Getting to Phuket

The best way to travel to Phuket is by air. The international airport serves destinations across the world, with daily flights to and from the island. It is possible to drive from Bangkok, but this is not a popular choice and the only other viable option is travel by bus, which takes in excess of 12 hours from Bangkok. The train completely by-passes the Andaman coast, so it is not really an option.

By car

Phuket is approximately 867kms south of Bangkok, with a driving time of about 10 hours. Outside of the main cities, driving in Thailand is relatively stress-free on well maintained and quiet motorways, with signs generally being in both Thai and English. Driving standards are poor, but they are still better than many other developing nations.

The best way to reach Phuket from Bangkok is by taking Highway 4, passing through Nakhorn Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuapkhirikan, Chumphon, Ranong and Phang Nga. There are many scenic parts of this drive, especially the closer you get to Phuket.

By bus

Travelling to Phuket by bus from Bangkok takes about 14 hours. There are a number of buses travelling the route, varying in price and standard. Local buses can be very cramped and uncomfortable; standard air-conditioned buses have small seats which don’t fully recline, while VIP services have much bigger seats and more legroom.

Long-distance buses always stop at a designated restaurant about half-way into the journey. Here, you can have a simple meal or buy snacks to take with you. If you are on a VIP bus, the price of the meal is included in the ticket. Thieves do occasionally operate on long-distance buses so always keep hold of your valuables. Never put anything valuable in the luggage compartment of the bus, as you may find that it's not there when you arrive.

There have also been rare cases of local thieves befriending tourists and offering them snacks which contain sleeping tablets. These tourists are then robbed of any valuables while they doze.

There are also private coach and minibus services available from travel agents and hotel tour desks. Be wary of booking private buses from agencies on Khao San Road as the service on such buses can be diabolical.

By air

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the primary gateway into Phuket and is situated at the north of the island. There are many transport links available to take you on the short journey to your hotel.

Flights operate to and from the airport from destinations across the world as well as many low-budget airlines operating services to domestic cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Facilities at the airport include a selection of shopping outlets, a restaurant and snack bars, banking facilities and ATMs, information desks and excellent facilities for disabled travellers.

Phuket International Airport

Phuket International Airport consists of a single three-storey terminal building which is home to a range of extensive facilities. International Domestic Arrivals is situated on the ground floor, while the first floor is where you will find International Departures and Domestic Departures. The second floor is home to airline offices and the Thai Airways International Restaurant.

There are other eateries in the airport as well as shops selling books, newspapers, souvenirs and gifts among other things. Duty-free shops can be found in International Departures and International Arrivals and they sell a range of products at discounted prices. Other amenities at the airport include: banks, bureaux de change kiosks, a hairdressers, first-aid room and information desks.

There are short-term and long-term parking options and extensive facilities for passengers who are travelling with disabilities. These include wheelchair access throughout and adapted toilets and telephones.

Phuket International Airport transportation

The transport options from Phuket International Airport include: buses, taxis and limousine services. All of the resorts in Phuket are easily accessible from the airport and can be reached in less than one hour.

There are no public bus services to Phuket International Airport, but there are official airport minibuses which run to hotels all across the island. These buses leave when they are full and the journey time depends on where passengers are dropped off. Many of the bigger hotels send courtesy shuttle buses to pick up their guests. You should enquire about this service at the time of booking.

Taxis can be caught outside the terminal building, but fares should be agreed in advance. If possible, it is recommended that you take a metered cab. If you would rather arrive at your hotel in style, there are official airport limousine taxis at the airport, which can be booked in the Arrivals Hall.