The Ultimate Guide to Transportation in Phuket: How to Get Around the Island

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a popular tourist destination, with many attractions, beaches, and activities to enjoy. But how do you get around this island paradise? Here are some of the best transportation options available in Phuket, along with their approximate pricing and pros and cons.

Local Bus

One of the cheapest and most reliable ways to get around Phuket is by taking a local bus. These are small, open-sided buses that connect Phuket Old Town with the main beach resorts, such as Patong, Surin, Kamala, and Karon. They run from the early morning until late afternoon, and charge between 10 to 40 baht per person, depending on the distance. You can hop on and off at any point along the route, and pay the driver when you get off.

Pros:

• Cheap and convenient
• Good for short distances and sightseeing
• Experience the local culture

Cons:

• Slow and crowded
• No air-conditioning
• No direct connections between beach towns

Songthaew

Another common and cheap way to get around Phuket is by taking a songthaew, which is a small truck or pickup truck with two benches in the back for passengers. They are usually painted bright blue and have their final destination displayed on them. They run between 7am and 6pm, and follow fixed routes with no specified stops. You can flag one down from any major road in Phuket, and push a buzzer when you want to get off. They charge between 20 to 25 baht per person, but you should agree on the price before you get in.

Pros:

• Cheap and flexible
• Good for longer distances and connecting to other destinations
• Fun and adventurous

Cons:

• Not very comfortable or safe
• No air-conditioning
• No direct connections between beach towns

Tuk Tuk

Tuk tuks are small taxis that are popular all over Thailand, but in Phuket they have four wheels instead of three. They are usually painted red or yellow, and can be found everywhere in Phuket. They are the most expensive form of transportation in Phuket, charging between 100 to 400 baht per trip, depending on the distance and your bargaining skills. You should always negotiate the price before you get in, and be prepared to walk away if they ask for too much.

Pros:

• Fast and convenient
• Good for short distances and night time
• Fun and colorful

Cons:

• Expensive and often overpriced
• Not very safe or comfortable
• Can be noisy and polluting

Taxi

Taxis are another option for getting around Phuket, but they are not very common or easy to find. They are usually metered, but some drivers may refuse to use them or charge a fixed rate instead. You can find taxis at the airport, bus stations, shopping malls, or hotels, or call one by phone or app. They charge between 50 to 500 baht per trip, depending on the distance and traffic. You should always check the meter or agree on the price before you get in.

Pros:

• Comfortable and air-conditioned
• Good for longer distances and airport transfers
• Safe and reliable

Cons:

• Expensive and sometimes hard to find
• Can be stuck in traffic
• Can be dishonest or scammy

Motorbike Taxi

Motorbike taxis are another way to get around Phuket, especially if you are traveling solo or in a hurry. They are motorbikes with a driver who will take you anywhere you want for a fee. They are usually wearing orange vests with numbers on them, and can be found at designated stands or roaming around the streets. They charge between 20 to 100 baht per trip, depending on the distance and your bargaining skills. You should always wear a helmet and hold on tight.

Pros:

• Cheap and fast
• Good for short distances and avoiding traffic
• Thrilling and exciting

Cons:

• Dangerous and risky
• Not very comfortable or safe
• Not suitable for groups or luggage

Car and Scooter Rental

If you want more freedom and flexibility, you can also rent a car or a scooter in Phuket. There are many rental shops around the island that offer different models and prices. You can expect to pay between 200 to 1000 baht per day for a car, depending on the type and season, or between 150 to 300 baht per day for a scooter. You will need a valid driver’s license (international or Thai) and a passport to rent a vehicle. You will also need to pay a deposit and buy insurance.

Pros:

• Freedom and flexibility
• Good for exploring the island and off-the-beaten-path places
• Fun and adventurous

Cons:

• Expensive and requires a deposit
• Risky and liable for damages or accidents
• Traffic and parking can be a hassle

Ferry and Boat Services

Phuket is surrounded by many beautiful islands and beaches that are worth visiting, such as Phi Phi, James Bond, Similan, or Coral islands. The best way to get to these places is by taking a ferry or a boat service. There are many operators that offer different packages and prices, depending on the destination, duration, and inclusions. You can book online, at your hotel, or at any travel agency in Phuket. You can expect to pay between 500 to 3000 baht per person for a day trip, including transportation, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.

Pros:

• Scenic and relaxing
• Good for island hopping and snorkeling
• Convenient and inclusive

Cons:

• Expensive and sometimes crowded
• Weather dependent and can be canceled
• Can be seasick or sunburned

Transportation Apps

If you have a smartphone and internet access, you can also use transportation apps to book a taxi, a car, or a motorbike in Phuket. These apps are convenient and easy to use, as they allow you to select your pick-up point and destination, see the estimated cost of your journey, and pay online or by cash. They also help you avoid scams or overpricing by tuk tuks or taxis. Some of the most popular transportation apps in Phuket are:

Grab

Grab is the only app that operates in Phuket that offers both taxi and car services. You can choose from three classes of vehicles: regular metered taxis, saloon car limousines, or SUV limousines. The app will show you the available drivers nearby, their ratings, and their estimated arrival time. You can also track your driver’s location and contact them by phone or chat. The app will also show you the estimated fare for your trip, which you can pay by cash or by credit card.

Pros:

• Fast and convenient
• Good for short or long distances
• Safe and reliable

Cons:

• Expensive and sometimes surge pricing
• Not very common or easy to find
• Can be canceled by drivers

Bolt

Bolt is another app that offers car services in Phuket. You can choose from two classes of vehicles: standard cars or premium cars. The app will show you the available drivers nearby, their ratings, and their estimated arrival time. You can also track your driver’s location and contact them by phone or chat. The app will also show you the fixed fare for your trip, which you can pay by cash or by credit card.

Pros:

• Cheap and fixed pricing
• Good for short or long distances
• Safe and reliable

Cons:

• Not very common or easy to find
• Can be canceled by drivers
• No taxi option

Get

Get is an app that offers motorbike taxi services in Phuket. You can choose from two types of rides: Get Win (regular motorbike) or Get Win Plus (larger motorbike). The app will show you the available drivers nearby, their ratings, and their estimated arrival time. You can also track your driver’s location and contact them by phone or chat. The app will also show you the fixed fare for your trip, which you can pay by cash or by credit card.

Pros:

• Cheap and fixed pricing
• Good for short distances and avoiding traffic
• Thrilling and exciting

Cons:

• Dangerous and risky
• Not very comfortable or safe
• Not suitable for groups or luggage

I hope this blog post helps you plan your trip to Phuket. Have fun and enjoy!