Thailand Guide

Getting around Phuket

Phuket is known for cars and one airport bus rather than a Skytrain, and the Smart Bus is 100 THB from HKT Exit 3. A west-coast hop from the airport still takes 45 to 90 minutes in traffic.

Back to Phuket
Smart Bus 100 THBGrab or carRassada boats
Getting around Phuket
Photo: ADwarf (Public domain)
Smart Bus100 THB from HKT Exit 3
West coast45 to 90 minutes by car
Kata limoAbout 1,000 THB on the board
BoatsRassada mornings; cancel May to October
Search stays on Trip.com Check live 2026 rates and free-cancellation options. Book tickets on Klook Book tickets, tours, or transfers ahead for peak dates.

There is no useful rail; the Phuket Smart Bus from HKT Domestic Exit 3 is 100 THB along the west coast. A private car is faster with bags: 45 to 90 minutes depending on the beach; the airport limousine board listed about 1,000 THB to Kata in 2026. Grab and Bolt show a price before you sit.

Island boats leave Rassada in the morning, and see Phi Phi and Phang Nga boats. Do not rent a scooter on the Patong hill if you do not already ride, and pair this page with where to stay and Bangkok to Phuket.

Which hop for which day

  • Smart Bus: One bag, daylight, named west-coast stops.
  • Hotel car or Grab: Night arrivals, Kata Noi hills, families.
  • Songthaew: Beach-to-beach by day. Agree the fare first.
  • Rassada boat: Morning only. May to October cancels first.

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Common questions

Smart Bus or a car after a night flight?
Book a Trip.com car. The bus is 100 THB and fine in daylight with one bag. It is a poor 01:00 plan.
Can you boat to Phi Phi the afternoon you land HKT?
No. Sleep the west coast. Take a morning boat from Rassada the next day.