How To Get Around In Phuket – Transport Explained

by Mama Loves Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand at some 576 square kilometres, and although looks may be deceiving, it can take a fair bit of time to get from A to B! This is largely due to heavy traffic and windy, single-lane roads as main thoroughfares.

Several points on your Phuket trip will require you to use local transportation to get around the island, whether it’s a short hop from the beach to your hotel or a more extensive tour and airport transfers.

Here’s everything you need to know about getting around Phuket.

Public Transport in Phuket

Public transport in Phuket consists of two different types of buses:

  • The Phuket Smart Bus follows a singular route up and down the length of the island from the airport to Rawai. It costs 100 THB per journey, per passenger over 7 years old. You can learn more about the Phuket Smart bus here.
  • Local Blue Buses or Songthaew operate on numerous routes from Phuket Town to the various beach towns around Phuket. There’s no timetable; there are no official bus stops and no aircon! Just hail a bus as they come, pay the nominal fee and enjoy the ride! Learn more about Phuket Songthaew here.
Songthaew bus in Phuket

Taxis and Ride Shares in Phuket

For families travelling to Phuket, this is likely to be the most common form of transportation you will catch for short journeys around the island.

Presently, these are the rideshare apps still operating and authorised by the Land Transport in Phuket;

Private Car Hire in Phuket

Due to the lack of public transport systems, there is a heavy reliance on private vehicles. You have two options: hire a car and a driver or hire your own car and self-drive. The former is the preferred option for tourists unfamiliar with Phuket’s traffic.

This is the best option if you’d like to spend a full day sightseeing around Phuket, as you can arrange an hourly or daily fee.

  • Note that if you are going on an island tour or similar day trip, the tour provider most likely has included your transportation —always confirm this inclusion before incurring unnecessary additional costs.

If you decide you’d prefer the freedom of having your own car and driving yourself, our guide to Phuket car hire is coming soon.

Motorcycle Rental in Phuket

It’s not the most practical when you have a family to consider on a short vacation, but for many living here in Phuket, it’s a way of life, and yes, you will see them stacking at least 1 or 2 kids on their motorbike with them.

If you’re interested in hiring a motorbike in Phuket, we explain more here.


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