Khao Lak, just an hour’s drive north of Phuket at the edge of the beautiful Andaman Sea, is one of Thailand’s most peaceful and prized resort destinations, boasting three spectacular national parks and crystal beaches going on for miles. Whether you are visiting Khao Lak for a relaxing escape, or you wish to adventure into the cool tropical forests, it is ideal for those wanting a nature escape.

Phuket Airport is quite a long way away from Khao Lak and there are no direct public transport services available. Nevertheless, you have three options when travelling from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak: taxi, private transfer, or bus. Choosing an airport taxi gets you a speedy, direct transfer straight to your final destination. The total travel time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes and you’ll pay approximately €60 (THB 2335).

Alternatively, 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 costs just €6.10 (THB 235).

3 options to go from Phuket Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€53 75min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€60 75min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Bus
€12.20 210min 08:30–18:30
Convenience
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How to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by taxi

Taking a taxi from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is by far the quickest and most comfortable option, as they are available 24/7 and the trip is direct.

The drive shouldn’t take more than 1 hour and 15 minutes and you’ll pay approximately €60 (THB 2335).

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

The average taxi price from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is €60 (THB 2335). It’s important to note that airport surcharges and extra fees for luggage may be added to your final fare.

*You can prepay for your ride at the taximeter counters in the airport and hand the receipt to your driver. You’ll see the taximeter rates displayed at the counter.

For a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, you can book an airport taxi in advance.

Where do I get it from?

All taxis, along with the metered taxis, can be found outside Phuket Airport’s main terminal building, on the far right side.

Convenience

Taxis are the safest and most comfortable travel method from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak. Not only that, but public transport in the region is limited and you won’t find a direct service connecting the two destinations. So if you don’t want to get on and off different buses or be subject to waiting times, we recommend taking a taxi. Or better yet, you can pre-book an airport taxi with a trusted company like Welcome to ensure a stellar service.

Useful Tips

Make sure to have cash in the local currency, as most Phuket taxi drivers don't take card.
Regardless of the taxi operator, you should always try to negotiate a fixed price, as most taxi drivers try to overcharge tourists.
It is important to never forget any personal belongings in the vehicle as it will be almost impossible to get back.

How to get from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by bus

Using public transport to get to Khao Lak from Phuket Airport is definitely cheap, but the service is not direct and the trip requires at least one changeover.

You will first have to take the 8411 Airport Bus to Phuket Bus Terminal in the centre of Phuket Town. The bus takes around 90 minutes to reach the town and costs just €3.10 (THB 120). From there, you can hop on any bus heading to Khao Lak. You can find counters in the Bus Terminal selling tickets to places like Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Khao Lak. Local buses depart every 2-3 hours and typically take around 2 hours to reach Khao Lak.

The total travel time from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak by bus is around 3 and a half hours, 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 €3.10 (THB 120) and tickets for the bus to Khao Lak will cost an additional €3 (THB 115).

The total cost of your trip by bus will be around €6.10 (THB 235). Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver in cash (Thai Baht). Or, for the Airport Bus, you can also book online in advance.

Cost
€6.10 (THB 235)
Trip Duration
210 Min
There's a 1-hour waiting time for the Airport Bus. There can be a waiting time of up to 3 hours for local buses to Khao Lak, there's an average of 3-4 services a day.
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.

Where do I get it from?

The bus terminal is located at Phuket Airport’s arrival terminal, on the left side of the exit doors. The bus terminal should be easy to find as there is signage placed around the airport, or you can ask the airport staff for directions. Once you’ve arrived at the bus terminal in Phuket Town, head to the ticket counters to find schedules for your next bus.

Convenience

The public transport route from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak is very inconvenient as you’ll need to first travel to Phuket Town before catching a bus back up to Khao Lak. The two towns are in opposite directions, making the trip long and tiring. If you don’t mind a longer trip and carrying your luggage around with you, this is a great budget-friendly choice. However, those looking for a seamless arrival may want to consider taking an airport taxi.

Timetables

Phuket Airport Bus Website

Phuket Airport - Central Bus Station

Phuket Airport Bus Online Booking

Useful Tips

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.

Phuket Airport private transfers

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Frequently asked questions

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

Local taxis usually calculate fares using a taximeter, but most drivers try to negotiate fixed prices with their customers. The average taxi fare from Phuket Airport to the Khao Lak is a fixed price of €60 (THB 2335). Keep in mind that surcharges will be added to your final fare. For a guaranteed competitive price and a globally renowned company you can rely on, we recommend booking an airport taxi in advance.

How far is Phuket Airport from Khao Lak?

How much is the bus from Phuket Airport to Khao Lak?

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Transfer Options in Phuket