Phuket Airport to Patong Beach: 5 Best Ways

The journey takes roughly an hour, sometimes less if traffic is light. It also depends on the transport option you choose, as some methods are faster and pricier than others.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach, the fastest option, and everything in between.

So whether you’re after convenience, budget-friendly transport, or a balance of both, you’ll know exactly how to get from the airport to your hotel without the stress.

If you haven’t decided where to stay yet, it’s worth considering all the different areas in Phuket before booking.

Phuket Smart Bus to Patong Beach

The most affordable and straightforward way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach is by hopping on the Phuket Smart Bus.

This comfortable local bus is fully air-conditioned, offers free Wi-Fi, and runs along Phuket’s west coast from the airport, making stops at popular beach destinations like Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata.

It’s a great option if you want a budget-friendly ride while also seeing a bit of the island.

A one-way ticket costs just 100 Baht (about 3 USD) per person, and you’ll need to pay in cash, so make sure you have some on hand or withdraw from an ATM at the airport.

There’s space on board for luggage, although it’s limited. Keep an eye on your bags during the journey, especially if the bus is busy, to make sure nothing accidentally goes missing before you reach Patong Beach.

Using Grab, Bolt, or InDrive from Phuket Airport

In Southeast Asia, Grab, Bolt, and InDrive are the go-to ride-hailing apps, working just like Uber. All three are reliable and convenient ways to get around Phuket without the hassle of negotiating taxi fares.

Simply open your app of choice, request a ride, and have a car take you from Phuket Airport straight to your hotel in Patong Beach. Y

ou can choose from different vehicle sizes, so whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, you’ll find options — some vans even fit up to 12 passengers.

Prices vary based on the type of vehicle and time of day, but you can generally expect to pay between 900 and 1,250 Baht (about 25 to 35 USD).

From my experience, Grab tends to have more drivers available, Bolt is often the cheapest, and InDrive lets you set your fare and negotiate with drivers, which can sometimes save you even more.

TIP: Grab, Bolt, and InDrive drivers are not allowed to enter Phuket Airport. You’ll need to exit the main terminal and walk to the main road to meet your driver.

Booking a Private Airport Transfer

The fastest and most hassle-free way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach is to pre-book a private airport transfer.

With this option, your driver will be ready and waiting for you upon arrival, holding a sign with your name. You can choose from regular sedans, spacious SUVs, vans, or even minibuses, so there’s a vehicle for every group size.

Private transfers typically cost between $20 and $50 USD, depending on the type of vehicle you select. They’re especially convenient if you’re traveling with family or carrying lots of luggage, as you’ll have the entire vehicle to yourself.

Your driver will have your flight information, so even if your plane is delayed, they’ll be there to meet you.

Important: Vehicles for private transfers can’t enter Phuket International Airport directly, so you’ll need to walk to the main road just outside the airport to meet your driver.

Taking a Taxi from Phuket Airport

Another convenient way to get to Patong is by taking one of the many licensed taxis waiting for tourists at Phuket International Airport.

Something important to know about the taxis at Phuket Airport is that a taxi mafia controls any vehicle departures from the airport.

So the only vehicles allowed to enter and leave the airport directly are taxis, among those that cooperate.

If you choose to take a taxi, please look for the registration to ensure it’s a licensed taxi.

A taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach will cost you 800 to 1,400 Baht, around $22 to $33 US. It depends on the time of the day and the driver.

TIP: Sometimes, they overcharge tourists, so stay firm on your price and be careful of taxi scams in Phuket!

Renting a Car at Phuket Airport

Renting a car from Phuket Airport is a great option for travelers who want the freedom to explore beyond Patong Beach.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, with plenty of hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, and cultural attractions worth discovering.

A rental car is efficient if you’re traveling with three or more people, as it often works out cheaper than multiple taxi rides.

Prices vary depending on the make and size of the vehicle, but always make sure to get insurance for peace of mind.

Driving around Phuket is relatively straightforward, and the island’s coastal roads offer stunning views along the way. With your own car, you can easily reach quieter, lesser-known spots that most tourists never see.

If you plan to rent, you can pick up your vehicle directly at Phuket International Airport, drive straight to Patong Beach, and use it throughout your trip.

TIP: Inspect the car thoroughly and take a quick video before leaving the lot to avoid disputes when returning it.

Phuket Airport Transfer Tips for Patong Beach

Those are all the different ways to get from Phuket International Airport to Patong Beach.

I’d advise you to keep in mind the tips I’ve shared for each transportation method to save money, avoid scams, and make your arrival stress-free.

Overall, Patong is centrally located on the island, and there are plenty of nearby beaches to explore, making it an excellent base for seeing more of Phuket.

Before you arrive, it’s worth checking out my Phuket cost guide to get a realistic idea of daily expenses and help you budget for your trip.

Whether you’re here for Phuket’s nightlife, the food, or the scenery, being prepared will make your time in Phuket even more enjoyable.