Getting Around Phuket

Phuket Airport Transfer Services

Professional and reliable, airport transfer services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The driver will be holding your name on a sign as you exit arrivals. No queuing for taxis, no stopping en route at tour booking agencies.

Motorbike Rental

One of the best ways to see Phuket is to hire a motorbike or scooter to drive around. It is fun and cost-effective way of getting around to explore the island on your own.

Just keep in mind that in Thailand you drive on the left hand side.

Local Bus (Songthaew buses)

To travel from Phuket Town there are a small number of privately owned Songthaew buses. These also operate in Phang Nga and Krabi Town, as well as most regions in Thailand. They are blue pick-up trucks with bench seats and a cover. They operate along set routes, but will stop anywhere on that route to drop off or pick up passengers.

In Phuket Town, Songthaew buses leave from Ranong Road and serve most of the island with a regular service, travelling between the hub at Phuket Town and the destination. To get between two final destinations it is almost always necessary to travel back to Phuket Town. Typically, but not always, the destination is written in English on a sign on the side of the bus. A number of pink Songthaew buses also operate on two routes from Phuket City to Big C and Tesco, and Super Cheap to Chaofa Road.

Ferries

Ferry services are available to all the major islands in the region including Phi Phi Island and Koh Lanta and also between Phuket and Krabi. Most ferries from Phuket travel to Phi Phi first before travelling onwards to Krabi or Koh Lanta. Many ferry services discontinue services during the south west monsoon season from May to October because of the high winds and rough seas. Ferry companies are private companies and the boats range from traditional Thai longtail boats to fast catamarans and speedboats.

The larger catamarans leave from Rassada Harbour in Phuket Town and there are a number of companies that operate from the port. Tickets can be purchased in advance through a tour operator or directly from the company, or at the ferry port itself.

Motorbike Taxi

Riding on the back of a motorbike taxi is another option for getting around. This is the most inexpensive of the transportation options, but is not always comfortable. Make sure to request a helmet before ever getting on a motorbike. Not only is this for safety, but police will charge 500 Baht for anybody breaking the helmet law.