How to travel from BANGKOK to PHUKET

Phuket is a stunning destination and today, we share how to travel from Bangkok to Phuket, so you can relax and unwind on a beautiful beach after exploring the Big Mango.

How to travel from Bangkok to Phuket

How to go from Bangkok to Phuket by Bus

Getting to Phuket from Bangkok by bus is definitely possible and the most affordable option. But be aware that the travel time is long and bumpy. The journey will take around 15 hours, and the bus ticket will cost about $23 per person. There are plenty of stops along the way to stretch your legs, go to the toilet, and have some snacks or a proper warm meal.

The bus companies operating this route are Sombat Tour and Transport Co. The bus has a USB port for charging your phone and provides blankets and a free meal. You must book your ticket in advance if you’re visiting during the peak season. The bus leaves at Sombat Bus Station near Wachirabenchathat Park. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart.

How to get to Phuket from Bangkok by Air

Air travel is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Phuket from Bangkok. It is more expensive than a bus but much quicker and more convenient. If you have a lot of luggage, you might have to pay an extra fee compared to the bus option.

The flight ticket will cost between $35-$150 for a one-way trip, depending on your luggage and airline preference. The flight only takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The airlines operating this route are Vietjet, Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile. 

Phuket is such a popular destination in Thailand. There are at least 30 flights between these two cities, where flights leave almost every hour from BKK (Suvarnabhumi Airport) and DMK airports (Don Mueang Airport).

How to Get From Bangkok to Surat Thani to Phuket By Bus/Minivan

If you want to add an extra city to your Thailand trip, you can take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani before you reach Phuket. Surat Thani is famous for its stunning hidden lagoons and glorious beaches, and its shallow shorelines offer a fantastic snorkeling spot. 

The journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani will take 11 hours and cost $18 per person. Transport Co. provides the bus service, and it leaves from the Southern Terminal. The bus is generally comfortable, but it might be a challenging drive if you’re a bit taller than average. Spend a few days in the beautiful Surat Thani before you head and continue your trip down to Phuket.

There’s a minivan service by Phantip that will take you to Phuket from Surat Thani; it’s a 4-hour and 30 minutes drive. The minivan ticket is around $10 and leaves from Phantip Office on Talad Mai Road.

How to Get From Bangkok to Surat Thani to Phuket By Air and Minivan

There’s also a faster way to get to Surat Thani from Bangkok. You can book a direct flight with a journey of about an hour and 15 minutes. The ticket costs around $25 to $45 for one way via Vietjet or Thai Smile.

Vietjet is a budget airline and only allows you to bring a cabin bag free of charge. Thai Smile is the budget airline of Thai Airways, but most domestic flight includes a free checked bag for up to 44 lbs (20 kg). And then you can get to Phuket from Surat Thani by minivan. The journey is less than 5 hours and only costs $10 per person.

How to Get from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach

Phuket International Airport is 20.5 miles north of Phuket Town. There are two ways to get from the airport to the town. The most convenient and fastest is the airport taxi, the fare is around $25-$30. A cheaper option is the airport bus which goes every hour, but later at night, the buses are less frequent. The ticket costs $4 per person.

The distance between the airport and Patong Beach is around 19 miles. The taxi and airport bus costs the same. There are a lot of solo travelers arriving at Phuket Airport, you can check if anyone wants to share a taxi if you are going to the same area as well.

Grab works in Phuket but is not allowed to operate at the airport. The airport’s taxi meters are reliable since they must adhere to the airport’s policy. Make sure that the driver turns on the meter before starting the journey to ensure you don’t overpay. There are also set rates if you’re going to a popular area. You can purchase a “taxi ticket” where it shows your destination and the fixed cost of the ride.

Things to know before you go to Phuket

Where to stay in Phuket

If you are on a budget and don’t mind sharing space with other travelers, Capsule Bed Phuket is an excellent choice when it comes to affordability. It’s also known for its cleanliness and superb location. Another budget-friendly option is The Arbern Hotel, where you can have your own private room and bathroom at an affordable price. It has an onsite bistro restaurant as well.

For those who can spend a bit more but still reasonably priced, The Memory at On On Hotel is right downtown but offers a quiet atmosphere and colonial interior design. Ritsutin Boutique Hotel features modern and stylish rooms with spacious beds. It’s praised for its cleanliness and access to the roof that overlooks the city of Phuket. On the other hand, if you want to be by the beach, Hotel Tide is the one for you. There’s an optional breakfast if you need that, but what makes it even more remarkable is the outdoor pool that faces the stunning ocean.

For those who want to splurge a bit, perhaps you are on your honeymoon or wedding anniversary, Sinae Phuket is located on the edge of the peninsula, facing the beach, and surrounded by trees for privacy. At the same time, Island Escape features multiple magical outdoor pools with private bungalows attached. There’s a fantastic buffet breakfast, including a free boat transfer for your convenience. Finally, Courtyard by Marriott is located in the heart of Phuket, right next to the remarkable Surin Circle Clock Tower. Guests can enjoy a tasty buffet breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool, a great fitness center, and an onsite bar and restaurant.

Best things to do in Phuket

Helpful Resources

Travel essentials:

• We LOVE this camera for our travel photography.
• For a cheap, easy and compact camera, we use this to vlog and take photographs. 
• We use this travel drone (but make sure to check drone laws in your chosen destination first). 
• This is our favourite travel insurance because it covers so many activities and travel situations that could arise on longer trips but also offer year coverage.

What to pack

• No matter where we travel to, I always take these trusty hand sanitizers and a mini first aid kit. 
• We love these toiletry bags (especially great for smaller bathrooms) and choose a laptop bag like this as our hand luggage. 
• We keep our devices charged on long travel days with these lightweight battery packs and bring these worldwide travel adaptors on all our trips. 
• I still struggle not to overpack so stick to using an expandable suitcase like these and always take my trusty luggage scales to avoid being charged at the airport. 

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