Getting Around Phuket: Complete Transport Guide

Grab is the Uber equivalent in Southeast Asia and the most reliable transport option in Phuket. Download the app, link a credit card or use cash, and book a car or motorbike with a fixed price before you ride. No negotiating, no surprises.

Prices: Patong to Kata (15 km) costs 300–450 THB. Patong to Phuket Town (15 km) costs 350–500 THB. Patong to the airport (35 km) costs 500–800 THB. Prices surge during rain and late at night.

Important note: Grab availability in Phuket can be inconsistent, especially in less-touristed areas. During peak hours, waits of 5–15 minutes are normal. In areas like Rawai or Nai Harn, it may take longer to find a driver.

Phuket's tuk-tuks are red pickup trucks or small open-sided vehicles (not the three-wheelers you find in Bangkok). They are the most visible transport option but also the most expensive for the distance covered. Tuk-tuk prices are controlled by local driver associations, and prices are not negotiable in most tourist areas.

Typical prices: Within Patong: 200–300 THB. Patong to Karon: 400 THB. Patong to Kata: 500 THB. Patong to Phuket Town: 500–600 THB. Prices are per vehicle, not per person.

Tips: Always agree on the price before getting in. Tuk-tuks display official price cards — these are set minimums. After midnight, expect a 50–100% surcharge. Despite the high prices, tuk-tuks are useful for short trips when Grab is unavailable.

Songthaews are large blue open-backed trucks that run fixed routes between Phuket Town (departing from Ranong Road market) and the major beaches. They are the cheapest way to get around.

Routes & prices: Phuket Town to Patong: 40 THB. Phuket Town to Kata: 40 THB. Phuket Town to Karon: 40 THB. Phuket Town to Kamala: 40 THB. Phuket Town to Rawai: 30 THB.

Schedule: Songthaews run approximately 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, departing when full (every 20–30 minutes). There is no direct songthaew between beaches — you must transit through Phuket Town. This makes beach-to-beach trips slow (Patong to Kata via Phuket Town takes 90+ minutes).

The Smart Bus is Phuket's newest public transport addition — air-conditioned buses running the west coast from the airport to Rawai. Stops include Mai Khao, Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, and Rawai.

Prices: 50–170 THB depending on distance. Airport to Patong is 100 THB.

Schedule: Every 30–60 minutes from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM. Real-time tracking is available via the ViaBus app.

Verdict: The Smart Bus is excellent for north-south coastal travel but does not serve Phuket Town or the east coast. It is air-conditioned, clean, and accepts cash or Rabbit cards.

Motorbikes (110cc–150cc scooters) are available for rent on every tourist street for 200–350 THB per day. They are the most flexible and cheapest transport option — but also the most dangerous.

Safety reality: Motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries and deaths in Phuket. The hilly, winding roads; unpredictable traffic; lack of helmet enforcement; and inexperienced tourist riders create a high-risk combination. Phuket's roads are significantly more dangerous than most Western countries.

If you do rent: Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) with motorbike endorsement before your trip. Wear a proper helmet (not the thin ones provided — buy a better one for 600 THB). Check your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents (many policies exclude them). Avoid riding at night, in rain, and on unfamiliar hill roads.

Rental process: Shops ask for your passport as a deposit — never hand over your passport. Leave a cash deposit (2,000–5,000 THB) or a photocopy of your passport instead. Photograph the bike's existing damage before riding away.

Hiring a private driver for a full or half day is surprisingly affordable and eliminates all transport stress. A driver with a comfortable sedan or SUV costs 2,000–4,000 THB for a full day (8–10 hours). They will pick you up from your hotel, wait at each stop, and suggest local spots.

Where to book: Your hotel reception can arrange a driver. Online platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, and Local Alike also offer bookings. For a personal recommendation, ask other travelers in hostel common areas — word-of-mouth drivers are often the best value.

Self-drive car rental: International chains (Avis, Hertz, Budget) and local companies operate at the airport. Rates start at 800 THB/day for a compact car. You need an IDP. Driving is on the left side of the road. GPS navigation via Google Maps works well. Parking is easy outside Patong.

Drivers in numbered red or orange vests congregate at busy intersections and outside malls. They do short hops of 1–5 km for 50–150 THB. Useful for quick trips like getting from your hotel to the nearest beach or restaurant.

Safety: These rides are on the back of a motorbike, so the same safety concerns apply. Insist on a helmet. Not suitable for distances over 5 km or with luggage.

For beach hopping and island access, longtail boats and speedboats are the transport method. Longtails can be chartered at Rawai, Kamala, and Patong beaches for trips to nearby islands and beaches. Prices are negotiable: short hops (Rawai to Koh Bon) cost 1,500–2,500 THB per boat. Speedboat transfers to islands like Racha, Coral Island, and Phi Phi are available via tour operators from Chalong Pier and Rassada Pier.