Phuket airport transfers: Everything you need to know

Find the ride you need in

Wondering how to get from Phuket airport to Patong and beyond? Read on for everything you need to know about Phuket airport transfers

airplane over beach in Phuket

Phuket’s draw is an endless list of attractions from paradise beaches and vibrant nightlife to island hopping and luxury escapes. However, many travelers are unaware of their options to use Phuket airport transfers to Patong or anywhere else on the island. So, we are here to help. 

If you’re traveling on a shoestring from the Phuket airport, you can ignore all the touts calling “Sir, Phuket taxi!” and trying to drum up business. Just keep walking.

The Phuket airport bus is a low-priced alternative, but more on that in just a bit. Here’s all you need to know about Phuket airport transfers.

Use a shared minibus transfer

Inside a Phuket minibus

The shared minibus is the most popular choice. It comes with fantastic value for money at 200 baht ($6) per person. The drawback, however, is that it’ll take longer to get to your hotel compared with riding a taxi. In addition, you’ll have to wait for the minivan to fill up, which can take up to ten people. And more often than not, your hotel is the last one on the list, forcing you to watch as fellow vacationers get dropped off before you.

If you look on the bright side, though, you’ll have more time to watch Phuket’s dream beaches roll past. And you’d pay a lot to crisscross the island by taxi.

Either way, bear in mind that these shared minibuses are run by tour operators keen to sell tours. In other words, the guys will stop at their shop first and then ask you about your hotel name. And if someone’s interested in their offers, you’ll have to wait until they’ve made a decision.

Ride a public bus

Phuket Smart bus

A public bus is the cheapest shuttle from Phuket airport. 

If you’re not pressed for time, you can ride a public bus from HKT—the three-letter Phuket airport code for Phuket international airport. 

Smart Bus

The Smart Bus is a new addition to Phuket transportation, and it’s a pleasant one available to both domestic and international Phuket airport arrivals. Undoubtedly, the local bus is your best bargain, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of time on the road. 

The Smart Bus takes you southwards along Phuket’s west coast, stopping at some famous beaches like Patong, Karon, and Kata for the same fare of 100 baht ($3). It runs daily every 90 minutes, and it takes two hours and 15 minutes for the Smart Bus to reach Rawai, the last destination. But if the streets are wedged solid, it can easily be three hours.

Phuket airport transfer bus

In the southeast of the island, the capital, Phuket Town, appeals to visitors with its old town and the Sino-Portuguese architecture.

If you’re looking for a bus from Phuket airport to Phuket Town, you can also get a cheap Phuket airport transfer (150 THB/$4.55). The airport bus will take you to Bus Terminal 1, the old one, in approximately one and a half hours. It operates twelve times daily between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m., for good reason; it’s popular with foreigners and Thai people alike. 

Opt for a taxi-meter cab

yellow and red taxi in Phuket

You can find taxi meter cabs counters outside the domestic and international terminals. They are open until the last flight of the day. While taxi meters are slightly less expensive than an airport limousine, you’ll need to pay 100 baht ($3) airport fee on top of the meter fare. 

The ride to Patong beach is approximately 700 baht ($21.15), including the extra 100 baht ($3) airport fee. As is customary in Thailand, make sure your taxi driver turns on the meter before you leave. Please don’t buy it when a taxi tout is trying to tell you his meter isn’t working.

Grab (Thailand’s version of Uber) is not allowed to operate from the airport.

Book an airport limousine

Phuket airport limousine

The most comfortable kind of transportation is an airport limousine, which is not as pricey as you may imagine.

Limos are newer, cleaner, and comfier than meter taxis. Also, limo drivers generally drive safer than the often busy taxi meter guys. While you won’t have to pay an airport fee, they’re slightly more expensive than taxi meters.

Most limo drivers speak decent English and will not try to sell you a tour. The airport limousine desks (which offer shared minivans too) are just outside the baggage carousel area, still inside the airport. You can’t miss them since they’ll approach you with a salesy, “Hello sir, where you go? You want taxi?”

Splash out on a luxurious Phuket airport transfer

Luxurious private transfer from Phuket airport

These blow-the-budget transfers come with specific amenities. Think top-notch air-conditioning that’s working properly and outrageously comfy leather seats that you can smell as soon as the driver opens the door, motioning for you to get inside. Of course, you’ll love the luxurious ride in a Mercedes. A luxury transfer from the airport to Patong costs around $80-85 (THB 2,639-2,803.95).

Last but by no means least, you can also find car rentals in Phuket airport, and all airports for that matter. Renting a car is an excellent way to start your vacation. And it might come in handy depending on your Thailand itinerary.

Now plan your trip and pack your bags! To help you get started, check out Phuket’s seven trendiest cafes and these unique things to do in Phuket, Thailand.

FAQ

Can I exchange money at the airport to pay for my transfer?

Yes. There are ATMs as well.

Is it expensive to rent a car at the airport?

Yes. It is usually more expensive in any country to rent a car at the airport. Better to go into town and rent there.

I have a long layover, is there food at the Phuket airport?

Yes. There are a few different restaurants and a food court.

Posted May 9, 2022
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Philipp Meier
Philipp Meier is a Phuket-based travel writer passionate about Thai culture and wandering off Thailand’s well-trodden tourist trail. His work has been published on the Nat Geo Traveller India, South China Morning Post, Culture Trip, BootsnAll, GoNOMAD, and elsewhere. You can find him at Writer Philipp Meier and LinkedIn.
image of blog writer Phil