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Transfer Options from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak

Khao Lak is located just over an hour’s drive north of Phuket Airport along the Andaman Coast. The distance between the two towns is 70 kilometers and there are no direct public transport services available. Nevertheless, you have three options when traveling from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: taxi, private transfer, or bus

Choosing a Phuket Airport taxi gets you a speedy, direct transfer straight to your final destination. The total travel time is around 1 hour and 15 minutes and you won’t need to book.

Alternatively, you can pre-book a Phuket Airport transfer and receive a fixed fare price with an English-speaking driver so that you can be on your way immediately.

Otherwise, the cheapest option is a combined bus trip. You will first have to take the 8411 Airport Bus into Phuket Town and then take another bus to Khao Lak. The total trip takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes, not including wait and transfer times.

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.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €60 75min 24/7
Bus €14 210min 08:30–18:30
Welcome Airport Transfer €46 75min 24/7

How to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by taxi

Hop in a taxi at Phuket Airport to get to Khao Lak in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A Phuket Airport taxi is by far the quickest and most comfortable means of transport since they offer a direct and door-to-door service. Metered and fixed-priced taxis are available 24/7 and each vehicle can typically seat three passengers. 

How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

From Phuket Airport to Khao Lak, the taxi price should be between €33.80 and €42.30 (THB 1,200 and 1,500). If your driver is offering a set rate fee, always agree on the cost upfront before starting your ride. 

Outside each terminal, you’ll find a taxi counter where the current taximeter rates will be displayed.

However, if you’d rather secure a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, you can pre-book an airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€33.80

Trip Duration

75 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Phuket Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

Local Phuket taxis can be found outside Phuket Airport’s main terminal building, on the far right side. Official taxis are red and yellow and there is no need to book in advance.

Convenience

Taxis offer a safe and comfortable way to travel from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak, and since there’s no direct public transport, they’re also the most convenient option. You won’t need to stand around or have to transfer to another bus, you can simply be dropped off at the door to your hotel. The downside is you’ll have to find an available taxi once you land, and you’ll end up paying more than a pre-booked private transfer. 

Editor’s Note

If you don’t have much luggage and you prefer to keep your plans flexible, a local taxi is a fast and affordable way to reach your hotel.

Useful Tips

Make sure to carry cash in the local currency (Thai baht), as most Phuket taxi drivers don't take card.
It’s best to negotiate a fixed price, as taxi drivers are known to overcharge tourists.
Always double-check that you haven't left anything behind in the taxi as it can be very difficult to get in contact with the driver when you don't speak the language.

How to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by bus

If you’re traveling on a budget then you might want to consider taking the public bus instead. However, since there isn’t a direct Phuket Airport to Khao Lak bus, this option takes considerably longer and requires at least one transfer.

You will first have to take the 8411 Airport Bus to the Central Bus Terminal located in Phuket Town. This first leg takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, and you will then need to jump on any bus headed toward Khao Lak.

Local buses depart every 2-3 hours and typically take around 2 hours to reach Khao Lak, bringing the total journey time to around 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on waiting times and traffic.

How much is a bus ticket from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

To get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by bus, you’ll need to buy at least two tickets. The 8411 Airport Bus costs €2.90 (THB 100) per person and tickets can be bought either online or directly from the driver in cash. The onward bus to Khao Lak will cost an additional €4.20 (THB 150) and can only be paid for with cash. This means the total price of the bus from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is €7 (THB 250).

Cost

€7

Trip Duration

210 Min.

The wait time for the Airport Bus is 1 hour and up to 3 hours for the local bus to Khao Lak.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The 8411 Airport Bus is available from 08:30 to 20:30. Local buses to Khao Lak typically operate between 07:30 and 18:30 with an average of 3-4 services a day.

Where do I catch the bus from?

The bus stop at Phuket Airport is located outside the Arrivals Hall, to the left as you exit the terminal building. There is signage placed around the airport, or you can ask the airport staff for directions if you get lost. Once you’ve arrived at the bus terminal in Phuket Town, head to one of the ticket counters to find a schedule for your next bus.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is the least convenient option since it requires traveling by bus in the opposite direction to your destination, and then taking another one back up the coast! If you’ve just landed from overseas, this can make the trip extra long and tiring.

