Transportation Options from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town

Maria Papakonstantinou

August 31, 2024

Phuket Airport is located approximately 33 km southeast of Phuket Town and you have three main transport options from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town; taxi, private transfer or bus. If budget isn’t an issue, taking an airport taxi or a private transfer is the most convenient choice to reach your hotel or apartment effortlessly; they are available 24/7 and take you door-to-door in a comfortable vehicle.

If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you can opt for the 8411 Airport Bus which is ideal for solo travellers exploring Phuket but it’s a much slower and crowded option.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Phuket at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€20	45min	24/7
Private Airport Transfer	€25	45min	24/7
8411 Airport Bus	€6.20	85min	08:30–21:30

How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by taxi

A taxi from Phuket Airport to the city centre is one of the fastest ways to reach your hotel or apartment directly. Taxi service is available around the clock and it’s used both by locals and tourists as it’s an overall good value for money. Make sure to give the correct drop-off address to your driver and you should reach the city in about 45 minutes.

How much is the Phuket Airport to Phuket town taxi fare?

Phuket taxi fares can be confusing as you can’t be sure if the price will be fixed or calculated with a taximeter. To avoid overpaying, it’s best to confirm the total fare with the driver upfront.

That being said, the average taxi fare from Phuket Airport to town is around €20 (THB 750) for up to 4 passengers and should include airport and other fees that may apply.

Photos (2)

Official red and yellow taxis in Phuket

Cost

€20

Trip Duration

45 Min.

During peak season, waiting times for an available taxi can be significantly longer than usual.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Official Phuket Airport taxis are available 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from?

The official taxi rank at Phuket Airport is outside the International Terminal; just turn right after exiting the Arrivals Hall until you reach it. Official taxis are red and yellow so they’re hard to miss.

Convenience

An airport taxi from Phuket Airport to town is a great choice if you’re looking for convenient transportation any time during the day. However, you should keep in mind that travelling during the high season usually means longer queues at the taxi rank so you may end up waiting a while.

Remember that peak season in Phuket is from December to March; if you’re travelling during these months, expect the airport and transport services to be busier than usual.

Editor’s Note

To avoid the long queues at the taxi rank during peak season, consider pre-booking a private transfer to have a driver waiting for you and avoid the hassle.

Useful Tips

Never accept rides from taxi drivers approaching tourists and only take a taxi from the official airport taxi rank.

Not all drivers in Thailand speak English, so it is useful to have your destination written down.

Cash payment is the only method allowed so make sure to carry Baht in small notes.

Follow the route on Google Maps to be sure your driver is taking the most convenient route.

Tipping is not required but most drivers expect tourists to round up the final fare.

How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by private transfer

For an elevated travel experience and a stress-free start to your trip, all you have to do is pre-book a private transfer from Phuket Airport to the city centre. With Welcome Pickups’ personalised services, you will enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of in advance and a series of perks, such as:

- Meet and greets
- Trained English-speaking drivers
- Flight monitoring
- Guaranteed fixed fares
- 24/7 customer support

After the long flight to Phuket Airport, all you want to do is reach your accommodation quickly, catch your breath, and start exploring this exotic destination! That’s all possible with a private transfer and a local driver who will be happy to offer tips on the local culture and recommend the best places to visit during the ride.

What's the cost of a Phuket Airport transfer to town?

By pre-booking a private transfer you can track your expenses and budget your trip beforehand. Also, instead of stressing over the taximeter or negotiating the fare, you will pay securely online after completing your booking; that will leave nothing pending on the day of your arrival and will save you the trouble of carrying cash.

A sedan private transfer from Phuket Airport to Phuket City costs €25 (THB 948), a minivan transfer €36 (THB 1366), and a minibus, when available, €76 (THB 2884).

The booking process will help you choose the best vehicle type based on the number of passengers and luggage. The quote you’ll get is final including all taxes so you don’t need to worry about any hidden fees. Also, pre-paying for your ride, means that you don’t even need to worry about traffic conditions; even if you get stuck in traffic during peak hours, the fare stays the same.

Photos (2)

Welcome Pickups fleet at Phuket Airport

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

45 Min.

*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Phuket Airport (HKT).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Your driver will have the flight information you fill in during the booking and will be waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 depending on whether you’re arriving on a domestic or international flight. They will also hold a sign with your name on so spotting them in the crowd should be easy. After a warm meet and greet, your driver will offer to assist you with your luggage and take you to your pre-selected vehicle in the parking lot.

Convenience

Although Phuket taxis offer reliable services and are a good option, there can be a queue at the rank during peak hours. Instead of long waiting times, with a private transfer, you will have a driver already waiting for you as soon as you land. From the fixed fares and the online payment to the trained drivers and the tailored services, a private transfer guarantees a seamless start to your trip, allowing you to focus on the fun parts of travelling.

