How to Get from Bangkok to Phuket: 3 Best Ways
Are you trying to figure out how to get from Bangkok to Phuket? I’ve got you covered with this complete transportation guide.
Most international travelers visiting Thailand first go to Bangkok because of its main international airport, Suvarnabhumi Bangkok International Airport (BKK), a central airport hub for international travelers worldwide. The easiest way to get to Thailand is by flying into BKK.
Transportation prices vary from season to season. During the high season, prices are slightly higher due to the higher demand for travel to Phuket.
Fastest & Easiest Way from Bangkok to Phuket
The fastest way from Bangkok to Phuket is by plane from Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to Phuket International Airport (HKT).
For the cheapest domestic flights in Thailand, use SkyScanner.
Cheapest Way from Bangkok to Phuket
The cheapest way from Bangkok to Phuket is by bus from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mochi 2) to Phuket Bus Terminal 2.
Plane: Bangkok to Phuket
Out of all the transportation options, Bangkok to Phuket by air is the most convenient and fastest way to get to Phuket from Bangkok.
On average, there are about 54 flights departing from Bangkok going to Phuket daily.
The flight time for this trip is only 90 minutes, so before you know it, you’ll be landing at Phuket International Airport.
There are two different airports in Bangkok you can fly from to Phuket. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Bangkok’s main international airport, and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok’s domestic airport.
Distance wise from Bangkok’s city center both airports are similar in distance, neither airport is closer to Bangkok’s City Center.
Most of the flights daily to Phuket from Bangkok tend to leave the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), the largest airport in Bangkok, it’s the larger airport after all.
While BKK has more flights to Phuket, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is known for operating low-cost carrier airlines.
A few things to remember regarding flight prices: do your best to avoid flying on weekends, as it costs slightly more to fly from Bangkok to Phuket. Also, early morning or evening flights tend to be the cheapest.
When considering what flight to take, time, and date, don’t only focus on the price but also consider your convenience. I say that only because flights to Phuket from Bangkok don’t vary much in price.
COST: $20 – $40 US (one way)
Travel Time: 90 Minutes
How to Leave Phuket Airport
You’ve arrived at Phuket International Airport, and you’re now looking to leave the airport and head to where you will be staying on the island; here’s how to do just that!
Private Airport Transfer: The most convenient way is by private airport transfer; you will have a car waiting for you once you arrive and don’t have to worry about figuring anything out once you’re there! – PRICE: $30 – 45 US
GRAB: You can download the app and find a ride quickly. But to find your driver, you must exit the airport and take a left to walk to the MAIN road because GRAB drivers aren’t allowed to enter Phuket Airport – PRICE varies by time of day 600 – 800 Baht / $30 – $40 US
Phuket Smart Bus: This is the cheapest way to get to any area in Phuket from Phuket International Airport. This local bus travels from Phuket Airport along the coast of Phuket and stops at all the main beach areas in Phuket.
It leaves around every hour. Check the Schedule – PRICE: 100 Baht / 2.88 US.
Taxi @ Airport: Many taxis will try to gain your business once you arrive at Phuket Airport. You can take one, but I’d be careful with this option only because they tend to overcharge tourists. – PRICE: 1000 Baht / $40 US
Rent a Car: Another option is renting a car from Phuket Airport, an excellent idea for those exploring Phuket! – PRICE: Varies on vehicle and day amount
PHUKET AIRPORT TIP: Phuket Airport has a Taxi mafia. They operate a firm hold on taxis at the airport and are notorious for overcharging tourists for TAXI rides into Phuket. Again, you must leave the main airport area and go to the main road for any ride pickup other than an airport taxi.
Bus: Bangkok to Phuket
Those looking for the absolute cheapest way to get to Phuket from Bangkok, it’s by bus.
While this way may not be the most convenient because of the time, it does offer incredible scenery along the way.
On average, about 14 buses depart daily from Bangkok, heading towards Phuket. Buses leave Bangkok from Mochit 2 Terminal or Southern Bus Terminal.
Please check your ticket and know which bus terminal you’re departing from before going to either. Take the MRT or book a Grab Car to reach either bus terminal in Bangkok.
The travel time by bus is 12-14 Hours long, and you will arrive at either Thalang, Phuket Stop, or Phuket Bus Terminal 2 in Phuket.
