Getting to Phuket
Phuket is certainly on the international jet set map and has become one of Asia’s most visited destinations. Its international airport receives flights from many Asian cities and selected European airports. The island is also connected to the mainland by a causeway and is easily reachable by bus or car. The rail network, however, passes through Surat Thani province 100kms north and a transfer is needed.
The most convenient gateway to Phuket is the International Airport, located at the Northern end of the island. It receives more than three million passengers a year and is fairly well equipped although a little small to cope with its growing popularity. Flights arrive from Bangkok (17 a day), Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne and as far away as London.
The airport is a 40 minute drive from Phuket Town, Patong or Kata, but Bang Tao and Kamala beaches are a little closer. The officially sanctioned airport limo service available outside the arrival area will undoubtedly rip you off and conventional taxis can be caught from the far side of the car park (5 minute walk), where a 100 baht levy is charged and the meter used if you insist on them turning it on. More on Phuket International Airport.
Getting to Phuket by car, you can easily drive from Krabi (1 hour away), or Bangkok (9 hours). A good highway system links most major centres in the South although you should be alert when driving as the local driving habits are sometimes reckless.
Buses also ply the route and leave every hour from Mo Chit Bus terminal in Bangkok as well as less frequently from Khao San Road. Hotels, guesthouses and travel agents in Bangkok, as well as Krabi, Samui, Khao Lak and other popular centres can all arrange a passage for you, including pick ups and transfers. The journey from Bangkok can be 10 to 12 hours and overnight buses are the most popular choices. See Phuket bus timetable.
By train, getting to Phuket is a little trickier, as the closest the south-bound line comes to Phuket province is Phun Phin station near Surat Thani. If you have been sold a ticket (in Bangkok) to Phuket by train from a travel agent it will usually include a minibus transfer to Phuket from the station, taking up-to an hour and a half. Even if you have made your own arrangements, there will be minibuses meeting the train and departing for Phuket. Usually there are enough passengers alighting to fill a vehicle and depart promptly at a fair price, about 250 baht. The overnight sleeper train is far more comfortable than buses but takes much longer and pre-booking is advised several days in advance. See Phuket train timetable.
Ferry is another means of getting to Phuket from Krabi, Phi Phi and the Yao islands. These arrive at the ferry terminal at Koh Siree, east of Phuket Town, where you will be met by plenty of eager taxi drivers. The ferry arrival point from the Yao islands is on the north eastern side of Phuket, a 30 minute drive away. The ferry arrival point from the Yao islands is on the north eastern side of Phuket, a 30 minute drive away. Ferries arrive from both Krabi and Phi Phi twice a day. See Phuket Ferry timetable.
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