People arriving in Phuket for a vacation often look for other less expensive options to get around without relying on taxis. The prices of Phuket airport taxis can start to add up, particularly for visitors who want to see different towns on the island. A couple of other options for Phuket airport transfers are available for visitors on a budget.

 

Our blog will guide tourists arriving at Phuket airport to the various types of public ground transfers available. We'll also provide directions to the airport taxi stand and Smart bus stop.

 

Phuket Airport Taxis

Relying on taxis to get around Phuket can significantly increase the cost of your stay. Most visitors who have visited the island before, book their stay at a hotel that offers an airport shuttle service, or book a taxi only from and back to the airport. They rely on other local forms of transportation to get around the island.

 

Taxis can be booked at the airport, either by simply walking out to the taxi stand on the first floor of either the international or domestic arrival hall, booking them through one of the booths in the arrival hall, or using the Grab app.

 

Using the taxis usually requires some negotiation before you get into the cab. They charge a sliding scale based on the distance from the airport. It costs between 600 and 1,000 THB for a taxi ride to most destinations in Phuket, and a van will be a more expensive option as it holds more people.

 

Smart Bus

There is now a bus line called the Phuket Smart Bus that offers transportation to and from the airport. The Smart Bus runs between the airport, Phuket Town, and towns along the west coast. It costs 100 THB per person, per ride, regardless of how far you travel.

 

The fare is paid directly to the driver when you board in cash or by using the PromptPay terminal at the front of the bus. You can also buy Phuket Rabbit Card passes on the bus, which allow you to take unlimited trips for 3 days for 499 THB or 10 days for 1,000 THB. A 300 THB card allows you to top up your Phuket Rabbit Card.

 

The airport's Smart Bus stop is outside the domestic arrivals hall. From the international terminal, walk to G floor and turn left to exit 6. Follow the signs to the domestic terminal. From the domestic terminal, walk to exit 3 and turn left. The bus is blue and white and stops opposite Café Amazon.

 

Local Transportation

 

Once you’ve reached your accommodation, you’ll notice that people use local buses, songthaews, tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis, and local taxis to get around in your local area.

 

Local buses and songthaews generally run along fixed routes and cost between 10 and 20 THB on average. The other forms of transport need you to tell them where you’re going, and then they’ll quote you a price. Under 1 or 2 kilometers should be under 100 THB for motorbike taxis or local taxis, but again, the price should be agreed upon before the ride starts.

 

Renting a Car or Motorbike

A popular option is to rent a car or motorbike for a day or for the duration of your stay. However, to rent these legally, you must have a Thai driver's license or an international driver's permit in the same name as your passport. You should rent only from reputable agencies that can provide you with insurance. It might be a little more expensive, but it's worth it if you happen to have an accident.

 

There are several internationally well-known car rental agencies in Phuket, and you can book a car at their kiosks at the airport. Rent a motorbike only from local agencies that advertise comprehensive insurance coverage, and carry a copy of the insurance form and contact numbers with you when you ride.

 

Visit Andamanda Phuket

When you’ve decided upon a local form of Phuket transportation that takes you everywhere you want to go in Phuket, plan a trip to one of the best places in Phuket to visit, the must-see attraction of Andamanda Phuket. Andamanda Phuket is a spectacular themed water park that’s inspired by Thai culture and heritage. It features iconic Thai architecture, delicious food, and retail shops in Nagon Park – Pearl Palace, as well as multiple acres of the most exciting and thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a beach full of private cabanas. With rides suitable for both adults and young children, Andamanda Phuket offers a day of amazing fun for the whole family. We’re located along Route 4024 near Patong Beach. Plan to spend a day at Andamanda Phuket on your next visit to the island.