Best way to get around Phuket: Helpful tips and tricks

Getting around Phuket is an absolute breeze with a fun medley of uniquely Thai transportation options. From feeling the wind in your hair on a tuk-tuk to hailing a songthaew to Freedom Beach and hopping in a Grab to go further afield, you’re spoiled for choice regarding public transportation in this island paradise. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or simply trying to figure out how to get to and from the airport, this is your ultimate guide to getting around Phuket.

Getting around Phuket: tips and tricks

• Agree on a price for your tuk-tuk journey before getting in.
• Tuk-tuk prices can be negotiated.
• Buses and songthaews can generally be hailed from anywhere in the city.
• Cash is king when it comes to paying for public transport in Phuket.
• Tuk tuks are best for short distances.
• Grab is the Uber alternative in Phuket and is a great way to get around.

Useful apps

• Google Maps: Google Maps is a great way to plan your journey around Phuket, whether you’re walking, driving a scooter, or catching a Grab.
• Grab: The most popular ride-share app in Phuket (and many Southeast Asian countries), Grab is a must-have app for those visiting Phuket.
• inDrive: Although Grab is the queen of ride-share apps in Phuket, inDrive is also becoming a popular option.

1. Taking a tuk-tuk in Phuket

Hopping in a tuk-tuk isn’t just an iconic Thai experience; it’s one of the best ways to get around Phuket. You’ll see them everywhere in the city, yellow and red, zooming around between major Phuket landmarks — usually with smiling passengers.

Tuktuks are the best option for short distances but can get expensive when heading outside town or further afield. Keep in mind that tuk-tuks don’t have a meter like a traditional taxi. Agree on a price before you get in, and try to have the exact change. Know that bargaining is sometimes a part of the process, and you can haggle for a cheaper price.

How to plan your journey

Hail a tuk-tuk and tell the driver where you’re going. Agree on a price and hop in! You can plan your journey using Google Maps and selecting driving directions, which should give you a rough idea of how long it will take. Plan for a few extra minutes, as tuk-tuks aren’t quite as fast as cars.

2. Taking the bus in Phuket

There are several different kinds of buses in Phuket, all of which are great ways to get around the city safely and cheaply.

The Phuket Smart Bus has two different routes: one that runs between the airport and Rawai Beach and another that runs from the Phuket Bus Terminal to Patong Beach. This is a great way to get around the city in general or to and from the airport. The Smart Bus has dedicated bus stops, although you can hail it from the road as well and press the buzzer whenever you want to get off.

Visitors can also get to and from the airport using the dedicated Airport Bus between the airport and Phuket Old Town. Buses begin running from the airport at 8:30 AM, with the last bus leaving at 8:30 PM and from the Old Town bus station at 9:55 AM to 9:55 PM.

How to plan your journey

You can plan your journey using the Google Maps app. There isn’t currently an app specifically for Phuket’s bus system.

How to buy and use bus tickets in Phuket

You can buy bus tickets directly from the driver with cash or using a Rabbit Car,d which can be purchased and topped up at local retailers and on the bus itself.

3. Taking a songthaew in Phuket

Songthaews are another popular Thai mode of transportation. Essentially converted trucks with covered bench seats in the back, songthaews will display where they’re headed in English on the side of the truck. You can flag down Songthaews from anywhere, as no designated stops exist. Press the buzzer when you want to get off. Know that songthaews don’t operate on a fixed schedule.

Agree on a price before getting in the songthaew. When your ride ends, simply walk around to the window and pay your driver.

How to plan your journey

Songthaews picks up passengers on Phuket’s major roads, like Ranong Road, bus terminals, and from wherever you flag them down! You’ll know where they’re going as each songthaew has its ultimate destination on the side in English.

4. Using ride-share services in Phuket

While metered taxis do exist in Phuket, ride-shares are much more popular. Uber doesn’t currently operate in Thailand, but its Southeast Asian alternative, Grab, does. InDrive is another popular ride-share service.

When it comes to Grab, you’ll have two transportation options: scooters or cars. Scooters are a much cheaper alternative, although also much more thrilling. If you decide to hop on a scooter, know that helmets are a legal requirement and should be provided by your driver.

How to plan your journey

Download the Grab app and hail a car or scooter. You’ll see the price before agreeing to the ride and your driver’s details beforehand.

5. Getting around Phuket on foot

Aside from the core, Old Town area, and Phang Nga Road, Phuket isn’t a very walkable city. The island is large and has long walking distances. The most walking you’ll likely do is when visiting markets — one of the best things to do at night in Phuket!

How to plan your journey

You can plan your walking journey with Google Maps.

FAQs: Getting around Phuket

Generated with the help of AI

Is Uber available in Phuket?

Uber is not available in Thailand, including Phuket. For a similar service, download the Grab app, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber.

Is Phuket a walkable city?

Phuket is not particularly walkable, as it's a large island, about 50km by 20km. While some areas, like the charming old town, are pedestrian-friendly, most of the island requires transportation. Public transit options are limited compared to Bangkok, so consider renting a scooter or car for easier exploration.

What are the transportation options for tourists in Phuket?

Tourists in Phuket can rent cars or motorcycles for independent exploration. For public transport, local buses and Songtaews, which are blue open-air buses, connect Phuket Town with major resorts. Additionally, air-conditioned minibusses operate within the Phuket Town area, offering a comfortable travel option.

What is the best way to get around Phuket?

Tuk-tuks are a popular and convenient way to navigate Phuket. Consider using taxis or renting a car for longer distances or when exploring beyond your base.

What is a tuk-tuk in Phuket?

Tuk-tuks in Phuket are small, four-wheeled vehicles, typically Daihatsus, that you enter from the back. They are commonly painted red or yellow and are a popular mode of transport for short distances around the island.