At the halfway point of the trip, the bus will make a 30-minute pitstop for passengers to go to the washroom, buy snacks, water, etc. Before boarding, buy snacks from 711 and bring some entertainment, it’s a long journey.
Make sure to get to the Bus Station you’re departing from at least 60 Minutes before departure to complete the check-in process with the bus staff.
Once you arrive, you can take a taxi or order a Grab car on your phone to reach your final destination in Phuket. No matter the time of day you arrive, you can find a ride.
COST: $18 – $30 US
Travel Time: 12-14 Hours
Train & Bus: Bangkok to Phuket
There’s just something special about train travel anywhere in the world. The scenery one gets to experience during train travel is unbeatable. Trains tend to be a smoother ride than buses and are more spacious.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct train from Bangkok to Phuket. You will need to combine your trip by train with taking a bus.
After taking the train from Bangkok Train Station Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station to Surat Thani Station, you must take a bus to Phuket from Surat Thani Station.
Book Bangkok to Surat Thani Train Ticket
First-class train tickets offer a bed to sleep on, which is convenient for you to enjoy a relaxing ride for the first part of your journey to Phuket. The train takes 10 – 12 Hours to get to Surat Thani from Bangkok.
Once you’ve arrived at Surat Thani Station, you will board a mini-van/bus to continue your trip to Phuket. From Surat Thani station to Phuket Bus Terminal 1, it takes 4.5 Hours.
Book Surat Thani to Phuket Bus
This transportation option is less practical than the other two, but it’s an excellent idea for adventure seekers. As I mentioned, the best scenery comes when taking the train.
This route may be fun if you’re with a friend or partner. If you take this route, once you’re at Surat Thani Station, you can always take a taxi to Raja Ferry, take the ferry, and visit Koh Samui for a day or two.
After that, you can continue your journey to Phuket. Doing this will make taking this route worth it to Phuket!
COST: $21+ US for Train Ticket, $10 US for Bus Ticket
Travel Time: 12 – 16 Hours
Best Time to Visit Phuket
Phuket has two significant seasons: the dry and rainy seasons, also known by locals as the monsoon season.
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, from late November to April.
During the dry season in Phuket, you can look forward to hot, sunny weather daily with minimal to no rain and low humidity.
Dry Season in Phuket: November to April
The rainy season in Phuket is from May to October, sometimes even till mid-November.
If you visit during the rainy season, you will experience sunny weather but understand the chances of it raining are much higher. Also, humidity levels are increased during the monsoon/rainy season.
Rainy Season in Phuket: May to October
How to Get Around Phuket
Besides renting a scooter, here are the most efficient and cheapest ways to get around Phuket.
Phuket Smart Bus: This local white bus operates on the West side of the island, driving and stopping at all the popular beach areas, including Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata.
Each beach area has designated stops, so make sure to wait there. The bus stops around every hour and costs 100 Baht/$2.88 US – Check the Schedule
GRAB: Popular ride-sharing app you can download the app and find a ride quickly. It is safe, efficient, and one of the best ways to get around Phuket.
Song Taew (local Blue Bus): The local blue bus picks you up and drops you off anywhere you want along the route. Stand on the side of the road and wave for the driver to stop; once you’re at your destination, press the button and pay the driver 30-50 Baht (they’ll tell you).
It operates from Old Phuket Town and outwards from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and frequents each route approximately every 30 minutes (sometimes slightly longer).
Tuk-Tuk/Taxi: The fastest way to get around Phuket is by taking one of the many red tuk-tuks you can spot all over the island, and remember to negotiate!
How can I travel from Bangkok to Phuket?
You can fly, take a bus, or take a combination of a train and bus. The best and easiest way is to fly to Phuket from Bangkok.
How far is Bangkok from Phuket by plane?
The flight time is 1 hour and a half at a distance of 844 KM.
How far is Bangkok to Phuket by train?
It takes around 13 to 16 hours, and you must take a train and then take a bus. There’s no direct train from Bangkok to Phuket.
What is the best way to travel from Phuket to Bangkok?
By plane, it only takes 1 hour and a half, and with two international airports in Bangkok offering many flights to Phuket daily, it’s convenient.
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
- Find the best Hotels/Resorts
- Book a Vacation Home Rental
- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
- Find the best Hostels
- Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
- Get Travel Insurance when traveling
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.
We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!
