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Getting Around Phuket, Thailand

Globetrotter

02 Feb 2023 - 8 min read

Phuket is famous for pristine beaches, vivid and bustling nightlife that you don’t wanna miss, as well as luxurious beach resorts overlooking the bay. Due to its hilly surface, high cliffs, and narrow roads with sharp turns, most residents own cars or motorcycles which they use to navigate this terrain with experience and familiarity. Traveling by bicycle, unlike Bangkok or Chiang Mai, is next to impossible since it would be too dangerous.

Other than rental cars (with or without drivers), there are other ways you can get to the attractions and see the sights. If you book a tour or plan a visit to popular attractions such as elephant camps or night shows, you may ask the venue for details on their transfer service. As for day to day transport, check out these methods of transportation for your trip to the gorgeous island of the Phuket.

Transportation in Phuket

Most travelers may make use of the local taxis, the minibus and smart bus, songthaew car (another type of bus converted from a regular pickup truck), and tuk tuks. We recommend that you ask the hotel for the appropriate price range.

Car Rental

Rent a car at Traveloka: With no trains to get you from point A to point B like in Bangkok and local small buses that have no obvious timetable and price, the best option out there is to get a rental car. With Traveloka, you can get a rental car with set time for your journey, you can choose the right model for your group, and you can even see the prices beforehand! Check out Traveloka to see the prices for your dates and see what cars are available.

Advantages of renting a car at Traveloka: Without a car it is tricky to get around and plan a trip in Phuket, let alone set a schedule. With a car, you can just drive around whenever you want using a navigation app and visit the attractions and historical sites without having to wait for the shared taxi (songthaew) that you need to ask personally for prices and routes, or try to ward off tuk tuks that will try to be your tour guide. Not only can the communication be difficult if you don’t speak Thai, but it’s also easy to get lost if you’re not sure where the stops of the buses are.

Rent a Car in Phuket

Taxis

Fares: The fares depend on the distance and only the distance. It usually starts from 50 THB (1.36 USD) for 2 km., and you can see the price on the meter just like taxis in other countries. The driver may ask for a few hundred Baht price and skip using the meter. Insist on referring to the meter only unless it is a chartered car by the hotel or a special service to sightsee the island. Alternatively, you can also download other ride-hailing apps so that you can see the price beforehand or order a more certain ride using your credit card (or cash).

Advantages: Taxis are private, air-conditioned, and available at all times. One advantage of taxis is that you can also ask for their contact and arrange a time for them to pick you up next time.

Smart Bus

What is smart bus: Smart Bus is a service between the airport, beaches, and major areas of Phuket. It is a good choice if you’re just arriving in Phuket or if your hotels are in the areas surrounding Laguna, Kata, Karon, Patong, and Rawai.

Routes: They pick up and drop off passengers from Phuket Airport, Laguna, Kata, Karon, Patong, and Rawai. This is the west side of the island only, not including other beaches. You can check the schedule of the buses at Phuket Smart Bus.

Fares: They cost a flat fare of 100 THB (2.75 USD) regardless of how long you ride the bus. Children under 7 years old can ride for free. Keep in mind that they will not give you change, so prepare the 100 Baht banknote with you. You can also buy a rabbit card that works with the BTS Skytrain in Bangkok as well and top off the money at restaurants and shops. The 3-day card costs 499 THB (13.57 USD) and can be kept for 5 years, same as the normal Phuket rabbit card (a different type from rabbit card you use in Bangkok, but can be used interchangeably too if you plan to visit the capital city).

Songthaew

What is Songthaew: Songthaew mini buses or “blue vehicles” are generally pickup trucks with roofs and two long benches at the back for passengers to sit in a long row. When you want to get off or get on, just call out or pull the buzzer (or push a button, you get the idea). Waving to them when they pass also generally does the trick.

Fares: Songthaew will cost you a maximum of about 50 THB (1.36 USD) even if you ride for the entire length of the route. Prepare small changes and coins with you if you plan to ride on them.

Routes: They do not stop at each resort. However, they stop at major beaches of the west coast such as Patong, Karon, Kata, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, Rawai, Kamala, Surin, Chalong, and so on. If you want to get to beaches on the other side of the island, you can find other transport in Phuket Town, which is their main stop. Keep in mind that songthaew might be hard to come by in the evenings, and they generally stop operating after around 18:30. In that case, you can just find tuk tuks or taxis, which will cost you more.

