How To Get From Phuket Airport To Kata Beach
This in-depth guide covers the best transportation options from Phuket Airport to Kata Beach, for all travel budgets.
Anytime you land at a new airport, navigating yourself out of the airport to your hotel can be stressful. Don’t stress; leaving Phuket International Airport is very easy at any time of the day.
I usually pre-book an airport transfer or use Grab when I visit Phuket; I enjoy the peace of mind!
Once you arrive at Kata Beach, the area is walkable. You can get to the beach, restaurants, and shops by walking around, you won’t need any transportation.
If you plan to visit other areas in Phuket, you can use public transportation, take a taxi, use Grab, or rent a scooter.
No matter where you’re flying from into Phuket International Airport, use SkyScanner to find the best flight deals!
Phuket Smart Bus
The best and cheapest way to travel to Kata Beach is by taking the Phuket Smart Bus from the airport.
This local bus has air conditioning and is comfortable. It travels along the island’s west coastline, stopping at all the popular beach areas.
It costs 100 Baht (2.88 US) per person to take the bus. Make sure to have cash on hand or withdraw from the airport ATM.
As you board the bus, it will continuously stop at other beach areas, such as Surin Beach, Kamala Beach, Karon, and others, before arriving at Kata Beach.
On the bus, there’s a section for your luggage; keep an eye out for your bags so no one accidentally takes your luggage when deboarding the bus. Also, the luggage room is limited, keep that in mind.
The bus will stop at Kata Night Plaza, and you can then go to your hotel from there! If your plane lands late or in the middle of the night, you won’t be able to use the bus, and the last bus leaves Phuket Airport at 10:30 PM.
The Phuket Smart Bus is the only affordable way to leave the airport, and it can get crowded sometimes.
I wouldn’t recommend taking it if you visit with your family, a private car would be a better idea!
Above is the Phuket Smart Bus timetable, though I recommend you check the official website for an updated schedule, they update it frequently!
Ridesharing Apps
Grab or Bolt are ride-sharing apps that are convenient and easy to use to get around Phuket.
Once you’ve landed at Phuket Airport, you can pull up your app and order a car to pick you up.
No matter your party size, you can request different vehicles for pickup on Grab and Bolt; some vans can fit up to 12 passengers.
Prices for your private ride will vary by the type of vehicle, demand, and the time of day. Expect to pay between 900 and 1,250 Baht, around $25 to $35 US.
Both apps are great. Grab is more reliable when trying to find a ride, but Bolt tends to be cheaper. From the airport, I’d recommend you use Grab for ease of arrival!
It’s essential to know that Grab or Bolt cars aren’t allowed to enter Phuket Airport. This means you must leave the airport and go to the main road to meet your Grab or Bolt driver.
As you exit the airport, take a left and keep walking straight until you get to the main road. There, you’ll be able to meet your driver.
Private Airport Transfer
The most convenient and best way to leave Phuket Airport and get to your hotel in Kata Beach is by pre-booking a private airport transfer.
This way, you’ll have a driver waiting for you in the vehicle of your choice, and once you arrive, you won’t have to do anything!
With many vehicle types to choose from, no matter your party size, they’ll be able to accommodate you and take you straight to your hotel in Phuket.
The price for your Private Airport Transfer to Kata Beach depends on your vehicle of choice. The cost is around $30 to $40 US, and you’ll have plenty of room for luggage!
No matter when you land or if your plane is late, your driver will wait for you, and flight details will be asked. You can also ask for an English-speaking driver as a preference.
Important TIP: You must leave the airport and walk to the main road for your pick-up; vehicles can’t enter Phuket International Airport.
Taxi
Another way to get to Kata Beach is by taking one of the many taxis waiting at Phuket International Airport, ready to take tourists all over the island.
Something important to know about the taxis at Phuket Airport is that a taxi mafia controls departures from the airport. So the only vehicles allowed to leave the airport directly are taxis amongst those who cooperate.
A taxi from Phuket Airport to Kata Beach will cost you 1,000 to 1,400 Baht, around $28 – $40 US.
TIP: Sometimes, taxi drivers will overcharge tourists, so stay firm on your price and be careful of taxi scams in Phuket!
Rent a Car
Lastly, you can rent a car at Phuket Airport. Phuket is a large island, and you’ll most likely end up keeping your rental for your stay in Phuket, especially if you’re visiting with a family.
The price for your vehicle will depend on the size and make. Make sure you get insurance with your rental!
Driving around Phuket is easy to navigate and picturesque, to say the least, so renting a car on the island to leave the airport to Kata Beach and keeping the rental for your stay is an excellent idea!
TIP: Check the car’s condition and take a quick video to avoid complications when returning the vehicle.
You can use this guide to leave Phuket Airport and get to any of the popular areas on the island, not just Kata Beach!
Kata Beach is an excellent area to stay in Phuket. It has one of the best beaches, and the area is walkable, full of shops and restaurants, and has plenty of things to do!
Another bonus to staying in Kata Beach is Karon Beach is right next door, only minutes away from Kata, another popular beach area worth visiting!
A taxi to Kata Beach from Phuket Airport is 1,000 to 1,400 Baht, $28 to $40 US.
Kata Beach is about 47 km from Phuket International Airport. Depending on traffic, the drive usually takes 40 to 50 minutes.
Yes, you can, there is a designated area for luggage on the Phuket Smart Bus. But the room is limited, with one piece of luggage per passenger.
There are a few ways to get to Kata Beach from Phuket Airport, but the Phuket Smart Bus is the cheapest way. Grab or a Taxi are also great ways to get from Phuket Airport to Kata Beach.
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