How to Get Around Phuket: 6 Best Ways
Are you planning your first trip to Phuket and trying to figure out how to get around Phuket? This transportation guide covers all your options on the island.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, making it essential to become familiar with getting around Phuket during your visit.
While the beach areas in Phuket are small towns that offer everything you need and are walkable, allowing you to stay in one area without needing transportation, there is so much to do, see, and explore on the island. You’ll want to take full advantage of all that Phuket has to offer during your stay!
Grab & Bolt
Starting with the most convenient way to get around Phuket: Grab and Bolt.
Both are popular ride-sharing apps in Southeast Asia and are very easy to use. Simply download the app, fill in your details and payment information, and request a ride to your location. If you’re familiar with Uber, you’ll find that these apps operate similarly.
Keep in mind that pricing can fluctuate throughout the day based on demand, traffic, and other factors.
You can also request different vehicle sizes on the app depending on your party size. For solo travelers, requesting a motorbike is the most affordable option available.
Grab is significantly more popular, with more drivers readily available. While Bolt can be convenient and sometimes cheaper, you may experience longer wait times due to fewer drivers operating on the app.
Songthaew (Blue Bus)
If you’ve traveled around Thailand, you’re likely familiar with songthaews as a popular form of transportation. The word translates to “two rows” in Thai, referring to the vehicle’s interior design, which features two rows of seating.
In Phuket, the songthaew is also known as the blue bus, serving as a local transportation option.
These blue buses operate out of Old Phuket Town and head to various areas on the island and vice versa. They operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and cost 30-50 Baht, depending on where you’re going.
First, decide which direction you want to go: do you want to visit Old Phuket Town or somewhere else? If it’s the latter, you’ll need to take the bus to Old Phuket Town from your current location and then transfer to another blue bus from there.
To catch the blue bus, simply stand on a main road in your area and wait. When you see it approaching, wave your hand to signal the driver to stop. Make sure you’re catching the bus going in the right direction for your destination!
If you’d like to stop and get off the bus, there’s a button on the bus that sounds a horn to the driver, and they’ll stop, and you can hop off.
The blue bus is the most affordable way to get around the island. While it’s not complicated, it may not be as straightforward as other transportation options.
Phuket Smart Bus
Operating along the island’s west coast, the Phuket Smart Bus runs from Phuket International Airport to Rawai Beach, with plenty of stops along the way at the main beach areas, such as Kata, Karon, Kamala, and Patong.
There are designated stops for the Phuket Smart Bus on the street. You’ll need to find the nearest stop on the website and head there; the bus costs 100 Baht.
The bus operates from 9:00 AM until midnight, but be sure to check the timetable to confirm!
Make sure you’re standing on the correct side of the road. Decide if you want to go towards Phuket Airport or Rawai Beach. The drivers stop at each designated point, so ensure you get off at your stop!
The name of this bus says it all—it’s a modern vehicle equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, offering a more comfortable ride than the blue bus.
Taxi & TukTuk
Another popular way to get around Phuket is by using the abundant white taxis or red truck-style tuk-tuks that operate across the island.
Both options are convenient, as you’ll find taxis and tuk-tuks operating throughout most hours of the day and night, especially in busy areas.
When using taxis or tuk-tuks, be prepared to negotiate the fare. It’s a common practice, though there have been reports of tourist scams in Phuket.
To secure a fair price, follow this tip: Check the Grab app for a price quote, then add 50 Baht to that amount. Use this as your negotiation target with the driver.
The extra 50 Baht accounts for the convenience of immediate service and incentivizes the driver to accept your price. Without an added 50 Baht , you might often receive a “no,” though not always.
The tuk-tuks in Phuket are much different than the ones you may be used to in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, which only fit two people. In Phuket, the tuk-tuks are these red trucks that can fit up to six people, so they’re very convenient if you’re with your family or a group of friends!
Rent a Scooter or Car
For those visiting Phuket solo or with a partner, a popular way to get around is by renting a scooter from one of the many rental shops on the island.
Costs for renting a scooter in Phuket range from 150 to 1,300 Baht per day depending on the model of the motorbike.
A few important things to keep in mind: you must have an international driving license that states you can operate a motorbike. If you’re caught without one, you will be fined between 500 and 1,000 Baht.
There are many random police checkpoints on the island targeting tourists without an international driver license, so be aware of this.
Some rental shops may rent you a scooter even if you don’t have the proper paperwork, but it’s best to visit Phuket with the necessary documents if you plan to rent a scooter.
If you’re visiting with your family, renting a car is a great alternative. This way, you can explore the island at your own pace, and the roads in Phuket are easy to navigate.
Guided Tours
Most the day excursions and tours you’ll book and experience offer included transportation from your hotel and back to your hotel.
This makes things very convenient for those looking to experience Phuket without having to get around themselves!
You’ll be picked up in a large white van along with other passengers and taken to your tour destination. These vans are comfortable, equipped with air conditioning, and offer plenty of room for everyone.
Phuket Airport to Hotel
There are many ways to get to your hotel from Phuket Airport, you can use many of the transportation methods mentioned above.
For last-minute arrivals, Grab is a convenient choice. However, you’ll need to exit the airport, turn left, and walk to the main road to meet your driver, as they can’t pick up passengers directly at the airport exit.
For those on a budget, use the Phuket Smart Bus to get to your beach area and then walk to your hotel from there.
For a stress-free and convenient option, booking a Private Airport Transfer is ideal. With this service, a driver will be waiting to take you directly to your hotel.
How do tourists get around Phuket?
There are numerous ways to get around Phuket, including ride-sharing apps like Grab or Bolt, taxis, public transportation buses, scooter rentals, and guided tours.
Can I use Grab in Phuket?
Yes you can, Grab is available around the entire island of Phuket.
Is public transport good in Phuket?
It’s not the greatest, but it’s good for island standards. There’s two types of buses offers as public transportation in Phuket, the blue bus and Phuket smart bus.
Are Tuk-Tuks expensive in Phuket?
Prices are higher in Phuket for tuk-tuks than anywhere else in Phuket, that’s because the island is known for being the most expensive place to visit in Thailand.
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