Advantages/what makes it unique: While songthaew has its downsides such as no clear timetable meaning possible long wait time, it can be navigated and even be fun to ride on due to the semi-al fresco feeling. Good thing about songthaew cars is that they almost always stop at major malls and beaches on the west coast. When you go to a landmark, look for these buses and ask them where they go. You can also simply look at the side of these cars to see where they stop, and get some information from your hotel whether songthaew stops there, and how to get back from the attractions.

Tuk Tuk

What is Tuk Tuk: Tuk Tuk is basically a four-wheel taxi unique to the island. In Bangkok and Chiang Mai they’re normally three-wheel motorcycles giving them the ability to traverse small roads and alleys or sharp turns with swiftness and mobility, but in Phuket you will see a different type which looks basically like a bright red car. They cost less than a taxi and will give you an open-air experience, but as such will be a bad choice during rainstorms. They also have unpredictable prices since you have to ask each driver directly, making it likely they will try to ask a higher price than normal taking advantage of your unfamiliarity with the area.

Fares: Ask the driver beforehand how much for your destination. It’s hard to predict the price, and they will try and bargain with you. During evenings where other types of transport are harder to come by, the prices will go up, the same case as during bad weather. Use your discretion based on the distance or ask some locals such as your hotel staff for the normal price. Keep in mind that it will cost you at least 100 THB (2.75 USD) between hotels and beachfronts, but might be a few hundred Baht if you’re traveling across different sides of the island.

Advantages/what makes it unique: Get on tuk tuk and have a private ride straight to where you want. Tuk tuks are basically taxis, just without air-conditioning, so if you’re planning to get somewhere quick without wanting to worry about knowing the routes, they’re a good choice.

Motorbike Rental

How to rent a motorbike: In Phuket, since motorbikes are the most convenient and adept mode of transportation, you can rent one from shops all around the city. Drive independently to explore the city without the hassle of communicating with drivers or haggling for prices that you aren’t sure of. You should be an experienced motorcycle rider if you want to use this option, since Phuket is very hilly and there are many cars and motorcycles. Side note though: This is only available for tourists who have an international driver’s license, and even if some shops might not ask to see it, you should have it with you at all times. It’s not difficult to rent a motorbike at all, just search for a rental shop near your accommodation and walk right in with your passport, cash, and an international driver’s license. We recommend that you have travel insurance as well if you want to use this option, since these rental services do not come with insurances other than theft of the bike itself. Always wear your helmet. If you don’t, you can be fined 500 THB (13.61 USD) by the police.

Requirements: In order to rent, you’re going to need your passport, an international driver’s license, a cash deposit, and clear dates of usage since it will affect the pricing. When making a rent, keep your passport with you and only allow photocopy or digital scans by the shop.

Rental cost:Monthly and weekly rentals will be cheaper than daily. Usually, rental fees for one day cost 200 THB (5.45 USD) and more. But this depends on the model of the bike (most are simple Honda bikes, commonly seen on the streets), during what time of year you’re in Thailand, whether the bike is new or old, and so on.

Motorbike taxi

Advantages: Motorbike taxis are locals’ good choice for short-distance rides especially for solo travelers. You can look for them anywhere with their neon vests and helmets, and approach them directly to tell them your destination just like in Bangkok. Always wear helmets they provide and be prepared for a bit of a bumpy but quick ride. They tend to be swift and navigate shortcuts when they can, so be prepared if they navigate between cars and small alleys. Remember: ask the price beforehand and just pay for what you agreed on. If you visit a place out of the city and the beaches, you may also negotiate with them to pick you up for a certain price. If you’re in Phuket town already, this will not be necessary since you can just find a new ride.

Fares: As with tuk tuks, there are no clear prices that you can predict. A few blocks will definitely cost less than 50 THB (1.36 USD). As long as you ask them beforehand and estimate the distance, you should be fine, since motorbike taxis are best suited for short rides anyway. Use your discretion based on the distance from navigation apps, or ask some locals such as your hotel staff for the normal price.

Traveling in an unfamiliar country might be difficult especially in a busy and complicated island such as Phuket. However, as long as you are a bit patient with waiting time and firm when talking with drivers about prices, your trip is likely a breeze. Don’t hesitate to say no if you don’t like the price, and the local drivers will not bother you further.

Motorbike taxis and songthaew are your go-to in the city if you’re a solo traveler, but will not be suitable for a group program. Tuk tuk rides are a fun experience and can be good for evenings when there are no more buses or songthaew. Getting a private car or motorbike rentals will help eliminate some of the hassle you encounter with locals, and will guarantee that you don’t get lost while trying to reach a certain beach or resort. The best option is to find a car to navigate the roads. You can check out car rentals by Traveloka that you can book in advance for the dates you want here.