Buses to Phuket from Bangkok – bus timetable
Though the arrival of discount airlines has cut into the bus travel business, it remains a popular way to get around the Kingdom. It's inexpensive and quite comfortable, especially the VIP air conditioned ride. From Phuket, there are frequent daily departures to 12 destinations around Southern Thailand, plus more than 20 buses a day to and from Bangkok.
Buses from Bangkok to Phuket depart frequently from the Southern Bus Terminal and take roughly 12 hours. Many also depart directly from Khao San Road with the overnight service being popular. We recommend VIP buses (fare under 1,000 baht), offered by either the government or private companies. To make absolutely sure that the bus you've booked is truly of "VIP" standard, it's better to buy the ticket directly at the bus terminal. The ones touted by some agents, particularly those on Khao San Road , often turn out to be far less luxurious than promised, and make many inexplicable and infuriating stops along the way, adding several hours to travel time.
The non-air con buses and occasionally the air conditioned buses get packed to standing room only, so be sure to book a seat in advance if possible. During holiday periods such as Songkran, it's best to book at least a few days before setting out, as buses fill up quickly.
Tickets are available through the government office and about half a dozen private companies at the Phuket Bus Terminal on Phang Nga Road , Phuket City . Air conditioned mini buses (vans) are also available for several destinations. These can usually be arranged through your hotel, and at the locations listed in the schedule below.
When travelling longer distances, the bus service is much like an airline, with snacks and drinks handed out by a hostess. Buses dubbed ‘1st class’ have toilets, while 2nd class buses are air conditioned but have no toilets on board. For trips longer than three to four hours, there are usually one or two rest stops anyway, and the lack of toilets on board is often a plus.
Videos are shown on most buses, usually in Thai language, and they go on through the night, making sleep a little difficult sometimes. Thais also love their air-conditioning to be set on sub-zero temperatures, so remember to dress warmly.
Updated and correct: January 2010
Buses from Bangkok to Phuket
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st class air conditioned bus VIP (24 seats) | 07.30, 17.30, 18.00, 18.30, 19.00 | 11.5 | 974 |
| 1st class air conditioned bus (32 seats) | 17.30, 18.30, 19.30, 20.00 | 12 | 974 |
| 1st class air conditioned bus (50 seats) | 18.30, 19.15 | 12 | 626 |
| 2nd class air conditioned bus (46 seats) | 05.00, 07.00, 09.30, 14.00, 16.00, 17.30, 20.30, 21.30 | 13 | 501 |
Buses from Phuket to Bangkok
Phuket Bus Terminal: (076) 211977, 211480
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st class air conditioned bus VIP (24 seats) | 07.30, 16.00, 18.00, 19.00 | 11.5 | 974 |
| 1st class air conditioned bus (50 seats) | 17.00, 17.30 | 12 | 626 |
| 2nd class air conditioned bus (46 seats) | From 06.00 to 19.00 (every 1 hour) | 13 | 501 |
Buses from Phuket to Koh Samui
(including ferry)
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioned bus | 08.00, 10.00 | 7 | 375 |
Buses from Phuket to Surat Thani
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air conditioned bus | 08.00, 10.00, 12.00, 15.30 | 7 | 375 |
Buses from Phuket to Krabi
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non air conditioned bus | 11.25, 15.50 | 4 | 81 |
| 2nd class air conditioned bus | 10.50, 12.50, 14.30 | 3.5 | 91 |
Buses from Phuket to Hat Yai
| Bus | Departure (Daily) | Duration (Hours) | Fare (baht) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st class air conditioned bus VIP (24 seats) | 13.30, 21.45 | 7 | 535 |
| 1st class air conditioned bus (36 seats) | Every hour from 07.30 - 12.30 and 19.30, 21.30 | 7 | 346 |
| 2nd class air conditioned bus | 06.40, 07.50, 08.40, 11.45, 13.30, 17.30, 20.30 | 8 | 269 |
| Mini bus | 08.00, 11.00, 12.00, 17.30 | 6 | 350 |
Updated and correct: January 2010
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