Phuket travel guide
Getting Around Phuket: Transport Guide
From Phuket Airport to Patong, a metered taxi or Grab costs ฿650–900 and takes 45–60 minutes. Shared minivans are the budget option at ฿180–250, dropping at Patong hotels. Agree the fare or confirm the meter before you set off, and ignore the unmetered touts inside arrivals.
Arriving in Phuket
Nearest airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT), about 32km north of Phuket Town and the west-coast beaches
Metered taxi or Grab to Patong/Kata/Phuket Town costs ฿600–900 (45–70 minutes). The orange Airport Bus runs to Phuket Town for ฿100; shared minivans to the beaches are ฿180–250.
Getting around Phuket
- Grab (cars and bikes) is the easiest way between beaches and town — expect ฿150–400 per hop
- Songthaews (blue local buses) run Phuket Town to the main beaches for ฿40–50 but stop by early evening
- Scooter rental is ฿250–300/day — only with an international permit, helmet and real experience
- Longtail and speedboat trips to the islands leave from Chalong Pier and Rassada Pier
Also in thailand
how to get around Phuket — FAQs
How do I get from Phuket airport to Patong?
From Phuket Airport to Patong, a metered taxi or Grab costs ฿650–900 and takes 45–60 minutes. Shared minivans are the budget option at ฿180–250, dropping at Patong hotels. Agree the fare or confirm the meter before you set off, and ignore the unmetered touts inside arrivals.
Do I need a scooter in Phuket?
No — you can see Phuket without a scooter using Grab, songthaews and tour transfers. A scooter (฿250/day) gives freedom for the beaches and viewpoints, but Phuket’s hills, traffic and accident rates make it risky. Only ride with an international driving permit, a helmet and genuine experience.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.