Furthermore, if you arrive early in the morning or after 16:00, it’s likely that you will miss the last bus to Khao Lak. Nevertheless, if you’re not in a hurry and don’t mind carrying your luggage around with you, this is a great budget-friendly choice. Otherwise, you may want to consider a Phuket Airport transfer for a more seamless journey. 

Editor’s Note

It's important to know that public buses in Phuket are not very punctual, therefore this option won't be suitable for anyone on a tight schedule.

Useful Tips

If you're traveling in a larger group, a taxi may be more affordable.
Prices and travel times are approximate as schedules are commonly subject to alterations when seasons change.
You'll find up-to-date timetables on the all buses at the Central Bus Terminal in Phuket Town.
Local buses in Phuket have limited luggage storage.
Note that there is an additional €0.60 (THB 20) surcharge for tickets bought online.

How to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by private transfer

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to reach your hotel or accommodation in Khao Lak, a Phuket Airport transfer is your best bet. Private transfer services like those offered by Welcome Pickups are the only fully customizable and personalized transport options, providing you with an elevated travel experience from start to finish.

Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy include:

  • An English-speaking driver
  • Competitive fixed fare rates
  • Guaranteed on-time pickups
  • An airport meet-and-greet
  • Flight monitoring
  • Flexible cancellation

 

Best of all, your driver will highlight any famous landmarks along the way, as well as answer any of your questions while offering up some local tips.

How much is a private transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

One of the advantages of a private transfer is that you can book and pay for your trip before you travel, which means you can budget accordingly and avoid higher-than-normal exchange rates and ATM fees at the airport. Not to mention, our prices are fixed and fully inclusive so there won’t be any hidden surprises. 

For reference, a ride for up to four passengers in a stylish sedan will cost €46 (THB 1,627), or €60 (THB 2,122) for up to eight passengers in one of our spacious minivans. Booking is easy and takes less than 60 seconds either online or via the Welcome Pickups app. All you need are a few personal details, your flight information, and a preferred pickup time.

Cost

€46

Trip Duration

75 Min.

*When you book in advance, a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Phuket International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Once you land at Phuket Airport, you’ll be greeted by a professional, English-speaking driver, who will be all too happy to help you with your luggage and show you to your private vehicle. To help you recognize them, they’ll be holding a sign with your name on it, plus you’ll have been sent all their details the day before. After you’re all settled in, you can sit back and enjoy the sights of Thailand on the way to your accommodation.

Convenience

For only slightly more than a regular taxi, a private transfer is certainly the most convenient transport option. There’s nothing quite like being welcomed with a smile and being shown the sights by a local to make you feel at home. For groups or families, knowing that a vehicle that suits your needs will be ready for when you land is priceless, as we all know that getting to your hotel quickly and seamlessly after a long flight is the number one priority.

Editor’s Note

Private transfers are ideal for anyone wanting the most convenient (and often more affordable) travel option.

Useful Tips

Since it’s quite a long ride to Khao Lak, you can use this time to ask your driver for recommendations on places to eat or must-see attractions that only a local would know.
Any customizations such as a baby booster seat, wheelchair-adapted vehicle, or a minivan can be requested through the Welcome app or at the time of booking.
At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.
We suggest selecting a pickup time 30 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival at Phuket Airport. This should allow enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

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

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

The taxi cost from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak should be between €33.80 and €42.30 (THB 1,200 and 1,500) for up to three passengers. The price will either be calculated by a taximeter or you’ll be charged a fixed fare price. If you also plan on taking a taxi from Khao Lak to Phuket Airport, you can expect to pay the same for the return journey. For the best price, you can pre-book online with Welcome Pickups. 

How do I get from the airport to Khao Lak?

There are three main transport options between Phuket Airport and Khao Lak: a taxi, private transfer, or a combination of local buses. A taxi or private transfer will take around 1 hour and 15 minutes, whereas the bus will take upwards of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

How do I get to Phuket Airport from Khao Lak?

A private Phuket Airport to Khao Lak transfer is the best way to reach the beaches of Khao Lak. The trip takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and you’ll be picked up by an English-speaking driver. Otherwise, you can take a local taxi which takes around the same time, or two local buses which will take 3 hours and 30 minutes, without wait and transfer times.

How far is Phuket Airport from Khao Lak?

Whether you’re traveling to or from Khao Lak to Phuket Airport, the distance is approximately 70 kilometers, which usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

How long is the transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

The transfer from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes by car or taxi, or around 3 hours and 30 minutes by bus, not including wait and transfer times.

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