Editor’s Note

If you're travelling during the high season, it's a good idea to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your estimated arrival as waiting times at passport control can be long. That way, you will be able to take your time to the exit to meet your driver.

Useful Tips

Sedans can seat up to 4 passengers and minivans up to 8.

Before your arrival, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information.

Flight monitoring guarantees your pickup time will be adjusted accordingly in case there is an unexpected flight delay.

You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.

You can contact your driver on WhatsApp or the Welcome Traveller app.

If you need a child booster or baby seat, you can request one during the booking process online or through the Welcome Traveller app.

How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by bus

If you prefer to use public transport, the Phuket Airport to Phuket town bus offers a convenient and direct connection to the heart of Phuket Town. The service departs from the airport daily all year long and drops you off at the Central Bus Station in Phuket Town in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Some other popular bus stops are Thalang Lotus Shopping Mall, Heroines Monument, and Phuket Rajabhat University Junction so make sure to check which one is nearest to your final destination.

How much is a bus ticket from Phuket Airport to town?

A single ticket for the bus from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town costs €3.10 (THB 120). You can purchase your tickets directly from the drive in cash or by scanning the QR code at the bus stop. You can also pre-book your ticket online via the official company website.

Photos (2)

The 8411 Airport Bus

Cost

€3.10

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

Departures for the 8411 Airport Bus are scheduled every 60 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 8411 Airport Bus operates from 08:30 to 21:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

The bus terminal is located at Phuket Airport’s Public Transport Parking Area; exit the Arrivals Hall through Exit 3, turn left and follow the relevant signage placed around the airport or ask the airport staff for directions. The 8411 Airport Bus is a distinctive orange colour and says “Airport Bus” on the side so you can’t miss it.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Phuket Airport to Phuket town is a great value-for-money option if you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind waiting a bit. However, keep in mind that the low ticket price makes it a popular choice, meaning a seat on board isn’t guaranteed during high season. Also, luggage space is limited so if you’re carrying multiple pieces of luggage consider an alternative transportation option.

Timetables

8411 Airport Bus

Timetable and ticket purchase

Editor’s Note

Pre-booking your ticket is a good idea during high season to secure a seat on the bus and avoid waiting for the next one.

Useful Tips

All buses are air-conditioned.

If you plan to purchase your ticket from the driver, make sure to carry small notes as they probably won't be able to break larger notes.

Luggage is included in the ticket price but it's best to avoid the bus if you're carrying large or multiple pieces of luggage.

The bus isn't equipped with an accessibility ramp and there is no wheelchair-adapted space onboard.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Phuket. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Phuket City from the airport?

There are three main options to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket town; taxi, private transfer, and bus. A taxi or private transfer will take around 45 minutes and cost €20 (THB 750) and €25 (THB 948) respectively. The cheapest option is the 8411 Airport Bus; it costs €3.10 (THB 120) for a single ticket and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Phuket Town.

How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to city?

Phuket taxi fares are sometimes calculated by using a taximeter but in most cases, the driver will offer a fixed quote depending on your destination. The average taxi fare from Phuket Airport to town is around €20 (THB 750) for up to 4 passengers but it’s best to confirm this upfront with the driver.

How to travel from Phuket Airport to town?

The fastest options to get from Phuket Airport to town are a taxi or a private transfer; they cost €20 (THB 750) and €25 (THB 948) respectively and take around 45 minutes in average traffic conditions. The cheapest option but also the slowest option is the 8411 Airport Bus; it takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Phuket Town and costs €3.10 (THB 120) for a single ticket.

How far is Phuket Airport from city centre?

The Phuket Airport to Phuket Town distance is around 33 km southeast and driving there takes approximately 45 minutes in average traffic conditions.

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The best way to arrive in Phuket

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How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by taxi

How much is the Phuket Airport to Phuket town taxi fare?

Photos (2)

Cost

€20

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Official Phuket Airport taxis are available 24/7.

Where do I take a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by private transfer

What's the cost of a Phuket Airport transfer to town?

Photos (2)

Cost

€25

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Phuket Airport (HKT).

Where do I get a transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town by bus

How much is a bus ticket from Phuket Airport to town?

Photos (2)

Cost

€3.10

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The 8411 Airport Bus operates from 08:30 to 21:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

8411 Airport Bus

Timetable and ticket purchase

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Phuket City from the airport?

How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to city?

How to travel from Phuket Airport to town?

How far is Phuket Airport from city centre?

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The best way to arrive in Phuket

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