You can travel from Bangkok to Phuket by train, bus, taxi, or plane.
Phuket is a breathtakingly beautiful island in the Andaman Sea on the western coast of Thailand.
With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and tropical climate, Phuket has become one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.
The island offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore ancient temples, indulge in local cuisine, or relax on some of the world’s most famous beaches.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or prefer to take it easy, Phuket has something for everyone.
Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket is easy, and there are different options. Taking a flight is by far the fastest way to reach the beautiful beaches in the south.
Traveling by Bus is the cheapest option, and a train to Phuket offers you lots of amazing Thai scenery.
Tip: We offer Thailand Transportation Guides for all main tourist destinations, like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
Transportation Options
| Method | Travel time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | 1 hour 25 minutes | USD 22+ |
| Bus | 13-16 hours | – |
| Train + Bus | ~13 hours | – |
| Rental Car | ~10 hours | – |
1. Flight
Journey Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
The flight time is just 1 hour and 25 minutes.
Flights depart from both airports, whereby the lower-cost airlines like Nok Air, Thai AirAsia, and Thai Smile mostly take off from the smaller Bangkok Don Mueang Airport.
Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways depart from the big international Suvarnabhumi Airport, which Skytrain well connects to Bangkok downtown.
Plane tickets with low-cost carriers start at around 22 USD, depending on the season.
The airport in Phuket is located north of the island. To reach your final destination, you can take a taxi, minibus, direct bus to Patong Beach, or Private Phuket Hotel Transfer.
The transfer to the most popular beaches and hotels takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Tip: Book a VIP arrival or departure experience at Phuket Airport, including Premium Immigration Lane, Lounge access, and personal assistant.
2. Bus
Journey Duration: 13-16 hours
Buses depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, and the Bangkok to Phuket bus travel time is between 13 and 16 hours.
Service and comfort vary a lot, though!
Be careful when you purchase bus tickets around Khao San Road. They are renowned for their lousy service, and there is a risk of getting scammed.
You can travel comfortably in spacious, air-conditioned buses if you pay a little more. You get what you pay for.
It is advisable to book your ticket in advance to get a better price and a guaranteed seat in your preferred booking class.
3. Night Train + Bus
Journey Duration: ~13 hours
Another option to travel to Phuket is by train. You can board the train at Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there you have to take a bus.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Bangkok to Phuket!
The most comfortable option is to take a sleeper train for the 8 hours journey. They are comfortable and will arrive early in the morning in Surat Thani.
The following bus trip takes about 5 hours, so that you will arrive in Phuket around lunchtime.
It is possible to buy a combined ticket; for both the train and the bus.
4. Rental Car
Journey Duration: ~10 hours
Thailand is a country that boasts incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine.
The journey by car offers an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, and stunning islands along the way.
While traveling by plane may be quicker and more convenient, driving allows you to discover hidden gems you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon.
The road trip from Bangkok to Phuket stretches over 840 kilometers through the heart of Southern Thailand.
From bustling cities to the rural countryside, this route is full of surprises at every turn.
With breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and adventurous activities en route, it’s no wonder why it’s becoming increasingly popular among travelers seeking a unique experience in Thailand.
The journey will take around 10 hours, and the Taxi fare from Bangkok to Phuket starts at 420 USD.
More Phuket Transfers
Many people travel straight to Phuket from their home country. It is, however, also a popular stop during a round trip in Thailand.
To make it easier for you, I added a couple of transfer options from other destinations in Thailand.
1. Ferry Transfer to Koh Lanta from Phuket, Ao Nang, and Railay
2. Phuket Airport to/from Khao Lak Hotels Shared Van Transfer
3. Ferry Transfer Between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi
4. Private Transfer from Krabi to Phuket with English speaking driver
Best day tours in Phuket
With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage, Phuket offers visitors an unforgettable experience.
One of the best ways to explore this tropical paradise is by taking a day tour that covers some of the island’s top attractions.
From exploring ancient temples and lush rainforests to snorkeling in turquoise waters teeming with marine life and tasting exotic Thai cuisine, there are plenty of day tours in Phuket that cater to different interests and budgets.
Get Your Guide helps you find the best tours wherever you are heading to. It’s usually the first website I check when I plan a trip to a new place.
Frequently Asked Questions
To take a flight, do we need to go through immigration?
If you start your trip in Bangkok, you don’t have to go through immigration as it is a domestic flight. If you are arriving on an international flight into Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and have your luggage checked through to Phuket, you can use a special immigration facility for connecting flights. In this case, passport control will take place in Phuket.
Is there a direct train?
You can board the train at Hua Lamphong railway station in Bangkok to Surat Thani. From there you have to take a bus.
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