coast beaches cheaply.
Ways to get around Phuket
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Smart Bus | 100 THB flat; 50 THB Bus Terminal 2–Patong | Airport–Patong–Karon–Kata–Rawai; tap any contactless card |
| Grab / Bolt | About 150–350 THB for short trips | Usually far cheaper than street taxis and tuk-tuks |
| Blue songthaew buses | About 30–50 THB | From Old Town's Ranong Road to the beaches, daytime only |
| Dragon Line shuttle | Free | Old Town circular past Central Festival and OTOP Market |
Ride-hailing apps in Phuket
A 5 km ride costs about ฿150–350 ($4.5–10.4).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Most drivers island-wide, including airport pickups |
| Bolt | Often cheaper; fewer drivers in the far south and north |
- Tuk-tuks and taxis charge fixed, high fares and rarely use meters; agree the price before getting in.
Arriving in Phuket
Phuket International (HKT)
Smart Bus 100 THB to Patong, Kata and Rawai, 1–2 h; airport bus to Old Town 100 THB; taxi or Grab 600–1,000 THB, 40–70 min.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rented everywhere for 200–350 THB a day; police checkpoints fine riders without a motorcycle licence or helmet.
- Driving: on the left. Drive with your home licence plus a 1949-Convention IDP; scooters need the motorcycle category or police fine you.
- Onward travel in Thailand: Cheap domestic flights link main cities; overnight sleeper trains run Bangkok–Chiang Mai and south; VIP buses, minivans and ferries cover the rest.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Phuket?
No. Use Grab, Bolt instead.
What's the best way to get around Phuket?
Phuket is spread out: most people rent a scooter or use Grab and Bolt. The Smart Bus links the airport and west-coast beaches cheaply.
How do I get from the airport to Phuket?
Smart Bus 100 THB to Patong, Kata and Rawai, 1–2 h; airport bus to Old Town 100 THB; taxi or Grab 600–1,000 THB, 40–70 min.
Is Phuket walkable?
You'll need transport.
More about Phuket
Going to Phuket solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Phuket meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- State Railway of Thailand e-ticketing
- Airports of Thailand
- Phuket Smart Bus
- Phuket International Airport (Airports of Thailand)
- Bolt Phuket
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.