Getting a taxi in Phuket
Due to the limited public transport options, Phuket taxis are the preferred mode of transport for most travelers. Taking a taxi in Phuket offers a private, 24-hour, door-to-door service in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. There are two types of taxis in Phuket, metered taxis and private taxis, both of which offer fixed fares. Although metered taxis are relatively cheap in Phuket, Thailand, they can be surprisingly difficult to find due to high demand.
You can spot a Phuket taxi by its bright red and yellow color and the large ‘TAXI-METER’ sign on top of the vehicle. Hailing a taxi in the street can be challenging, so most travelers will call an official taxi service, use a taxi app, walk to a designated rank or pre-book their Phuket Airport taxi with a private company.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AIRPORT TO PHUKET TOWN | 20 € | 20 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM AIRPOR TO KATA | 28 € | 28 € | 58 MIN |
| FROM AIRPORT TO PATONG | 23 € | 23 € | 50 MIN |
| FROM PHUKET TOWN TO CHALONG BAY | 10 € | 10 € | 20 MIN |
| FROM PHUKET TOWN TO PHUKET PORT | 13 € | 13 € | 28 MIN |
| FROM PHUKET TOWN TO RAWAI | 10 € | 10 € | 20 MIN |
Phuket taxi prices
Taxi rates in Phuket have increased in the past few years, making Phuket taxis some of the most expensive in Thailand. All taxis with a ‘TAXI-METER’ sign on the top of the vehicle generally use a taximeter to calculate the cost of your journey. However, you may be able to negotiate a set price with your driver for a longer journey. Private taxis offer fixed fares and the cost of each Phuket taxi is set by each company.
If you take a metered Phuket taxi, your fare will be calculated as follows:
- Base Fare (incl. first 2 km): €1.30 (THB 50)
- Price per km for the next 15 km: €0.30 (THB 12)
- Price per km after 15 km: €0.25 (THB 10)
When it comes to fixed-fare taxis, you will have to pay the price your driver gives you, which usually is slightly more expensive than a metered taxi. For example, one of the most popular routes for private taxi transfers is from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town, which takes around 40 minutes and costs €20 (THB 800).
Extra Charges:
It’s worth noting that there may be extra charges for waiting, airport surcharges, hailing a taxi by phone and traveling during holidays and festivals.
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How to get a taxi in Phuket
Unlike most other major cities, flagging down a taxi in Phuket can be difficult. Only the yellow and red metered taxis roam the streets and these are very few and far between. If you do see an empty ‘TAXI-METER” taxi passing by, look out for a red light in the front window. If the light is on, the taxi is available. Metered taxis can also be found waiting at designated ranks at Phuket Airport, Phuket Port, Chalong Bay, bus stations and central Patong.
A quicker way to order a taxi in Phuket is to call one from your phone, use one of the ride-hailing apps or book your trip in advance with a private company.
It’s worth mentioning that you can also hire tuk-tuks in Phuket. These are not like regular taxis but are more of a fun way for tourists to explore the center of Phuket. Tuk-tuks are bright red and can only travel short distances around town. Keep in mind that they cost more than a regular taxi and can be found outside most major resorts, popular tourist attractions and beaches.
How to get a taxi from Phuket Airport
There’s an official Phuket taxi rank just outside the main terminal building of Phuket Airport. As you exit the Arrivals Hall, you will find the yellow and red metered taxis waiting in a line on your right. If you wish to take a fixed-fare taxi, you can do so by pre-paying for a ticket at the kiosk inside the airport and then presenting it to your chosen taxi company outside the airport.
How to get a taxi from Phuket Port
You will find both metered and private taxis waiting outside Phuket Port. Private taxis are allowed to wait right outside the exit doors, while metered taxis are a short walk away on the main road. Metered taxis are usually cheaper than fixed-fare private taxis, so if you don’t have a lot of luggage, the short walk may be a good choice.
A Phuket taxi app for every traveler
There are many different taxi-hailing apps available in Phuket for every type of traveller and budget. There are international apps as well as smaller local apps to choose from. Most of these apps allow drivers to bid for your ride, offering different prices and pickup times.
Some of the most popular taxi apps are:
— Hello Phuket
— Grab
— Airasia Super App
— Robinhood
— Bonku
— Cabb
— Bolt
— InDriver
It’s important to remember that there can be very long waits and price spikes during bad weather conditions or rush hour. To avoid this, we suggest you pre-book your journeys with a private company.
Useful Phuket taxi numbers
If navigating different apps isn’t quite your style, you can always call a Phuket taxi service instead. However, these services often have long waiting times and will charge a pick-up fee. There are many different local taxi companies you can call but some of the highly rated ones are:
Get Phuket Taxi – +66 (99) 113 3171
Phuket taxi service – +66 (84) 065 4009 (via Whatsapp)
Book your Phuket taxi transfer in advance
Finding a taxi in Phuket can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to hail one in the street. If you don’t want to wait around for a taxi, booking a ride with a private company is the way to go.
Knowing that your taxi will be waiting for you at a set time, in a set place, and that you will pay a fixed price is reassuring. That’s why we recommend pre-booking your Phuket taxi with a private transfer company like Welcome Pickups. Not only you will get competitive fixed fares, but you’ll also get a trained English-speaking driver, 24/7 customer support and a trusted service you can rely on.
Phuket taxi tips
- When taking a metered Phuket taxi, make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the base fare and switches it on before you begin your journey.
- Taxi drivers in Phuket know the island by heart, so finding your accommodation shouldn't be a problem. However, there may be a language barrier, so if in doubt, show them your destination on Google Maps.
- If you are happy with a driver’s service, it’s normal to ask for their number or business card for future pickups.
- It is customary to round up your final fare as a tip, as Phuket is a touristy island and drivers are used to it, especially if they help you with your luggage.
- Phuket taxis don’t accept credit card payments. You will need to carry change in the local currency (THB) to pay for your taxi rides.
- Metered taxis are generally cheaper than private taxis. However, the vehicles are often outdated.
- Pre-booking your taxi in Phuket ensures guaranteed and on-time pick-ups, competitive fixed fares, English-speaking drivers and 24/7 customer support.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Phuket
Unfortunately, standard taxis in Phuket are not wheelchair-accessible. However, there is a company that specializes in accessible transport for wheelchair users and their companions. If you wish to book a fully accessible taxi with spacious seats and access ramps, the best option is to contact Phuket Access Travel. PAT is a small, family-run business that offers professionally equipped vehicles, experienced drivers and International Standard hoist and tie-down systems.
Phuket taxi safety and complaints
Taxis in Phuket are generally safe and most drivers are very kind and welcoming. However, the demand for local taxis is high, so there are quite a few unlicensed drivers in the mix. To avoid problems, try to only use licensed taxis by checking for the driver’s ID number, a tariff or rate card in the window, a clear taxi number and a company logo on the side of the vehicle.
If you feel like your driver has overcharged you or was rude, write down the information displayed on the taxi dashboard and report it to the local police or contact the Phuket taxi complaint service on 1584.