Bangkok to Phuket tickets

About the ride from Bangkok to Phuket

Bangkok is a vibrant city where ancient temples and modern skyscrapers stand side by side. Come nightfall, the lights and sounds of the city will dazzle — as will the food. 

But a trip to Thailand would be incomplete if all you did was explore the city. The jungles, islands and beaches demand your time and attention as well. A prime spot for exploring all three is the gorgeous island of Phuket.

Located right at the base of the Thailand Peninsula, Phuket is an ideal vacation spot. Along its coasts, a series of gorgeous beaches kiss the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, while lively beach towns provide food, drink and fun day and night. 

With a rugged interior and a wide range of budget to high-end accommodations, you won't lack natural beauty or modern comforts no matter where you go on the island.

To get between these hotspots, you’ll need to hop on a quick flight or a very long bus. It all depends on your time constraints and budget. More details below…

Top things to see and do in Phuket

As an international playground, you'll run out of time on Phuket before you run out of things to do. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Party on Patong Beach. Patong is party central come nightfall. You can enjoy cheap eats, plenty of drinks and all sorts of entertainment in Phuket's party capital.

2. Lay out a towel at Kata, Karon or Patong . With powdery soft sand, aquamarine waters and plenty of amenities, Phuket's most popular beaches offer gorgeous sunsets and endless days in the sun.

3. Go diving or snorkeling. With healthy reefs teeming with fish, Phuket draws divers and snorkelers from around the world. If you have the time, an excursion to the Similan Islands will dazzle you.

4. Go island hopping. Phuket's location makes it ideal as a base for exploring the Similan Islands and the famous Phi Phi Islands. With abundant ferry services available, you can access many gorgeous islands, all within reasonable reach of a day trip.

What you can expect when traveling from Bangkok to Phuket

Considering that Bangkok and Phuket are separated by a distance of 676 km (422.5 miles) as the crow flies, flying is unquestionably the most practical way to arrive. 

Flights from Bangkok last a little over an hour. They may even give you a lovely view of the limestone karsts that characterize the region on your descent. These jungle-covered pillars of limestone are a unique geological feature that makes for some great pictures.

If you are absolutely committed to arriving in Phuket by land, you have a very long drive ahead of you — to the tune of 12 to 17 hours, depending on the operator. 

Sure, you will see Thailand's un-touristy side on your way down the peninsula. But most travelers are better off spending that extra half a day on one of Phuket's amazing beaches.

How to get from Bangkok to Phuket

A flight from Bangkok to Phuket is the overwhelmingly preferable option if it's within your budget. But if you want to travel by land, your choices range from minivans and cars to bus service. 

Here's a breakdown of each option:

By air

Flights to Phuket from Bangkok depart throughout the day, so you should be able to find one that matches your schedule. The flights take only 1.5 hours, which for most people is a much better option than a 12-hour car ride.

Of course, this option requires you to navigate to and from the airports. Bangkok has two different airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Be sure to choose the one closest to where you're staying to make getting there easier. 

On Phuket, the airport (HKT) is located in the northern reaches of the island, which means it will take a half hour or more to get down to the popular beaches in the south.

But that still beats a 12-hour drive! Additionally, tickets start around $30, so they aren't going to break the bank.

By bus

Buses are generally modern and comfortable, with air conditioning and restrooms. Prices start at $22. 

The length of the trip ranges from 12 to 17 hours, depending on the number of stops, so check the details with your operator as you book. Most buses travel overnight, saving you a night's accommodation.

Buses leave from several bus stations in Bangkok and, in a few instances, directly from the operator's offices. Since Bangkok is so massive, book the company with the departure point closest to where you are staying. 

Most buses arrive at the Phuket Bus Terminal on the outskirts of Phuket Town. To get to the famous beaches, you'll still have to get a taxi to cross the island.

Pro tip: Keep a light jacket or hoodie handy in case the air conditioning is pumping. Buses in Asia are infamous for freezing their passengers. 

When is the best time of year to visit Phuket?

Phuket's location results in mild weather for the majority of the year. 

The high season, from December through March, is a particularly great time to visit for sunny days at the beach.  Temperatures range between a comfortable 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 89°F) with lower than usual humidity.

The worst time to visit Phuket is in the early autumn, specifically September and the first half of October. This is when the monsoon season arrives, bringing wet weather and higher humidity. In most cases, this means an hour or two of passing showers daily, but multiple overcast days are common.

You should also note that if you've come to Phuket to go scuba diving in the amazing Similan Islands (and you should!), they are off-limits between May and October, as waves and weather are too rough for most dive boats — and divers!