Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: 5 Best Ways

Are you visiting Khao Lak and wondering how to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

This complete transportation guide covers all five best ways to travel between Phuket International Airport (HKT) and Khao Lak, helping you choose the option that fits your budget, schedule, and comfort level.

Whether you’re looking for the cheapest way from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak, the fastest route, or the most convenient transfer, you’ll find all the details here, plus insider tips to make your journey smooth.

The total distance is roughly 82 km (51 miles) and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

Once you arrive in Khao Lak, the main town area is walkable, but if you’re staying at a resort farther north, you may want to rent a scooter, use Grab, or hop on the local songthaew shared taxis that cruise the area.

Travel Tip: No matter where you’re flying from to Phuket, search flights on Skyscanner to find the best deals and save money before your trip.

Shared Minivan Transfers (Budget-Friendly Option)

The most affordable way to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by taking a shared minivan transfer. These comfortable, air-conditioned minibuses run daily from Phuket International Airport, with two scheduled departures at 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

Each minivan seats up to 10 passengers and has space for standard luggage, making it a budget-friendly yet convenient choice for solo travelers and couples.

The journey takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, covering the 82 km (51 miles) between the airport and Khao Lak without unnecessary stops.

Fares are typically 550 Baht per person, and each ticket includes one piece of luggage up to 20 kg. If you have extra bags, you’ll need to purchase an additional ticket or consider one of the other transport options below that are better suited for heavy luggage.

Tip: Arrive at the designated meeting point and check in with the driver at least 15 minutes before departure. Once you’ve collected your bags at Phuket Airport, head directly to the check-in counter to avoid missing your ride.

Private Airport Transfer (Fastest & Most Comfortable)

The most convenient and comfortable way to travel from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by booking a private airport transfer in advance.

With this option, a dedicated driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals area, ready to take you directly to your hotel in Khao Lak, no waiting for other passengers or unnecessary stops.

Private transfers are available in a range of vehicle types, from standard sedans to spacious vans, making them ideal for couples, families, or groups.

The cost typically ranges from 1,900 to 2,300 THB (about $52–$62 USD), and you’ll have ample space for luggage.

Your driver will monitor your flight, so even if your plane is delayed, they’ll be there when you land. You can also request an English-speaking driver when booking.

Tip: If you’re traveling with three or more people, a private transfer often works out to be the same cost per person as the shared minivan — but with far more comfort and privacy.

Grab & Ride-Hailing Apps

Grab is one of the most popular ridesharing apps in Southeast Asia and is a convenient option for getting from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak without booking in advance.

Once you’ve landed, simply open the app, select your vehicle size, and your driver will be on the way. Grab offers multiple vehicle categories, making it easy to find one that suits your group size and luggage needs.

In addition to Grab, Bolt, and inDrive also operate in Phuket and can sometimes offer lower fares, especially during off-peak hours. Bolt is known for competitive pricing, while inDrive allows you to set your own fare and negotiate with drivers directly, which can be helpful if you’re traveling a long distance, like Phuket to Khao Lak.

Prices for these ride-hailing services typically range from 1,800 to 2,300 THB (about $50–$65 USD), depending on the app, vehicle type, time of day, and ride demand.

Important Tip: Ride-hailing drivers are not allowed to enter Phuket International Airport’s pick-up zone. You’ll need to exit the terminal, turn left, and walk about 2–3 minutes to the main road to meet your driver. This applies to Grab, Bolt, and inDrive.

While these apps are great for flexibility, if you know your arrival time in advance, you may still get better rates and guaranteed availability by pre-booking a private transfer or shared minivan.

Taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

Another straightforward way to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by taking one of the official airport taxis waiting outside the terminal.

These taxis are always ready for arriving passengers, making them a convenient choice if you haven’t booked transport in advance.

It’s worth noting that Phuket International Airport operates under a taxi cooperative system, often referred to as the “taxi mafia”. Which means only registered taxis are allowed to pick up passengers at the airport.

While this might sound intimidating, it’s nothing to worry about; these taxis are licensed and safe. However, you may still need to negotiate the fare to ensure you’re paying a fair price.

The typical fare from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is around 1,800–2,300 THB (approximately $50–$65 USD), depending on the time of day, vehicle size, and traffic conditions.

Tip: As in many tourist destinations, some drivers may attempt to overcharge. To avoid taxi scams in Phuket, confirm the price before starting your journey. If you’re unsure what’s fair, compare it with ride-hailing app quotes from Grab, Bolt, or inDrive.

Car Rental for Phuket to Khao Lak

If you prefer the freedom to travel at your own pace, renting a car is a great way to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak and explore the surrounding region.

Driving yourself means you can stop at beaches, viewpoints, or small towns along the way without relying on fixed schedules.

Car rental companies are available directly at Phuket International Airport, offering everything from compact sedans to SUVs.

Rates typically start around 1,000–1,200 THB per day (about $28–$33 USD), depending on the vehicle type, rental length, and insurance coverage.

The drive from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is straightforward, following Highway 402 north before merging onto Highway 4. Roads are in good condition, and the scenic route takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, passing through lush greenery and coastal stretches.

Important Tip: Before driving off, take a detailed video and photos of the entire car, both exterior and interior. This is a simple precaution to protect yourself from potential disputes when returning the vehicle.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon in Thailand (and many other countries) for rental companies, both car and motorbike, to claim a scratch or dent was caused by you, even if it was there before. Having clear proof will help you avoid unnecessary charges and give you peace of mind.

Travel Time & Distance from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

The distance from Phuket International Airport to Khao Lak is roughly 82 km (51 miles), and the journey typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes under normal traffic conditions.

From the airport, you’ll head north on Highway 402, cross the scenic Sarasin Bridge into Phang Nga province, and then merge onto Highway 4, which follows the coast to Khao Lak.

While the route is straightforward, travel time can vary depending on traffic, weather, and the number of stops along the way.

During peak tourist season or local holidays, expect the trip to take closer to 1 hour 45 minutes.

Final Tips for Traveling from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

Getting from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is straightforward once you know your options, whether you choose the speed and comfort of a private transfer, the value of a shared minivan, or the flexibility of a taxi.

Travel times average 75–90 minutes, and costs range from budget-friendly shared rides at around 400–500 THB to private transfers starting at 1,800+ THB.

By the way, if you’re planning your journey to Khao Lak as part of a longer holiday to Phuket as well, it’s worth checking out this Phuket trip cost guide to understand better daily expenses, accommodation ranges, and how transportation fits into your budget.

For most travelers, booking a private transfer in advance offers the best balance of convenience and reliability, especially if you’re arriving late or with luggage.

If you’re still planning your trip, you might also want to check my guide on getting around Thailand or browse my Phuket itinerary for ideas on making the most of your time before heading north to Khao Lak.