How to Get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak
Are you visiting Khao Lak and wondering how to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak? This transportation guide covers all four ways to get to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport!
Determine which of these four ways from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak best suits your travel needs.
I will include the cheapest, fastest way and a few tips regarding getting to Khao Lak from Phuket International Airport. The total distance of the trip is 82km and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Once you’re in Khao Lak, the town area is quite walkable, but if you choose to stay at a resort/hotel slightly north, you’ll need to rent a scooter or use Grab. You can also use the local transportation songthaew, shared taxi trucks driving around town.
No matter where you’re flying from into Phuket International Airport, use SkyScanner to save on flight costs!
Shared MiniVan Transfer
The cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by shared minibus.
These spacious shared minivan buses offer services from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak daily with two departure times, 9:30 am and 3:30 pm.
MiniVan buses fit a total of 10 passengers, and the buses are comfortable with aircon and room for your luggage. It’s 1 hour and 30 minutes from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak.
The total cost per passenger is around $17 US. Also, each passenger is permitted one piece of luggage with a weight of 20 kg.
If you have extra luggage, you will have to purchase another ticket for the minivan, or it might be best to consider other transportation options below!
Make sure to check in with your minivan driver 15 minutes before departure from the airport. So, as soon as you grab your luggage at the airport, head over to where you need to check-in.
Private Airport Transfer
The most convenient and comfortable way from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by pre-booking a private airport transfer.
A pre-booked private transfer means you’ll have a personal driver waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel in Khao Lak.
The service offers several vehicle types to choose from, so no matter your party size, they’ll be able to accommodate you and take you straight to your hotel in Khao Lak.
The cost of a Private Airport Transfer depends on your vehicle of choice. The cost is around $52 – $62 US, and you’ll have plenty of room for luggage!
No matter when you land at Phuket Airport or if your plane is late, your driver will wait for you, and flight details will be required. You can also ask for an English-speaking driver as a preference.
If you’re visiting Khao Lak with more than three people, it’s much better to take a Private Transfer than a shared van. At three people, it’s the same cost as the shared minivan, and it’s more comfortable and has more room for your luggage.
Grab
Grab is a popular ridesharing app in Southeast Asia, and it’s very convenient to use when getting around in Thailand.
Once you’ve landed at Phuket International Airport, you can pull up the app on your phone and order a vehicle size of your choice.
Grab offers many different vehicle sizes, so no matter your party size, there should be a vehicle size to accommodate you.
Prices for a Grab taxi will vary by the type of vehicle, time of day, and the current ride demand. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $65 US.
Grab is your best option if you haven’t made any reservations for your trip to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport.
However, if you’re reading this before landing at Phuket Airport, I’d recommend you pre-book one of the two transportation options above to Khao Lak before flying in.
Important TIP: Grab vehicles aren’t allowed to enter Phuket International Airport, meaning you MUST leave the main airport area and go to the main road to meet your Grab driver.
Don’t worry, it’s only 2-3 minutes from the exit door at Phuket Airport. Just take a left once you exit, walk for a minute, and you’ll notice the main road ahead.
Taxi
Another way to leave Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by taking one of the many taxis at Phuket International Airport, eager to take tourists where they need to go.
It is important to be aware of the taxi situation at Phuket Airport, as there is a system in place where a taxi mafia controls the taxi departures from the airport.
This means that only taxis affiliated with their cooperation are permitted to wait at the airport to provide passenger service.
This isn’t anything to worry about, and taking any of the taxis from Phuket Airport is fine, but you may have to negotiate with the taxi driver to agree on a fair price.
A taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak will cost you $50 – $65 US. It depends on the time of the day and the driver.
TIP: Watch out for dishonest taxi drivers who overcharge tourists. Beware of taxi scams in Thailand!
Things to Do in Khao Lak
Khao Sok Bamboo Rafting: This Full day tour offers a fun, action-packed day with many stops, including Khao Sok National Park, bamboo rafting, temple visits, and more!
Similan Islands Tour: The Similan Islands are famous for having some of the clearest waters in Thailand; also, the marine life here is spectacular. This early-bird tour makes sure you get there before the crowds!
Elephant/Sea Turtle Tour: This tour is perfect for those looking for a fun day with animals. On this Half day tour, you’ll enjoy the day bathing with elephants, explore the rainforests in the area, and visit a sea turtle conservation center
Full Day Temple Tour: Khao Lak is famous for its many stunning, well-known temples; on this temple tour, you’ll be sure to experience the best ones
ATV Jungle/Waterfall: Adventure seekers, this ATV tour is perfect for you. Ride ATVs through the jungles of Khao Lak as you discover various waterfalls
Cooking Tour: Join a group for a fun market/cooking tour as you tour a local market to pick up organic groceries and then learn how to cook four different Thai dishes
Where to Stay in Khao Lak
JW Marriott Resort & Spa: Privately located around the green forests and conveniently located right along the beach, the JW Marriott in Khao Lak offers a taste of paradise in a luxurious way
The Sands Khao Lak: Convenitally located by town with beachfront views, The Sands is known for its many amenities for both adults and kids
Kokotel Khao Lak Lighthouse: Located right along the beach, KoKotel is a beautiful modern mid-range beachfront hotel
WE Hostel Khao Lak: This dorm-style hostel is ranked the best hostel in town. It’s conveniently located along the main road near many restaurants & bars
Phuket Airport to Khao Lak – Final Thoughts
Well, those are all the ways to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak. See which of these transportation methods best works for you.
Transport services from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak aren’t as frequent compared to services from Phuket Airport to many beach areas in Phuket.
So, I’d recommend you make transportation reservations to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport before flying into Phuket Airport.
Khao Lak is a beautiful, serene beach destination famous for its stunning coastline and crystal-clear waters. Unlike other bustling tourist beach areas in Phuket, Khao Lak offers a more secluded laidback atmosphere. Making it ideal for those seeking a very relaxing holiday!
RELATED: 11 Cheapest Places in Thailand
How much does a taxi cost from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?
A taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak should cost you around $50 – $65 US per way. You may have to negotiate with the taxi driver.
How do I get from airport to Khao Lak?
You can either pre-book a shared minibus or private transfer; other options are to take a Grab/Taxi once you arrive at Phuket Airport.
What is the best way to get to Khao Lak?
Shared Minibus from the airport is a great option if it’s one or two people. Otherwise, a private airport transfer or taxi is the best way to get to Khao Lak.
Why is Khao Lak famous?
Khao Lak is most famous for its stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, and national park.
Unlike other popular beach tourist places in Thailand, the town isn’t as developed, offering a more remote and relaxing holiday.
Happy & Safe Travels
Planning Checklist
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- Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
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