Phuket Airport to Patong Beach: 5 Best Ways
Are you trying to find out how to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach? I’ve got you covered. Here are the five best ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach!
It takes around 1 hour to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach, sometimes less, depending on the traffic on the island.
I’ll be covering with you the cheapest way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach, the fastest way, and everything you need to know about leaving Phuket Airport and getting to Patong Beach.
Phuket Smart Bus
The cheapest and most convenient way to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach is to take the Phuket Smart Bus.
This convenient local bus is fully air-conditioned with wifi. It operates along Phuket’s west coast from the airport and drives along the island’s western coast, stopping at all the main beach areas such as Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata!
Taking the bus one way costs 100 Baht, $3 US) per person. You must pay cash, so bring cash with you or withdraw some at the airport ATM.
There’s room on the bus for luggage, but the space is limited. Another point to keep in mind is to watch your luggage; the last thing you want is someone leaving the bus with your luggage!
The bus will arrive at the main bus stop in Patong, and once you arrive, you can make your way to your hotel from there.
Remember that if your plane is scheduled to arrive late at night, you won’t be able to use the smart bus, and the last bus leaves Phuket Airport at 11:30 PM.
The Phuket Smart Bus can get crowded at times, especially during the high season months, after all, it is the only affordable way to leave Phuket Airport.
If you’re visiting in a group or with your family, I wouldn’t recommend taking the Smart Bus; it’s worth getting a Private Airport Transfer instead!
Above is the Phuket Smart Bus timetable, though I recommend you check the official website for an updated schedule!
TIP: When in Phuket, if you want to visit many of the other beautiful beaches, using the Phuket Smart Bus is the best way to get there!
Grab or Bolt Apps
In Southeast Asia, Grab and Bolt are popular ride-sharing apps that operate exactly like Uber. They are both very convenient and easy ways to get around Phuket.
Pull up the app of your choice on your phone, and order a car to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Patong Beach.
You can request different vehicle sizes from the app, so even if you’re visiting in a group or with your family, vans on the app fit up to 12 passengers.
The prices for your private ride will vary by your vehicle choice and the time of day. Expect to pay anywhere from 900 to 1,250 Baht, around $25 to $35 US.
I’ve used both apps countless times in Phuket, and the only difference is Grab tends to have more drivers at all times, but Bolt’s rides are cheaper!
TIP: Grab or Bolt cars aren’t allowed to enter Phuket Airport, meaning you MUST leave the main airport and go to the main road to meet your Grab or Bolt driver.
Private Airport Transfer
The best and fastest way to leave Phuket Airport and go to Patong Beach is by booking a private airport transfer in advance.
With a private airport transfer, you’ll have a driver waiting for your arrival with your vehicle of choice.
From regular economy vehicles to SUVs, vans, and buses, no matter your party size, there’s a vehicle size to accommodate your party size and take you straight to your hotel!
The cost can be around $20 to $50 US for your airport transfer, depending on your vehicle of choice. The best part is you’ll have plenty of room for luggage!
Your driver will have your flight details, so no matter when your plane lands and you arrive, your driver will be waiting for you.
Important Notice: You must leave the airport and walk to the main road for your pick-up; vehicles can’t enter Phuket International Airport, unfortunately.
Taxi at 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, amongst those who 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!
Rent a Car
Renting a car from Phuket Airport is a great idea for adventurous visitors. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and there’s an abundance to explore here!
A car rental will be convenient if you’re visiting with three or more people, including yourself.
The rental price for your vehicle depends on the make and size of the car. By the way, make sure you get insurance on your rental.
Not only is it easy to navigate around the island, but it’s also picturesque, and with a car, you can visit some of the lesser-known beaches.
Renting a car on the island to leave the airport to Patong Beach and using the rental during your visit is a great idea!
TIP: Check the car’s condition and take a quick video to avoid complications when returning the vehicle.
Phuket Airport to Patong Beach — Final Thoughts
Those are all the different ways to get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach. I’d advise you to keep in mind the few tips I’ve shared regarding each transportation method!
Overall, Patong is centrally located on the island, and there are many other nearby beaches to visit from Patong, so you’ll be in a convenient area to see plenty of the island!
If you’re visiting Phuket and aren’t a beach person, consider staying in Old Phuket Town instead of Patong!
Expect to pay 800 to 900 Baht for a taxi from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach, around $22 to $24 US.
The cheapest way to leave Phuket Airport is the Phuket Smart Bus.
Yes, you can get a Grab from Phuket Airport, but you must leave and go to the main road because Grab drivers aren’t allowed to enter Phuket Airport.
It’s best to come prepared, however there’s many taxis waiting to take visitors to their hotels
Happy & Safe Travels
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