Getting around Phuket
There's no shortage of transport in Phuket, as you'll soon discover when hearing the ubiquitous "tuk tuk!" called out to you when strolling the streets. If your hotel is located in a beach resort area, you'll likely be within walking distance of the beach, plus several dining spots and shopping areas, otherwise transport options are numerous, frequent and cheap.
Songthaews
The cheapest way around is on the blue songthaew mini-buses (actually a pickup truck with a rear canopy and a pair of benches), which ply the routes between Phuket City and all the main beaches from 07:00 to 18:00. The fare is 15-25 baht, and all buses depart regularly from Phuket City on Ranong road. At the beaches, you can catch them along the main roads by flagging them down. Unfortunately, there is no songthaew service between the beaches, as attempts to set this up are always met with strong resistance from the tuk tuk "mafia".
Tuk tuks
These little red trucks - a different style of tuk tuk than the three-wheelers seen in Bangkok - are a handy way to get around, but fare rates are astronomical compared with other parts of Thailand, especially if catching one in Patong or Kata-Karon. A short trip across town may cost 100 baht, while longer distances run from 250-400 baht. Within Phuket City, more reasonable prices are charged, anywhere from 20 to 100 baht depending on the distance. Bargaining before departing is essential. If a driver offers a free or very low-priced trip, expect to be taken to several gem and trinket shops - which will pay him a commission - along the way.
Motorcycle taxis
Like the tuk tuks, these are widely available 24 hours a day and fares are negotiable. All motorbike taxi drivers wear vests of various shades that indicate which group they belong to. They can be found clustered at street corners or in front of shopping mall entrances. Fares run from 20 to 200 baht depending on the distance. Helmets are not provided and safety can be a concern.
Taxis
From the airport, you can catch a fixed-fare "limousine" taxi, costing 100-200 baht for a shared minibus or up to 500 baht for a private car, depending on the distance. Metered taxis are also available. The service stand is located in the car park outside the terminal. There's a 100-baht surcharge, plus the meter cost of 50 baht for the first two kilometres and 7 baht per additional kilometre. For long distances – especially to and from the airport - a flat rate is often charged – sometimes hugely inflated. Metered taxis can also be flagged down in Phuket City, but they are not often seen in the beach resort areas due to the influence of the tuk tuk drivers.
Micro buses
These yellow and green air-conditioned buses run in Phuket City and vicinity, with cheap fares of 10-20 baht. Bus stops are located along the main roads, and just outside the Tesco-Lotus and Big C superstores. Buses run from 06:00 to 20:00. Pick up a schedule with route details at the local Tourism Authority office on Phuket Road.
Airport bus
Starting in October 2005, an airport bus service commenced operations in Phuket, offering for the first time a truly inexpensive way to get to and from the airport. From the Phuket Bus Terminal on Phang Nga Road in Phuket City, the bus makes 13 daily departures from 5.00-18.30, while from the airport, departure times are at regular intervals between 6.30 and 21.30. There are eight stops along the way, and the fare ranges from 6-52 baht depending on the distance travelled.
Car/motorbike rental
Hiring a car/jeep or a motorcycle is truly the best way to tour the island at your own leisurely pace. Rental can be arranged at most hotel kiosks or in advance through this website to avoid disappointment (see our car hire partner in the left hand column). There are also several small local operations found along the roads in tourist areas. Car rental starts at 900 baht/day for Suzuki jeeps, while motorbike rental is 100-150 baht/day. The latter are convenient to hire, easy to ride and popular all over Thailand. Speeds are modest and it doesn't take much to master these scooter bikes, but if you are an inexperienced rider, then better to limit yourself to 'pottering' around your beach area before venturing out onto the busier and hilly roads.
Note of caution!
Phuket has one of the highest road accident rates in Thailand, claiming 10-20 lives a month on average. Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, and be aware that the roads are full of unskilled, aggressive, and downright dangerous drivers. Unfortunately drivers in Thailand have reckless and unmindful habits and are seldom disciplined correctly by the police. Drunk driving is a particular problem when the bars close around midnight. Remember that vehicles must be driven on the left hand side in Thailand and keep an eye out for other motorists – they may not always see you! Check your insurance cover carefully before setting out, although it may not be an option for motorbikes.
