With many of the beach resorts in Phuket being small enough to walk around, getting around in Phuket could not be easier. Here is a guide on all the transport modes available, ensuring you get the most out of your trip to Phuket.
Tuk Tuks
If you only want to go short distances, tuk-tuks are good to use. However, as they are small in size, they can be quite uncomfortable for journeys that are longer than 30 minutes or so. Be aware that the resort you choose to visit will influence the cost of tuk-tuks. For example, if you were to visit Patong, you can expect to pay around 100 Baht, even for short distances. It is important that you let your driver know your destination before you set off and agree on a price for the journey.
Taxis
If you are looking for transportation options from the airport, be aware that you can expect to fork out between 100-200 Baht for a minibus. If you are wanting your own private taxi, you will have to pay up to 500 Baht, but this will vary depending on where you are heading to. When getting out of the airport terminal, you will see metered taxis that have fares set at 50 Baht for the first 2km and an additional 7 Baht per extra kilometer. Make sure that before you use a taxi service, you aware of the charges beforehand to avoid being exploited.
Local Buses
There are local buses (otherwise known as songthaews) that operate between 7 am and 6 pm. These run throughout Phuket. As there are no designated signs or bus stops, this means that you can stop one of the local buses anywhere on the route, making it easier than ever to hop on and off and explore the sights that Phuket has to offer. To get the best chance of flagging down a bus, make sure that you go to the main part of the town.
Airport Bus
Catching the Phuket airport bus is the cheapest way to get to the town from the airport. The bus schedule is known to be very reliable, which means you can get to your destination as quickly as possible. Buses and vans are the two types of vehicles that can take you from the airport to Phuket town, so make sure you look out for an orange ‘Airport Bus’ logo written on them. It is important to note that the fare will vary depending on which vehicle you opt for.
Rental Bike
If you are wanting to explore all that Phuket has to offer at your own leisure, it could be worth hiring out a rental bike Phuket. That way, you can explore at your own pace and not have to rely on public transport to get around the city. As Phuket can get incredibly busy in the summer months, having your own bike will enable you to weave in and out of traffic and beat the crowds.
With a variety of transport modes available for you to explore Phuket, make sure that you are aware of all the costs that are involved, whether it be public transport or renting your own vehicle/motorbike.